Remaining Free Agents and where they currently stand –NHL Special Part 1
It has been nearly two weeks now since the National Hockey League (NHL) Free Agency kicked off and we saw some big level signings almost instantly. From Zach Parise to Ryan Suter and legendary players like Jaromir Jagr and Teemu Selanne getting on the bandwagon, a number of players still remain out of work and continue searching for a pivotal role.
Obviously, each and every player looks to capitalise on the best available option they see, when the market opens for business, but what happens to those that are still free agents after two weeks go by?
Let’s take a look at which player still remains a free agent and what their situation currently is:
Alexander Semin (Washington Capitals)
It is quite confusing to see a player of Alexander Semin’s calibre still available for pickup in the market. The Russian left winger definitely has the capability of leading teams to high places with his 54 point (21 goals, 33 assists) performance last season in 77 games, but next year might be a little tough on the veteran.
One of his teammates, Dennis Wideman, of the Washington Capitals, was taken off the market by Calgary Flames right away but, Semin still remains to be a free agent looking for a job of interest.
He had a $6.7 million a year salary for the previous season and finding a team that would match or even exceed that will need some good luck and in-the-mood general manager.
Some are even suggesting that Semin head back to the Kontintental Hockey League (KHL) and looking at his situation right now, it does not seem like such a bad option after all.
Alex Auld (Ottawa Senators)
Alex Auld had some big hopes and dreams when he was picked up by Florida Panthers back in 1999 as the 40th overall pick. The 6-foot-4 goalie has a monstrous presence in front of the net but his stats are just not giving him the benefit of the doubt of being a great player with a lot of potential.
Yes, there might be some of that Tim Thomas DNA in the plus-30 goalie but right now, getting re-signing by Ottawa Senators just does not seem to be happening anytime soon.
In his 10-plus seasons he has played in the NHL, Auld has never emerged as the leading force on any team and has been shifted around a number of times.
Playing for Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, Phoenix Coyotes, Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, Dallas Stars, New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens might sound like a huge accomplishment but in the NHL, the more you move the less job security you have.
To Be Continued....
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