Brandon Femia: Best signing was Craig Anderson by Colorado Avalanche. When the Avs signed Anderson this past July, no one really thought twice about it even though Anderson had a solid season last year for the Panthers. However, his impact has been greatly noticed as he is 3rd in the league in save percentage and tied for the league lead in wins with 12. The Avs knew they had to shore up their goaltending situation but I don't think in their wildest dreams they would have expected Anderson to step in and play as well as he has. Anderson has filled the #1 role nicely and has made himself an early candidate for the Vezina trophy, which is not bad for a guy making under $2 million a year.
Worst is Marian Hossa by the Blackhawks. This is sort of a to be continued type of thing, since Hossa has only played one game as a member of the Blackhawks. However, on a team thats already going to be right up against the cap, many have to wonder if this signing was even necessary, especially since the Blackhawks were one of the final 4 teams remaining in the playoffs last season. Chicago is almost definitely going to be forced to trade one of its core players because of the Hossa deal. They better hope that the injury he had/has is not something that will stick with him long term because he will be around for awhile
Pat Andrzejewski: Well thanks Brandon for basically saying exactly what I was going to say, haha. If I had to choose 2 others:
Best: Vinny Prospal, New York Rangers. Prospal was signed for dirt cheap ($1.1m) and has developed instant chemistry with Marian Gaborik.
Worst: Martin Havlat, Minnesota Wild. Havlat's contract may not actually be that terrible, but I don't think he fits that system in Minnesota and his numbers are suffering because of it.
Andrew Harvey: Taking value into account I think you have to look at Prospal as the most bang for your buck right now. Martin Biron for the money is really good too because of how movable his contract is and how many teams will likely overpay for a competent and proven goalie. Derek Morris is also proving to be a very good signing by Boston, he is a guy that was kind of an afterthought the last few years but is quickly regaining his form and he is legitimate first pairing dman.
Martin Havlat is overpaid and underacheiving (its not a contract year) as is Francois Beauchemin who has been dreadful for the Leafs.
The best off season move belongs to the Flyers bringing in Chris Pronger. If the season was over today Id give him the Norris and he instantly turned Matt Carle into a reliable player instead of the defensive disaster he usually is.
Tim Daily: I agree with Harv, Prospal is definitely looking like the best value...but the addition of Pronger to that Philadelphia blueline was a huge boost. There were some other great signings though, like Mike Knuble to the Caps. Knuble brings net presence to an already potent power play and makes the team better because he creates traffic for Washington's snipers. You also have to throw Gaborik into the discussion as well, despite the expectation that he will inevitably go down. He produces and is usually the best player on the ice. The skating is what is most impressive, and he has one of the premier shots in the game.
I'm not a big fan of either the Kovalev or Havlat signings, although at the time a $5m hit for a player with Havlat's potential seemed worth it. Kovalev seems like he'd rather fly planes than play hockey.
Corey Sznjader: Best is either Craig Anderson and Chris Pronger. I also think Brendan Morrison was a really good signing for the Capitals. He played the point very well while Ovechkin was injured. He's also been great on faceoffs and given us more depth to our top 6.
Mike Knuble was a good one as well with how he generates pressure in front of the yet and along the boards. The Rangers bringing in Marian Gaborik and Vaclav Prospal has also helped them out a lot. The Jackets bringing in Garon to backup Mason was a really good signing, too.
Worst: Right now, I'd say Francois Beauchemin. He's been awful for the Leafs. Not playing with Niedermeyer and Pronger has affected his play a lot. Havlat is also showing to be a major bust in Minnesota considering what they're paying him. Also, what about Saku Koivu? I (and many others) was expecting him and Selanne to put up a lot of points this year.
Beth Krumholtz: For best signings, Gaborik was one of the first to pop into mind. He has only missed one game so far this season when players are getting hurt left and right and has been amazing for the Rangers. Also, I agree with Craig Anderson. Can't really give an opinion on the worst off-season signing because I haven't really watched that many games, but I agree with Havlat.
Nate Wells: I agree with Pat on the two snapshot choices, although it'd probably be more the Prospal/Gaborik combination than just Prospal. I still don't think Havlat was a bad deal and believe it will pay off in the long run once the team gets built around him and Fletcher/Richards' philosophy [it also doesn't help when you're a playmaker to have most of a top-six sidelined with injuries and don't mesh with the only other top-forward left]; however for someone who was paid to replace Marian Gaborik in scoring goals, only having two goals at this point in the season is unacceptable. It really wouldn't have surprised me if he's been injured since the beginning of the year and hopefully taking off these next couple games will help.
Dara Heaps: Best signing: Craig Anderson. He has been the main reason the Avs are where they are. Marian Gaborik has also been great for the Rangers. He's providing the offense they've been sorely lacking so they're no longer relying on Lundqvist to steal games.
Worst signing: Marian Hossa. Even though he has yet to lace up the skates, it was an unnecessary signing by the Hawks. He's eating up cap space they could be giving to Kane, Toews, Keith and eventually Versteeg.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment