Free agents still available, part two
Despite all of the attention given to this year's free-agent dealings in the NHL, there are still some quality players that are unsigned, such as Lee Stempniak, Darcy Tucker, Raffi Torres, and Marc-Andre Bergeron.
Lee Stempniak
Stempniak had a great deal of trouble when he made the move to the Toronto Maple Leafs from the St. Louis Blues, many believed that Stempniak could not handle the bright lights and attention of a major hockey market. Those suspicions were confirmed when Stempniak was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes and immediately broke out, averaging a point-per-game and becoming Phoenix’s number one sniper overnight. However, when the club began their first playoff series Stempniak disappeared, managing only two assists.
Nevertheless, the 27-year-old right-winger still notched 28 goals last season, and can be a valuable second line player, provided he is not in a major market.
For these reasons Stempniak could be linked to the Tampa Bay Lightning. General manager Steve Yzerman has been completely revamping the team, and signing Stempniak to a short term contract could be great for his third line. In sunny Florida Stempniak will once again be able to avoid the eye of the media.
It has also been reported that the Coyotes may be interested in bringing him back. However, the uncertainty of the franchise limits them from signing any contracts that exceed two years in length.
Darcy Tucker
Tucker is a player past his prime but is still able to play an important role on Stanley Cup hopefuls.
Tucker showed last season that he is no longer able to hit the 20-goal plateau with a full NHL campaign. Nevertheless, he can still be effective as a player who competes on the edge, and will aggravate the opposing team’s stars. In addition, Tucker has plenty of play-off experience and can bring a calming influence to a young play-off bound line-up.
With the recent rumours that Wayne Simmonds could be traded away by the Los Angeles Kings, Tucker’s name could be thrown around in the organization. Although Tucker is a much older version of Simmonds he can bring the same type of edge and scoring punch to line-up, and his veteran leadership could be beneficial with such a young group.
Raffi Torres
Last season Torres was not able to inject much into the Buffalo Sabres line-up when he came over from the Columbus Blue Jackets at the trade deadline. However, Torres’ bang and crash game is not exactly conducive to the small, slick game the Sabres top two lines tend to play.
With 36 points that included 19 goals last year, Torres is still able to bring offence to any line-up, focusing his energy on aggressive fore-check and his ability to get his big body in front of the net.
There has been talk that the Toronto native would love to come home and play for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and GM Brian Burke’s wingers generally adapt the type of game Torres plays. Therefore this continues to be the most likely landing spot for the 28-year-old left-winger.
Marc-Andre Bergeron
In only 60 games with the Montreal Canadiens Bergeron still managed 34 points. Bergeron played mostly as a specialty defenceman, quarterbacking the Montreal power-play.
Bergeron is not as capable as many in his own zone, but is a quality addition if looking for a puck moving defenceman who can chip in a few points here-and-there.
His name has not been mentioned a great deal in trade rumours, and last season he was not picked up by Montreal until they were a couple games in.
The New York Islanders could be looking for someone to help out on their second power play unit willing to take a short-term contract, and Bergeron may fit the bill.
Tags: