UFA Preview

Now that we are only a week away from July 1st, or Canada Day or Free Agent Frenzy day, here is a preview of the UFA's that are available and our predictions of where each of them will land. Each player will also have the teams that could be interested in him beside their name.

Centers:
Denis Arkipov(CHI)- CHI, NJ, FLA
Chicago Blackhawks, tough pick cause I don't know alot about this guy but from what I have heard he played well on Chicago's 3rd/4th line.
Eric Belanger(ATL/CAR)- NJ, PHO, CBM, ATL, NYI, WSH, MIN, FLA, DET
Florida Panthers, the Panthers will need to fill some holes if they loose Martin Gelinas and since the did not re-sign Juraj Kolnik. Belanger can help out on the offensive side and can play either C or LW.
Radek Bonk(MON)- CHI, NJ, FLA, WSH, LA, MON, DET, CBM, NYI
Columbus Blue Jackets, would fit in good on their 4th line. Will bring in some needed leadership too.
Daniel Briere(BUFF)- BUFF, ATL, CBM, EDM, LA NJ, NYR, PHI, PHO, NYI
Montreal Canadiens, this signing will kill the Sabres but I think it isn't about the money for Briere, it is more of where he wants to play and I think it is Montreal. Evidence that proves he isn't out for the money is that he declined and offer from the Sabres this summer, which was the same offer his agent presented to the Sabres last summer and the Sabres declined. This will be a huge move for the Canadiens and their fans will love it.
Chris Drury(BUFF)- BUFF, ATL, CBM, EDM, LA, NJ, NYR, PHI, PHO, NYI
New York Rangers, the Rangers are in desperate need for a 2nd line center and Drury would fit in perfectly. Martin Straka would be able to move back to his normal position of LW and it would make the Rangers an elite and very competitive team.
Peter Forsberg(NAS/PHI)- PHI, ATL, CBM, EDM, BUFF, LA, NJ, NYR, PHO, NYI, WSH
Columbus Blue Jackets, once again another team in need of a #1 center. Forsberg and Nash would be absolutely lethal together when Forsberg is healthy. Forsberg will only sign with a team for a max of 2 years letting Columbus prospect C Derick Brassard time to fill out and become the #1 center.
Scott Gomez(NJ)- BUFF, ATL, CBM, EDM, LA NJ, NYR, PHI, PHO, NYI
Philadelphia Flyers, it sounds like the Flyers are going to do whatever they can to sign a #1 center, even if it is over paying them. Rumors say they could offer up to 8 million a season if they get rid of D Joni Pitkanen and I dont think any other team is willing to offer that kind of money.
Michal Handzus(CHI)- CHI, WSH, LA, CBM, PHO, NYI, ATL, NJ
Chicago Blackhawks, Handzus and Havlat seemed to have some early chemistry for the first 10 or so games of the season last year before Handzus got injured. Handzus is worth it if him and Havlat can find that chemistry again.
Viktor Kozlov(NYI)- NYI, WSH, CBM, ATL, PHO
New York Islanders, Kozlov is a well traveled hockey player and he finally found his game last year with the Islanders scoring 25 goals and 51 points.
Robert Lang(DET)- WSH, LA, CBM, PHO, NYI, ATL, NYR, EDM, NJ
Atlanta Thrashers, the Thrashers are another team in desperate need for a #1 center and as much as I think Forsberg would fit in great for them, he will ask for too much $$. Lang could find his game again playing along side Kovalchuk.
Eric Lindros(DAL)- ATL, CBM, EDM, LA, NJ, NYR, NYI, PHO, MIN
Phoenix Coyotes, Phoenix just simply needs players who can put the puck in the net. Lindros might be on the down side of his career but he could probably still pot 15-25 goals. Gretzky always seems to get players who he has had some other contact with before.
Alyn McCauley(LA)- CAR, NJ, LA, FLA, MON, WSH, OTT, MIN
Carolina Hurricanes, Carolina needs a 3rd line center after leting Josef Vasicek go and if McCauley stays healthy he will fit in good. He will bring good grit and some veteran leadership.
Glen Metropolit(STL/ATL)- NJ, FLA, LA, MON, OTT, MIN, CAR, STL
St.Louis Blues, another hard pick since i dont know alot about this guy. Put up decent numbers last year, 33 points in 77 games. Good for depth.
Petr Nedved(EDM/PHI)- CHI, NJ, FLA, WSH, LA, MON, OTT
Europe, I dont think any team will take a chance on a guy who was a -25 in only 40 games. Nedved is past his prime and I think he will go back home to Europe.
Michael Nylander(NYR)- BUFF, ATL, CBM, EDM, LA NJ, NYR, PHI, PHO, NYI
New York Rangers- Nylander has said that he wants to stay in New York with Jagr but he wants more money to stay there. I think they will get the deal done with Nylander and Drury and look for the Rangers to be one of the teams to beat in the east.
Mike Peca(TOR)- TOR, MIN, NJ, FLA, LA, MON
Toronto Maple Leafs, Peca was so happy to go back home to play hockey last year and it only lasted only 35 games. He fits well with the Leafs and I think Peca and JFJ will be willing to make a deal.
Yanic Perreault(TOR/PHO)- NJ, LA, PHO, CBM, ATL, EDM, NYI, NYR, MIN, DET
Detroit Red Wings, Perreault will come cheap and he was an all-star last year. Someone will need to fill in for Lang and Perreault could fit in nicely. Detroit will be scrambling for a 2nd line center and Perreault will be the best left.
Byron Ritchie(CGY)- CAR, DAL, LA, FLA, NJ, OTT, PITT, MIN, MON
Minnesota Wild, wont be back with the Flames simply because he talked bad about the organization at the end of last year. Minnesota needs grit and Ritchie can bring that. Who Knows maybe he will find that goal scoring again, like he did for Calgary for those 4 games or w/e.
Jeremy Roenick(PHO)- CBM, FLA, LA, PHO
Retire, Roenick just doesn't have it anymore and I dont think anymore teams are willing to take another chance on him. He will be a good broadcaster though, so should I say TSN?
Mark Smith(SJ)- MIN, SJ, NJ, FLA, LA, MON, OTT
Ottawa Senators, Ottawa's biggest need is depth and Smith is a very good depth player. He plays hard and gritty.
Bryan Smolinski(VAN/CHI)- NJ, LA, PHO, CBM, ATL, EDM, NYI, NYR
New Jersey Devils, Smolinski has played for a alot of NHL teams too, New Jersey will need someone in case York doesn't work out. Both player will be able to play on the 3rd/4th line if they dont play on the 1st.
Patrick Stefan(DAL)- CHI, NJ, FLA, WSH, LA, MON
Europe, was Dallas the last straw for this former #1 pick? I think so, he just hasn't panned out just like Alexander Daigle. His missing of that empty net just sums up Stefan's career.
Wez Walz(MIN)- MIN, CBM, EDM, LA, NJ, PHO
Minnesota Wild, the fans love him and he is a good fit in Minnesota. He brings good leadership and can still produce some points.
Todd White(MIN)- MIN, ATL, CBM, EDM, LA, NJ, NYR, PHO, DET
Minnesota Wild, He played well on the 1st line along side Rolston. He had 44 points and there isn't much left that would fill Minnesota's need.
Alexei Yashin(NYI)- NJ, WSH, CBM, ATL, NYR, PHO, NYI, MIN
Washington Capitals, all I need to say is #1 center. Anyone will skill alongside Ovechkin could be lethal. Ovechkin just needs someone to play with and Yashin is the man. Yashin actually had a good year for the Islanders last year producing 50 points in only 58 games. Watch Ovechkin's and Yashin's points go up especially Ovechkin, if this signing happens.
Mike York(PHI/NYI)- FLA, CAR, ATL, CBM, LA, NJ, PHO, MIN
New Jersey Devils, the Devils need someone to fill in for Gomez and even though York had a terrible year last year, I think he would fit in great. He has proven he can be offensive producing seasons of 51, 52, & 57 points.
Danius Zubrus(BUFF/WSH)- ATL, BUFF, CBM, NJ, PHO, WSH, MON, NYI, LA, DET, MIN
Los Angeles Kings, LA will miss out on Drury, Briere and Gomez but Zubrus isn't a bad player either. He was probably one of Buffalo's best players in the playoffs and has really made a new name for himself. He would fit in good in LA on their second line.

Left Wing:
Bates Battaglia(TOR)- TOR, MIN, VAN, ANA, ATL, OTT
Toronto Maple Leafs, after not hearing Battaglia's name for a couple of years, his name finally resurfaced with the Leafs last season and he played pretty well. He fits in well with the Leafs.
Todd Bertuzzi(DET/FLA)- BOS, DAL, PHO, TB, DET, NYI, STL
Boston Bruins, the Bruins need big winger to compliment their little but skilled center men. Bertuzzi is the big man out of these LW and LW is the spot where Boston lacks the most depth with only Marco Sturm being the only well-known name.
Jan Bulis(VAN)- VAN, TB, NAS, OTT, ANA, ATL, EDM, NYI
Vancouver Canucks, Bulis was a new man in Van-City last year. He scored a few goals and was a good energy player. Fills in on the 3rd line very nicely.
Pascal Dupuis(ATL/MIN)- OTT, ANA, ATL, FLA, VAN, DAL
Tampa Bay Lightning, they will sign Dupuis for insurance in case Orszagh doesn't work out. If Orszagh does though, Dupuis will be able to come in and out of the line-up and could contribute.
Radek Dvorak(STL)- STL, OTT, VAN, ATL
Europe, Dvorak just seems to get worse and worse every year. If any team takes him it wont be till some time during the season.
Nils Ekman(PITT)- PITT, PHO, DAL, TB, DET, NYI, VAN, FLA, ATL, NAS
Dallas Stars, Ekman got into only 34 games with the Penguins last year making him a risky sign, but the Stars need a winger and he is the best that is left. If he is put with the right line-mates he is capable of scoring 20 goals.
Todd Fedoruk(PHI/ANA)- OTT, ANA, PHI, VAN, FLA, MIN
Philadelphia Flyers, the Flyers will need some toughness on their team after acquiring the likes of Gomez and Timonen. Fedoruk can bring that as long as he stays healthy.
Ruslan Fedotenko(TB)- TB, PHO, PITT, DAL, NAS, VAN, OTT
Nashville Predators, the Preds will simply need someone to try to step up for the losses of guys like Forsberg, Kariya and Hartnell. Since the Preds seem to be unloading Fedotenko will be a cheap replacement for those players.
Jeff Friesen(CGY)- OTT, ANA, ATL, VAN, MIN, PITT
Anaheim Ducks, Friesen stunk last year and I dont think any Flames fans will be sad to see him fly the coop. He did however play well in Anaheim the year before last and the Ducks could be in the market for some wingers. His speed is the only good thing left in Jeff Friesen.
Martin Gelinas(FLA)- CGY, FLA, PITT, DET, EDM, VAN, ANA, OTT, NYI, LA
Florida Panthers, Gelinas had a great year with the Panthers last year scoring 14goals and 44 points. Now that the Panthers acquired G Tomas Vokoun, I think Gelinas will want to stay there and try to get into the playoffs. He will also bring good leadership.
Adam Hall(MIN/NYR)- MIN, OTT, ANA, FLA, CAR, ATL, NYI, PITT, VAN
Ottawa Senators, all the Senators need is grit and depth,that is all i ever hear and Hall can bring those both.
Brad Isbister(NYR)- CGY, OTT, ANA, VAN, DET, FLA, NYI, MIN, NYR
New York Rangers, Isbister did a good job for the Rangers filling in for injured players or players who weren't playing well. The Rangers will want to keep him around.
Mike Johnson(MON)- CGY, PITT, DET, EDM, VAN, FLA, ANA, OTT, NYI, MON
Montreal Canadiens, Johnson played very well for the Canadiens last year as a role player. He was good defensively and played well on the PK. Put the odd puck into the net as well.
Paul Kariya(NAS)- NAS, PITT, DAL, PHO, TB, DET, EDM, NYI, STL, TOR
Toronto Maple Leafs, a very bold prediction here. Sundin would finally have someone to play with on the top line. Kariya has showed the past two years that he can still do it posting seasons of 76 & 85 point seasons. What a line it would be with Kariya-Sundin-Tucker
Slava Kozlov(ATL)- ATL, PITT, DAL, DET, EDM, PHO, NYI
Atlanta Thrashers, the Thrashers have a ton of UFA's to re-sign this summer and they wont loose them all. Kozlov worked magic with Hossa last year posting a career high 80 points.
Trevor Linden(VAN)- VAN, PHO, ATL
Vancouver Canucks, this will be Linden's last kick at the can, hoping of course the Nuck's go deep into the playoffs.
Brad May(ANA/COL)- OTT, MIN, ANA, ATL
Retire, his career is simply done. His Cup ring with the Ducks was the last thing he needed to fulfill his NHL career.
Ladislav Nagy(DAL/PHO)- BOS, CGY, DAL, PHO, TB, PITT, DET, EDM, FLA, NYI, STL
Pittsburgh Penguins, Nagy would finally give Crosby a 'natural' skilled winger to play with. Considering Crosby's playmaking skills, Nagy has more than enough talent to finish them off.
Ville Nieminen(STL/SJ)- OTT, VAN, MIN, ATL, CAR, ANA, STL
St.Louis Blues, the Blues will need some depth and grit. Nieminen can also bring some leadership.
Owen Nolan(PHO)- PHO, DAL, TB, DET, EDM, NYI
Detroit Red Wings, the Wings need some wingers since their depth at the position isn't that strong. Loosing Bertuzzi wont help either so the Wings will gamble on Nolan.
Vladimir Orszagh(STL)- STL, OTT, VAN, ATL, DAL, TB, NAS
Tampa Bay Lightning, a huge risk for the Lightning since Orszagh didn't play one game last year. When Orszagh did come back to the NHL in 2005-06 he scored 9 points in 16 games for the Blues. In past years in the NHL, Orszagh has produced seasons of 16, 16, 15 goals. The Lightning need another scorer and I think they should take a chance.
Eric Perrin(TB)- TB, PHO, NAS, VAN, OTT, ANA, ATL, MIN
Tampa Bay Lightning, he will want to stay with his buddy St.Louis and can produce some half decent points for a 3rd liner.
Toby Peterson(EDM)- EDM, ANA, OTT, MIN, ATL, CAR, COL, NYI, PITT
Edmonton Oilers, Peterson was easily one of Edmonton's most consistent and maybe even best players last year. He found his career last year in Edmonton and he and the organization will want to keep him there.
Brendan Shanahan(NYR)- NYR, CGY, PITT, DAL, TB, DET, EDM, TOR
New York Rangers, Easy prediction here, Shanny has already expressed to the media that he wants to stay in the Big Apple. Brings huge leadership to the Rangers with his 3 Stanley Cup rings.
Chris Simon(NYI)- N/A
Nobody will sign this guy who still has 20+ games left to serve for his vicious attack on Ryan Holloweg. Perhaps after his suspension is done will he then he looked at by some team.
Ryan Smyth(NYI/EDM)-CGY, PITT, DAL, PHO, TB, DET, EDM, NYI, TOR
Calgary Flames, there has been way way too many rumors that Smitty is coming to Calgary. He would fit in great, I will admit but I would never be able to cheer for the guy as a player only cheer what he does the team. I would only want him to sign here for a maximum of 3 years and for no more than 5.5 million. I also couldn't wait for the 1st Flames-Oiler game at Rexall place.
Brad Winchestor(EDM)- ANA, OTT, MIN, ATL, CAR
Anaheim Ducks, for depth purposes, the Ducks always seem to find good depth players and Winchestor has the chance to be one of them.
Richard Zednik(NYI/WSH)- PITT, DAL, NYI, WSH, PHO, DET, TB
New York Islanders, he never really got a chance to prove what he could do with the Isles after last years deadline deal with Washington and with the loss of Smyth, the Isles will need a veteran LW to step up.

Right Wing:
Tony Amonte(CGY)- ATL, BUFF, CAR, CHI, LA, MON, NYI, STL, VAN
Atlanta Thrashers, the Thrashers had 50% of their starting wingers become free agents this summer and so they have to replace them or re-sign them. Amonte can bring grit and leadership to the Thrashers who will once again challenge for a playoff spot.
Matthew Barnaby(DAL)- DAL, ATL, CHI,MON, NYI, PHO, PITT, MIN, BUFF
Phoenix Coyotes, this move will give the Coyotes some extra depth and some extra leadership for their re-building team.
Jason Blake(NYI)- CGY, DAL, DET, EDM, OTT, PHO, SJ, TB, MIN
New York Islanders, unlike the Sabres, the Islanders will be able to keep Blake if they loose Smyth. The Isles will be willing to fork over the money in order to keep their 40 goal scorer and NHL all-star, Jason Blake.
Peter Bondra(CHI)- CHI, ATL, MON, NYI, VAN
Retire, Bondra's last straw was with the Blackhawks last season. He wasn't able to stay healthy so I think his career is over.
Anson Carter(CAR/CBM)- ANA, DAL, DET, EDM, OTT, PHO, PITT, TB
Phoenix Coyotes, the Coyotes just need some sort of goal scorer and if Carter is placed with the right line-mates he will be able to do that for them. Put Carter with Reinprecht and he will score 20-30 goals.
Mike Comrie(OTT/PHO)- ANA, DAL, DET, EDM, OTT, PHO, PITT, TB
Pittsburgh Penguins, the Pens need more goal scoring winger and Comrie really found himself in Ottawa. Playing alongside Malkin could do wonders for Comrie too. His Stanley Cup Final appearance will help the players know what they need to do in today's NHL to reach that goal.
Dallas Drake(STL)- CHI, ATL, MON, NYI, VAN, MIN, OTT
New York Islanders, the Isles will need some playoff experience if they loose Smyth. Drake will bring that and some grit to the Isles organization.
Josh Green(VAN)- VAN, CHI, ATL, MON, NYI, MIN, OTT, BUFF
Vancouver Canucks, Green was injured for some of the season, but when he was healthy he played well on the PK and was a good 4th line center for the Canucks.
Bill Guerin(SJ/STL)- NY, ANA, BUFF, DAL, EDM, OTT, PHO, PITT, SJ, TB, STL, DET
Anaheim Ducks, this signing is strictly based on whether Selanne retires or not, I think he will so there will be a hole at the RW spot for the Ducks. Guerin coming off a 30+ goal season will fit that role perfectly along side Kunitz and McDonald.
Jeff Hamilton(CHI)- CHI, ANA, EDM, CAR, ATL, OTT, MON, NYI, PITT, VAN, CGY, MIN
Minnesota Wild, the Wild have scoring, they have defense and they have goaltending, all they need is grit. Hamilton will be able to bring that to the Wild easily after showing what he can do with the Blackhawks last year. He is one of the most sought out 'role players' this free agency.
Juraj Kolnik(FLA)- ATL, DAL, CHI NYI, PHO, STL, VAN
Atlanta Thrashers, like I said with Amonte, the Thrashers have a lot of holes to fill and I think signing Kolnik is a good risk for them. He is only 26 and he has had seasons of 11, 13 and 14 goals. Put him with one of their veteran centers like Ruuchin and and he could grow into a good player.
Darren McCarty(CGY)- ATL, STL, MIN
Retire, I dont think I have to say much about McCarty. Last season proves that no team will be willing to sign him. Maybe a minor league contract.
Jeff O'Neill(TOR)- EDM, DAL, TOR, DAL, DET, OTT, PHO, PITT, SJ, TB
Dallas Stars, they need some scoring wingers to replace guys like Nagy. O'Neill could fill in nicely and will bring insurance if Ekman doesn't work out too.
Michel Ouellet(PITT)- ANA, BUFF, CHI, LA, DAL, DET, EDM, OTT, PHO, SJ, TB
Ottawa Senators, the Sens have a hole at the RW position Comrie will leave. Murray keeps saying he wants to get bigger. Ouellet can fill in for both those needs. He scored 19 goals last year and he is 6 feet tall and 201 pounds.
Erik Rasmussen(NJ)- NJ, DAL, ATL, CHI, MON, NYI, PHO, PITT, MIN, BUFF
New Jersey Devils, a good depth player for the Devils the past couple of seasons and is worth bringing back to their 4th line.
Teemu Selanne(ANA)- ANA, CGY, DAL, DET, EDM, OTT, PHO, PITT, SJ, TB
Retire, even though the Ducks have a good chance at repeating, all those interview Selanne had after the Cup Final and him saying he wants to go out a winner, convinces me that is exactly what he will do. He will go out as a Stanley Cup champion and retire after having a 94 point season. He will get his number retired by the Ducks and go down as the best player to play for the Ducks.
Jon Sim(ATL)- ATL, BUFF, CAR, CHI, LA, MON, NYI, MIN, STL, VAN
Chicago Blackhawks, Sim brings alot of grit and can even score th odd goal. He is the perfect player to fill in for the loss of Jeff Hamilton.
Petr Sykora(EDM)- EDM, DAL, DET, OTT, PHO, PITT, SJ, TB, TOR
Edmonton Oilers, Sykora was a new player last year in Edmonton. He was their best player who played with them the whole year and I think he wants to stay in Edmonton. The Oilers will strike out on every other big name forward free agent so they will look back to Sykora to step it up.

Defensemen:
Byran Berard(CBM)- ATL, COL, CBM, DAL, TB, DET, NJ, NYI,NYR, PITT, VAN, EDM, MON
Vancouver Canucks, your probably thinking why would the Canucks take a chance on Berard? It is because they can. He will come cheap and he can fill in for Sopel. If worse comes to worse Berard will get injured again and he will retire, the Canucks could either bring up Alexander Elder who looked pretty good last year or they could sign a extra defensemen for insurance.
Nick Boynton(PHO)- ATL, BUFF, COL, CBM, DAL, DET, LA, FLA, MON, NJ, PITT, TB
Tampa Bay Lightning, the Lightning need some defense to make up for their average goaltending, even though Holmqvist has lots of potential. They have two holes to fill also if they loose Cory Sarich and Nolan Pratt. Boynton is probably a better defensemen than both of them so it will be a good move for the Lightning to bring him in.
Patrice Brisebois(COL)- COL, CBM, DAL, TB, DET, NJ, NYI, NYR, FLA, PITT
Columbus Blue Jackets, the Blue Jackets need another veteran defensemen to take the spot left from often or always injured Bryan Berard. Brisebois could fill that spot well. The Blue Jackets would only have to sign the guy for 1 maybe 2 years because guys like Kris Russell and O-K Tollefsen are almost ready for the NHL.
Greg De Vries(ATL)- ATL, CBM, COL, DAL, DET, LA, ON, NJ, PITT, TB, NAS
Nashville Predators, the Preds will spend a little bit of money this offseason to fill in minor holes in their roster. De Vries will bring a little bit of leadership to a very young defensive corps. This will be one of Nashville's low key signings.
Joe DiPenta(ANA)- ANA, VAN, ATL, CBM, DAL, TB, COL, DET, LA, MON, NJ, NYR, NYI
Anaheim Ducks, the Ducks will have to hang on to all their defensemen possible just in case Scott Niedermayer retires. DiPenta is still only 28 so the Ducks only need him for 1 or 2 years so they can make way for guys like Brendan Mikkelson.
Anders Eriksson(CBM)- ATL, CBM, DAL, NYI, NYR, VAN, TB
Columbus Blue Jackets, I dont no alot about this guy but he seems to fit in well in Columbus so I will leave him there for depth purposes.
Roman Hamrlik(CGY)- ATL, CBM, DAL, PITT, EDM, DET, LA, TB, COL, MON, NJ, WSH
New Jersey Devils, the Devils will need some sort of offensive defensemen if they loose Brian Rafalski. Hamrlik might no be a long term solution but he could work well for a short time solution.
Scott Hannan(SJ)- SJ, LA, PITT, NJ, TB, OTT, CGY, DET, BUFF
Calgary Flames, Hannan is the typical 'Flames player'. He goes hard every shift and brings grit. He is a defensive defensemen and that is exactly what the Flames need. Him and Regehr would be the ultimate shut down tandem.
Jamie Heward(LA/WSH)- LA, WSH, DET, CBM, DAL, NYI, NYR, TB, VAN, NJ, FLA, ATL
Los Angeles Kings, Heward seemed to find himself in Washington then he got traded to the Kings for some weird reason. The Kings probably want to keep him around for veteran leadership even if he doesn't play every night. So also a good pick-up for depth.
Sean Hill(NYI)- N/A
This guy is the same as Chris Simon. Teams will hold back on this guy until he finishes his 15+ games he has left on his performance enhancing suspension.
Shane Hnidy(ATL)- ATL, CGY, DAL, LA, FLA, NJ, NYI, NYR
Calgary Flames, Hnidy is alot like Hannan but he will be great for depth on the Flames blueline.
Ric Jackman(ANA)- ANA, VAN, ATL, CBM, DAL, TB
Anaheim Ducks, Jackman looked pretty good in the playoffs for a 6th defensemen, so he is worth to keep around for depth. Like I said about DiPenta, the Ducks need defensemen if Niedermayer does decide to retire
Ken Klee(COL)- COL, CBM, DAL, TB, DET, NJ, NYI, NYR, PITT, VAN
Colorado Avalanche, from what I heard, Klee was one of the better Avalanche defensemen last year. He will also bring leadership the team which seems to get younger and younger every year.
Jon Klemm(DAL)- CBM, COL, DAL, NYI, NYR, VAN, PITT
New York Rangers, this move will simply be for depth. Sandis Ozolinch's career is all but over so the Rangers will need one more veteran depth defensemen and Klemm is the man for the job.
Danny Markov(DET)- DET, CBM, DAL, NYI, NYR, PITT, TB, OTT, BUFF, LA
Washington Capitals, the Capitals have one of the youngest defensive corps in the whole league. With the addictions of Markov and Rafalski, along with Yashin at center this could be one of the last season's the Caps have to make the push to the playoffs while they still have Kolzig in the net.
Josef Melichar(PITT)- PITT, LA, DAL, NYI, NJ, TB, ATL, VAN
Pittsburgh Penguins, Melichar will re-sign in Pittsburgh but not to be a regular defensemen but to add depth to their blueline, assuming they had a veteran defensemen and Kris Letang is able to make the squad.
Aaron Miller(LA)- LA, DET, CBM, DAL, CGY, NYI, PITT, TB, VAN, NJ, FLA, OTT, EDM
New York Islanders, I like the fit of Miller on the Islanders roster but they need him to fill in some holes on their blueline. I think Poti will sign in Montreal and I highly doubt they will re-sign Sean Hill.
Teppo Numminen(BUFF)- BUFF, CBM, COL, DAL, DET, NJ, PITT, TB, SJ
San Jose Sharks, the Sharks will need a defensemen to fill in for Hannan. Numminen is getting old but he wasn't out of place last year with the Sabres. Numminen is also looking for a Stanley Cup and the Sharks are definitely contenders.
Tom Poti(NYI)- DET, DAL, CBM, NYI, NJ, PITT, WSH, TB, ATL, OTT, MON, BUFF
Montreal Canadiens, the Canadiens need size on their blueline and someone to fill in for Souray. Poti at 6-3 will do the job for size and can fill in for Souray well to. Poti is probably a better defensive defensemen than Souray is but the Canadiens will miss Souray's rocket.
Nolan Pratt(TB)- TB, VAN, ATL, COL, CBM, DAL, DET, LA, NJ, PHO, NYI, NYR, FLA, SJ
Phoenix Coyotes, the Coyotes let go of Nick Boynton and prospects Mike Jones and Travis Roche haven't proven that they can play a full season in the NHL. Pratt will bring some depth and some veteran leadership to the Coyotes.
Tom Preissing(OTT)- OTT, DET, CBM, NYI, NJ, WSH, TB, EDM, FL, LA, COL
Ottawa Senators, Preissing played very well for Ottawa last season and for very cheap. So Preissing will deserve a increase in pay but I think it is worth it for Ottawa. He can play PP and the PK while being a strong defensemen 5 on 5.
Karel Rachunek(COL)- DET, DAL, CBM, NYI, NJ, WSH, TB, EDM, LA, MON, OTT, FLA, COL
Colorado Avalanche, the Avalanche are looking for one more offensive defensemen and I think taking a risk on Rachunek could pay off. He had 26 points in only 66 games last season.
Brian Rafalski(NJ)- LA, DET, COL, EDM, MON, CBM, NYI, NJ, PITT, WSH
Washington Capitals, this is a bold prediction as well. The Caps need a puck moving defensemen and Rafalski is the perfect guy for them. He can bring huge experience to a very young team. Rafalski could help the whole franchise and it would be a huge signing for the organization. The Caps will also be able to fork over the money needed to do it.
Cory Sarich(TB)- TB, ATL, VAN, COL, CBM, DAL, DET, LA, NJ, NYI, NYR, FLA, SJ
New York Islanders, Sarich will bring good depth to the Islanders blueline. He will also be able to fill the spots left behind if the Islanders are unable to re-sign Tom Poti and they let Sean Hill walk.
Mathieu Schneider(DET)- COL, CBM, NYI, NJ, PITT, EDM, LA, MON, WSH
Detroit Red Wings, the Red Wings have got to love this guy. He is so offensive but can also play in any situation. Schneider even has the Wings and the Joe Louis arena figured out, have you ever seen him on the PP taking slapshots against the boards and have them come out in front of the net?
Robert Scuderi(PITT)- PITT, LA, DAL, NYI, NJ, TB, ATL, VAN
Dallas Stars, the Stars just need depth for their blueline. They are already set with the likes of Zubov, Boucher, Robidas, and Norstrom.
Brent Sopel(VAN/LA)- VAN, ATL, COL, CBM, DAL, DET, LA, MON, NJ, PITT, TB, SJ
Dallas Stars, the Stars do need someone to fill in for Darryl Sydor if he signs with another team. Sopel can fit the spot left by Sydor nicely. He will probably come cheaper than Sydor anyways.
Sheldon Souray(MON)- LA, DET, COL, EDM, MON, CBM, NYI, NJ, WSH
Los Angeles Kings, too many rumors saying the Kings are going after this guy to not believe he is going their. Rob Blake can play forever so the Kings need one more veteran offensive defensemen. Souray and Visnovsky on the Kings PP blueline is absolutely lethal.
Brad Stuart(CGY)- ATL, CBM, EDM, DET, LA, TB, COL, MON, SJ, NJ, WSH, BUFF
Buffalo Sabres, the Sabres biggest problem last year was their defense, they simply weren't good enough. Stuart will bring in some grit the Sabres need and if the Sabres loose Briere and Drury like I have predicted, they will some money to spend.
Andy Sutton(ATL)- ATL, CBM, COL, DAL, DET, LA, PITT, EDM, TB, SJ, BUFF
Edmonton Oilers, the Oilers just need defensemen of any kind not only puck moving defensemen. Sutton is a defensive defensemen and he will also bring size to the Oilers blueline.
Darryl Sydor(DAL)- ATL, COL, CBM, CGY, DAL, TB, DET, NJ, NYI, PITT, OTT, BUFF
Pittsburgh Penguins, the Penguins need a veteran defensemen. Sydor can bring that and Sydor
is also a very very good defensemen. If the Pens are able to sign Sydor that will a huge, huge difference on their blueline.
David Tanabe(CAR/BOS)- ATL, CBM, DAL, TB, VAN, OTT, LA, MON, NJ, NYI, NYR, FLA
Ottawa Senators, the Sens need some depth on their blueline and it needs to be cheap. Murray
also wants more size to his team. Tanabe is a good depth defensemen, he has size at 6 foot 1 and he will come cheap.
Daniel Tjarnqvist(EDM)- EDM, CBM, COL, DAL, NYI, NYR, TB, FLA
Tampa Bay Lightning, the lightning will need a 5th or 6th defensemen if they loose Cory Sarich and Nolan Pratt. Tjarnqvist is a good defensive defensemen after playing in Edmonton and Minnesota the last 2 seasons.
Vitaly Vishnevski(NAS/ATL)- NAS, BUFF, COL, CBM, DAL, LA, NJ, NYR, NYI, MON, BOS
Boston Bruins, the Bruins need depth on their blueline. Vishnevski can bring that and he will also bring a physical element to their blueline.
Greg Zanon(NAS)- ATL, CGY, DAL, LA, NJ, NAS, NYI, NYR
Nashville Predators, Zanon has alot of potential being only 27 years old. The Preds will have a few holes in their blueline and I dont think with their fire sale, they will sign any big names. Zanon will fit in on their defense well.

Goalies:
David Aebischer(MON)- BUFF, SJ, BOS, NAS, PHO, LA, EDM
Nashville Predators, Aebischer will be Nashville's biggest signing this summer. The Preds need a half decent back-up just in case Chris Mason cant handle the workload.
J-S Aubin(TOR)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, NJ, NYR, MON
Montreal Canadiens, Aubin will come into the Canadiens camp uncertain about his job. If Carey Price the AHL playoff MVP and win the back-up job, maybe even the starting role then Aubin will be out of a job, if Price cant take the job then look for Aubin to be the back-up.
Alex Auld(FLA)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, CGY, PHO, LA, NJ, NYR, BOS, EDM
Phoenix Coyotes, the Coyotes could finally get some goaltending with the signing of Auld. He never really got a chance with the Panthers last year but he is only 26 and has a lot of potential. This signing could pay off for the Coyotes.
Ed Belfour(FLA)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, NJ, NYR, PHO, PITT
Retire, there will be no calling for Belfour's services this summer unless a team like Detroit or Los Angeles isn't able to find a starting goalie through a trade. The wait will become too long for Belfour and the 42 year old will be forced to call it a career.
Brian Boucher(CBM/CHI)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, NJ, NYR, EDM, PITT
N/A, will be left unsigned for the start of the year but if a goalie gets injured, look for Boucher's name to be called.
Sean Burke(LA)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, NJ, NYR, PITT
Retire, last year with the Kings, I think it has finally showed that Burke isn't cut out to be a NHL goaltender anymore. He is 40 years old and will be in the same situation as Belfour this summer.
Scott Clemmensen(NJ)- BUFF, SJ , NAS, CGY, VAN, NJ, NYR, EDM
New Jersey Devils, I dont think it really matters who backs-up Brodeur, since the back-up is only going to play up to 10 games. The Devils may as well go with the guy who is use to it and that is Clemmensen.
Ty Conklin(BUFF/CBM)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, CGY, NJ, NAS, NYR, PITT
N/A, will be left unsigned for the start of the year but if a goalie gets injured, look for Conklin's name to be called.
Mike Dunham(NYI)- BUFF, SJ, NAS, NYR, PITT PHO
New York Rangers, Dunham was a pretty good back-up with the Islanders last year. Once again it doesn't really matter who backs-up Lundqvist but the Rangers might need someone who can play 10-15 games and still be able to win games, Dunham will be able to do that and he can bring some veteran leadership.
Robert Esche(PHI)- BUFF, SJ, NAS, NYR, PITT PHO
San Jose Sharks, the Sharks will need someone to replace Vesa Toskala and I think Esche finally has realized that he isn't good enough to be a starter.
Mathieu Garon(LA)- BUFF, SJ, VAN, BOS, NAS, CGY, PHO, LA, NJ, NYR, EDM
Calgary Flames, the Flames just need a upgrade at the back-up position. Garon will only play about 10 games but he will be able to win more games than McLennan was able to last year.
Dominik Hasek(DET)- DET, BOS, LA, PHO
Detroit Red Wings, I screwed up on my first prediction with this guy. He has said he wants to return to the Wings to try to win another Cup.
Curtis Joseph(PHO)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, NJ, NYR, PITT
N/A, will be left unsigned for the start of the year but if a goalie gets injured, look for Joseph's name to be called.
Jussi Markkanen(EDM)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, CGY, NJ, NYR, BOS, PITT, LA
Boston Bruins, the Bruins need a guy who can split the 82 games with Tim Thomas. Markkanen has showed that he can handle to play more than 15-20 a season and I think Markkanen and Thomas will make a very good goalie tandem for Boston.
Joey McDonald(BOS/DET)- VAN, SJ, PHO, BUFF, NYI, EDM, LA, MON, NAS, NJ, NYR, PHO
New York Islanders, the Islanders will let go of Mike Dunham because Wade Dubielewicz is probably ready for the back-up job, But if not that is where Joey McDonald comes in.
Jamie McLennan(CGY)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, CGY, NJ, NAS, NYR, PITT
N/A, will be left unsigned for the start of the year but if a goalie gets injured, look for McLennan's name to be called.
Dany Sabourin(VAN)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, CGY, NJ, NYR, EDM, MON
Buffalo Sabres, the Sabres just need a back-up that does the same job that Sabourin did behind Luongo last year. So Sabourin is the man.
Curtis Sanford(STL)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, CGY, NJ, NYR, EDM, PHO, LA, BOS
Vancouver Canucks, Sanford isn't quite for the NHL but he does have lots of potential and he is only 27 years old. He will do a good job behind Luongo and Luongo can be a good teacher for Sanford.
Jocelyn Thibault(PITT)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, NJ, NYR, PITT
Pittsburgh Penguins, I think the Penguins liked what Thibault did for the team and what he did to help M-A Fleury last year. He is a good player to be kept for their back-up job.
Kevin Weekes(NYR)- BUFF, SJ, NAS, NYR, PITT, PHO, EDM
Edmonton Oilers, the Oilers only need a guy for a couple of years or until they can find a goalie prospect who can finally take over for Roloson. Weekes has the potential to play 10-15 games and have a good chance to win some of them.

...Man that was tough and that took a long time to do. Can't wait till tomorrow's free agent frenzy really begins and we find out which player goes where. Also if your wandering what the Red Wings and Kings will do about their goaltending situations, I think Washington will acquire Ilya Bryzgalov from Anaheim to eventually take over from Olaf Kolzig and I think Los Angeles will acquire Manny Fernandez from Minny.