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THN.com Top 10: Players still looking for a team

In 1490 career NHL games, Brendan Shanahan has 650 goals and 1340 points. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)

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In 1490 career NHL games, Brendan Shanahan has 650 goals and 1340 points. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)

Brian Costello

Brian Costello
2008-09-03 14:58:49

We’re approaching the eve of NHL training camps and there looks to be a handful of player-team matches waiting to be made.

Some teams clearly have openings on the third and fourth lines, other teams have plenty of cap space remaining. And several dozen unrestricted free agents with NHL experience are looking for work.

Hey guys, let’s all get together and work a deal. Many of these guys can be had for the minimum wage of half a million or so. That makes my cut of four percent times 10 players look pretty good.

I’m not including certain UFAs on this list. We all know too much about Mats Sundin and it appears as though Teemu Selanne, Peter Forsberg, Chris Chelios and Patrice Brisebois will rejoin their 2007-08 teams before too long:

10. Nolan Pratt, 32, D. Nothing flashy, but can eat up 10-12 minutes a game.

9. Stephane Yelle, 34, C. Great on faceoffs, can block shots and play a shut-down role.

7. Jeff Hamilton, 30, C. Can produce if given top-six linemates and minutes.

7. Geoff Sanderson, 36, LW. His touch has dried, but the speed can still be effective.

6. Bryan Smolinski, 36, C. Not nearly as quick or productive anymore, but very crafty.

5. Martin Gelinas, 38, LW. Well-conditioned winger is happy and capable in any role.

4. Richard Matvichuk, 35, D. Once a big shut-down artist, he has some gas left in the tank.

3. Jassen Cullimore, 36, D. His big wingspan is still an important NHL commodity.

2. Glen Murray, 35, RW. Bought out by the B's, will provide 'O' if he can stay healthy.

1. Brendan Shanahan, 39, LW. On the right team in the right role, he’ll still score 25.

The THN.com Top 10 appears Wednesdays only on thehockeyenews.com.

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COMMENTS (38)

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Devin A Posted
(2009-04-30 07:02:17)



I could see Shanahan heading back to the Blues, or Hurricans. He will be signed by the first team with a major injury or signs of lack of scoring.
    0



Nathan Morin Posted
(2009-04-30 06:58:35)



I think Shanahan would be a perfect fit with the bruins. He would make a great addition playing along side Milan Lucic. Grit, leadership, determination.
    0



John K Posted
(2009-04-30 06:57:45)



John D, I don't know who you're thinking of, but it sure isn't Glen Murray.
    0



sabresfan1 Posted
(2009-04-30 06:57:36)



The Sabres should sign Shanaha, they need a good ol Canadian leader who knows how to win
    0



John D Posted
(2009-04-30 06:57:22)



Bruins should sign Glenn Murray I think he would fit in well if he stays healthy. He had an ok year with carolina last year dispite being injuryed 73 games. 27 goal in 9 games ill take that over anyone else
    0



Boldjack Posted
(2009-04-30 06:56:58)



dsoltis..... Brisebois has always been one of my favorites,too. Never gets enough ink, but a good guy on ice or in the locker room. Too bad, no cap room or I would love to see Shanny back with Motown.
    0



alex Posted
(2009-04-30 06:56:43)



I'm a Devils fan, but I'd still like to see Shanahan back in Detroit.
    0



dsoltis Posted
(2009-04-30 06:56:21)



Brian, I think that this is the first time ever that the names "Teemu Selanne, Peter Forsberg, Chris Chelios and Patrice Brisebois" have been used in the same sentence (unless whilst being sardonic) but as someone who has avidly followed Brisebois' career since his days with Laval and Drummondville I would like to personally thank you for mentioning his name amongst your list of top unsigned free agents. Since his first game with Montreal in 1989, he has been the lead subject of only a single story in "The Hockey News" (circa 1993) and that was in reference to then-Habs coach Pat Burns having to force him to stop making so many charity appearances as it was beginning to wear him down and adversely impact his game! Entire teams haven't made as many appearances at children's hospitals as he has and he was always willing to do whatever needed to be done to help anyone at anytime. He's one of the game's truly great guys and never deserved the shameful treatment he received from the fans . I'm glad that Montreal is planning to re-sign him and I hope he reaches his goal of having played 1000 games. Je te dis merde, Patrice!
    0



Rangers57 Posted
(2009-04-30 06:56:20)



I couldn't agree more, We (the Rangers) are definately shot on veteran leadership. Shanahan should be resigned, and given the "C". Who else would be a good candiate Drury, I think NOT!
    0



pf1065 Posted
(2009-04-30 06:56:11)



The Rangers need to sign Shanny and out the C on his chest. He was the Captain for all intents and purposes last year anyway. Jagr never jawed it out with the refs. never took on Brashear, etc.
    0



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