NHL Review

In a couple of days, the infamous "dog days of Summer" officially begin, bringing along with it hot dogs, pickup ball games and of course the frenzy that is the NHL free agency. The talks are already brewing and many GMs are looking to make a splash as soon as July 1st appears. Though there are many familiar names, such as Hossa, Gaborik and Sundin (one of whom should just CALL IT QUITS), there are quite a few role players and above-average players who do not get the recognition they deserve... or the salary for that matter.

Here are some of the upcoming free agents that we can't help but love, whether it is their grind it out attitude or veteran experience that we look up to and respect.


Name: Mark Recchi
Team: Boston Bruins
Age: 41
Salary: $1.5m
Team should play for: Boston Bruins



It is certainly no secret that this guy is old, but as much as we want him to retire there is just too much gas left in the tank to let him retire. Recchi is a force throughout the regular season, especially after the trade deadline, as this veteran has been a favorite numerous years during trade time. Though we mentioned his aging body, this man has been no slouch in the points department, registering 61 of them (23 goals 38 assists) between the horrifyingly bad Tampa Bay Lightning and the playoff-choking Boston Bruins. Though he finished in the negatives (+/- -16), this sniper knows how to put the puck in the net, and has no intentions of giving up anytime soon. He has stated that he loves the Bruins' organization and would like to stay, given the opportunity of course. Boston would be wise to resign Recchi, if not only to a one year deal. This would allow Recchi to compete with a cup contender, also being low risk to the Bruins. If he does not perform well, no big deal, there are plenty of minor league guys waiting to fill a roster spot.

Name: Nikolai Antropov
Team: New York Rangers
Age: 29
Salary: $2.05m
Team should play for: Edmonton Oilers, KHL(?)



Nik Antropov was acquired at the trade deadline for a conditional pick and a second rounder at this year's draft. Now, the New York Rangers are asking, "was it worth it?" Personally I don't think so. The whole point of getting this guy was to bolster their lineup with Toronto's power forward center going into the playoffs. The Rangers didn't even make it through the first round! The blueshirts are reconsidering this rental player as he was not the player he though he was, only registering 3 points in the 7 game series against Washington; good, but nothing to sneeze at. With all the Heatley rumors swirling about, it is difficult to get a read into this situation, but if the Rangers DO decide to trade for the all-star Senator, Antropov's rights may be going the other way (granted the Rags trade for his rights before July 1st). A more likely scenario is that he may play in Russia, as he has been reported to want $5m for his next contract (which his numbers CLEARLY do not reflect). He could also sign with the Oilers, if they choose to pay that outrageous price. Either way, Antropov is highly overrated. End of story.

Name: Rob Scuderi
Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Age: 30
Salary: $0.725m
Team should play for: Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators



Though not an offensive player, Rob Scuderi is arguably one of the best shutdown defenseman in the league. At age 30, this former Boston College Eagle will want a big pay raise come July 1st, as he was a force in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Able to shutdown big names like Alex Ovechkin and Eric Staal is not a small task, especially for a smaller guy like Scuds. The key to keeping Ovie honest was to not let him get to his forehand, enabling the Russian prodigy nearly useless. Though many are saying Scuderi is worth $3m, I think he is a pretty humble guy and will want to resign with the Penguins at around $2m. However, many GMs would love to have him, as he has really proven himself all season long with spectacular defense (especially considering his partner was HAL GILL). Though we probably will see this guy back in the Burgh, I have a feeling he will go to Nashville if he decides to walk.

Apparently there are talks in Calgary about having a Winter Classic there (as well as the Grey Cup). According to NHL.com and TSN.ca,

"The National Hockey League and NHLPA are in discussions that would see the Flames host the second of two outdoor games on New Year's Day.

The game would be played at McMahon Stadium, the home of the Stampeders, with ESPN The Magazine reporting the possible opponent being another Canadian team. The first game is expected to be played at Fenway Park in Boston with speculation the Bruins would host 2008-09 Hart Trophy winner Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals."

So, basically there are going to be TWO Winter Classics? For some reason that seems wrong to me. The Winter Classic the past two years has been something that I look forward to (sadly on NBC), it is a once a year thing, having two may dissolve some of that "specialness." It seems that the NHL is just trying to make some revenue using Dual Winter Classics.

On the other hand, this enables an East pair and a West pair of teams to compete in the great outdoors at once, possibly one around 12:00 P.M. and the other at 7:00 P.M. (Eastern Standard Time). Thinking about this makes me hope that there are two different ones, though I hope it is light enough for the players (though how cool would it be having all the lights on the rink).

Personally I am happy for the Calgary Flames and their fans. I think Calgary is a neglected market in Canada, it is a great hockey club with a great fanbase as well as very talented players. I do hope it is against either the Canucks or some other Canadian team. Who wants to see Calgary and Phoenix? Also, I'm hoping they bust out the old Flames jerseys! If they DID play PHX, maybe they'd bring back THE JETS LOGO! One could only hope.