Can Someone Please Sign Me? 20 NHLers Looking for Work

In light of Bret Hedican, Marek Malik, and Mark Parrish all finding early-season work, I have decided to compile a list of twenty NHL free agents who have yet to be signed.

1. Mats Sundin

Yes, we get the daily updates on who Mats has talked to and where he went for dinner. but he is still available. Easily the best free agent out there.  Whoever ends up signing him will be reeling in the big prize.

2. Brendan Shanahan

After having his heart broken by Glen Sather, Shanahan continues to search for work. He is picking his team carefully, but he should have something left to contribute to wherever he signs.

3. Yanic Perreault

The faceoff specialist sits at home waiting patiently for someone to call him. It is likely that around December some team will lose their centre, or see the need for a legitimate faceoff threat, and he will get a contract.

4. Bryan Smolinski 

Kind of surprising the 36-year old hasn't popped up anywhere—but if a team is looking for depth at the centre position, they know they can rely on Smolinski as a strong, playmaking, two-way centre. Teams might just be waiting for the other dominoes to fall (such as Sundin) before they make a move.

5. Mark Smith

Smith was a good physical presence for the Flames last year, but it looks like every team has already found their enforcer. AHL work is most likely for him.

6. Martin Lapointe

Supposed to bring leadership to the Senators last year, the gritty fourth-line winger wasn't able to inspire Bryan Murray enough—and if Ottawa didn't take a chance on him this year, it's unlikely anyone else will. Will probably sit out the year before announcing his retirement.

7. Jim Dowd

At 40 years old, the checking-line centre looks done, but doesn't want to pack it in. The Flyers may be the only team he can catch on with if they find the need for him.

8. Bryan Berard

He had a good season last year, and it's a wonder why no one has taken a chance on him yet. Eventually a team will get fed up with their power-play struggles and sign him, or he may just take his defence to Russia.

9. Sandis Ozolinsh

Surprisingly, he hasn't gone overseas, but if he is holding out hope for work in the NHL he may as well give it up. His defence is porous, so it is unlikely any team would take the risk on this one-time All Star.

10. Jocelyn Thibault 

Already Ottawa and New Jersey are experiencing goaltending troubles, but Thibault is obviously not the answer. If someone needs an experienced backup he will be the guy—and it is likely someone will need an experienced backup at some point.

11. Glen Murray

Bitter at being bought out and remaining unsigned, he has launched a grievance against the Boston Bruins. That probably dents any chance he has of getting signed. He will probably sit this year out, unless someone desperately needs some scoring at the deadline.

12. Geoff Sanderson

Was a decent two-way presence for the Oilers last year, but he may be too slow for the new NHL. It might be time for Sanderson to call it quits on a decent career.

13. Bobby Allen

A reliable seventh defenceman for Boston last year, he can provide the same services this season. He's still young, but is more than likely to eventually catch on with an AHL team.

14. Kevyn Adams

Brings leadership, faceoff ability, and a defensive presence to any fourth line—but if the Blackhawks didn't want him, it's unlikely anyone else will. Most likely will retire.

15. Peter Forsberg

An intriguing situation. Currently experiencing foot problems, but will likely return at the deadline again. The question is where?

16. Keith Carney

The veteran defenceman isn't needed in many lineups, and is probably too slow for most teams now. Likely the end of his career.

17. Richard Matvichuk

Hasn't played in the NHL for three seasons, and the once-solid shot-blocking defenceman couldn't catch on with the Blue Jackets in training camp. He may have to head overseas to continue his career.

18. Jeff O'Neill

Unlikely any team takes a chance on him—but equally as unlikely he takes a chance on any team. Not ready to play hockey yet, he may try again next year.

19. Jeff Friesen 

Couldn't make it in San Jose—so if he wants to keep playing hockey, he's got to head overseas or down to the AHL. Nobody else has a need for him at this point, and there are better options out there.

20. Shane Willis

Clearly a depth player, and will only be signed if a team has severe injury problems or an AHL team needs some help. Better off heading to Europe.