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The following is a list of the impact UFAs defensemen for 2002. We also give you our analysis, from a fantasy perspective, of where these guys may go and how they may do.
Chris Chelios (group III): Has openly said that he will stay in Detroit
for another two years for less because of his family, but latest rumor has
the Rangers offering him a two year deal for a reported $13 million. Love or
hate (like most of us) Chelios, but you have to respect his skills,
abilities and mostly, his hockey smarts. At the age of 40, a finalist for
the Norris trophy and a gaudy +42, Chelios was simply awesome in the
playoffs. Every GM would love to have him and hates to play against him. We
think he signs with the Red Wings for one plus one, and makes another run at
the Cup - cementing his spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Fantasy Impact: With the Wings it's another 35 points and +35.
Phil Housley (group III): We wonder how Flames GM Craig Buttons feels
about cutting Housley loose and watching him score 15 goals and
quarterbacking the powerplay, all at the age of 38, for the Blackhawks?
Housley played so well, he competed at the Olympics for Team USA and looked
good. At his age, we think he needs to stay, and wants to stay in the
Western Conference, where the style of play is more to his skills and
liking. Watch for the Hawks to offer him a one and one to stay with them
again, although do not be surprised if St. Louis tries to bolster their own
defense corps by offering him a contract as well. Housley wants a shot on a
winner - and that factor will likely drive his signing.
Fantasy Impact: Expect a little let down - 10 goals, 30 points and
a -7.
Darius Kasparaitis (group III): His future did depend on a late June
arbitration hearing to determine his free agent status, but the NHL walked
away from the hearing so - he is unrestricted. Its expected that he'll
attract attention from Colorado and the NY Islanders. He wants about
$5million per season, which is a lot for a very good stay at home
defenseman. But Isles GM
Mike Milbury cleared salary with the moving of
Mariusz Czerkawski, so something is definitely in the wind. Kasparaitis
likes Long Island, he still has a residence there and would welcome the
opportunity to play on a team that is finally on the rise.
Fantasy Impact: 4 goals, 18 points and a +6.
Gary Suter (group III): Suter still has an option on his deal with the
Sharks, and the Sharks are likely to exercise that. They are close and Suter
played with renewed enthusiasm last year. Watch for him to stick in San
Jose.
Fantasy Impact: Resurgent 2001 should not be duplicated in 2002. 25
points and a +8.
Scott Lachance (group III): Lachance has quietly developed into a
dependable, if not unspectacular, NHL calibre defenseman. Drafted very high
by the NY Islanders, Lachance has abandoned the offensive side of his game
and focused on keeping forwards away from his team's net with success. The
Canucks would like to have him back, but he may receive offers beyond their
budget. Watch for the Leafs, the Blues, and the Avalanche to make overtures
Lachance's way.
Fantasy Impact: 13 points and a +10.
Bryan Berard (group III): Made $3 million last year, which was just too
rich (even for the Rangers) for a guy who scored 23 points - despite his
amazing return to the NHL from what was thought was a career ending
eye-injury. Another year in the NHL will improve his offensive totals a bit
- but look for him to land with a newer team; the Preds, Panthers and Blue
Jackets, are said to be interested, but likely for less than $3 million per
season.
Fantasy Impact: 27 points and a -4.
Richard Smehlik (group III): A rock on the Sabres' blue line for quite
some time now, he has been hampered by a number of recent injuries. Hard to
figure this one a bit, as the Sabres' ownership issue remains uncertain. At
32, Smehlik maybe left to fend for himself as the debt laden Sabres simply
can't afford to sign him. Look for the Leafs, Flyers, Preds, Lightning and
Capitals to wade into these sweepstakes.
Fantasy Impact: Not great - 12 points and a +1.
Luke Richardson (group III): Says he has unfinished business in
Philadelphia, but the whole team says that! Richardson has lost a step or
two in the past couple of years and routinely gets burned by speedy wingers
headed to the Flyers' net. We think Eric Cole had a field day with
Richardson late in the season. When he does catch up to the play, he can
still punish players in front of the net. His salary expectations will
likely have to come down however, if he expects to sign early.
Fantasy Impact: Not much of one unless you count +/- or PIMs - 10 points
and +10.
Igor Kravchuk (group III): 25 points for the 35 year old, and a +3 was
pretty darn good for a Flame. Buttons would like to re-sign the crafty
veteran, particularly if they deal one of their young d-men for a bona fide
sniper. But the cost conscious Flames would always like to spend less than
more. He still has something left in the tank, but if Kravchuk can't find a
good fit somewhere, he may just retire as well.
Fantasy Impact: 18 points and a +3.
Jiri Slegr (group III): Was brutal for Atlanta last year. Couldn't
dislodge any of the Cup winning defensemen in Detroit. Where else could he
go? Well, with the Wings likely to jettison
Uwe Krupp and
Steve Duchesne, and
Fredrik Olausson retiring, Slegr may just get a call from the Wings -
but it will not be for a lot of money. He may find a home back where he had
his most success, in Pittsburgh, but the grains of sand are sliding fast in
Slegr's hourglass of NHL opportunities.
Fantasy Impact: Nada.
Robert Svehla (group III): Supposedly retiring from the Panthers, but
some team is gonna offer him some nice coin to lace 'em up again. Best bets
may be in New Jersey, Toronto or Dallas. Wait until he signs and the team
conducts a psych check though.
Fantasy Impact: Is just taking his ball (or puck) and going home, but
it's tough to walk away from the $2 million that he'd likely make: 20 points
and a -8 for somebody.
Goalies | Centers |
Wingers |
