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Free Agents at a Bargain Price

Jun 28

Posted by EB in News | No Comments

In a few days the hockey world will regain some life with the opening of free agency on April 1st. As a fan, you want your team to make the right moves to put your favorite team in Cup contention. Here are 3 free agents you want coming to your team.

Tim Connolly

1. Tim Connolly

At a decent 4.5 million cap hit last year, expect his salary to go down. After sustaining multiple injuries over the years, most recently a head injury, some teams may not want to risk it. Still though, if healthy, Connolly could be a valuable asset. He is able to play either center or left wing, and would do best as a second liner. In his last 4 years, Connolly has been able to put up 40+ points in each of them. The majority of his career has been with the Buffalo Sabres, but if given a shot at consistent playing time mixed in with some power-play chances, Connolly could easily put up a 50 point season.

2. Scottie Upshall

The speedy 27 year old has yet to his his peak in his career. If given solid playing time on the second line with a play-making center, Upshall could easily hit 25 goals and assists to match. His cap hit is the best of the three with a low 2.25 million. There really is not much downside to this guy, he just needs some direction and the chance to play.

3. Cory Stillman

At 37 years of age Cory Stillman is not a young buck anymore. Factor in he doesn’t have many more years left, Stillman’s modest 3.5 million cap hit could be negotiated down on a playoff contending team. The winger and power-play man has 2 Stanley Cups under his belt, racking up 39 points last season in 65 games played. In his hay day he was a 50+ points player and has a career high of 80 points. Sure he will not put up those numbers, but nearing 40 points in a complete season is not a far fetch.

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Best of the Rest: Remaining Free Agents

Aug 18

Posted by Eddie in Fantasy, Prospects | No Comments

Now that the whole Ilya Kovalchuk saga is temporary over until New Jersey figures out another strategy for re-signing the superstar forward, there are quite a few unrestricted free agent’s still out on the market. With teams beginning training camps in about a month, it will be interesting to see what team’s will take fliers on veterans before the season starts due to injuries to signed players or other circumstances.

Forwards:

We all know that Kovalchuk is still out on the market, but there are still several proven players with the ability to get the puck in the back of the net still without a team to call home. Not many of these players will crack the top two lines of a team, but if a GM is looking for a role player to anchor a third line (similar to Mike Modano’s role with Detroit), he should look at the following players:

Lee Stempniak

Stempniak scored 48 points last season with Toronto and Phoenix. He was a trade deadline acquisition and it paid off for the Coyotes. The 28 goals he scored was a career-high.

Brendan Morrison

Morrison didn’t even crack the teens in goals department as he scored 12 last season. He did have 30 assists, which is the most for a remaining free agent not named Kovalchuk. He could be useful for someone lacking set-up men.

Tim Kennedy

Still young at age 24, he was waived by his hometown Sabres after going to arbitration. He’s most likely a fourth-line player who still has ability to get better offensively. The next team he latches onto could make or break his career as he’s at the age where he can still make it in the NHL but his time is running out.

After playing with Montreal last season, Marc-Andre Bergeron is the best UFA on the market.

After playing with Montreal last season, Marc-Andre Bergeron is the best UFA on the market.

Defensemen:

Marc-Andre Bergeron

There’s something the GM’s around the league know that we do not. Bergeron scored 34 points last season  for Montreal but is still on the market. He does have a niche for producing on offense but he is a liability in his own zone. He needs to become better in his own zone to be more successful.

Freddy Meyer

A small defenseman at 5’10″ and 192 lbs., Meyer does have good speed and decent offensive skills. He scored 15 points last season for the Islanders. He is an efficient hitter for his size, but it could be his size that keeps him as a fifth or sixth defenseman.

Aaron Ward

A little over the hill at age 37, Ward stands out among the remaining free agent defensemen as he is the least injury prone compared to guys like Willie Mitchell, Kim Johnson, Paul Mara and Brian Pothier. You won’t see Ward on the scoresheet but he will shut down the attack in his own zone.

Goalies:

Anti Niemi

Chicago walked away from Niemi’s arbitration award despite winning 26 games for the Blackhawks.

Jose Theodore

Theodore had his best regular season since he was a Hart Trophy winner and contender with Montreal. He won 30 games for Washington, yet the Capitals served him his walking papers.

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Free Agency: Day 1 Recap

Jul 2

Posted by Matt in News | No Comments

Some big names signed new contracts yesterday, while others, such as Ilya Kovalchuk, still seek a large deal. Here’s a brief recap of some of the biggest signings from Day 1 of free agency:

Sergei Gonchar – Gonchar had enough of the winning ways in Pittsburgh. Apparently last seasons early playoff exit was enough to make him seek employment elsewhere. Apparently money was also a factor. Gonchar signed a 3 year deal with the Ottawa Senators worth $5.5 million per season. This is a bit more than Pittsburgh could afford, so the two parted ways.

Zbynek Michalek – After losing Gonchar, Pittsburgh acted quickly to negotiate a lengthy deal with an up and coming defenseman. Michalek is a big, strong defenseman and should provide great depth for Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, he won’t replace the offensive numbers put up by Gonchar in past seasons.

Paul Martin – Another skilled defenseman signed by Pittsburgh. He’s coming off a season in New Jersey where he missed 59 games due to a broken arm. His offensive skills are better than Michalek, and he should fit in well with the Penguins. Signed for 5 years at $5 million per season.

Ray Whitney – The Hurricanes continue to get younger, and things really aren’t looking good for them next season. Whitney signs a 2 year deal worth $6 million to play in the desert next season. An already strong Phoenix team will look even better with the veteran left winger in the lineup. He’s 38 years old, but can still put up points at a pretty good pace.

Matt Cullen – Cullen leaves Ottawa and signs a 3 year deal with Minnesota at $3.5 million per season. Cullen has been consistent since the lockout, putting up 40-50 points per season. Cullen should see time as the second line center next season.

Tomas Plekanec – Signs a 6 year deal worth $30 million to stay in Montreal. This is a big signing for Montreal, but Plekanec has yet to stay consistent with his production in the NHL. He showed signs of life in the first round playoff series against Washington, but quickly died out after that.

Dan Hamhuis – The former Nashville defenseman signed a 6 year deal worth $27 million to go play in Vancouver. The Canucks will certainly benefit from having another strong defenseman in their lineup. With one of the most potent scoring lineups in the NHL, and a defensive corps that is adding depth, I would expect Vancouver to make a good run next season.

Colby Armstrong – Toronto continued to add to its arsenal by adding Armstrong for 3 years. He played well during his stint with Atlanta, but not as well as he did alongside Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh. Expect a much improved Toronto team next season with the additions of Armstrong, Kris Versteeg, and a full season with new captain Dion Phaneuf.

For the rest of the list, check out TSN’s 2010 Sortable Free Agent Tracker

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Hot Fantasy Free Agents You Can Pick Up

Nov 4

Posted by Eddie in Fantasy | 6 Comments

Don’t you hate it when you’re searching through the free agent wire in your fantasy league, only to have slim pickings? I went through this earlier this week when I was trying to get my team to rise out of the cellar. I usually give the players I draft the first month of the season to prove their worth before I drop them unless they were injured. The fortunate thing is, I did not have any injuries. The bad news, is that I’m in last place. Some of it was due to my own negligence such as owning four fantasy football teams and worrying about those more. But now I have a little time on my hands and I can handle what’s on my fantasy plate. Here’s a list of the best players available in the free agent world, along with the percentage of Yahoo! Fantasy teams own that player.

Note: Players owned on 60% or fewer teams were considered.

Center:

Ryan Kesler, Vancouver (5-8-13, 53% Owned)

Kesler is one of the hottest players on his team. With 5 goals the first month of the season, he’s shown that he can find the net as he is tied for third in goals and is second in points on the Canucks. He’s also valuable on special teams as he as six power play points.

Honorable Mention:

Mike Fisher, Ottawa (5-6-11, +3, 3PPG, 2GWG, 22% Owned)

Brendan Morrison, Washington (4-6-10, +6, 6 PIM, 2 PPG, 15% Owned)

Wayne Simmonds

Wayne Simmonds

Right Wing:

David Clarkson, New Jersey (3-6-9, 40% Owned)

Clarkson started off hot, but midway through October he went through a five game goal-less drought. Clarkson ended that drought last week. Don’t be afraid to pick him up. I strongly believe he will warm up or get hot before he becomes ice cold. His 20 penalty minutes are worth using if you need someone to raise your team penalty minutes.

Honorable Mention:

Nathan Horton, Florida (3-7-10, 20 PIM, 55% Owned)

Wayne Simmonds, Los Angeles (4-4-8, +9, 9 PIM, 5% Owned)

Left Wing:

James van Riemsdyk, Philadelphia (2-11-13, +6, 3 PPA, 27% Owned)

While he may only have two goals this young season, #2 overall pick in the 2007 draft James van Riemsdyk has made an impact through the assist for the Flyers. You have to take notice of someone that has more points than games played, as the Flyers have played only 10 games. He leads the team in assists and is third in plus-minus. If you’re in need of assists because your defensemen aren’t coming through, I recommend his as only 1 in 4 teams own him. Unfortunately in my fantasy league, Chris picked him up Monday afternoon.

Honorable Mention:

Matt Moulson, New York Islanders (6-5-11, 6 PIM, 3 PPA, 45% Owned)

Jarkko Ruutu, Ottawa (4-3-7, 27 PIM, 6% Owned)

Defense:

Jason Demers, San Jose (0-10-10, +7, 4 PPA, 32% Owned)

Rookie Demers has been producing on the blue line for a solid Sharks team. While he haven’t scored a goal this season, his team-leading plus-minus rating is worth taking note of. Look for him to see increased playing time from coach Todd Mclellan.

Ryan Suter, Nashville (2-5-7 8 PIM, 2 PPA, 59% Owned)

I had several defensemen to consider picking. But Suter was the best out of a good bunch along with Demers. Suter is an experienced player who is in the top-five on his team in points and penalty minutes. He also has three power play points in 13 games this season.

Honorable Mention:

Jaroslav Spacek, Montreal (1-4-5, +6, 14 PIM, 49% Owned)

Roman Hamerlik, Montreal (4-2-6, +6, 12 PIM. 22% Owned)

Goalie:

Ondrej Pavelec, Atlanta (5 W, 2.75 GAA, .921 SV%, 42% Owned)

Just like everyone else before the season, I didn’t have much faith in the Thrashers. But they got off to a good start in the first month of the season, and that’s what they need. In goal, Pavelec has solidified his #1 spot over Johan Hedberg. He’s owned in 2 out of every 5 leagues, so chances are he’s available for you.

Honorable Mention:

Jaroslav Halak, Montreal (5 W, 2.85 GAA, .893 SV%, 39% Owned)

Dwayne Roloson, New York Islanders (4 W, 2.70 GAA, .914 SV%, 34% Owned)

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Part 2: The 2009 All-Free Agent Team

Aug 19

Posted by Eddie in Fantasy, Prospects | No Comments

Yesterday’s post featured the best available unrestricted free agent players on the market. Today’s post will feature six players who also don’t have a team to report to when NHL franchises begin training camp next month.

Part 2 of a 2 part series. Part 1 can be found here

Note: Statistics are from the 2008-09 season with most recent team.

Second Team

Center:

Michael Peca

4-18-22 in 71 GP with Columbus

Former Selke Trophy winner Peca has fallen in recent years. His goal totals the last four seasons combined totaled the number of goals he scored the last time he scored over 20 goals in 2001-02. Another victim of the injury bug, Peca could latch onto a young team as a face-off specialist and fore-checker.

Left Wing:

CalderKyle Calder

8-19-27 in 74 GP with Los Angeles

As someone who should be in the prime of their career, Calder hasen’t scored more than 10 goals in a season since 2006. Also not working in his favor is that he has only finished on the good side of plus-minus twice in his career (One time being in 2007 when he was +6 in 19 games with Detroit after the 2007 trade deadline). He’s a player who has to take less money if he wants to stay in the NHL.

 

Right Wing:

Miroslav Satan

17-19-36 in 65 GP with Pittsburgh

Satan proved that playing on the same line as Crosby and Malkin doesn’t lead to increased stats. He had his worse season since 1995-96 with Edmonton. He scored more points in 2008 with the New York Islanders than last season with the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. But at least he got a ring out of the one-year deal, unlike Marian Hossa.

Defense:

Dennis Siedenberg

5-25-30 in 70 GP with Carolina

Unlike most players on this list who are on the downside of their careers, Siedenberg is only 28 years old. He has tremendous upside and can be a fourth to fifth defenseman on a good team. Last season was his first season in the league full-time and showed that he deserves to be  in the starting lineup every night. Watch for his name on the German Olympic team when the Olympics roll around this winter.

Darryl Sydor

3-12-15 in 73 GP with Dallas

Similiar to Chris Chelios and Mathieu Schneider, Sydor is a 37-year-old Stanley Cup champion who can become a second to third line defenseman. He wouldn’t be someone who you’d put on the first line, but his experience can be useful in special teams situations and can tutor younger defensemen.

Goalie:

Look for Kevin Weekes to land in the Western Conference this season.

Look for Kevin Weekes to land in the Western Conference this season.

Kevin Weekes

7-5-0 2.42 GAA in 16 GP for New Jersey

Martin Brodeur was injured most of the season with an elbow injury. This allowed Weekes and Scott Clemmensen to share goaltending duties for the Devils. While Clemmensen followed down the road of NFL quarterback Matt Cassel in becoming a backup-that-played-so-well-he-deserved-to-become-a-starter when he left to sign with Florida, Weekes was the odd man out. Weekes has started before in his career, and can show that he can become a #1 of a goalie falls to injury. He can come cheap and provides experience. He’s spent 11 of his 13 seasons in the league in the Eastern Conference, so expect him to play in the Western Conference.

 

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The 2009 All-Free Agent Team

Aug 18

Posted by Eddie in Fantasy, Prospects | 1 Comment

In about three weeks, NHL teams will enter training camp. Players will shake off the off-seson rust in the beginning of the pursuit of the Stanley Cup.

For some players tho, they will continue to skate at their hometown rink, workout at the local gym, and keep sharp in hopes of returning to the NHL. Some have been all-stars, some have won the Stanley Cup, and some have been in the league for years. Here’s the list of unrestricted free-agent players, who as of today, won’t be skating in a few weeks with the logo of a NHL franchise on their chest.

Part 1 of a 2 part series. Part 2 will arrive Wednesday, August 19.

Note: Statistics are from the 2008-09 season with most recent team.

First Team

Center:

Robert Lang is looking for a new team, any takers?

Robert Lang is looking for a new team, any takers?

Robert Lang

 18-21-39 in 50 GP with Montreal

I’m not sure how many teams will want Lang. Sure he did record 39 points last season, but he missed hearly half the season with an Achillies tendon injury. He turn’s 39 in December, but I’m pretty sure by then some third or fourth line player will have a season-ending injury which can favor Lang.

 

 

Left Wing:

Alex Tanguay

16-25-41 in 50 GP with Montreal

Chris wrote on July 23 that he was reportedly asking for $5 Million a season to his potential teams. Just like Lang, he was a victim of injury last season. His performance in recent season was as high as 81 points in 81 games two years ago with Calgary to 41 points in 50 games last season. For him to catch on with a team, he must take a short term deal that isn’t much of a cap hit.

Right Wing:

Petr Sykora

25-21-46 in 76 GP with Pittsburgh

One of the top free-agents remaining, Skyora contributed heavily in the regular season as he scored 20 or more goals for the 10th consecutive season. But championships aren’t awards in the regular season. He recorded only 1 assist in 7 playoff games.

Defense:

Marc-Andre Bergeron

14-18-32 in 72 GP with Minnesota

Only 28 years old, Bergeron is a very good offensive defenseman. He’s scored double-digit goals twice in his seven-year career, but the primary responsibilities of a defenseman is in his own zone and thats where he struggles. He hasen’t finished a regular season with a double-digit plus-minus rating since 2003-04, when he finished at +13 with Edmonton.

Mathieu Schneider

9-23-32 in 67 games with Montreal

A player that has spent no less than two seasons with any of the six teams in the first 21 years of his career, Schneider has become a journeyman in the twilight of his career. He spent the last two seasons with Anaheim, Atlanta, and Montreal. At 40, he can still be useful on the power play and provide veterean leadership in a way former teammate Chris Chelios did for Detroit.

Goalie:

Manny Fernandez is still on the free-agent market

Manny Fernandez is still on the free-agent market

Manny Fernandez

16-8-3 2.59 GAA in 28 GP with Boston

With Tim Thomas solidifying the starting position in Boston, Fernandez was the odd-man out. He is still a manageable, high value #1 goalie for a middle-to-bottom tier team. If he wants as much money as he desires, he must play more than 44 games in a season. The only time he’s played over 44 games was 2005-06 when he appeared in 58 games for Minnesota.

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