MTSHL FREE AGENT PREVIEW

The MTSHL's off-season is underway and for everyone the most important thing on the bill, is doing the small things that will make you into a Stanley Cup Contender. For some teams, there are just a few little wholes to fill, and for some there may be bigger ones. Here is a list of some of the hottest commodities who will be available this off-season.

Mike Ricci (MON) - Ricci is a great penalty killer who has made it very clear that he wants to test the free-agent market this spring. Montreal may try to re-sign him, but if Ricci doesn't get enough money he will be a commodity coveted by many teams looking for a penalty killer. Ricci may not be a top-notch scorer, but he still 1 of the top forwards avaliable. Montreal currently is having management trouble so it looks as though Ricci's odds of becoming a free-agent in just under a week seem very high.

Mark Reechi (PHI) - Another player who has made it very clear his stay in his current city may very well be over is Philly forward Mark Reechi. Reechi has been in Philly for a very long time, but the fact that he did not make the playoffs last season makes it all the more likely for Reechi to head out of Philly. Mark is nearing the end of his career and looking for a cup, so expect Reechi to sign with a team he feels has a real shot. Reechi brings a lot of experience to any team, but is especially good at passing the puck. The only problem with the experienced pass-first winger is his price. How much will teams be willing to pay to add a guy like Reechi who may no longer be a top-liner on a contending club.

Rod Brind' Amour (CAR) - Again not a pure scorer, but another player who may be covetted when the market starts to clear up is Rod Brind Amour. Brind Amour is a player considered by many as a power-forward. He uses his size to score goals, but is noted more for his defensive play, and especially his time spent on the penalty kill. He may not be as defensive as Ricci, but maybe just as valuable because he is also a very good passer. Brind' Amour currently hasn't had any serious talks with his club, but it is believed Carolina would like to have him back. Rod however wouldn't mind testing out the market.

Peter Bondra (WAS) - Here is your one true goal-scorer available. Peter Bondra will likely do anything in his power to test the market because being the only true scorer avaliable as a free-agent he may be able to land himself a ton of cash. Bondra may not make it to free-agency but if he does, he will be a true force with any team. Expect the bidding to be high on Bondra and if you really are interested, prepare to bid high.

Luc Robitaille/Mario Lemieux/Jozef Stumpel (LA) - The Kings currently must look to see how much money they can shell out to these guys, but chances are at least 1 of them will be free this off-season. Regardless of which one becomes free, bidding on one of these guys means that you are bidding on a true passer, with a lot of experience. Lemieux and Robitaille were the best of the bunch in their day, but currently the player who might be the most valuable is Jozef Stumpel. The reason for this is that he will be avaliable for more then 1 year. In fact, after this season, neither of Lemieux or Robitaille are guaranteed to play, and infact, Lemiuex likely will not. If you can not land one of these players however, fear not, there is another solid passer right around the corner.

Vincent Daumphousse (SJ) - In my mind the best avaliable forward might just be, Vinny Daumphousse. Daumphousse is guaranteed to be around for at least a year or so, and he is a very good passer. Daumphousse may not have the scoring ability of Peter Bondra, but he certainly will cost a lot less, and he can certianly still put the puck in the net. It all depends how he fits on your team, but Vinny is certainly capable of winning face-offs as well and may just be the centerman every team is looking for.

Defense - Two defensemen stick out in my mind immediately when I view the list of soon to be free-agents.
Those are Chris Chelios and Scott Stevens, both have one cups and are probably two of the best defencively in the game. The small downside for both is their age and how much you might have to pay to get one of them to play for your club. They are both solid checkers, and have a lot of experience. Chelios may be slightly better due to Stevens' lack of discipline but neither have a true downside.