WBS Penguins beat writer Jonathan Bombulie dropped his annual Top AHL Free Agent list this evening. Usually limited to just the Top 50 free agents, Bombulie expanded his research to 200. A few guys signed with teams overseas, so his 200 was whittled to 192.
An absolutely terrific read and a must if you are a hardcore AHL geek like me.
I went through all 192. Then, I eliminated the defensemen, goaltenders and centers because Pittsburgh / Wilkes-Barre has a plethora of bodies at those positions. What was left and examined was right and left wingers. I analyzed the top 10 on the Twitter side, but I want to share this with the blog readers in case you think of Twitter what I think of Facebook.
Of note, the top four on this list here are Bombulie’s original top 4.
| 1 |
Alexandre Giroux |
True tweener who has never been given a hard look at the NHL level. Just what WBS is looking for, but he may be looking NHL only or Europe. |
| 2 |
Mark Mancari |
Much like Giroux, is a tweener but Mancari saw more time in the NHL than Giroux. May also be looking NHL only or may defect to Europe. |
| 3 |
Ryan Keller |
Bingo’s captain. Depending on what Ottawa does, he could re-sign, but as Giroux and Mancari before him may be looking NHL only or overseas. |
| 4 |
Andrew Gordon |
Of these top four, the one guy I would love seeing in a Wilkes-Barre / Scranton uniform and one I do not see defecting overseas. Instantly would become WBS’ top prospect at forward. If I am Pens brass do I want to do this to my existing players though? |
| 5 |
Colin McDonald |
Scored an AHL high 42 goals this year. In today’s AHL, that kind of production will land you a one way with an NHL team someplace, I would guess. |
| 6 |
Robbie Earl |
Picture this speedy winger killing your penalties or leading a 2 on 1 rush. |
| 7 |
Graham Mink |
Lots of people around the Wyoming Valley would not mind seeing this ex-Bear around these parts. If Tangradi is considered graduated to Pittsburgh, Mink can easily fill the power forward role. |
| 8 |
Brett Sterling |
He is not re-signing with Wilkes-Barre in my opinion. I would be in shock if he was brought back. |
| 9 |
Brian Willsie |
Hershey will make a huge push to bring him back. He performed well for them this year. Of this list, probably the one player who returns to his former team. |
| 10 |
Jason Jaffray |
Had a cup of coffee with Pittsburgh / Wilkes-Barre years ago. He won’t sign here. |
Further polishing of the Bombulie list will be had as the July 1 free agent market opens.
We will see who among the top 10, 25 and 50 Wilkes-Barre signs and for that matter what our opponents within the division do as well.
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Chirps from Center Ice 
You left out Wallace!
I only took a look at the top 10 RW / LW per Bombulie’s list. Wallace is on the list but not in the top 10. I wouldn’t mind having Timmy back, but I think he walks.