NHL: Day One of Free Agency—My Thoughts

1. Are you happy the team made a splash, signing defenseman Jeff Finger to a four-year deal at $3.5 million per year? Did the team overpay due to the market and will he earn the contract in time? What does he bring to this team?

Umm, first off, who is Jeff Finger? And why is he getting a $3.5 million contract in his second year of playing? Correct me if I'm wrong there, but I have no clue who the hell this guy is. Bad move, Cliff, bad move.

2. What are your thoughts on bringing in former star Curtis Joseph to back up Vesa Toskala at the age of 41?

I think, great move by Cliff for the first good move in a while. We need a good, solid goaltender with experience. I know CUJO has had his ups and downs, but all in all, he is a good goaltender.

3. What does Nilas Hagman bring to the team? Can he become a 30-goal scorer under Ron Wilson?

Personally, yes he can, but he will need a lot of help, and will need to be on M. Sundin's line (if he returns). But without that, not on your life.

4. Will the team miss Darcy Tucker? Will his scoring continue to be on the decline with Colorado or can he bounce back?

Nope, I know there are a lot of die hard Tucker fans, but I'm not one of them. His scoring will decline if he's not with Smyth and Sakic (another guy who is 50/50 on returning).

5. What do you make at the massive contracts handed out today to defensemen Brian Campbell and Wade Redden? Will they make the Blackhawks and Rangers look good or hold them back with the salary cap long term?

Cambell was a great pick-up for the Hawks as he will be a big mentor for the young ones on defense and will be the first line of defense for Khabibulin. Redden is another mentor pick-up, but also a scoring D-Man. Rangers needed a guy like Redden for along time, and now they got a scoring D-Man, and a mentor for Marc Staal, who will go extremely well under Redden's Wing.

That's my take on Day One of the Free Agency. Stay tuned for tomorrow's article.