Habster:
Slim pickings, folks!!!!…….the UFA cupboards are rather bare compared to last year’s crop.
Here are some of the more noteworthy players available:
Mats Sundin
(I wonder how open he is to playing elsewhere if Toronto moves in another direction…….can Gainey convince him to give Montreal a try for one year)
Joe Sakic
(I can’t see him playing any where else…….will probably retire if he doesn’t re-sign with the Avalanche)
Sean Avery
(Glen Sather is playing with fire if he doesn’t re-sign him before July 1st……there will be a lot of suitors for his services)
Markus Naslund
(not the same player as years past but still very effective with the right players around him)
Brendan Shanahan
(would be a welcome addition to the Habs lineup on and off the ice….can Gainey convince him a second time around)
Cory Stillman
(isn’t getting any younger but can be a productive player when used properly)
Ryan Malone
(another player that would look good in a Habs uniform……big, solid two way player)
Kristian Huselius
(most likely won’t be re-signed by the Flames as he faltered down the stretch and into the playoffs)
Daymond Langkow
(will be re-signed by Calgary as he has very good chemistry with Jarome Iginla)
Jarkko Ruutu
(another solid third line player who is very effective agitating the opposition)
Martin Straka
(I would be surprised if he left NY but anything is possible with Glen Sather)
Marian Hossa
(another player who would look very good in Bleu, Blanc et Rouge…..a solid two way player who can add a ton of offense….will be the most sought after UFA, commanding + $8 million/year over 5-7 years, if not longer)
Pavol Demitra
(highly unlikely he’ll be back with the Wild next season…..though he is very close to Marian Gaborik)
Brian Rolston
(solid all-round player with a big shot and great wheels……will probably re-sign with the Wild)
Teemu Selanne
(Ducks or retire………maybe his buddy and Finnish linemate, Saku Koivu can convince him to sign with the Habs)
Radim Vrbata
( had a very solid season with the Coyotes but is small in stature and has a limited game)
Wade Redden
(some say he’s washed up but the numbers indicate otherwise (G-6 A-32 PT-38 +11) and he’s still only 28)
Rob Blake
(Even at 38, he can still contribute in many different way: PK, PP and physicality……though he has indicated a preference to stay in the Western conference)
Adam Foote
(a solid all-round defenseman who isn’t as effective but can still play solid in his own zone and block a ton of shots)
Brad Stuart
(often injured and much travelled defenseman can play well in both ends if he remains healthy)
Aaron Ward
(another solid d-zone man who blocks a lot of shots……most likely to re-sign with the Bruins)
Bret Hedican
( he can still skate and shoot…….would be a nice #3 or #4 defenseman)
Michal Rozsival
( had a breakout year with the Rangers (G-13 A-25) and could garner a lot of interest)
Brian Campbell
(the best offensive defenseman available and will make a ton of money after or before July 1st. Few defensemen can rush and/or head man the puck like him)
Bryce Salvador
(he may not be a high profile defenseman but he is a solid defensive player…..no frills package)
Cristobal Huet
( the best goaltender available in the UFA market…..there are 6-8 teams in need of his services)
Dan Ellis
(the second best goaltender on the market and he’s only 27 years old. Will probably re-sign with Nashville…..proved he can be a clutch playoff goaltender against the Red Wings)
Jose Theodore
(had a good bounce back/contract year…….though he’ll have to take a substantial pay cut from last year’s salary of $6 million and a shorter term deal)
John-Michael Liles
(a defensive liability who can quarterback a powerplay and rush with the puck)
Ron Hainsey
(finally proved he could play with a solid season……it only took 4-5 years to do it!!)
Mark Streit
(he can quarterback a PP and play a multi-purpose role (forward or defense) but can be a defensive zone liability)