Who's left: 38 UFAs without a home

by James Mirtle on Jul 19, 2009 10:23 PM CDT Comment 34 comments

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When I put together my list of the top 100 unrestricted free agents three weeks ago, I figured that those in the top half of the board would be long gone by now. As it turns out, 14 still need a home, and 38 of the 100 have yet to sign an NHL contract.

Here's a look at the top remaining free agents*:

				2008-09
	PLAYER	Pos	Age	TM	Cap hit
10	TANGUAY, ALEX	LW	29.6	MTL	5.250
13	ZUBOV, SERGEI	D	38.9	DAL	5.350
18	BIRON, MARTIN	G	31.9	PHI	3.500
21	LANG, ROBERT	C	38.5	MTL	4.000
29	FERNANDEZ, MANNY	G	34.8	BOS	4.333
32	SUNDIN, MATS	C	38.4	VAN	8.211
33	SYKORA, PETR	RW	32.6	PIT	2.500
35	AXELSSON, P.J.	LW	34.3	BOS	1.850
37	MORRIS, DEREK	D	30.8	NYR	3.917
42	WILLIAMS, JASON	C	28.9	CBJ	2.200
43	PYATT, TAYLOR	LW	27.9	VAN	1.575
46	MALHOTRA, MANNY	C	29.1	CBJ	1.200
47	SHANAHAN, BRENDAN	LW	40.4	N.J	0.800
48	SEIDENBERG, DENNIS	D	27.9	CAR	1.200
53	MOORE, DOMINIC	C	28.9	BUF	0.900
55	COMRIE, MIKE	C	28.8	OTT	4.000
62	GERBER, MARTIN	G	34.8	TOR	3.700
63	SCHNEIDER, MATHIEU	D	40.0	MTL	5.625
64	CULLIMORE, JASSEN	D	36.6	FLA	0.830
66	HILBERT, ANDY	C	28.4	NYI	0.675
68	SATAN, MIROSLAV	RW	34.7	PIT	3.500
69	GRIER, MICHAEL	RW	34.5	S.J	1.775
70	SILLINGER, MICHAEL	C	38.0	NYI	2.200
71	PECA, MICHAEL	C	35.3	CBJ	1.315
72	BETTS, BLAIR	C	29.4	NYR	0.615
75	SKOULA, MARTIN	D	29.7	MIN	1.800
78	BERGERON, M-A	D	28.7	MIN	1.254
80	BOUILLON, FRANCIS	D	33.7	MTL	1.875
81	HEDICAN, BRET	D	38.9	ANA	0.871
82	NIEDERMAYER, ROB	C	34.5	ANA	2.000
83	PELTONEN, VILLE	LW	36.1	FLA	1.100
86	PERRIN, ERIC	C	33.7	ATL	0.750
87	AFINOGENOV, MAXIM	RW	29.8	BUF	3.333
88	BERTUZZI, TODD	RW	34.4	CGY	1.950
90	BOUCHER, PHILIPPE	D	36.3	PIT	2.400
93	BACKMAN, CHRISTIAN	D	29.2	CBJ	2.300
95	BONK, RADEK	C	33.5	NSH	1.475
100	BAYDA, RYAN	LW	28.6	CAR	0.475

* Note: I believe the only fellow I've left off the list is Steve Eminger, but there may have been one or two more guys who slipped through the cracks who should be here. Also worth noting is that there have been reports Peltonen will play in Switzerland next year. (Artyukhin will miss him.)

What's interesting is looking at the salaries some of these fellows had last season, an indication of their value previously which now appears to have fallen off. The majority of the players on this list will take a paycut of some kind to stay in the NHL, and some will likely still be on the sidelines come training camp.

As for scuttlebutt on some of these players: Axelsson is rumoured to have a new home in the near future, as is Tanguay. Zubov will have plenty of suitors provided he's healthy (something that is holding the Stars up from seriously considering him) while Gerber's reportedly had strong interest from the KHL.

Sillinger, meanwhile, may retire after missing so much time due to injuries the past two seasons. Also potentially moving on to celebrity poker and/or golf games are Sundin, Hedican and Boucher, while Shanahan apparently has some interest (at a low price) with multiple teams.

Two of the top remaining free agents — Biron and Fernandez — are netminders in a marketplace where there's really not a lot of dough set aside for their services. I've seen some talk that a team like L.A. may make a move to bring in a veteran to tandem with Jon Quick, but Biron could ultimately end up waiting for an early season injury before he finds a home. (And with goalies, there always is one.)

I think there are going to be some real bargains in there, as these players and their agents have to be getting a little anxious by now. Most will probably get one-year deals for less than the league average.

Anyone stand out there for you? Who would you like to see your team sign in the next couple weeks?

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Comments

I thought we had a discussion a couple of weeks ago about Radek Bonk, golden retriever, and he had a contract already.

by J. Michael Neal on Jul 19, 2009 10:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You’re mistaken — he hasn’t signed anywhere.

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by James Mirtle on Jul 19, 2009 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m surprised he hasn’t signed anywhere – I mean, anyone who doesn’t find golden retrievers irresistable has no soul. :-)

Aside from Tanguay, I’m most surprised to see Comrie, Axelsson, and Malhotra still available. I’ve heard rumblings about Tanguay evaluating his options, but nothing at all on Comrie, and he seems to be a good enough scorer to attract attention. Unless he’s distracted by his girlfriend.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle." -- Philo of Alexandria

by Baroque on Jul 19, 2009 11:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Comrie has steadily built himself a reputation as a moody, arrogant, un-coachable, streaky player… He has plenty of talent to be an NHL regular, even a top 6 guy, but his attitude problem is making him really unattractive for teams right now.

by Habs on Jul 20, 2009 6:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was unaware of his lousy attitude. That makes more sense – all other things being equal (or at least close), why bother taking on a player who is going to be nothing but a headache?

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle." -- Philo of Alexandria

by Baroque on Jul 20, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve never liked him, even when he was playing for a Michigan Wolverines team I was trying, without much success, to like. (In fairness, I liked David Huntzicker and Jed Ortmeyer a lot, but there were a lot of unlikeable guys.) He was a dirty player in college, with a lot of stick work.

by J. Michael Neal on Jul 20, 2009 8:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now I’ve seen one Russian report that Bonk’s headed to the KHL. But I believe there are NHL teams interested, too, if he’ll sign for half what he played for last season.

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by James Mirtle on Jul 19, 2009 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe I'm biased...

But Pyatt seems like pretty decent value at $1.5. He’s a big body, and good for 15 goals or so.

by dbarefoot on Jul 19, 2009 10:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He was getting penalty kill time and playing decently defensively, too. He’ll catch on somewhere.

Blogging on hockey at fromtherink.com

by James Mirtle on Jul 19, 2009 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If the Red Wings can’t find a marriage with Hudler, I wouldn’t mind seeing them pick up Axelsson, although he’s a bit expensive. Defensive-minded with a bit more grip. Not sure how much he could make up for the amount of goals lost by Hulder, Hossa, and Samuelson though.

by hallock on Jul 19, 2009 11:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Grip = grit

by hallock on Jul 19, 2009 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There will be some bargains. The Boston GM said he’s had 3 free agents call him to see if they can come to training camp. Not a bad way to go as a team; bring in a few guys and see how they look.

Detroit has done that in the past (Cleary, Cullimore, and Sopel) and I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the route they go this year. The Hudler situation is a pain and Ken Holland is about ready to go golfing for a couple of weeks or so. Most of the cheaper guys will still be on the list when he gets back.

by skatehack on Jul 19, 2009 11:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd love to see Tanguay end up in Florida

Help to put the Panthers back on the ‘hockey map’ again. He would fit in perfectly as the Cats need some offensive pop, especially from the left side. Combined w/ their other signings and the maturation of the ‘not-so-young’ core could mean a good season for the Panthers.
Unfortunately (as a Panther fan) it’s hard to see this happening as we haven’t been able to bring in a coveted scorer in…..well, ever.

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by DolPhanDave on Jul 20, 2009 2:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

the market

As with anything, these players would have been bought already if their prices had been right. Many of the productive guys will get snapped up as soon as they come down from the clouds with their salary expectations.

by garth the hoser on Jul 20, 2009 6:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Did Mathieu Dandenault sign somewhere? Or is he not on the top 100 list at all?

by Habs on Jul 20, 2009 6:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Didn’t make the list. But he’s a useful player.

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by James Mirtle on Jul 20, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dandenault is a very useful player

When utilized by a coach with a clue. He was buried for some reason in Carbonneau’s dog house for two seasons. Mind you there were plenty of other useful players that have flourished elsewhere after escaping Carbonneau’s dog house. Mark Streit, Michael Ryder, Alexander Perezhogin………

by Exit716 on Jul 20, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree. Dandenault, whenever he was used on defense, was steady and confident, moved the puck up very well and used his fantastic skating skills to cover the ice and stay in position.
He’s not really suited to be a forward, which is what Carbo always wanted him to be, for some reason. It’s not like Brisebois was doing a stellar job back there…

by Habs on Jul 20, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I read he was waiting for an offer from Montreal, which thus far has not been forthcoming.

Personally, I would like to see him back with Detroit – I have no idea if they have room on the roster for him or salary cap space or a role on the team for him, this is based on pure, unadulterated sentiment. I just always liked his willingness to fill in anywhere the team needed him to cover for injuries.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle." -- Philo of Alexandria

by Baroque on Jul 20, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Considering the Habs signed 3 defensemen this summer (Spacek, Gill and Mara), I imagine there would have been room for Dandenault to stay – I personally like him much better than Gill.
However it really looks like Gainey wanted to really clean house and take advantage of the fact there were 10 UFAs to completely change the feel of this team, for better or worse.

by Habs on Jul 20, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oilers

I honestly hope that the Oilers choose no one remaining from the free agent market and decide to go the trade route. This is a team that needs to add a contract by losing a contract. As well, this is a team that has a couple of holes not only with the big club but with the farm as well and the kind of players that are needed are not these particular free agents.

by SierraRacs on Jul 20, 2009 7:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

what was your reaction to the Heatley situation?? and would you still want Heatley?? I think in order for the Oilers to make an impact with a trade they are going to have to trade some of their future to do it…to be perfectly honest I like what I see from the Oilers this offseason, they are doing everything they can to make sure they are competative…I like the Habby signing, and if the Heatley trade had gone through, it wouldve been safe to say that the Oilers would be contending for the Stanley Cup next spring…

by wingsfanforlife on Jul 20, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I want to see the Wings snap up the local boy Mike Grier.

by Bosc Ulrich on Jul 20, 2009 8:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The NHL Should Expand

I can put together a semi-competitive team under the Cap (with those cap hits) with that group of players. Doesn’t Mississippi need a team?

by BDH on Jul 20, 2009 8:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm also feeling like...

…I could sign a few of these guys to significantly less than their listed cap hit and flip them to a team like Chicago for cap relief.

When do fantasy pools start already?

by BDH on Jul 21, 2009 7:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember hearing that Manny Fernandez was considering retirement because of health issues.

I’m surprised Siedenberg is still on the sidelines. Young top 4 D don’t usually last long on there, although maybe he has an inflated sense of self-worth after the playoffs he had.

Not at all surprised by Lang still being there, though. I expect him to be available come late August. That injury was definitely career threatening at his age.

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by saskhab on Jul 20, 2009 9:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Too bad for Lang, as he really seemed to have something left last year, before that injury.

by Habs on Jul 20, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought he actually had a great year. He was one of the Habs better players.

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by James Mirtle on Jul 20, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Only Markov was better. Of course, that’s why none of the UFA’s were brought back (and only 2 received offers).

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by saskhab on Jul 20, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I were the Penguins, I’d sign Afineganov to a one-year deal, plop him on a line with Crosby or Malkin, and just let him score goals. With Talbot gone for a couple of months and Geurin unlikely to play more than 60 games (and, really, they shouldn’t let him play more than that), and no Sykora or Satan, the Pens need a scoring winger.

Wouldn’t Maxim jump at that chance? It wasn’t so long ago that he was a point-per-game player.

by RCheli on Jul 20, 2009 4:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Max might keep the puck too much, though, to be able to play with those guys.

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by TheTick on Jul 21, 2009 6:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I were Ken Holland, I would sign Mike Grier to a two-year deal. I would think about maybe bringing in another d-man… the wings have a solid team, i think that they will be in the final four again next year..

Afinogenov, when this guy broke into the league some 10 years ago (wow) he reminded me of Pavel Bure, the way he skated and could do things at high speed…but he never turned into a pure goal scorer…I think any team that thinks about Afinogenov is putting themselves in serious risk of severe dissapointement….most russian players dont last this long anyways, I think he should go play in russia, thats where he’s had his best years…if the pens are looking to bring in someone they should consider bertuzzi and/or axelsson, both these players are proven players within their roll…

by wingsfanforlife on Jul 20, 2009 5:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I would think about maybe bringing in another d-man

Not if they don’t move someone. They already have eight guys: Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, Stuart, Lebda, Lilja, Ericsson, and Meech. There’s no room for another defenseman. What they need are a couple more forwards.

by J. Michael Neal on Jul 20, 2009 8:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs