What About The OTHER NHL Free Agents?

We've all spoken about where players like Campbell, Sundin and Hossa might go.  Each has multiple options.  There really is a second tier of NHL UFA's that aren't getting enough press.  Each one of them truly does bring a lot to the table.  Here's a list of a few UFA's that have gone under the table, but I do feel could bring a lot to a prospective team that's willing to take a chance.

Center:

*Bobby Holik: At one point, he was the heartbeat of the Devils franchise.  The guy is a born leader if you've ever heard him talk... however he MUST play a specific role... and that is of an asshole.  Players can't stand to play against him.  Therefore, he needs to be on a team that won't lean on him for anything but that; a great third line checking specialist.

Who COULD be interested: Colorado, Detroit, Philadelphia

Rationale: All 3 times definitely need a little more sandpaper in the middle, and those are three teams who could use a little bit more veteran experience at center. Considering what Colorado might lose, a centerman who can hurt the opposition and open it up for Paul Stastny can't be a bad idea.

*Stephane Yelle: You talk about experience; has been in Calgary the last few years, but played a very key role in the Avalanche Cup victory centering the third line.  He is great on faceoffs, and could be a key role guy on a club needing role players.

Who COULD be interested: Minnesota, Los Angeles, Buffalo

Rationale: All 3 teams could use an experienced centerman to add character.

*Dominic Moore:  Until I'm convinced otherwise, I'm going to love how this kid plays.  Great on faceoffs.  Good speed.  Decent shot.  Outstanding penalty killer.  He's Pascal Dupuis, but with faceoffs and a bit less offense.  A great hard working cog for whichever machine you work for.

Who COULD be interested: Toronto, Carolina, Chicago

Rationale: He played well, Toronto might must end up keeping him.  Carolina and Chicago both need a little bit more sandpaper, and he could do the trick, while keeping everyone else who's offensively more minded (both entire teams) in check.

Defense:

*Marek Malik/Michal Roszival: I put these two in the same place for a reason.  First of all, Malik had a lot of trouble at times... but here and there, could be very simple and intelligent defense.  Roszival on the other hand was an extremely underrated player in the Rangers' system.  He truly was the number 1 guy there for 3 seasons.  He'll be the steal in the market.

Who COULD be interested: Phoenix, St. Louis, Toronto, Capitals

Rationale: Phoenix has ties to players there (Don Maloney), and that wouldn't surprise me at all... also that they traded two of their better defensemen doesn't help.  St. Louis and Toronto could benefit from still in their prime defenseman who can run a powerplay and make a great pass (especially if Toronto sheds at least two out of McCabe, Kaberle and Kubina), and the Caps could use the defensive assistance for Mike Green.

*Rob Davison: Came from San Jose to the Islanders at the trade deadline... one of the few times I thought Garth Snow really make a little steal.  Sadly, he might not of had Davison for long.  The guy looked rock solid on the blue line... just a smart, quick decision maker who didn't seem to be fun to play against.  Who couldn't need that?

Who COULD be interested: Toronto, Islanders, NJ Devils

Rationale: All 3 teams suffered from an inability to get players away from the goaltenders, and he's a cheap name that could help.

*Andrew Hutchinson: The Rangers got him for Matt Cullen... and he didn't even play a minute for them.  Instead, he just destroyed the competition in the AHL, became the captain of the Rangers' affiliate, and was one of the best players continually on the minor league ice.  He wasn't terrible in Carolina, just a victim of the numbers game.  He could be again, the steal of the market, if chosen by the right team.  At 28, he's no baby either.

Who COULD be interested: Phoenix, Rangers, Anaheim

Rationale: A bargain for all... maybe the Rangers give him a second chance... Phoenix likes him for the same reason as I gave before, or Anaheim who's going to have salary cap woes might have to trade Mathieu Schneider, might be willing to take a gamble and hope that O'Donnell, Pronger, Niedermayer and Beauchemin can carry the majority of the load.

Left Wing:

*Ruslan Fedotenko:  The guy went from overrated in Philly, to major potential in Tampa, to nowhere fast on the Island.  Can he stick with one label?  One that looks to go well with him is 20 goal scorer.  That's about his average.  he made a little under $3 million last year, and might be looking for a little less after his average past season.  Avery wants $4 million for 20 goals per, and Malone already got it.  Even if he's at 3, that's a million saved.  He is rough, he's a pain, and he might be a good investment.

Who COULD be interested: Rangers, Vancouver, Chicago

Rationale: Vancouver and Chicago definitely need some more toughness on their wings, and he'd bring it.  Kesler - Fedotenko would be horrible to play against.  The Rangers are on the brink of losing the wingers from both of their top lines.  A cheaper one who goes to the net might be a good gamble for Sather to take.

*Matt Cooke, Jarkko Ruutu: They are together because they are both similar style of players; dirty and rough.  Ruutu might be a little more so, but Cooke's no angel.  Both also can score the occasional goal.  It never hurts to have a guy like this on your team.

Who COULD be interested: Rangers, Toronto, Washington, Pittsburgh

Rationale: Both might stay with their teams because again, it can't hurt to have a guy like this on your team (they are in love with Ruutu in Pittsburgh).  With both Toronto and the Rangers possibly losing their agitators (Darcy Tucker and Sean Avery, respectively), they might look elsewhere to cheaper alternatives.

Right Wing:

*Radim Vrbata: He's 26, and a career 15 goal scorer... if don't count his 27 goals this past year.  He might be on a career upswing.  However he played in a place where they gave him plenty of ice time.  Maybe a rebuilding team might want a kid like this who obviously has the offensive talent, and just hasn't peaked yet? 

Who COULD be interested: Toronto, Buffalo, Pittsburgh

Rationale: Pittsburgh always loves cheap discard reclamation projects.  You put natural skill on a line with ANY of their three top centers, and you'll see results.  Cheap, available and talented might also fit the usually business of things with Buffalo and Toronto.  Take a chance on this kid... why not?

*Aaron Asham: As a watcher of the Eastern Conference, I hate him.  When he was with the Isles, he just tormented my Rangers.  He was also one of the only players who brought it hard every game on a team captained by the laziest of lazies, Alexei Yashin.  A great 3rd or 4th line option for any team out there.

Who COULD be interested: Rangers, Carolina, Edmonton

Rationale: Again, these are just three examples of teams that need to get harder to play against.  He helps with that especially if the Rangers do lose Avery, and stop playing the I'm-hitting-everything-and-it's-great-oh-wait-stupid-boarding-penalty-again Ryan Hollweg.

Any agreements or disagreements?  Anyone else you would have put on this list?  This just seems to me to be a group of darkhorses, that again could definitely have a role on any NHL team.  There are always moves that people don't think too much about until way afterwards.  A few moves always make people scratch their heads (the inclusion of Dupuis and his impact after the Hossa trade, the play of Sergei Samsonov in Carolina, or the bombing of Scott Hannan while in Colorado).  Gotta be on your toes.  Comments?