As we have arrive upon Day 14 of the NHL Free Agent period, we step aside from one name that remains to be the culprit to the lack of activity from around the league.

Instead, we will break down the list of the remaining free agents that we feel can provide a team with an adequate player to help fill out their roster heading into next season.

Goaltenders:

Marty Turco: Age: 34 GP: 53 Record: 22-20-11 GAA: 2.72 SV%: .913
The problem with Turco seems to be money. This could very well turn into a case along the lines of Martin Biron from last seasons UFA period. The Philadelphia Flyers were said to have offered $6 million over 3 years but Turco turned that down.  Are you scratching your head the same way I am right now?

Jose Theodore: Age: 33 GP: 47 Record: 30-7-7 GAA: 2.81 SV%: .911
Many feel that Theodore was a product of the Washington Capitals powerful offense last year.  With a 2.81 goals against average, that is hard to argue however, his .911 save percentage leaves one to think otherwise.  It is a worthy debate but Theodore would make a fine #1a goaltender for a team who have confidence in their current starting netminder but wouldn’t mind adding some security. Nashville, Philadelphia and San Jose could all be teams who could possibly reach out to Theo’s camp and inquire about what they are looking for in a contract.

Defensemen:

Lukas Krajicek: Age: 27 GP: 50 Points: 3 (1g, 2a)
At 27, Krajicek can still be a solid addition to a team who are desperately in need for a d-man. Struggled much of the season last year and lack of playing time, Krajicek was brought in by the Philadelphia Flyers and showed that he still can play at the NHL level.  If no offers come for Krajicek, this could be a KHL or Euro league signing before the summer is out.

Aaron Ward: Age: 37 GP: 77 Points: 13 (1g, 12a)
After splitting the season with the Hurricanes and Ducks, Ward was left to roam the free agent realm this off-season and, like many of the names you will read through here, has had his name come up – well, not much at all.  At 37 it could be that time that we see Ward call it a career.

Dennis Grebeshkov: Age: 26 GP: 51 Points: 21 (7g, 14a)
Unable to find his game with the Predators after being acquired from Edmonton, Grebeshkov was told to find work elsewhere this off-season. If he feels he is worth $3 million a season, his playing time in the NHL will have likely come to an end but if Grebeshkov is considering to take a pay cut, there are likely a few teams willing to take a chance on the offensive defenseman.

Willie Mitchell: Age: 31 GP: 48 Points: 12 (4g, 8a)
Do not let points be a matter of how to judge Mitchell.  He is a physical, shutdown d-man who has been hampered by injuries.  When healthy, a very serviceable blueliner who can hit like a truck.  Once medically cleared, which should come this week, expect Mitchell to find a home before the summer comes to an end.

Andy Sutton: Age: 35 GP: 72 Points: 13 (5g, 8a)
Like Mitchell, offense is not Suttons strong point but at 35 he is still one of the more recognizable d-men in the league. Do not let age fool you here as Sutton would be a perfect third pairing player to a potential playoff team. I’d expect Sutton to sign, like Mitchell, and find a home prior to the end of the summer.

Paul Mara: Age: 30 GP: 42 Points: 8 (8a)
Unfortunately for Mara, and the Canadiens, injuries took control of his season. Unsure of what the future holds for Mara, it will be interesting to see how the rest of the summer plays out after the “one we do not speak of” is signed and the dominoes fall.

Forwards:

Paul Kariya: Age: 35 GP: 75 Points: 43 (18g, 25a)
A decent season with the Blues, but it is obvious that at 35 Kariya’s game is starting to drop off. Still a valuable asset for a teams top six forward units means that Kariya is another name stranded in UFA limbo while other teams attempt to figure out cap issues and whatever other situations they are currently involved in. Yes, you can expect Kariya to sign and if Teemu Selanne makes it official that he will return to the Ducks next season I would expect Anaheim to make a push for his services.

Bill Guerin: Age: 39 GP: 78 Points: 45 (21g, 24a)
After scoring 21 goals last year it is obvious that Guerin can still perform even at 39 years old. It seems, like many, his asking price may be a bit too high for the liking of the Pittsburgh Penguins or any other team that has contacted the Guerin camp. What remains to be decided is if he will return to Pittsburgh, take a chance with the New York Rangers, or will another team offer up a decent salary on a one year deal to hope Guerin can provide a playoff push.

Alexei Ponikarovsky: Age: 30 GP: 77 Points: 50 (21g, 29a)
‘Poni had a difficult time adapting to life in Pittsburgh, and after a dismal playoff performance skated his way right out of the city. Although unlikely, if I had it my way I would re-unite Ponikarovsky with Antropov in Atlanta.  However, Rick Dudley likely views things on a much different level compared to the way I see it.

Lee Stempniak: Age: 27 GP: 80 Points: 48 (28g, 20a)
Stempniak finished the year with a bang, scoring 18 points in 18 games with the Coyotes. However, in seven playoff games was unable to find his offensive touch.  The fear with Stempniak amongst GMs is the question of which player they will obtain. Stempniak has score 25 goals or more twice in his short career in the NHL.  His first year as a pro and this year that just ended. The years in between have been ones he would likely want to forget. The New York Islanders have been rumored to be interested in his services.

Alexander Frolov: Age: 28 GP: 81 Points: 51 (19g, 52a)
Former two time 30 goal scorers who come off a not so productive season should not require a salary above $3 million. However, reports surfaced stating that Frolov is looking for a contract in the ranger of $4m – $5m. With that price tag, it’s more likely to be KHL or bust. Lower your demands Alex and a team will come calling.

John Madden: Age: 37 GP: 79 Points: 32 (10g, 13a)
Reports have surfaced liking Madden to the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Fresh off another Stanley Cup victory, he can still play the third line center role almost to perfection.  With Jordan Staal likely slated to move up to second line center in Pittsburgh, it is likely just a matter of time before the Penguins ink Madden at this point.

Darcy Tucker: Age: 35 GP: 71 Points: 24 (10g, 14a)
Tucker played a good veteran role with the Avs last year, and although his point and penalty minute production have dropped through the years, he can still provide a solid energy or grinding role to a team looking to add to their roster.  Unlikely he’ll bring anything more leaves us to wonder which team would take a chance on signing him.  Likely a one year deal for a team looking to fill some roster holes on their pro squad.

Mike Modano: Age: 40 GP: 59 Points: 30 (14g, 16a)
Detroit or Minnesota Mikey? What’s it going to be?  At 40 years old, Modano can still skate within the league and could be a solid power play addition to any team. Though his options are limited, unless he personally decides to retire, expect an announcement on his signing in the near future.

Pavol Demitra: Age: 35 GP: 28 Points: 16 (3g, 13a)
Demitra was hampered by injuries all last season but not enough to hurt the offensive output of the Vancouver Canucks. With the success the Canucks had without Demitra in the line up, they felt offering him a contract would be better for another team to do. Linked to the New York Rangers, if he’s healthy, would be a solid addition along side Marian Gaborik and Vinny Prospal.

Maxim Afinogenov: Age: 30 GP: 82 Points: 61 (24g, 37a)
Finally erasing the downfall of his career that began in his last two seasons with the Sabres, Afinogenov notched 61 points with Atlanta this season that just ended. A solid addition to any team looking for an offensive boost.  Is there fear of Afinogenov bolting the NHL? At this point only he knows the answer to that. Many of the Atlanta faithful hoped he would return for at least one more year after the seasons he had, but at this point that remains highly unlikely.

Honorable Mentions:

Steve Begin, Miroslav Satan, Marek Svatos, Raffi Torres, Aaron Asham, Ruslan Fedotenko, Eric Belanger

Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS Senior Writer
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC

Let’s begin with the two contracts contingent on retirement decisions, Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer, both of whom have said they will make their decisions known to the club before the draft.

Teemu Selanne – (right wing, unrestricted) – Being taken out by two injuries and playing in only 54 games was not what Selanne had in mind for 2009-10 and this may influence his decision on whether or not to retire.  Despite missing 28 games, Teemu still notched 27 goals and putting him at a tie for 2^nd place (with Corey Perry 82 games played) behind only Bobby Ryan who had 35 goals in 81 games (for the Ducks).  He also managed 21 assists and scored his 600^th career goal. With numbers like this, I think he’s proved that he can still play at the NHL level. I think we will see Selanne for one more year.

Teemu took a salary cut from $3.25 mil on 2008-09 to $2.0 mil for this past season. I would like to see him come back for the same amount in 2010-11, he’s definitely worth it.

Video: Teemu Selanne\’s 600th Career Goal

Scott Niedermayer – (defense, unrestricted) – As much as I would like to see Niedermayer heading up the Ducks’ defense for 2010-11, I think we may have seen his last game. I am really hoping that this isn’t the case.

Although he does have a big cap hit of $6.75 mil (bonuses included), he is well worth the investment for another season. His presence on and off the ice is something that will be sorely missed by the team when he finally decides to hang up his skates.

Aaron Ward – (defense, unrestricted) – The two questions that need to be answered with Ward are, “Will he want to play another season?” and, “Will he take a pay cut?” At the age of 37, this may have the last we’ll see of him in the NHL. Do the Ducks want to give him the $2.5 mil he garnered last season? I don’t think so. I would be looking to offer $3 mil for two years. Yes, he is a veteran d-man, but at his age, can we even be sure he would be back for the 2^nd year of the contract (if this were to be the case).

Bobby Ryan – (right wing, restricted) – Ryan has made known that he is potentially looking for a deal that would take him to unrestricted free agency, which is something a 4-year deal would do. If this were to be the case, I would think something along the lines of $4.25 mil to $5.0 mil over the 4 year period (we’re probably looking at the $5.0 mil side)would be an acceptable sum for both parties.

Saku Koivu – (center, unrestricted) – Koivu re-signing in Anaheim next season may hinge on the return of the Finnish Flash.  But, with the purchase of a house in Orange County, it’s looking like Saku wants to stay in Southern California. I don’t see much, if any, of a raise coming for him, his $3.25 salary seems to be just right. If Murray could get him for $5.75 mil to $6 mil for a two year period, all the better, Koivu may take a pay cut to stay with his countryman. The Koivu, Jason Blake, Selanne line really started to click during the final stretch of the season, if they can continue with this chemistry, that line will be a force to be reckoned with.

Kyle Chipchura – (center, restricted) – Despite the misleading -12, Chipchura proved to be a physical force in the front which is something the Ducks have been lacking. I was extremely impressed with the way he performed for Anaheim and at $500K for 2009-10, they guy was a huge bargain. In my opinion, Chipchura is a must re-sign and if Murray can do it for between $800K and $1.0 mil, he is a bargain.

Sheldon Brookbank – (defense, unrestricted) – I would think a $250K to $300K addition to Brookbank’s $500,000 a year would be enough to have him re-sign with Anaheim. I am looking at him to pick up a lot more ice time for 2010-11 as well as to become a permanent part of the penalty kill unit. If Niedermayer does return, one more season with him should really help Sheldon grow into a strong, reliable player who can head up the Ducks’ defensive unit.

Brendan Mikkleson – (defense, restricted) – In my opinion, Mikkelson is shaping up to be a good, solid addition to the Ducks’ defense.  But, for more than $750K, I would have to say let him walk. He spent of his season in the minors and will be fighting for a roster spot with the likes of Brett Festerling, and Brookbank, both of whom look to be strong for the upcoming season.

Kyle Calder – (left wing, unrestricted) – Calder is gone. I don’t see the Ducks re-signing him for any price. He just never seemed to find a spot to fit in for us and even at only $500K, is it going to be worth having someone who will spend the majority of the season in the AHL?

James Wisniewski – (defense, restricted) – Ducks General Manager, Bob Murray has said that he will extend a qualifying offer to Wiz, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he will sign with the team. Wisniewski collected $2.75 mil for the 2009-10 season and it’s looking like he wants quite a bit more to stay in Anaheim. While he is one of the team’s better d-men and I would like to see him stay, I wouldn’t want to give him more than $3.5 to $4.0 mil over 4 years.  Wiz is arbitration eligible so this could prove to be where it goes if he and the team cannot come to an agreement.

*Salaries courtesey of CapGeek.com

Despite not making the post-season for the first time since the 2003-04 season, the Anaheim Ducks gave their fans a night to remember with a rout of the Edmonton Oilers. Ryan Carter opened the scoring for the Ducks at 2:04 of the first period when he sent a wrist shot into the net behind Oilers’ goaltender, Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers. Carter’s goal was followed a mere 32 seconds later by a slap shot score from the stick of Steve Eminger.  This was just the beginning for Anaheim as the Ducks would go on to put up a total of 7 goals in the game.

With a little help from right wing, Corey Perry, Matt Beleskey notched the final goal of the 1^st at 13:24 sending the puck into the back of the net.

The only goal of the 2^nd period belonged to none other than Teemu Selanne. With only 16 seconds off the clock, Selanne netted his 14^th power play goal of the season during a hooking penalty assessed to Shawn Horcoff at 20:00 of the 1^st. Assist on Teemu’s 606^th career goal went to Saku Koivu and James Wisniewski.

The Ducks were to get another 3 in the 3^rd period with Carter adding his second of the game and George Parros notching an unassisted effort at 11:42. The final goal for the Ducks and of the game belonged to Kyle Chipcura who got one behind Deslauriers while Aaron Ward sat in the penalty box.

Edmonton did manage to get two of their own behind the Ducks’ goaltenders. One at close to the mid-point of the 1^st period when Mike Comrie’s wrister went  past starting goaltender Jonas Hiller and the 2^nd at the beginning of the third period from former Duck, Ryan Whitney when he sent one behind Anaheim’s Curtis McElhinney, who had taken over for an injured Hiller in the 2^nd period.

After the final whistle, Selanne and Niedermayer led the team on a skate around the ice to salute the fans after with the night ended as Teemu was serenaded with chants of,”One More Year.”

Video Highlights of the Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks on 04/11/2010

My Ducks’ 3 Stars:

3 – Kyle Chipchura: A short-handed goal and an assist, he played a very good game all around

2 – Teemu Selanne: His 606^th career goal on a power play at 00:16 of the 2^nd, the only goal in the 2^nd period

1 – Ryan Carter: 2 goals including the first of the game

Notes:

Teemu Selanne has been nominated for the Masterton Trophy.

Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne say that they will let the team know by the June entry draft as to whether or not they will return for 2010-11.

Quotes:

From Teemu Selanne on his possible retirement:

• “Obviously, I’m going to have a lot of time to rest this summer. It’s disappointing, because we had way too good a team to miss the playoffs. But in some ways, the tank doesn’t feel even close to empty.”
• “If you had asked me two months ago, it would have been easy to think, ‘This is it.’ But the way we have played since then (23-14-4 in the second half), after I got healthy, it’s been so much fun.”
  • “I feel I can still play. I still have my speed and my strength – those are the skills that make me successful. If they weren’t good enough to play at this level, it would be easy to do something else.”

“I always say, when I come to the rink every day to play hockey, I’m happy. It’s still that way. But there’s so much work, so much sacrificing, so much dedication (required in the offseason) to play at this level. You have to live for hockey – that’s the hardest part. If the season started (again) in two weeks, it would be easy (to come back).”

• “The reason why I’ve only signed one-year deals is that I can motivate myself and try to do whatever it takes and then re-evaluate again. Am I ready to push this hard again? Am I ready to dedicate all that extra time and energy for hockey? There are no compromises. You have to do it the right way or not at all.”

From Scott Niedermayer on his possible retirement:

• “I guess I’d be lying if (I said) I didn’t think about it.”
• “As you get older, you can’t do the things you used to do, but if you’re still committed to being as good as you can be, I don’t see why you shouldn’t play. It’s not a major issue.”
• “When it comes time to make a decision, it’s definitely personal.”

Despite an excellent performance in the net from Curtis McElhinney, the Anaheim Ducks were unable to shut-down the Los Angeles Kings’ offense, allowing them to overcome two three-point deficits, forcing the game into overtime with Anze Kopitar eventually notching the game winner in the shoot-out.

However, even a win in regulation couldn’t have saved Anaheim as the Colorado Avalanche had already clinched the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with a shootout victory over the Vancouver Canucks.

A two goal effort by Teemu Selanne and an outstanding game by Jason Blake weren’t enough to save the team.

Blake opened the scoring with a power play goal at 5:28 of the 1^st when Sean O’Donnell was sent to the sin bin on a high-sticking penalty. Then, he tallied another point with an assist on Selanne’s conversion of his own rebound at 16:48, giving the Ducks a 2-0 lead going to the locker room for the first intermission.

The second period opened with an early unassisted goal from right wing Bobby Ryan, putting the Ducks up with a 3-0 lead. At the 9:46, mark of the period the Kings started to turn up the heat with a Dustin Brown shot that hit the back of the net off McElhinney’s stick.

Anaheim renewed their 3 goal advantage when Teemu notched his second goal of the night close to the mid-point mark of regulation time.

And, that, was all the Ducks would be able to muster.

The Kings’ Alexander Frolov earned his 19^th of the season when the puck took a lucky bounce and skipped off McElhinney’s shoulder into the net. Although, Anaheim took a 2 goal lead into the third, their defense came out looking sloppy and out of sorts, allowing a goal from Justin Williams at 7:56 and then the game tying one from Michal Handzus with only 1 minute 49 seconds remaining.

Overtime would prove scoreless for both teams taking the game to a shoot-out.

Although Corey Perry did manage to get one through Kings’ goaltender Erik Ersberg, it wasn’t quite enough. Los Angeles’ Jack Johnson would get one in with the game winner coming from Kopitar.

Los Angeles Kings @ Anaheim Ducks 04/06/201 – Video Highlights

My Ducks’ 3 Stars:

3 – Jason Blake: With a goal and an assist, he did his best to take the team to a win over LA.

2 – Aaron Ward – Crisp passing, some hard hits and crucial blocks

1 – Teemu Selanne – 2 goals just weren’t enough, but he played his heart out

Quotes from last night:

Corey Perry: “We missed the playoffs, it’s not good. You play this game to win championships. This year we don’t get to be a part of that process.”

Scott Neidermayer: “It’s been a tough year. We’re disappointed that we’re in this situation. That’s been an answer that everybody’s given through stretches this year where we haven’t played well.”

Notes:

With his 2 goals in the game, Teemu Selanne now has 605 career goals. And, he has 5 goals in the last 4 games. He is now tied for 8^th with San Jose’s Dany Heatly in goals-per-game.

Over the last 3 games, the Ducks have a 46.2% success rate on the power play.

Bobby Ryan has a 3 game point streak.

Lubomir Visnovksy will miss the final 3 Ducks’ games after suffering a fractured hand in the 3^rd period of last night’s game.

Aside from the goaltending black cloud that has been over Philadelphia for so many years, this season a bigger situation arises.

Many figured Chris Pronger to be the solution or missing link if you will, that would solve the Flyers issues on the blue line. Adding his leadership abilities was another key element this Flyers team was searching for. Prior to the season, Ed Snider went on record stating the teams defense was the best this team has ever had. Unfortunately, the Flyers defense has not met expectations.

Earlier this week information became available on the status of Ryan Parent who has been suffering from back issues. The Flyers fifth d-man underwent successful back surgery to repair disc issues on Monday. He will miss at least six weeks of action.

Danny Syvret, prior to his shoulder injury, began playing consistent hockey and logged top four minutes in Philadelphia. Holmgren hopes to have Syvret back before the Olympic break. Syvret isn’t sure that will happen. In light of these recovery times, the Flyers need a solution, even if temporary.

Recently, Flyers beat writer for CSN Philly Tim Panaccio put out an article on what Paul Holmgren has gone public in discussing; the need to acquire a defenseman.

Paul Holmgren went on record to say:

“Danny Syvret is still a couple weeks away, and to be honest, we talk all the time, around the league to improve your hockey team, so that doesn’t change.”

Holmgren making the case known publicly that he is searching for defensive help brings us to just who is available? In scanning the league for availability we are left with some interesting names:

Sheldon Souray, Scott Neidermayer, Joe Corvo, Dion Phaneuf, Dennis Wideman, Milan Jurcina, Joran Leopold, Mike Commodore, Aaron Ward, Marek Zidlicky, Garnet Exelby, Pavel Kubina, Niclas Wallin and Dennis Seidenberg all stand out due to their UFA status and the fact that they are currently on non-playoff teams or teams looking to shake up their roster.

With Kimmo Timonen and Pronger not getting any younger, Parent’s injuries (RFA) and Coburn being an RFA after this season one would wonder why the Flyers wouldn’t take a look at Phaneuf? The move could slide Coburn down to that fifth or sixth d-man Homer seeks. The names to move in the other direction to balance the cap hit are there as well. Phaneuf’s age as well as the interest presented by the club presents an option the team must seriously consider.

There are still other things to consider as Tim Panaccio points out:

“General manager Paul Holmgren, who said he’d like to make a deal to fortify his defense, doesn’t have draft picks, lacks cap room and his best players, with the exception of Jeff Carter, all have no-trade clauses. There’s not a lot he can do.”

There is an additional problem in that the Flyers need to re-sign a goalie. It would be wise for the Flyers to create a sound defense in front of their goalie, whoever that goalie may be. A solid core of Pronger, Phaneuf and Timonen brings security for the team in front of their goaltender, if Phaneuf was indeed the d-man coveted.

After solidifying the veteran blue-liners, Flyers prospects Kevin Marshal and Marc-Andre Bourdon have the opportunity to slide into a number five or six role out of training camp next year. This year these players cannot provide immediate help as rushing them into Flyers action could be detrimental to their development.

With all this said the cap hit is difficult to take on for Philly. However, there are pieces in play to create balance in obtaining such a high priced d-man.

Aside from Phanuef, if Holmgren is true to his word and is purely seeking that “band-aid” option, Kubina, Zidlicky, Jurcina or Seidenberg are instant upgrades in comparison to AHL call-ups.

Keep in mind whatever route the Flyers brass decide to take, there is minimal cap room so the quick fix option becomes even more difficult. Unless the Flyers are planning on making two separate moves or one giant blockbuster, the questions will remain.

Denis Bodrov of Russia recently signed an AHL contract with the Adirondack Phantoms.  Do not be surprised to see him in the orange and black prior to the Olympic break if Holmgren can not get a deal done.

What will the Flyers do in order to solidify their blue line heading into the playoff stretch and will it be a move that carries over into the future for this organization?

Editors note:  Hat tip to Dustin Leed, Flyers writer for PhillySportsSpace.com and CrashtheCrease.com. You can find Dustin on Twitter: @HockeyGuy_DLEED – a great voice of the Philadelphia Flyers.

As the second oldest team in the league, the Carolina Hurricanes fell from their Stanley Cup victory in 2005-2006 to rock bottom in the current standings.  Currently in last place in their conference and league, the team carries twelve players over 30 years old — in contrast, the Detroit Red Wings feature thirteen players over 30.

Carolina’s oldest player, Rod Brind’Amour (age 39), is on pace for a career low in goals, assists, and points; not exactly ideal for a captain, who’s responsibility is to lead by example and, oftentimes, by production. The Hurricanes decided his age affected his game too much — the time arrived for the passing of the captaincy to Eric Staal. The oldest Staal now takes over the head leadership duties.

Staal became the fifth captain of the Carolina Hurricanes, and the youngest captain for Carolina. Carolina personnel hopes Staal’s youth will push the team out of last spot in the conference. Staal also switched back to his natural center spot today during practice, another sign of the changing tides in Carolina. Brind’Amour admitted Staal deserved the captaincy as Carolina drafted and groomed him as the face of the Carolina franchise in order to prepare him for this day and opportunity.

His leadership will help the future of the Hurricanes, but this season’s problems do not appear fixable.

With an average age of 28.92, the Hurricanes sprinkle both youth and wisdom throughout their roster. Below are two charts, the first one depicts the three oldest players, their age, games played this season with point productions from this season and last. The second chart compares the same traits with the three youngest players.

The younger players sit relatively on pace for the same production numbers as the previous season. Carolina’s youth does not appear to strengthen the team—their production underachieves compares to the numbers youths produce on other teams. As opposed to the stagnant numbers of the younger players, the older players’ production dropped significantly from last season to the present one. Brind’Amour’s numbers fell the most, while Whitney’s and Ward’s remained close to their previous point production.

The Hurricanes came a long way the Eastern Conference Finals last season, without much change to their basic lineup. The players that normally produce for the team, fail to do so this year.  Players like Brind’Amour, Staal (albeit he missed ten games), and Whitney are on pace to score less points this year than last.

The Hurricanes reside in last place in the “goals for” category, with 117 goals scored; they are twenty-eighth in the league for goals against with 161 goals. That is a minus 44 in the goals for/against section of statistics, a scary number for any team wanting to make the playoffs.

Their problems are more than just the offense and the goaltending.

Cam Ward, who played in thirty-three games thus far and won only nine, holds a save percentage of .907. Oddly enough, his save percentage this season is his second highest percentage in his five-season NHL career. The goaltending cannot take the brunt of the criticism for the team’s shortcomings. The goaltender remains the backbone of the team, however the offense and defense need to provide results for the goaltender to defend.

Carolina’s hockey team traveled far from the success of their 2005-2006 Stanley Cup Championship even though they still hold nine players from their championship team. Unfortunately, their wisdom, experience, and success does not help their current predicament.

As the season is more than half over, it seems impossible for the Hurricanes to climb their way back into a playoff contending spot. They remain seventeen points out of the eighth and final playoff spot, with thirty-four games remaining. That is one mountain too tall for them to climb at this point in the season. Their problems are unanswerable as every aspect of their roster that used to succeed is failing. This will be one season no Carolina Hurricanes fan wants to remember.

With the announcement of Staal as the new captain, the Hurricanes also announced the plans to rebuild the franchise. For now, the Hurricanes look to finish this season strong, and start fresh next season.

Katlyn Gambill
NHLHS Writer
kgambill@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @freezethepuck

*All statistics based on the Carolina Hurricanes playing in the first 48 games of the 2009-2010 season.

The Sellers is a weekly column presented by NHLHotStove that will discuss all the rumblings and situations surrounding the teams that will most likely miss the playoffs.

Heading up to the March 3rd trade deadline, keep an eye out here for the bottom eight to ten teams in the league that will be known as “sellers”.

We have come to that time of year in the glorious 2009-10 National Hockey League season where general managers have some serious decisions to make.

In taking a look around the NHL there are currently two teams who could be in absolute sell mode. The one team we will touch on today is the Carolina Hurricanes who sit dead last in the Eastern Conference and are 16 points out of a playoff position.

In researching the roster, a few names automatically stand out.  Ray Whitney, Joe Corvo, Matt Cullen, Rod Brind’Amour and Scott Walker to name a few.

Keep in mind GM Jim Rutherford came on 99.9 The Fan recently stating 50 percent of this roster will change next season”.  This percentage would be a complete turn around from the on-ice product of this season. Rutherford’s words were recently analyzed by Bob Harwood Waeghe of Canes Country, in which they named players who could move before this trade deadline.

For a team looking for a playoff push any of the aforementioned would make quite the acquisition. However, when you listen to Rutherford’s words, there will be more names involved.

Stephane Yelle, Niclas Wallin and Aaron Ward could also make to be beneficial names for experience and role players that are needed to solidify a clubs playoff appearance.  Walker, Whitney and Wallin have no-trade clauses and would need to approve any move the Hurricanes try to make. Wallin already exercised his right to veto a trade last summer.

Let’s break down the value of the players and what a team could potentially acquire.

Ray Whitney: LW – UFA – 37 As an unrestricted free agent at seasons end, and coming at a discount with a pro-rated salary from his $3.550 cap hit could make for that playmaker on the left side a lot of top lines around the league would benefit from. Whitney has 27 points in 39 games played this season.

Scott Walker: RW – 1 year- 35 At only 35 years old and with one year remaining on his contract, the affordable and experienced winger could slide into a team’s top six. Currently injured, Walker only has 5 points in 32 games. Although his scoring is down in Carolina this year, his playoff and veteran experience would be a welcome addition to many clubs around the league.

Joe Corvo: D – UFA – 32 Known for his power play abilities on the blue line, Corvo makes for a good puck moving d-man.  Corvo has 12 points in 27 games played but is also currently injured.

Matt Cullen: C – UFA – 32 Cullen plays the power play point for Carolina, and is a very responsible two way forward.  He can win crucial faceoffs in both the offensive and defensive zones. A cap hit of $2.875 might seem high now, but remember, as March comes closer that number changes significantly.  If the New York Rangers were able to acquire Andrew Hutchinson, Joe Barnes and a 3rd round pick in 2008, a similar return for Carolina this year is not far off.

I would not expect to see Jussi Jokinen, Erik Cole, Joni Pitkanen and obviously Cam Ward as well as the youth core of the team moved.

In conclusion, you can look for the teams sitting in the top nine or ten positions in each conference to give a boost to their lineups. Some teams will use it as an opportunity to gain experience to head not only into the playoffs but make a run for the cup.

The only teams that would be left out of this equation would be the cap strapped teams like the Philadelphia Flyers or  Chicago Blackhawks who should shy away from making a substantial moves for some of the bigger available names.  Even Ray Whitney with a pro rated salary would still be too expensive to acquire in monetary value.

Remember, in a seven game series anything is possible.

Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS Senior Writer
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @ACHockeyGuys

We at NHLHS are proud to pat ourselves on the back.  As reported, Hurricanes backup Michael Leighton is now the Flyers backup.  Yesterday we discussed the merits of Leighton going through re-entry waivers and PREDICTED the backup going to either the Flyers or Rangers.  Really glad we got this one right.

Yesterday we also predicted Aaron Ward and PA Parenteau clearing waivers.  Both of these players did today as expected.  Ward will stay with the Hurricanes while Parenteau rejoins the Hartford Wolfpack.  The Rangers sorely missed the latter as he was responsible for both of their shootout wins and they failed to score entirely in the skills competition last night.

Ward may have some league-wide interest if he is to go through re-entry waiver at half the price (1.25 cap hit).

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-Alexander Monaghan
NHLHS Founder
thehotstove@gmail.com

Two players were placed on waivers today, Aaron Ward and PA Parenteau.  Yesterday, goaltender Michael Leighton was placed on re-entry waivers.  Lets take a further look at these players and the value they may have around the league.

Ward according to most Hurricanes fans has been terrible.  That, however, means little when you play on one of the worst teams in the league.  His contract expires at the end of the season and he carries a hefty 2.5 million cap hit.  Teams like the New York Islanders or Columbus Blue Jackets have a strong need for another defender, but they just recently passed on Lukas Krajicek at almost half his cap hit.

As TSN’s Bob MacKenzie speculates, there may be more interest if he goes through re-entry waivers.Ward is a multiple Stanley Cup winner and should add a welcome addition to either team’s blueline.

Leighton sees re-entry waivers as he now is the third man out.  Not starting a game until the end of October, the 28-year-old struggled to find his game winning only one game in seven appearances.

With teams like the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers needing a solid veteran backup, Leighton may get claimed.  The claiming team, however, would be banking on the fact that the 28-year-old is simply a result of struggling team and not diminishing talent.

Parenteau’s demotion is a bit disappointing.  The 26-year-old produced four points in 14 games playing primarily third and fourth line minutes.  A star in the AHL, it would be interesting to see if he is claimed considering he carries a meager 500K cap hit.  Still he is a diminutive forward who has very little value on a non-scoring line.

How many teams have a need for a career AHL player to play on their scoring lines?

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Follow me on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates

-Alexander Monaghan
NHLHS Founder
thehotstove@gmail.com

Chris Botta of Islanders Point Blank runs down the Islanders need for a new defenseman in his latest entry.  A few main points from the article:

• Injuries: Radek Martinek out for the season.  Andy Sutton out at least two more games.
• Depth: Rookie Andrew MacDonald already plays 12 minutes a game.  Brendan Witt is a team worst minus 15.  Dustin Kohn is the only option to be called up.
• A few players that Botta thinks would make sense: Aaron Ward, Garnett Exelby, Brent Sopel or Joe Corvo.  Botta prefers Corvo or Ward.

A move could easily be made for all these rumored available defensemen.  As I wrote earlier, I don’t think Carolina is purely in “sell-mode” yet, moving Ward will make the team younger and may even be a bit of addition by subtraction.  Getting rid of a vet not necessarily working out may wake up some other underachieving players.  I still feel Carolina will need a young defenseman coming back or will have to wait for Corvo to return from injury to replace Ward’s minutes.

Interesting to see what will happen on the Island.   They are willing to spend, which is a welcome change to a very promising young team.

Thank you for reading, we hope you enjoyed this feature. You can help NHLHS stay alive by visiting our sponsors to the left.

Follow me on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates

-Alexander Monaghan
NHLHS Founder
thehotstove@gmail.com