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Well, its been a bit of a barn burner of an
off-season on the UFA front, and there has been a heck of a lot of money
thrown around. But after all the big signings, who’s left? Well…there is
still some talent out there and we take a look at what still can be signed
for the right price.
Byron Dafoe – goalie
As we previously mentioned, there were
reports in early August that the Kings were discussing Dafoe as an option,
but nothing has come of it just yet. This UFA season has been a disaster for
Dafoe, and it gets worse with each passing day. Despite what his agent may
say, there were a number of teams interested, but they would each have to
make room (trade) in order to accommodate him. It’s not like he is a
positional player that can make the transition to a new team quickly. It’s
significantly more difficult for goalies than positional guys, because they
have to learn new systems, play with the entire team, as well as deal with
the significant mental challenge that is the day-to-day grind of the NHL.
With no team with an obvious hole now and the potential for no team at the
start of the playoffs, Dafoe could be in serious trouble. His silver lining
could be the St. Louis Blues, who may look to sign him to a one-year deal
plus an option because they are not convinced that
Brent Johnson has the goods. But without
Chris Pronger for the early part of the season, the Blues may just gear
themselves to just make the playoffs before making another run at the Cup.
In any case, the longer Dafoe sits, the more his value plummets. If and when
he does come back to the NHL, expect a drop off from his stats of last year,
particularly if he plays in an expansion city. As it is now, all Dafoe can
do is wait.
Fantasy Impact: Needs a gig first….
Martin Rucinsky – winger
The top notched wingers have now all signed somewhere. Topping our list of
the best remaining UFA forwards is
Martin Rucinsky. Still able to score and bag at least 15 - 20 goals,
Rucinsky needs the right environment – one where he can compliment a team
but is not going to be relied upon to carry the scoring load or be in the
spotlight. Most likely fit? Toronto. After the Leafs seemingly endless and
fruitless forays into the UFA fishing waters, GM
Pat Quinn is going to have to make an acquisition of some sort and
Rucinksy is a likely candidate. Problem is, Rucinsky plays very similar to a
guy the Leafs are trying to move –
Jonas Hoglund. That said, Rucinsky could provide some offensive punch
and take a little of the load off of Sundin and Mogilny, providing he signs.
Fantasy Impact: 12 goals and 30 points.
Gary Suter – defence
It is mildly surprising that Suter has not re-signed with the Sharks, or
even greater, that the Sharks haven’t picked up the option they still have
on Suter. At 38, Suter still has some decent offensive skills while limiting
the mistakes in his own end. That said, he is getting up there and a little
long in the tooth, even by NHL standards. The Sharks have a solid nucleus of
younger d-men in Ragnarsson, Rathje, Stuart and Hannan. Throw in Marchmant
and well…spots on the blue line are limited at best. Still, we think the
Sharks will pick him up one last time.
Fantasy Impact: If he is back with San Jose, expect another 6 goals
and 30 points. If he gets to another team that’s not as deep on the
blue-line, he’ll get another 5 points.
Update: Suter has since announced his retirement.
Tom Barrasso – goalie
Played so well in the first half of last season, that he wrestled the #1 job
away from
Arturs Irbe in Carolina, but fell off in the latter half of the season.
Barrasso proved he can still play – but any team that signs him now is
likely to do it as a back-up, as all the starting jobs are gone. He has
expressed an interest in rejoining the Leafs, a sentiment not shared by any
other UFA save
Ed Belfour.
Fantasy Impact: In a back up role, likely 10 wins and a solid GAA and
save %.
Update: The signing of Trevor Kidd though has most likely put a
damper on that situation.
Igor Kravchuk – defence
Steady and unspectacular, Kravchuk remains still a very serviceable
rear-guard. The Flames wouldn’t mind him back at a lower salary then last
year, so he may walk – or he may retire. If you are in a deep draft, ensure
he is signed before you pick him up. And make sure that signing isn't in
Europe. Fantasy Impact: Same as last
year, 4 goals and 22 points – if he plays. |
