By Jesse Campigotto CBC Sports Daniel Sedin, right, and twin brother Henrik are among the most coveted free agents in the class of 2009. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press) It's a Canada Day tradition on par with fireworks, barbecues and trips to the cottage: the start of NHL free agency. The big names hitting the open market this year include Panthers defenceman Jay Bouwmeester, Red Wings forward Marian Hossa, Wild sniper Marian Gaborik, Canucks playmakers Daniel and Henrik Sedin, and Blackhawks speedster Martin Havlat. Big-money deals are a given, though some teams may tread more carefully in the midst of a shaky economy. The salary cap will increase by only $100,000 US for next season after ballooning by more than $17 million over the previous three years, and more clubs may choose to leave their cap space vacant as they ride out... [read full story]
