Afinogenov, Theodore, and Grebeshkov Still Available
We're three weeks into National Hockey League free agency and forward Maxim Afinogenov, goaltender Jose Theodore and defenseman Denis Grebeshkov still remain unsigned. Although these three players have a great deal of talent, their play in the past couple seasons has raised questions as to whether or not they would be good signings. Nevertheless, they can still bring a variety of much needed talent to several NHL clubs.
Maxim Afinogenov
Last season proved to be a great resurgence of skill for Afinogenov, who struggled a year earlier with the Sabers. Taking a massive pay cut Afinogenov, joined the Thrashers and seemed to return to the form that made him so fun to watch early in his career.
With last season’s display he will be looking for a pay raise. Having only made $800,000 last year Afinogenov could be looking at upwards of $2 million, making signing the Russian a risky move.
If he does not get the deal of his choosing there is a good chance he could return to Russia to play in the Kontinetal Hockey League. However, as the off-season continues Afinogenov may be thought of as a possible second line option for many NHL squads. There is still a good chance that he could return to Atlanta next year. The Thrashers have spent the least money in the NHL and although they generally do not spend to the limit they still have some work to do upfront, and the chemistry created between Afinogenov and Nik Antropov may be too much to pass on.
The New York Rangers also always seem to be home to questionable Russian stars, and with a weak forward crop, given the right price Afinogenov could provide general manager Glen Sather with an option on the wing.
Jose Theodore
Theodore has spent the past two seasons with Washington posting outrageous regular seasons records only to be yanked in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This makes it seem unlikely that the Capitals will be bringing back Theodore for a third season with the club.
The 33-year-old still has something left as his 30 wins from last season proves, however teams are unsure as to whether or not he can still fill a starters role, or indeed compete in the playoffs. It is clear that Theodore is going to have to share time somewhere, perhaps even playing a back-up role.
One of these places could be Nashville, as they have Pekka Rinne to man the goal-mouth for the majority of the year. Theodore at the right price could be a good back up, taking the weight off of the impressive Rinne.
If one team is willing to take a risk it might be the San Jose Sharks. Playing a similar style to that of the Capitals, and still needing a starting goalie Theodore could be their answer. However, as a perennial playoff contender, GM Doug Wilson may be concerned about Theodore’s recent playoff record.
Denis Grebeshkov
The 26-year-old Grebeshkov has bounced around the NHL for much of his career. An offensive defenceman he played last year, half with the Edmonton Oilers, and half with the Nashville Predators, posting a total of 22 points. Grebeshkov has a great deal of talent and is a power play specialist, but has yet to find the right fit. He is not expensive, and can expect to make around $2 million next season.
This could make him a good fit for the Sharks. Prior to Wilson’s attempt to sign Chicago defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson to an offer sheet this union may not have made sense. Nevertheless, the Sharks are in need of a top four defenseman and Grebeshkov may be able to fill that void.
Although all three of these players play different positions, they will all hope to find themselves on an NHL club when the puck drops in October.
Tags: