NHL UFAs: All That Remain

Waiting: (noun) The act of remaining inactive or stationary.

It is Day 14 of the NHL Free Agent period and the names that remain unsigned are quite substantial.

Stepping aside from the “big fish” or “major catch” if you will, we will break down the list of the remaining free agents that we feel can provide a team with an adequate player to help fill out their roster heading into next season.

Now, where is my Comic Sans font and HTML coding tags to bold and italicize appropriate wording that I should also use quotations for.  Dan Gilbert, you are a genius.

Goaltenders:

Marty Turco: Age: 34 GP: 53 Record: 22-20-11 GAA: 2.72 SV%: .913
The problem with Turco seems to be money. This could very well turn into a case along the lines of Martin Biron from last seasons UFA period. The Philadelphia Flyers were said to have offered $6 million over 3 years but Turco turned that down. Are you scratching your head the same way I am right now?

Jose Theodore: Age: 33 GP: 47 Record: 30-7-7 GAA: 2.81 SV%: .911
Many feel that Theodore was a product of the Washington Capitals powerful offense last year. With a 2.81 goals against average, that is hard to argue however, his .911 save percentage leaves one to think otherwise. It is a worthy debate but Theodore would make a fine #1a goaltender for a team who have confidence in their current starting netminder but wouldn’t mind adding some security. Nashville, Philadelphia and San Jose could all be teams who could possibly reach out to Theo’s camp and inquire about what they are looking for in a contract.

Defensemen:

Lukas Krajicek: Age: 27 GP: 50 Points: 3 (1g, 2a)
At 27, Krajicek can still be a solid addition to a team who are desperately in need for a d-man. Struggled much of the season last year and lack of playing time, Krajicek was brought in by the Philadelphia Flyers and showed that he still can play at the NHL level. If no offers come for Krajicek, this could be a KHL or Euro league signing before the summer is out.

Aaron Ward: Age: 37 GP: 77 Points: 13 (1g, 12a)
After splitting the season with the Hurricanes and Ducks, Ward was left to roam the free agent realm this off-season and, like many of the names you will read through here, has had his name come up – well, not much at all. At 37 it could be that time that we see Ward call it a career.

Dennis Grebeshkov: Age: 26 GP: 51 Points: 21 (7g, 14a)
Unable to find his game with the Predators after being acquired from Edmonton, Grebeshkov was told to find work elsewhere this off-season. If he feels he is worth $3 million a season, his playing time in the NHL will have likely come to an end but if Grebeshkov is considering to take a pay cut, there are likely a few teams willing to take a chance on the offensive defenseman.

Willie Mitchell: Age: 31 GP: 48 Points: 12 (4g, 8a)
Do not let points be a matter of how to judge Mitchell. He is a physical, shutdown d-man who has been hampered by injuries. When healthy, a very serviceable blueliner who can hit like a truck. Once medically cleared, which should come this week, expect Mitchell to find a home before the summer comes to an end.

Andy Sutton: Age: 35 GP: 72 Points: 13 (5g, 8a)
Like Mitchell, offense is not Suttons strong point but at 35 he is still one of the more recognizable d-men in the league. Do not let age fool you here as Sutton would be a perfect third pairing player to a potential playoff team. I’d expect Sutton to sign, like Mitchell, and find a home prior to the end of the summer.

Paul Mara: Age: 30 GP: 42 Points: 8 (8a)
Unfortunately for Mara, and the Canadiens, injuries took control of his season. Unsure of what the future holds for Mara, it will be interesting to see how the rest of the summer plays out after the “one we do not speak of” is signed and the dominoes fall.

Forwards:

Paul Kariya: Age: 35 GP: 75 Points: 43 (18g, 25a)
A decent season with the Blues, but it is obvious that at 35 Kariya’s game is starting to drop off. Still a valuable asset for a teams top six forward units means that Kariya is another name stranded in UFA limbo while other teams attempt to figure out cap issues and whatever other situations they are currently involved in. Yes, you can expect Kariya to sign and if Teemu Selanne makes it official that he will return to the Ducks next season I would expect Anaheim to make a push for his services.

Bill Guerin: Age: 39 GP: 78 Points: 45 (21g, 24a)
After scoring 21 goals last year it is obvious that Guerin can still perform even at 39 years old. It seems, like many, his asking price may be a bit too high for the liking of the Pittsburgh Penguins or any other team that has contacted the Guerin camp. What remains to be decided is if he will return to Pittsburgh, take a chance with the New York Rangers, or will another team offer up a decent salary on a one year deal to hope Guerin can provide a playoff push.

Alexei Ponikarovsky: Age: 30 GP: 77 Points: 50 (21g, 29a)
‘Poni had a difficult time adapting to life in Pittsburgh, and after a dismal playoff performance skated his way right out of the city. Although unlikely, if I had it my way I would re-unite Ponikarovsky with Antropov in Atlanta. However, Rick Dudley likely views things on a much different level compared to the way I see it.

Lee Stempniak: Age: 27 GP: 80 Points: 48 (28g, 20a)
Stempniak finished the year with a bang, scoring 18 points in 18 games with the Coyotes. However, in seven playoff games was unable to find his offensive touch. The fear with Stempniak amongst GMs is the question of which player they will obtain. Stempniak has score 25 goals or more twice in his short career in the NHL. His first year as a pro and this year that just ended. The years in between have been ones he would likely want to forget. The New York Islanders have been rumored to be interested in his services.

Alexander Frolov: Age: 28 GP: 81 Points: 51 (19g, 52a)
Former two time 30 goal scorers who come off a not so productive season should not require a salary above $3 million. However, reports surfaced stating that Frolov is looking for a contract in the ranger of $4m – $5m. With that price tag, it’s more likely to be KHL or bust. Lower your demands Alex and a team will come calling.

John Madden: Age: 37 GP: 79 Points: 32 (10g, 13a)
Reports have surfaced liking Madden to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Fresh off another Stanley Cup victory, he can still play the third line center role almost to perfection. With Jordan Staal likely slated to move up to second line center in Pittsburgh, it is likely just a matter of time before the Penguins ink Madden at this point.

Darcy Tucker: Age: 35 GP: 71 Points: 24 (10g, 14a)
Tucker played a good veteran role with the Avs last year, and although his point and penalty minute production have dropped through the years, he can still provide a solid energy or grinding role to a team looking to add to their roster. Unlikely he’ll bring anything more leaves us to wonder which team would take a chance on signing him. Likely a one year deal for a team looking to fill some roster holes on their pro squad.

Mike Modano: Age: 40 GP: 59 Points: 30 (14g, 16a)
Detroit or Minnesota Mikey? What’s it going to be? At 40 years old, Modano can still skate within the league and could be a solid power play addition to any team. Though his options are limited, unless he personally decides to retire, expect an announcement on his signing in the near future.

Pavol Demitra: Age: 35 GP: 28 Points: 16 (3g, 13a)
Demitra was hampered by injuries all last season but not enough to hurt the offensive output of the Vancouver Canucks. With the success the Canucks had without Demitra in the line up, they felt offering him a contract would be better for another team to do. Linked to the New York Rangers, if he’s healthy, would be a solid addition along side Marian Gaborik and Vinny Prospal.

Maxim Afinogenov: Age: 30 GP: 82 Points: 61 (24g, 37a)
Finally erasing the downfall of his career that began in his last two seasons with the Sabres, Afinogenov notched 61 points with Atlanta this season that just ended. A solid addition to any team looking for an offensive boost. Is there fear of Afinogenov bolting the NHL? At this point only he knows the answer to that. Many of the Atlanta faithful hoped he would return for at least one more year after the seasons he had, but at this point that remains highly unlikely.

Honorable Mentions:

Steve Begin, Miroslav Satan, Marek Svatos, Raffi Torres, Aaron Asham, Ruslan Fedotenko, Eric Belanger

As we all continue to watch our twitter timelines, rumor sites we visit frequently, TSN.ca and NHL.com, we hope that things finally start to pick up now that we are starting to enter the tail end of July.