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The following is a list of the impact UFAs centers for 2002. We also give you our analysis, from a fantasy perspective, of where these guys may go and how they may do.
Mario Lemieux (group III): A F/A in name only. He won't be going anywhere.
Latest news indicates that Mario is claiming that he feels incredible and will
be ready to play at least 70 games. Could be scary!
Fantasy Impact: 55 games, 30 goals and 63 points.
Bobby Holik (group III): The most sought after center in the F/A pool, he
has quietly developed into one of the top three best two-way centers in the NHL.
He's a playoff maniac who seems to play his best against the best. The Devils
want him back, but Lamarillo is not likely to be successful. Rumor has the
Dallas Stars already offering Holik a 2 year $10 million deal. Other teams
interested in Holik are the Rangers and the Leafs. Atlanta has also been
rumoured as a longshot.
Fantasy Impact: 20 goals and 45-50 points is our expectation.
Robert Lang (group III): A poor GM's
Bobby Holik, with better offensive skills. Lang, once thought to be washed
up with the Kings, has developed into a heck of a two-way pivot. Smart, an
under-rated passer and a decent shot, he is sought after by the Leafs, Capitals,
Rangers, Habs and of course the Pens. Had 50 points in 62 games, without the
benefit of Mario. Expect a bit of a stats dip - particularly if he stays in the
Eastern Conference.
Fantasy Impact: 15 goals, 60 points in 75 games.
Adam Oates (group III): Possibly the best pure passer still playing today,
the 39 year old still figures to make an impact in the league. Wants a 2 year
deal for big bucks (rumored $6 million per year), and this may be tough to do
for most teams. That said, if the Leafs go cheaper without Cujo and are able to
jettison playoff MIA
Robert Reichel, Oates could land in Toronto. Montreal may also take a run at
him, as well as the Sens (but his price tag may be too high).
Fantasy Impact: He's likely to stay in the Eastern Conference, and should
finally slow down - 10 goals and 50 points (might be higher if he plays with a
sniper).
Andrew Cassels (group III): Prototypical NHL 2nd line center. Crafty Cassels
was almost a point a game guy, and looks to make the same or more $ than his
$3.2 million last year. Looking for a 3 year deal, Cassels will attract
attention from more than a few teams: the Leafs, Habs, Sens, Preds, Hawks and
Caps are all said to be interested. The only question will be his health.
Fantasy Impact: Comes cheaper than the bigger names. 12 goals and 52
points in 70 games is not out of the question.
Ron Francis (group III): Defying the laws of physics, logic and gravity,
Ron Francis is like fine wine and getting better with age. The 'Canes
captain led Carolina with 77 points in 80 games last season. He is looking for a
2 year deal at his existing $5 million per season, but the 'Canes are rumored to
be offering only one. If he turns a F/A, expect the Leafs, Canadiens, Rangers
and Capitals to quickly line up and make offers.
Fantasy Impact: We expect a little less next year with 12 goals and
60 points in 70 games.
Doug Gilmour (group III): Rumored to be leaning toward retirement, Gilmour
got better as the Habs made their run into the playoffs. May not hang them up if
he gets a roster spot with the Leafs to close out his career. Lots of miles on
his odometer and now a 3rd line center and PK guy, but could still help a few
teams if he still wants to play.
Fantasy Impact: 8 goals and 25 points in 60 games.
Mark Messier (group III): Injuries and age have finally caught up to this
once mighty warrior. A special teams player now, we'd like to see the Moose play
one more season, allow the fans to pay their tribute, and then usher him into
the hall of fame. He'll sign only with the Rangers, or he'll retire.
Fantasy Impact: 10 goals and 30 points in 50 games
Goalies |
Defensemen | Wingers
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