A Few More Potential Free Agents

Stocks in Miroslav Satan have dropped in recent seasons, thanks to some sub-par production levels, compared to some relatively high expectations. Once, a 40-goal scorer, Satan has seemed to keep the tag of sniper along with him, but I think now it's starting to fade a little bit. Satan only managed 16 goals in 80 games last season and hasn't been a force at all for the Islanders, which may have teams very sheepish when considering to sign the forward. His $4.2 million cap hit from last season will likely take a hit, if anyone decides to hire his services.

Injuries were a limiting factor in Martin Straka's season in 2008. Straka still finished with 41 points (14G, 27A) in 60 games for the Rangers last season, but even his production levels have dropped a little over the past few seasons. There is a reasonable chance that the Rangers will look to retain Straka for the coming year, but there could be a brief viewing period on the open market to judge his actual market value.

A move to Washington was seemingly what Sergei Fedorov needed to revive his career. His inclusion with all the Russians that were already on the club did wonders for his confidence and made good use of his leadership skills. This being said, there's a really good chance that the team will likely move to re-sign him before July 1st. His 13 points in 18 games with Washington was the kind of production that the Capitals needed down the middle, thanks to the losses of key players to injuries during the year. The only thing keeping him from being that full-time player in Washington could be his desired payroll hit. At over $6 million last season, he was considerably overpaid to his overall numbers, so a paycut could be in order for him to return.

Keeping the Penguins afloat while the team was hurting with injuries in net was Ty Conklin's job this season and he completed his task with flying colours. Will that be enough for the Penguins to bring him back next season? The Penguins already have two goaltenders signed on for next season and Conklin may find himself looking for some new work, as the books might be a little tight to bring back Conklin with a raise or a long-term deal.

This is another situation where if the potential free agent makes it to the open market, he won't necessarily be available to the open market, rather just to his former team. Joe Sakic should be returning for next season, as it seems he has plenty left in the gas tank to play another season or possibly two. The Colorado Avalanche will likely have him back at his usual asking price.

In the defenseman sweepstakes, there could be a great deal of interest in Rangers defenseman Michal Rozsival. Rozsival had himself a pretty good season with the Blueshirts with 38 points (13G, 25A) in all 80 games and should potentially give a little bit more offense. He is certainly a top four defenseman, one that a lot of teams may covet if the Rangers let him go out to market. He is definitely a good pick in a pool as a top defenseman, since their numbers are generally much lower than forwards.

Almost traded twice in the past 12 months, Wade Redden doesn't seem to have much of a future with the Senators organization. Redden had a cap hit of $6.5 million this past season and the Sens obviously felt that they were not getting their money's worth out of him. Production-wise, Redden finished with similar numbers to Rozsival above him, 38 points (6G, 32A) in 80 games, but was getting paid closer to a Lidstrom or a Chara, who had greater numbers. The likes of San Jose may want to make a move for Redden if Campbell isn't available at a reasonable price, since they were the suitors for at least one of the trades out of Ottawa.

Finally, stricken by injuries again this season, Jason Williams will be hitting the market this summer, if the Blackhawks are not confident that he can make an impact with their club on a regular basis. Williams is able to put up good numbers when he's healthy and could be a good sleeper pick in your draft, if you get him late and he remarkably stays healthy. Williams finished with 36 points in 43 games this year, which is a great pace. Williams earned a healthy $1.6 million last season and should be in line for something close to that again, likely in a 2-year deal.