Well here it is, just over a week away from the start of the NHL season.  It has been a long summer, full of tragedy around the NHL but hockey is once again ready to prevail as we prepare to kick off the 2011-2012 season.

Flames fans around the league enter the season with mixed expectations.  Known as an inconsistent team, there are fears that the Flames will begin the season in a dreadful rut similar to last year (15-19-3 prior to December).  Meanwhile, others are hoping they can instead begin the season as they ended it last year (27-11-9).  The question still remains which Flames club is going to show up this season.

After making some significant deals in the offseason, let’s take a look at the new cast of characters.

Notable losses from last year’s team are Daymond Langkow, Robyn Regehr, Adam Pardy, Fredrik Modin, Ales Kotalik and Steve Staios.

New to the club this year are Lee Stempniak, Scott Hannan, Paul Byron and Chris Butler.

1. The Feaster Spin

As Jay Feaster’s first offseason as GM, he has put his own new spin on the team.  The trade that sent Regehr to Buffalo was initially met with grimaces, as it is always tough to lose such a high quality defenseman.  Especially one that has been with the organization for so long. But included in the deal, the Flames were able to trade away the struggling Ales Kotalik.  In the process, they were able to dump close to $7 million salary, creating enough space to sign Alex Tanguay.  Coming back the other way was Paul Byron and Chris Butler – who have both had stellar training camps with the Flames this year, but we’ll get to that in a bit.

Losing Daymond Langkow was difficult for long-time Flames fans to swallow, but in the grand scheme of things it was the ideal trade for the Flames to make. Coming the other way – Lee Stempniak brings a potential 40-50 point scorer, and makes the Flames not only younger, but faster as well.

The loss of Adam Pardy should be a cause for celebration; after receiving an offer from the Dallas Stars for $2 million, the Flames were unwilling to match that price tag, and rightfully so.  Given Pardy’s play in Calgary over the last few years, that is far too significant a price to pay for the lanky defenseman.  Instead, the Flames managed to sign Scott Hannan to a one-year, $1 million contract.  In today’s NHL market, this is a solid, no-risk signing.  Hannan can step in and play the defensive-defenseman role that is missing with the loss of Robyn Regehr.

So overall – the Flames are essentially status quo in comparison to last year, albeit with much more space below the salary cap.

2. Who impressed at training camp?

Jay Feaster and Brent Sutter were very clear prior to the start of training camp that each and every player had to earn their position on the team – providing incentives for the younger players at camp to fight for a roster spot.

Calgary drafted Sven Baertschi in the first round of the NHL draft this year, and in his first NHL camp the LW showed he possesses amazing talent and is very skilled with the puck.  His two-way game requires some work, but for an 18-year-old, he did a phenomenal job of impressing.  He is likely to return to the WHL this year, but expect him to be a regular in the lineup for the Flames in the future.

TJ Brodie impressed on the Flames blueline last preseason, particularly on the Flames powerplay but did not make it stick as an 18-year-old.  This preseason he showed similar offensive prowess, but was prone to making occasional mistakes, and still needs to work on his defensive game.  Another season the AHL will benefit this youngster greatly – and expect him to make the jump to the Flames roster next season, or if there are significant injuries on the blueline this year.

Roman Horak was perhaps the greatest surprise in training camp, the Czech centerman demonstrated his remarkable acceleration, solid two-way play, silky stick-handling ability and precision passing.  The 20-year-old is certainly making the coaching staff think twice about sending him to the AHL, but it is likely he will start there and receive the call-up to play a few games in the NHL this season.  Playing in the AHL for the Heat alongside former junior linemate Ryan Howse will promote even further development of his talents.

On the tune of Ryan Howse, the 20-year-old prospect had a stellar season in the WHL last year, putting up 83 points in 70 games playing on Roman Horak’s left wing.  In camp this year he showed flashes of his quick feet, excellent shot, and his ability to drive to the net.  It is likely he will be assigned to the AHL to further develop his game and offensive talents.  Expect him to be another player to wear the Flames jersey this season should injuries arise.

Paul Byron was the 22-year-old prospect obtained in the Robyn Regehr trade, centerman probably fought the hardest to convince the coaching staff to give him a spot on the NHL club this year.  He had an excellent preseason campaign, looking solid on both ends of the ice and using his speed to his advantage.  Not afraid to go into the boards to fight for the puck, he was able to bring energy to the lineup.  It is highly likely that Byron will see some action in a Flames uniform this season.  Byron will likely fill a role as a 3rd or 4th line center providing energy minutes and using his speed to his advantage.  Until then however, Byron will probably return to the AHL to continue his development as a more offensive player.

The last piece of the puzzle was also acquired in the Regehr trade – defenseman Chris Butler.  During the majority of this preseason Butler went about his business quietly – effectively maintaining his end of the ice, making smart plays with the puck and keeping out of trouble.  He very easily made a case to be on the Flames roster as a top-six defenseman this season.

3. Projected Lineup

Let’s take a look at the defenseman first;

Jay Bouwmeester – Scott Hannan
Mark Giordano – Cory Sarich
Anton Babchuk – Chris Butler/Brendan Mikkelson

On the forward side of things, the biggest question is who is going to be playing between Iginla and Tanguay.  Expect Mikael Backlund to get that opportunity to start in that spot this season.

Alex Tanguay – Mikael Backlund – Jarome Iginla
Curtis Glencross – Olli Jokinen – David Moss
Rene Bourque – Matt Stajan – Lee Stempniak
Niklas Hagman – Tom Kostopoulos/Horak/Byron/Morrison – Tim Jackman

The biggest dilemma in creating this potential lineup is Niklas Hagman.  After having a less than satisfying season last year, he was sent down to the AHL after not being picked up on waivers by any other team.  This preseason, however, Hagman has looked like the Hagman of old – using his skating ability, and shooting the puck more frequently.  He has undoubtedly made the opening squad roster, but where he plays remains a question.  Given the chemistry of the other lines, he will likely play on the fouth line and the coaching staff will evaluate his play from there.

4. How do they make the playoffs?

The Flames need to exorcise some demons this year, and come out playing like they ended last season.  A lot of supposed “critics” cite the Flames will not make the playoffs this season because of the lack of scoring potential.  Last season, Calgary held the eighth-highest goals per game average in the NHL, and the eighth-ranked powerplay.  Scoring obviously was not a problem, but they suffered on the defensive side of things, with the worst culprits being the forwards.

Towards the end of the season, the forwards began to buy into the coaching strategy; backchecking hard, wingers coming back along the boards, and none of the forwards were flying the zone prior to the puck exiting.  That was one of the main reasons for the turn around in their success.  With these systems in place, the forwards should be able to implement the defensively minded system to start the season, with the knowledge that they have the capability to score while playing that style of hockey.  Should the Flames step up and do that – they will no doubt be a playoff contender this year.

On an individual level, a few players have to prove their merit this year.  The first name that comes to mind is Jay Bouwmeester.  The often criticized defenseman put up fairly lack luster numbers last year (4 goals, 20 assists, minus 2 overall).  However, the 28-year-old defenseman was third in the NHL in average ice time per game, playing against the league’s best players night in and night out.  He is capable of moving the puck effectively out of his own zone, and is as smooth a skater as there is in the NHL.  Many suggest that the $6.68 million defenseman should put up greater offensive numbers to be paid that much, but his greatest offensive stats were on a Florida team that did not play defensively minded hockey – and so his capability to jump up into the play was enhanced.  While it would be nice for him to put up greater numbers this year, the Flames are still blessed to have a solid puck-moving defenseman that can play big minutes each night and maintain a respectable plus-minus.  This offseason demonstrated that the value for marquee defensemen is fairly steep, and so the Flames may consider themselves lucky to have the talents of Bouwmeester - despite him not putting the puck in the net as much as fans would want.

Jarome Iginla is a notoriously slow starter, and sitting out of the majority of preseason with back spasms probably won’t help his start.  But Flames fans hope that he can light a torrid scoring pace from the start, and don’t be surprised if he pots 40+ goals again this season.  This will be particularly true if he can recapture the magic that he had with Tanguay last season.

This is the season for youngster Backlund to step-up and prove his worth as a number one center in this league. He showed flashes of brilliance last year, and Flames fans hope he can maintain this on a regular basis this season.
The last 30 games of the season last year witnessed the emergence of the OMG line (Olli Jokinen, David Moss and Curtis Glencross). The three had stellar chemistry together, vaulting Glencross to a career season, and witnessed Jokinen break out of a two-year funk. The line looked solid throughout the preseason, and one can expect them to maintain that chemistry they possessed from last year.  Look for this line to provide essential secondary scoring throughout the season.

Should Matt Stajan return to the Stajan of old (…don’t hold your breath), he can provide a significant punch from the third line – especially playing alongside former teammate Lee Stempniak.  Rene Bourque may benefit from playing on this line, as he will be looked to as the designated shooter and will see his fair share of the puck.

Sure, there are a lot of ‘what-ifs’ and question marks on this Flames roster.  But should they play to their potential - and maintain the form that they carried into the end of last season they have the ability to position themselves strongly in the Western Conference - and for that reason I believe they are going to be a playoff contender this season, finishing in the middle of the West.  It also doesn’t hurt that Miikka Kiprusoff has looked like the world-class goaltender of old throughout preseason and training camp.

Look for the Flames to be a difficult team to play against night in and night out with a punishing style of defensive hockey with a solid offensive punch.

Shahbaz Syed
Twitter – DDxDino

After New York goaltender Henrik Lundqvist had completely slammed the door on all of Florida’s 40 shots on goal last Friday in a 3-0 Rangers’ win — the Panthers’ third straight home loss in a frustrating Thanksgiving week — Florida’s Mike Santorelli was asked a good question: “Is it a good time to hit the road for a while?” The energetic center said maybe — questions in the dressing room lately have seemed like those “good questions,” you know, ones that are difficult to answer — and the Panthers proved they were up to the task the next night in a 4-3 shootout win at Tampa Bay.

That was the kind of game Florida (10-12-0) had been on the losing end of lately. The club could have easily tallied points against Pittsburgh and Boston, but late collapses and bad play at pivotal times left them pointless. But to win at Tampa Bay after regulation and in their first overtime game — and by shootout no less, a real problem over the years — was encouraging. It also had to feel good to be 2-0 against a state rival and quality team like the Lightning.

Now the Panthers hit the road to face the Pacific Division, the NHL’s most evenly contested group of teams and a division that clearly illustrates the current state of league parity. Four of the five teams have played the same amount of games (22), while just two points separate the top of the division (Dallas, Phoenix) from the bottom (Anaheim). All five have also scored between 63 and 66 goals. The only outlying numbers are Los Angeles’s and Anaheim’s goals allowed, 55 and 77, respectively. Simply put, it’s the tightest grouping of teams in all of hockey, so plenty is at stake every game.

Here is a look at the week ahead as the Panthers prepare for their three road games against Pacific Division clubs:

Anaheim, Wed. (10 p.m., ET) — The Ducks’ beginning of the season was a train wreck of sorts as they were really bad early and finished just 4-7-1 in October. However, Anaheim steamed ahead by winning six straight to start November, but slipped by going winless and earning just two points in their next six. The Panthers are catching the Ducks, who host rival Los Angeles Monday night, at the right time, as Anaheim (11-11-3) hasn’t been playing well and will put plenty of emotion into the Kings game.

Los Angeles, Thurs. (10:30 p.m.) — The biggest problem Florida could have with the Kings may be trying to beat top goalie Jonathan Quick (11-4, 1.91 GAA, .930 SV%). Los Angeles (13-9-0) is allowing just 2.50 goals per game, and the Panthers’ inability to find the net (2.59 goals per game) continues to be their primary concern — that and their current streak of going 0-for-36 on the power play. Florida could use the momentum of a win — or at least a power-play goal — in Anaheim before they head to the Staples Center.

Phoenix, Sat. (8 p.m.) — Sure, the Coyotes (11-6-5) have major attendance problems, which has been discussed frequently on Twitter. Have you seen a high-angle shot of a game at Jobing.com Arena? It takes a moment to realize those are fans sitting and watching a game and not stadium workers milling about and cleaning up an hour after the game has ended. But forget about that: The Coyotes — again — have a very strong club despite few there to witness their play. Offseason acquisitions Ray Whitney (3G + 13A), Lee Stempniak (7G + 6A) and Eric Belanger (4G + 8A) have made an immediate impact, while Ilya Bryzgalov (10-3-5) has been strong again in net. They were one of the surprises last year, so no club should take them lightly anymore — regardless of where they are playing or in front of how many.

It’s time for the Panthers, with a full three days off, to get back to work against a trio of good teams in the Pacific Division. And it will take some contributions from the club’s best players — David Booth, Stephen Weiss and Tomas Vokoun — to be successful out there.

This would not be the time for Florida to be West Coasting by and not giving it their best.

Bill Whitehead
NHLHS Florida Panthers Credentialed Correspondent
Twitter: @BillWhiteheadFL
Email: BillWhiteheadFL@hotmail.com

Last night the Phoenix Coyotes took on the Los Angeles Kings in a fantastic game that saw Lee Stempniak score his first NHL hattrick and Andrew Ebbett add a shorthanded goal en route to winning four to two. Yet, the biggest story of the night came from the lack of attendance.

The official report counted 6,706 fans. From viewing pictures and speaking with people at that game last night, sure sounds like the actual number of fans in attendance ranked much lower than 6,706.

After Puck Daddy posted their take on the situation, the Twitter world quickly exploded with tweets mentioning the hashtag #wherecoyotesfanswere.

There are enough people in Arizona to attend the games and fill at least the lower bowl. The home opener against the Detroit Red Wings saw 17,125 fans in attendance, according to the game’s boxscore. Admittedly, many of those fans wore Red Wings’ jerseys, yet hockey fans are still in Arizona.

This begs the question, does Arizona deserve the Coyotes? Shane Doan and his crew are playing fantastic hockey ever since Dave Tippett took over as head coach. The Coyotes proved they can succeed by their playoffs performance last season. Yet, the Coyotes deserve better fans than this.

After having lived in Arizona for thirteen years, it is painfully obvious how many residents are bandwagon fans. Fans showed up in throngs to the playoff games, but now that the Coyotes need to prove they can fill an arena in the beginning of the season, no one shows up.

When the Arizona Cardinals made it to the Super Bowl, the amount of Cardinals’ t-shirts and jerseys around town increased exponentially. None of those fans are loyal fans though, and that is the same problem with the Coyotes. They lack the loyal fans in Phoenix.

Promotional ticket offers usually help teams bring in fans, and help build a loyal fan base.

Nevertheless, the ticket office at Jobing.com Arena has yet to decide whether or not to offer the college ticket discount this year. Last season, the Coyotes offered $20 lower bowl tickets and $10 upper bowl tickets to anyone with a college discount (teacher ID or military ID) every game on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Hopefully with the obvious proof from the game against the Kings, the ticket promos from last year, like the college discount or even the free tickets with a purchase of a bottle of vodka, need to return. The Coyotes may produce on the ice, but the players need the loyal fan atmosphere to continue thriving. In order for hockey to survive in the desert, the Coyotes and fans need a symbiotic relationship. In a few seasons, they may succeed with charging high prices without promos to fill the arena. Unfortunately, right now, the Coyotes need to gain a loyal fan base, even if it means lowering ticket prices to draw the fans in.

At the same time, the Coyotes’ players deserve better than this.

Players Paul Bissonnette, Wojtek Wolski, Kyle Turris, and  Scottie Upshall are all Twitter helping to promote the Coyotes and connect with fans. Then, the Coyotes produce on the ice and offer great entertainment. So where did all those fans from the playoffs go? The season is long and arduous; the Coyotes need support in order to continue winning.

Katlyn Gambill
Phoenix Coyotes Correspondent
kgambill@nhlhotstove.com
@freezethepuck

With just three full seasons of NHL experience, Martin Hanzal landed a two year contract worth $3.6 million with the Phoenix Coyotes yesterday. Phoenix drafted the Czech in the first round (17th overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry draft.

As a powerful center, Hanzal thrived under Jack Adam’s winner head coach Dave Tippett. He proved to his new coach he could handle the defensive and offensive sides of the game while staying strong in the faceoffs category.

Hanzal, a young twenty-three year old, holds a possible fantastic future in his hands, and might very well remain in the Coyotes’ organization for many years to come. The hulking forward stands six feet, six inches tall and towers over many of his opponents before knocking them off the puck on both ends of the ice.

The Coyotes reportedly made Hanzal a priority over Lee Stempniak, but actually signed Stempniak to a two-year contract last week. Yet, in the end the Coyotes ended up with both of their men, at great prices. (Stempniak signed for $3.8 million.)

Luckily Hanzal has yet to suffer from a serious injury in his short career. His longest stretch of an injury came in his rookie year (February of 2008) when he sat in the press box for eight game with a shoulder injury. Since then Hanzal missed a few games here and there, but nothing too drastic.

Hanzal signed for a little less than Peter Mueller, former Coyotes’ forward, who signed for with the Colorado Avalanche the other day (Mueller’s contract sees him receiving four million over two years.) Yet, Hanzal has a future with an organization that proved last season it could succeed. Now the Coyotes just need a buyer.

Katlyn Gambill

Phoenix Coyotes Correspondent

kgambill@nhlhotstove.com

@freezethepuck

Atlanta Thrashers correspondent Laura Astorian looks at the recent Fredik Modin signing, which will possibly have more repercussions that intended.

The Thrashers recently signed free agent left winger Fredrik Modin to a one year, $800,000 contract.  Bargain basement prices – right around Maxim Afinogenov’s deal last year, as a matter of fact.  Like Max, Modin is a former 30 goal scorer.  Also like Max, he is known for being injury prone and a liability.

Apparently General Manager Rick Dudley is flashing back to the Modin he worked with in Tampa Bay, because he’s hoping the winger can replace Afinogenov’s 24 goals and 61 points.  Dudley was pegged as saying that he wanted to get a top scorer to replace the goals lost with the departure of Afinogenov and Kovalchuk – and he was also quoted as saying the kids will play this year.  The Modin signing makes both increasingly unlikely.  Modin is not a top tier scorer.  No word leaked regarding the Thrashers looking at signing a player of Lee Stempniak or Alex Ponikarovsky, but a player of that mold – as streaky as they are – would have been a better fix than someone who last scored 30 goals four years ago.

Bringing in Modin also will more than likely take playing time away from one of the up and comers – either Alex Burmistrov up at forward or Artus Kulda at defense.  Burmistrov, who had an encouraging prospect camp and who is said to be bulking up for the rookie camp that starts on September 13th, has been expected to make a run for a roster position.  Kulda played several games last season and looked ready to go as well – but if Modin fills in at forward it will more than likely bump Dustin Byfuglien back to defense – which will leave the position of 7th defenseman to be between Kulda and Boris Valabik.

It looks like more spaces than usual will be up for grabs at camp this year.

Laura Astorian
NHLHS Atlanta Thrashers Correspondent
lastorian@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @hildymac

With all the new situations surrounding the National Hockey League, there has been a new common trend taking precedence. And no, we are not talking about the superstar sagas.

Two-year deals have become the common trend around the NHL when players are signing extensions with their current clubs, or signing as free agents – whether it be a restricted and/or unrestricted free agent signing or re-signing.

Thursday saw two deals that were almost identical to each other from two different teams for two totally different players.

“Two” seems to be wild, get your chips in and hope the dealer is on your side and not the side of the house.

For Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens – the Habs as well as their fanbase worldwide can now breathe a sigh of relief.  The Price was finally right for the young Canadian netminder. Although the amount was a steep price to pay – no pun intended – by the Canadiens due to the inconsistency of his play, it secures an evaluation of what the kid will bring as he has just turned 23 years old and is preparing to enter his prime. These are the two years that will prove the true value of what Price will bring to the Montreal Canadiens.

If his history is any proof of his potential and with Jaroslav Halak out of the picture in Montreal, Price should indeed succeed.

Chris Stewart, who plays the role of the “new” power forward within the NHL for the Colorado Avalanche, also signed on the dotted line to stick around with the Avs for two more years. After notching 28 goals in his second NHL season, Stewart received a healthy pay raise that will see him earn $3 million over the next two seasons with the Avs. If he can keep up his production and be a consistent 25 or better goal scorer for the club, he will be considered a very valuable salary cap player.

The Edmonton Oilers gave young rising star Sam Gagner a two-year contract and Lee Stempniak recently re-signed with the Coyotes organization to a two-year deal as well. Even the Dallas Stars got into the mix, re-signing d-man Nicklas Grossman to a new – yes you guessed it – two-year deal.

Is it fair to say, at this point in time, that two-year deals are the new way to evaluate a players true value? With the way things are within the NHL, such could be the case as so many young and potentially excellent players continue to prove their worth.  In the cap era, bad contracts simply cannot happen.

Pay attention to extensions throughout the season, and what goes on next off-season because the number two will likely play a huge role in contract foundations. Yet do not be fooled as there will always be long term deals as well as one year deals – it is simply the nature of the beast. The fact of the matter is that the two year situation becomes a very intelligent move by general managers and should become a sticking point in contract negotiations.  Especially negotiations that take place with younger players attempting to generate fair and proper value.

On the flip side, not every player needs to be evaluated on a year by year basis.  Giving a two-year deal provides shelf life as well as assessments on consistency and transition from one year to the next.  There is no reason to go overboard, especially on a player who has yet to fully provide the same level of production on a year basis.

Take Stempniak for example here.  Unable to ever reach his offensive production from the days he spent with the St. Louis Blues, he took a pay cut compared to the contract that expired at the end of the 2009-10 season. The reason – well one is the salary cap issue and the other rests on Coyotes GM Don Maloney having said player understand that he is earning what he is worth for his production.

Stempniak is a very good player who was able to score 14 goals in 18 games in Phoenix last season. However, he only had 14 goals in 62 games with the Maple Leafs prior to his trade, and the year before last, he only lit the lamp 11 times.

Compare that to the $3 million per season on average that Stewart of the Avs will earn and we realize that his dollar value surpasses the “market” value. Is Stewart worth $3 million a season?  No, not at this point in time in his career but he could easily quiet the critics by coming out in 2010-11 and placing 25 or more biscuits in the basket (goals).

Stewart has an opportunity to prove he is worth $3 million per season, and possibly even more pending his output with the Avs in 2010-11 as well as 2011-12. As do all of the aforementioned players.

Again, that glorious number we have mentioned quite often during this article helps provide a steady balance for both GM and player in moving forward.

Prove yourself and you will be rewarded.

Either way, let’s not rush into next off-season as we have yet to embark on the upcoming journey known as the NHL 2010-11 season.

Seriously, is it October yet?

Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS NHL Correspondent
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC

After waiting nearly two months since he became a free agent this offseason, Lee Stempniak signed a two-year contract today with the Phoenix Coyotes. Stempniak came to Phoenix via a trade between the Coyotes and the Toronto Maple Leafs that saw Matt Jones and two picks go to Toronto.

Just a few days ago, reports showed the Atlanta Thrashers having interest in the unrestricted free agent.  Luckily for the Coyotes’ fans out there, Stempniak chose to return to the land of scorpions and heat.

The Coyotes gained a powerful right-wing with this signing. Stempniak only managed to register 14 goals and 16 assists in his first 62 games of the season (all with the Leafs). Once he came to the desert though, he scored an additional 14 goals and four assists in just eighteen games.

Though, Dan Rosen (NHL.com Columnist) posted the following quote from Stempniak on Twitter this afternoon:

“I’m not going to score whatever the pace would be for 14 goals in 18 games, but  I don’t think last year was a fluke year.”

Many critics worry about Stempniak’s ability to continue producing for the Coyotes, but the man himself confirmed that he believes he can play up to his new standards. Luckily, Stempniak already has chemistry with some of his teammates. Vernon Fiddler and Stempniak meshed well together up front, but Stempniak could see time with any of the forwards.

Unfortunately, the New York native failed to showcase great success in St. Louis, where he began his career and played for parts of four seasons. Then after parts of two more seasons in Toronto,  Stempniak became a Coyote.

Stempniak quickly showed Coyotes fans how big of a role he could play on the offensive attack. Amazingly, Stempniak scored six goals and one assist in his first five games with Phoenix. Though his production stalled to a near halt in the playoffs when he only notched two assists in the seven-game series against the Detroit Red Wings.

Though the Coyotes did not release the official salary number, Stempniak’s expected cap hit should not exceed two million. Thus, with his production value, Stempniak could prove a very valuable forward.

Katlyn Gambill

Phoenix Coyotes Correspondent

kgambill@nhlhotstove.com

@freezethepuck

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

Tied with the Boston Bruins as the thirteenth  oldest NHL team, the Phoenix Coyotes utilized their age this season.

Largely seen as a disastrous franchise headed out of Phoenix, the Coyotes hired a new coach this season to change the direction of the team.

Dave Tippett did just that. He changed Phoenix into a team that finished fourth in the Western Conference and made the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

Yet, the Coyotes’ success came from a new roster tune-up that Tippett instilled. Instead of a very young team like last season, these Coyotes have ages all over the board.

The oldest, Mathieu Schneider became a Coyote at the trade deadline. In eight games with Phoenix, however, Schneider registered four assists.

The second oldest player, Robert Lang, began the season with Phoenix. In 64 games, Lang only recorded nine goals and 20 assists. However, before Schneider became a Coyote, the Coyotes utilized Lang’s experience and wisdom.

In fact, Lang’s experienced helped younger players, but Shane Doan’s calming sense largely benfitted the younger players. Skaters like Martin Hanzal, Lauri Korpikoski, and Scottie Upshall experienced some up and down moments during the year, but Doan always helped them settled back down into their groove.

When Upshall went down to injury, the Coyotes suffered a huge setback. Suddenly their leading scorer would no longer play until the next season. The worries swirled around the hockey world that the Coyotes would not manage to bounce back from their forward crashing.

Yet, the Coyotes rallied. As they did throughout the year, the Coyotes became a score-by-committee team. If one hot player fizzled, then another play would step up for the time being. Then another one would take over.

Doan became one of those players. At the start of the year, he looked like a brand new player, a reliable one. Then, he went on a 23-game goal drought. He put up assists during that time, but never a goal.

During that time though, the Coyotes continued winning because other players took over (largely Wojtek Wolski and Lee Stempniak).

Despite their great start, the Coyotes became very busy at the trade deadline. Arguably the most successful team on trade day, the Coyotes acquired Wolski and Stempniak in separate trades.

Since joining the Coyotes, Wolski scored six goals and 12 assists (regular season) and two goals and one assist in the playoffs (thus far). However, Stempniak’s time in Phoenix amazed nearly everyone.

After having a disappointing season in Toronto last year and this year, Stempniak became a Coyote. He quickly made his presence known by scoring 14 goals and four assists in 18 games.

In the first two playoff games (first two of his career), Stempniak failed to register a point. Nevertheless, his time will come again.

However, the Coyotes did have successful forwards before the trade deadline. Radim Vrbata played for the Coyotes in 2007-2008 and put up his best career points. He left the following season briefly for Tampa Bay, before he joined a team in Europe.

Vrbata returned to Phoenix this time and recorded similar numbers to his previous year in Phoenix.

However, the two biggest stories in Phoenix became the career years of defenseman Keith Yandle and goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov.

Yandle became the Coyotes’ go-to guy in any situation. After largely depending on Zbynek Michalek and Ed Jovanovski for so many years, the Coyotes welcomed a new talent.

At only 23 years of age, Yandle played in his first full NHL season this year. He notched 12 goals and 29 assists (both career numbers).

Then comes Bryzgalov. As a 29 year old, Bryzgalov played in 69 games, four more than he ever played before.

His success became outstanding though. He won 42 games, lost 20 in regulation, and lost six in overtime. He also finished with eight shutouts on the year.

Many speculate Bryzgalov deserves the Vezina trophy and the Hart trophy. Whether or not he does deserve them does not translate into him winning.

With the Coyotes, not one player sticks out as the main reason behind their success. This year, the Coyotes clicked. They had the chemistry necessary, the skill, and the heart.

Phoenix really did become a team this year. Even the fans rallied behind the Coyotes, helping them to stay in Arizona.

After a terribly stressful off-season of turmoil and wonder, the Coyotes proved to Arizona that they can succeed, and can win.

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

Phoenix Coyotes by David Strehle

The Phoenix Coyotes overcame bankruptcy and ownership turmoil to have the best regular season in franchise history, setting new marks for wins (50) and points (107).  Their 29 home wins were the second highest total in the league, so home-ice could be an advantage in their evenly matched first round series with Detroit.

The teams split four low-scoring contests during the season.  In order for Phoenix to win this series, goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov must be at the top of his game.  “Bryz” finished third among netminders with 42 wins, and was  2-2 against  the Red Wings.

Scoring has historically been the team’s biggest shortcoming.  With Shane Doan, Matthew Lombardi and Radim Vrbata leading the way, Phoenix had just enough offense to succeed.

But GM Don Maloney appears to have addressed that issue.  At the trade deadline, the Coyotes added Lee Stempniak and Wojtek Wolski, and both have fit in nicely.  As a matter of fact, Stempniak scored as many goals (14) in 18 games with Phoenix as he did in 62 with Toronto and was named the NHL’s “first star” for the month of March.

This additional offense bolsters a balanced attack and makes Phoenix a legitimate threat to knock off the red hot Red Wings.

Detroit Red Wings by Luca Vacca of LeafsWire

After starting the season off below standards, the Detroit Red Wings pushed very hard in the second half of the season, securing a playoff spot by locking down fifth place in the Western Conference. The main factor in the early season woes for Detroit was the sheer amount of injuries to key players they suffered. Throughout the season, they lost Johan Franzen,Tomas Holmstrom, Niklas Kronwall , Valtteri Filppula, and others to injury, and they were sorely missed. On the season, only two Wings (Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk) passed the 50 point mark (each with 70), while all other players produced less than 50.

In the past, Detroit has relied upon solid goaltending, strong defense and skilled forwards for success. This year, it’s a bit different. Their starting goaltender going into the playoffs will not be Chris Osgood, but rather Calder nominee Jimmy Howard (37-15-10, .924 SV%, 2.26 GAA). Howard has had an amazing season for the Wings and can be considered a big part of their late season surge and playoff push. However, he will require the Red Wing’s defense to be as strong as ever especially with the offensive shortcomings the wings have faced this year.

Niklas Lidstrom will lead his team into the playoff unknown, and they will have to battle each and every night, giving it their all because for the first time in a while, the Wings aren’t considered locks for the last dance.