Loading ...Here’s a look at the best of what is left in terms of NHL free agency, which, while there still some parts out there, not much to write home about.:
CENTERS:
Daymond Langkow: Not what he once was, but he is still a pretty good center capable of putting up 30 points. Ha a bit of shot blocking and hitting potential as well, he shouldn’t have had this much trouble finding a team. Easily one the best of the centers that are still available.
Jochen Hecht: Limited to only 22 games last season, Hecht is working hard this offseason in Germany to earn another NHL contract this fall, most likely a camp invite from a team. Could, like Langkow, put up 30 points easily given a full season of play.
Jason Arnott: Veteran leader? Check. Still able to play at a high level? Check. Arnott has been getting interest from a few different team after last seasons play with St.Louis. Shows no signs of slowing down, and 40 points isn’t out of the question given the right roster situation.
Steven Reinprecht: Spent a majority of last season in the AHL, really a last pairing guy nowadays, but still has something to offer for a team looking for a depth defenseman.
LEFT WING:
Kristian Huselius: Huselius is really a mixed bag, battling multiple injuries and missing a majority of last season, but he still has a bit of talent left. If he can stay healthy, it isn’t crazy to expect 30-40 points, but the key, again, IF he can stay healthy.
Jason Blake: While his best days are far behind him, Jason Blake still has a little left in the tank, but he is awfully close to running on empty. Still able to put up 10-15 points, many teams might just pass on him.
Andrei Kostitsyn: One of Nashville’s party boys, Kostitsyn still has a offensive potential that many teams will look closely at, but they have to wonder about his commitment level, and that will surely drive teams away, a possible KHL run in his future.
Tomas Holmstrom: While it seems like it is Detroit or retirement for Homer, other teams would surely put the lure out there to see if he would bite on a contract. One of the very best in front of the net, and well worth anyone’s cash, if he is willing to accept it.
RIGHT WING:
Shane Doan: Easily the best right wing out there, Doan’s destination remains unclear. He had a deadline with Phoenix which has come and gone (much like the ones in the ownership debacle), and there is no clear sign as to where he will go. Reportedly with a big price tag, but Doan is worth the money, capable of putting up 50-60 points next season.
Mike Knuble: The big man had a down year, but that is no reason to shy away from him, a few teams interested, as well they should be. Not the fastest guy on the ice, but he won’t quit, and that makes him valuable to any team that is willing to sign him. 30-40 points is not out of the question for him if he finds his scoring touch again.
Eric Fehr: Really more for a depth signing, but Fehr proves valuable, a down year last year, and not much potential, but a solid 3rd-4th line guy who may be able to net 20 points.
Radek Dvorak: Had a decent year with Dallas (well, minus the +/-), but still, worth a depth contract. Great passing ability, with just a touch of goal scoring. Also able to block a shot here and there, does many things right, but isn’t perfect.
DEFENSE:
Pavel Kubina: Never known for his goal scoring ability, Kubina still adds to any defense with his shot blocking ability alone, he had 119 of them last season! Still capable of 15-20 points, but for a team that needs a more defensive guy, he is definitely it.
Jaroslav Spacek: The best well rounded defenseman available, Spacek has a good defensive and offensive game, a shortened season for him last year. but still worth a roster spot, can expect 15 points out of him, but he does all the little things right that any team will love.
Carlo Colaiacovo: Would fit in well with any team, easy to expect 15-20 points out of him, maybe more, but that is only given the right situation. Able to hit and block shots, very disciplined as well.
Brett Clark: Really not the best defenseman of the crop, but purely a gamble signing. A miserable season with Tampa Bay last year, but decent ones before, it’s too hard to tell where he goes from here, it is hard to imagine he repeats last year’s performance though.
GOALTENDING:
Cristobal Huet: After a 2 year break from the NHL, Huet is looking to get back into the game. This could easily be the best low risk, high reward move for a team. While Huet was a mess before he left, the 2 years out of the league may have been just what he needed to clear his head. At worst, he’s a backup, he likely doesn’t have the high price tag anymore.
Dwayne Roloson: A miserable year for Roloson last year, maybe still worth a backup spot, but likely headed for retirement. It’s hard to see him bounce back from that.
Dan Ellis: moneymoneymoneymoney…..mooonneeeyyy! Ahem, I mean, Ellis would prove a serviceable backup, or a depth signing, but isn’t worth a starting spot unless the team is very very…..very desperate.
Ty Conklin: Good old mr.reliable himself, had a rough season with Detroit last season, that is probably a sign that it is time to call it a day, but, there is always that one team that may show some interest to give him one more shot.