As the dog days of the NHL offseason drag on, here’s the latest on the notable unrestricted free agents.
Goaltenders
Josh Harding, Ray Emery and Jonas Gustavsson are the notables still available. Complications from multiple sclerosis could force Harding into retirement. The Philadelphia Flyers signed Michal Neuvirth, spelling the end of Emery’s tenure as their backup. The Detroit Red Wings are sticking with the tandem of Jimmy Howard and Petr Mrazek for next season, leaving the oft-injured Gustavsson seeking a new home. He could sign with a European team.
Center Stephen Weiss is among a number of notable players still available in the UFA market.
Defensemen
Cody Franson, Christian Ehrhoff, Marek Zidlicky, Lubomir Visnovsky, Sergei Gonchar, Anton Volchenkov, David Schlemko, Tim Gleason and Jordan Leopold top the list of notable UFA blueliners.
In late-July, Franson claimed he’d spoken with five or six teams, including the Boston Bruins, but entering mid-August he remains without a contract. Ehrhoff confirmed receiving a one-year offer from the Columbus Blue Jackets, but he’s also speaking with other clubs. Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney recently admitted speaking with Zidlicky, but so far there’s no indication the 38-year-old blueliner will be signing soon with the Bruins. Visnovsky could spend next season playing in Europe. Gonchar hopes to play next season, but the 41-year-old is clearly in decline and unlikely to attract much interest. Leopold acknowledged the possibility his NHL playing career could be over. To date, there’s been nothing new on Volchenkov, Schlemko or Gleason.
Forwards.
Stephen Weiss, Martin Erat, Daniel Briere, Michael Ryder, Tomas Fleischmann, Brad Boyes, Jiri Tlusty, Curtis Glencross, Mike Santorelli, Derek Roy and Lee Stempniak are the notable forwards still unsigned. There’s been nothing new on Weiss since his buyout by the Detroit Red Wings on June 30. There’s also been very little contract news regarding Erat, Ryder, Tlusty, Fleischmann, Glencross, Santorelli and Stempniak.
After 18 NHL seasons, Briere is facing retirement. Roy’s agent suggested teams with cap issues are one reason why his client hasn’t been signed yet. TSN’s Travis Yost last month wondered why Boyes was still unsigned, considering him a useful and affordable option for teams in need of forward depth.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A few of these players could end up signing inexpensive one-year deals before training camps open in September. The rest will either have to accept training-camp tryout offers, move to Europe to continue their playing careers or retire.
The Rangers just signed Stoll> Why? There has to be better options out there than a guy with a spoon hanging around his neck.
Maybe the NHL should bring Quebec and Las Vegas into the fold now. Seems there are enough free agents out there to fill a couple of teams. I foresee a major exodus of veterans to Europe in the next few weeks.
My best guess would be for face-offs, an area NY struggled heavily last year. NY didn’t exactly have many options considering their cap crunch. Criminal/drug problems aside, It’s a low risk move. Worst case scenario, he goes away much like Malone did last year.
Seems to be. I think it is a good move. 800k means your not out much money if he flames out. He addresses the faceoff and centre depth needs. It makes it a worthwhile gamble with good odds of a major payout.
I’d like to see someone sign ray Emery if only so he can come back and give Holtby another beating.
ya that was a classic
I think Buffalo needs to tap into the Right Wing Free Agency Market.
Kaleta will probably not be back and that leaves Gionta and D’Amigo on the current roster.
Is there another year left in Daniel Briere for a minimum salary worth it?
Can the local guy Erik Cole perform like he did last year for a reduced price?
Are big/younger FA guys like Eriah Hayes and Darren Archibald worth the gamble on the young Sabre’s team?
Or does Buffalo get their Enforcer in Orr?
I had the same thoughts myself but Buffalo has enough players just many of them are natural LW’s. I have been messing around trying to figure out line combinations for Buffalo & am curious to see what they have planned. I currently have this mess.
Kane, O’Reilly; has played LW, Ennis; has played LW & C.
Moulson, Eichel, Girgenson’s; has played C.
McGinn, Legwand, Gionta.
Foligno, O’Reilly, McCormick.
Spare. Deslauriers.
A whole range of possible variations but They appear to have to many LW’s & C’s & at least 2 are going to have to play RW.
I guess Doug Wilson figures by signing a couple players that’ll fix everything. They still need to go out & do more especially with Irwin gone.