Great Whites - Offseason Review

L: Frolov-LA RFA, Semin-Wsh P4, J.Jokinen-Dal P3, Ladd-Car P3, Kessel-Bos P2

Rating: 3.5

Frolov is a very interesting player at a very interesting stage of his career. He's got a goal-scorers touch, an NHL frame suitable for grinding in the corners, decent (if not elite) wheels, and he's playing on an up-and-coming team with the Kings. So why don't I believe he'll cruise past a ppg and be an obvious FP caliber winger? I think it's just a matter of him having a ceiling of around 85pts. Semin on the other hand has a similar package PLUS elite speed - making him a serious threat to surpass Frolov on the depth chart. Jokinen is a shoot-out wonder, but otherwise seems to bring very little offense to the table with any consistency. Ladd was supposed to have developed a gun-sight by now, but seems to be firmly entrenched on the Brad May development track for power forwards. He'll be a useful player throughout his career, but if he scores 30 goals in a season it will probably be his career high. Kessel represents the next wave of left wingers for the team, as he gradually puts his elite speed/shooting game back together after beating testicular cancer. It may not be an immediate impact, but he does provide a solid prospect to build around as Frolov and Semin exit the fold.

C: Marleau-SJ FP, Fisher-Ott RFA, E.Staal-Car P4, Carter-Pha P3, Esposito-P2

Rating: 4.5

Marleau falls into the category of a 'lesser' FP in that he can be counted on to finish outside the top end of his position, but still produce enough points to keep his contract valid (see: Mats Sundin for sine qua non of this category). He's steady, but not overwhelming. Fisher is an afterthought unlikely to be matched no matter where the bid. Staal is the teams true #1, and should rebound to produce numbers more like those from two years ago than those he had last year. Carter has been slow to develop the offensive flair he flaunted in Jr and at the WJC. He's got all the tools, but so far hasn't found his toolbox. Esposito is intriguing. NHL scouts hated him, but his offense can't be denied, and he'll eventually make the Pens. Will he stick? If he does it could be worth the gamble of having picked him a year in advance of his draft.

R: Horton-Fla P3, Miettinen-Dal P3, Svatos-Col P3

Rating: 2

Horton is a legit threat to blossom into a 40-40-80 sniper, but he's got a track record for getting derailed by injuries. Miettinen will be lucky to retain prospect status, and isn't a threat to make the squad. Svatos had a decent enough rookie year, but still doesn't project to have draftable stats.

D: Sydor-Pit RFA, Boynton-Phx RFA, Boucher-Dal RFA

Rating: 2

Sydor is interesting if only because everybody in Pittsburgh is interesting - whether they really are or not. He's got two others at least ahead of him on the powerplay depth chart, and he hasn't had a season over 40 pts in 6 years - but without question someone will bid on him earlier than his stats suggest he should - and the GW's may well match. Boynton is currently failing in Phoenix - which means he is just about out of the league. Boucher peaked last year with a 50+, 100PIM+ season - something he'd never accomplished before in either statistic. Expect a moderate decline.

G: Brodeur-NJ FP

Rating: 5

Currently setting his sites on the remaining all-time goaltending stats that he doesn't already own. Could retire as the greatest goalie of all time as he reels in Patrick Roy.

Total Rating: 17