| Well,
it wasn't the barrage of wheeling and offering that most pundits thought it was
going to be, but there was still definitely a significant amount of cash
thrown around the league on day one. We break down the key signings for you.
Adam Oates – center – sign two years with Anaheim
Somewhere, the last 3
Pierre Gauthier must be smacking himself out of frustration as the
Ducks, notorious for being stingy despite having lots of $, make a surprise
move and actually sign a decent F/A. If Ducks HQ had done this earlier,
Gauthier would likely still have a job. Secondarily, this looks to be an
move intended to finally show
Paul Kariya that the Ducks are serious about becoming playoff contenders
again, and assist them in their attempts to sign the restricted F/A. Oates
brings perhaps the best vision of any center in the league to a team that
has needed someone of his ability for so long. An incredible passer, Oates’
real benefit will be in the face-off circle, on the PP, and in the locker
room. While we have some concerns about his ability to keep up with the
speedy Kariya and
Jeff Friesen, both of those players, along with young
Mike LeClerc, should benefit from Oates' superior play-making ability.
We wonder if this will make Kariya happy, and even attract the attention of
former Duck and now unrestricted F/A
Teemu Selanne.
Fantasy Impact: Playing in the faster and more wide-open Western
Conference, experiencing a more brutal travel schedule, and playing on a
very young, defensively challenged team, will likely affect his stats for
2002-2003, particularly Oates’ +/-. That said, a 10 goal/50 assist effort is
not out of the question – just watch his +/-.
Robert Lang – center – signs a 5 year $25 million with the Capitals
After Philly let it be known that they would not be re-signing Oates, the
deal the Caps received for Oates, looks even better today after the signing
of
Robert Lang. The $ they saved in moving Oates the put toward Lang, as
well as securing goaltending prospect Maxime Oullette and Philadelphia’s
three first picks in the 2002 draft. Not bad for a guy that wanted to be
moved even though he was gonna play with
Jaromir Jagr. This deal gives the Caps a very solid two-way pivot down
the middle – and gives Lang the opportunity to play with the likes of Jagr
(again) and
Peter Bondra. The results could be great. A potential concern to you the
poolie with, is that Lang will now attract the best on the League’s checking
centers – but its not like he hasn’t had that the past three years in
Pittsburgh, with Mario’s numerous early exits in seasons. It may take some
time to gel in Washington. But new coach
Bruce Cassidy promises a more aggressive style. We can just hope he
doesn’t stifle the offensive thoroughbreds that Caps GM
George McPhee is amassing.
Fantasy Impact: If Lang stays healthy, he’ll get to a point a game
clip again and flirt with 30 goals. Prediction – 26 goals and 79 points.
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