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Watch these free-agents-to-be in the East

Mika Pyorala, Jose Theodore, Nicklas Backstrom

Philadelphia Flyers’ Mika Pyorala (27) watches Washington Capitals’ Jose Theodore (60) lay on the puck while Washington Capitals’ Nicklas Backstrom (19) of Sweden, skates around, during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, in Washington. The Capitals won 4-2. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

AP

One of my nerdy hockey (and sports) obsessions is to study the breakthroughs an athlete will experience in a contract year. Just look at Fernando Pisani’s fluke playoff run or last year’s Boston Bruins. My question is, which players could turn a great playoff run into a husky pay day? Now let’s take a look at the Eastern Conference. (Note: this isn’t a comprehensive list of free agents. Instead, it’s players who might make an impact on the ice and at the bank)

Washington

Jose Theodore and Nicklas Backstrom both are huge pending free agents. On the bright side, the Capitals can match any offer sheet thrown Backstrom’s way. But what if the ghost of Kevin Lowe* whispers in the ear of a devious general manager and forces the Capitals to match a huge offer sheet? If I were the GM of the Islanders or Panthers, I’d strongly consider itl

* - Wait, he’s still alive? Oops. I thought that Brian Burke ... dealt with him.

Montreal

Both the Canadiens’ goalies are free agents going into the playoffs. If Tomas Plekanec can back up his fighting words, he could have a big contract to match his big mouth.

New Jersey

Who’s that one obscure forward in New Jersey? Ilya Kovalchuk or something? Paul Martin also remains a key player to re-sign.

Philadelphia

Since every Flyers goalie free-agent-to-be seems to be injured, the player with the most to gain is probably Braydon Coburn.

The remaining free agents to watch for the other four Eastern Conference playoff teams are after the jump.

Sergei Gonchar, Carey Price

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sergei Gonchar, top, of Russia, celebrates his second-period goal behind Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) during an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

AP

Buffalo They don’t have any big-time UFA’s to be, but Raffi Torres has plenty to prove.

Boston

Blake Wheeler has had a down year after putting together a great 08-09 season, but a great playoff run could mean that the big forward would still get some nice change. Dennis “Pain Sponge” Seidenberg won’t be able to absorb any more punishment for money as he’s out for two months. Bummer.

Pittsburgh

It’s hard to imagine that the Penguins will be able to keep Sergei Gonchar, so another deep playoff run would allow the Russian defenseman to earn the multi-year whopper of a contract he’s hoping for. Alex Ponikarovsky and Bill Guerin are also semi-notable free agents in waiting.

Ottawa

Anton Volchenkov - another pain sponge - could get a raise if he helps shut down Sidney Crosby. Other than that, the Senators are more or less covered.