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UFA spotlight – Bryan Allen

Bryan Allen, Niclas Bergfors

Bryan Allen #5 of the Carolina Hurricanes ties up Niclas Bergfors #18 of the Nashville Predators at the Bridgestone Arena on October 1, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (September 30, 2011 - Source: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images North America)

All week leading up to July 1, we’ll be profiling unrestricted free agents and speculating where they might end up.

Bryan Allen (D)

Age: 31

2011-12 cap hit: $2.9 million

The skinny: The ‘Canes tried to re-sign Allen, but it didn’t go well. Now, short of the Hurricanes trading his rights, it looks like he’ll become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Allen doesn’t excite people with his point production, but he is a capable defensive defenseman. He recorded 111 hits and finished fourth in the league with 188 blocked shots last season, intriguing numbers for any team and especially ones with eyes on the playoffs.

Allen is coming off of a five-year, $14.5 million deal and might seek similar terms for what could be the last big contract of his career. That might appeal to teams that lose out on one of the bigger name defensemen, like Ryan Suter, or don’t feel capable of entering into that bidding war in the first place.

As for suitors...

According to the Orange County Register, the Ducks are among the teams angling for defensive defenseman and could afford a “second-tier” UFA like Allen.

The Pioneer Press suggested that Minnesota might go after Allen if they fail to get Suter, and the Philadelphia Flyers are another potential destination.

More UFA spotlights

Ryan Suter

Zach Parise

Jason Garrison

Jiri Hudler

Justin Schultz

Shane Doan

Alexander Semin