The big three

The top three UFA forwards have found new teams. Marian Hossa went from Detroit to Chicago, Martin Havlat left Chicago for Minnesota to occupy the resident injury risk spot, which was abandoned by Marian Gaborik who joined the New York Rangers. Who won?

Marian Gaborik (27 years old) - New York Rangers - 5 years, $7.5 million cap hit
Marian Hossa (30 years old) - Chicago Blackhawks - 12 years, $5.23 million cap hit
Martin Havlat (28 years old) - Minnesota Wild - 6 years, $5 million cap hit

The length of Hossa's contract stands out, but it is because the Blackhawks wanted to keep the cap hit down (and succeeded - Hossa's injury history makes him the most valuable of the three). On the other hand Havlat, who had an almost injury-free season before suffering a concussion in the playoffs - this last injury should have made his value even lower, but this price still seems good, provided that Havlat plays about 70 games or more. Gaborik, also often injured, got a contract about equal to his value - he is an unquestionable star and is capable of putting up 100 points, but the injuries and Minnesota's defensive system have prevented him from doing so. However the length and the value of the contract in comparison to Havlat and Hossa don't look so good. The Rangers seem to have overpaid him, especially considering the injury risk and failed to guarantee his services for a longer period of time (which would additionally lower the cap hit).