'Frenzy' was certainly not the proper word to describe the start of the NHL free agency period. Yesterday I questioned whether or not teams would pace themselves to see how the market developed, and that seems to be the plan. There were only a few significant signings on the first day teams were allowed to make offers to unrestricted free agents.
Mike Keenan was the first to make a move as the Florida Panthers signed Joe Nieuwendyk and Gary Roberts to two-year deals, reportedly at $2.25 million per year each. My initial reaction was that it seemed like a lot of money for guys who were both going to be over 40 years old when the contracts expire.
Much later in the day, it was reported that the Columbus Blue Jackets signed defenseman Adam Foote to a three-year, $13.8 million dollar deal.
Other than that, there wasn't much else.
John Dellapina of the Daily News writes that while the offers were slow, the phone calls were plentiful. John reports that the Islanders may have made an offer to Brian Leetch, but nothing came of that as of last night. Additionally, he reports that Scott Niedermayer's agent indicated that 14 teams, including the Rangers, expressed interest in the D-man.
Mark Everson of the Post reports that the Devils are in the hunt to land Bobby Holik.
We want to welcome Gabe back into the mix, as he pens a new Fact or Fiction. He writes that Jaromir Jagr may be the best bargain in the NHL.
Speaking of Jaromir, the Rodent has an excerpt of an interview Jagr gave a Czech tabloid. Reading the interview, I do not get the sense at all that this man wants to return to NY. In fact, at this point, I cannot imagine Sather wanting to build the team around him. This guy might be our new captain?
Rodent also says that if you want to know what the Rangers plans are, keep an eye on the goalie situation. If they grab a top-tier goalie, expect them to try to buy their way into contention. If they stick with what they have, look for them to stay committed to the youth movement.
Check out Spector's site for some free agent rumors (in the trade rumors section). Spector also has an article up on Foxsports.
I expect today to be a little busier than yesterday. As the GM's start to get a feel of what players are asking for, the offers will be flying furiously.
HDH
Posted by Jim at August 02, 2005 08:18 AMeMail this entry!
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