For teams near desperation for a top six forward, is it wise to isolate one player, make a hard offer and await his decision?
Or is the strategy of pressuring the player to make his decision quickly more appropriate in light of the fact this year's group of free agents drops off after the top four or five guys?
It's a tough call.
Using Ryan Smyth as the example, it's common knowledge that will be courted by at least a dozen teams with serious offers likely tabled from six of them. Smyth has better than $6 million in his pocket - compliments of the New York Islanders - with an opportunity to become the Islanders' captain and potentially the face of the franchise alongside star goaltender Rick DiPietro.
He will also have the luxury of weighing that offer against the collection he'll receive mid-day on Sunday and is entitled to take some time to contemplate.
Unfortunately, for the managers who will await his answer, that's time they may not have.
If Smyth is out of the running, then the aggressive teams will quickly shift to the next available target.
The problem is that Daniel Briere, Scott Gomez and Chris Drury may do the same thing.
But as one general manager has pointed out - what if a player's mind is made up going in? Does it lead to the suggestion of shady activity prior to Sunday's deadline?
Speaking of which, the idea of the "offer sheet" continues to find its way into various reports and subsequent conversations.
Ottawa Senators goaltender Ray Emery is believed to be a target for teams uninterested in what's available via trade, or on the open market.
Emery is a restricted free agent who's expecting a healthy raise. The Senators currently have $42 million locked up in 15 players, so the remaining $8 million in cap space will need to be stretched relatively thin.
With Mike Comrie and Tom Preissing unlikely to return, General Manager Bryan Murray has some shopping to do - with Bill Guerin considered among the players he will go after.
It might be wise to get Emery's extension put to bed to eliminate the temptation.
The Top 10
Now determining who is the most sought after player on July 1 is a near impossible exercise.
Every NHL general manager will tell you he's interested in Smyth, Briere, Drury and Gomez, but few of them can realistically engage in a bidding war.
At 27, Gomez is a prime candidate for a long-term contract. He has great speed, can score and is defensively responsible.
Chris Drury's consistency and leadership augment the fact that he's already a gifted goal scorer who has proven to be a big-game player.
With a reputation of doing whatever is takes to win, Smyth is considered the perfect winger for any team with a star centre. He never quits.
Next to Smyth, Briere has been by far the most talked about among this years crop. He's a goal scorer, plain and simple, with strong character.
Every team needs a big shot from the point on the power play and Sheldon Souray provides that along with size and toughness.
Scott Hannan has less offensive upside than Souray and Brian Rafalski, but he's a fierce defender who, at 28 years of age, will get snapped up quickly.
However, for most teams with money to spend, additional scoring is a priority.
In the Islanders' obsession to re-sign Ryan Smyth, teammate Jason Blake - a 40-goal scorer last season - has been pushed aside. His speed and ability to score make him a more affordable, yet significant sign.
Based on his talent, leadership skills and experience, Paul Kariya will also be a hot commodity after the top-tier forwards are signed. But beware, Kariya will take his time choosing his next home.
Veteran centre Michael Nylander will certainly draw a crowd. His skill and price point will fit the budgets of a lot of teams, while Rangers GM Glen Sather has to be losing sleep over not getting this deal done.
Another veteran, defenceman Mathieu Schnieder, is also considered a prime candidate. At 38, he's still among the elite blueliners and his experience holds strong value.
And the bidding starts at Noon et/9am pt on Sunday.
Or is the strategy of pressuring the player to make his decision quickly more appropriate in light of the fact this year's group of free agents drops off after the top four or five guys?
It's a tough call.
Using Ryan Smyth as the example, it's common knowledge that will be courted by at least a dozen teams with serious offers likely tabled from six of them. Smyth has better than $6 million in his pocket - compliments of the New York Islanders - with an opportunity to become the Islanders' captain and potentially the face of the franchise alongside star goaltender Rick DiPietro.
He will also have the luxury of weighing that offer against the collection he'll receive mid-day on Sunday and is entitled to take some time to contemplate.
Unfortunately, for the managers who will await his answer, that's time they may not have.
If Smyth is out of the running, then the aggressive teams will quickly shift to the next available target.
The problem is that Daniel Briere, Scott Gomez and Chris Drury may do the same thing.
But as one general manager has pointed out - what if a player's mind is made up going in? Does it lead to the suggestion of shady activity prior to Sunday's deadline?
Speaking of which, the idea of the "offer sheet" continues to find its way into various reports and subsequent conversations.
Ottawa Senators goaltender Ray Emery is believed to be a target for teams uninterested in what's available via trade, or on the open market.
Emery is a restricted free agent who's expecting a healthy raise. The Senators currently have $42 million locked up in 15 players, so the remaining $8 million in cap space will need to be stretched relatively thin.
With Mike Comrie and Tom Preissing unlikely to return, General Manager Bryan Murray has some shopping to do - with Bill Guerin considered among the players he will go after.
It might be wise to get Emery's extension put to bed to eliminate the temptation.
The Top 10
Now determining who is the most sought after player on July 1 is a near impossible exercise.
Every NHL general manager will tell you he's interested in Smyth, Briere, Drury and Gomez, but few of them can realistically engage in a bidding war.
At 27, Gomez is a prime candidate for a long-term contract. He has great speed, can score and is defensively responsible.
Chris Drury's consistency and leadership augment the fact that he's already a gifted goal scorer who has proven to be a big-game player.
With a reputation of doing whatever is takes to win, Smyth is considered the perfect winger for any team with a star centre. He never quits.
Next to Smyth, Briere has been by far the most talked about among this years crop. He's a goal scorer, plain and simple, with strong character.
Every team needs a big shot from the point on the power play and Sheldon Souray provides that along with size and toughness.
Scott Hannan has less offensive upside than Souray and Brian Rafalski, but he's a fierce defender who, at 28 years of age, will get snapped up quickly.
However, for most teams with money to spend, additional scoring is a priority.
In the Islanders' obsession to re-sign Ryan Smyth, teammate Jason Blake - a 40-goal scorer last season - has been pushed aside. His speed and ability to score make him a more affordable, yet significant sign.
Based on his talent, leadership skills and experience, Paul Kariya will also be a hot commodity after the top-tier forwards are signed. But beware, Kariya will take his time choosing his next home.
Veteran centre Michael Nylander will certainly draw a crowd. His skill and price point will fit the budgets of a lot of teams, while Rangers GM Glen Sather has to be losing sleep over not getting this deal done.
Another veteran, defenceman Mathieu Schnieder, is also considered a prime candidate. At 38, he's still among the elite blueliners and his experience holds strong value.
And the bidding starts at Noon et/9am pt on Sunday.
