Updated August 11, 2011
The free agent signing frenzy of July is in the rear view mirror, but fantasy hockey owners should take note that at least a couple of remaining UFAs are worth tracking in the coming weeks.
However when I say a couple, I mean a couple, literally.
There are still a string of NHL-caliber players available via free agency, but I really see only two that could have any fantasy impact in 2011-12---perhaps three if Marty Turco lands in a situation where he can make 20 starts for a decent team, qualifying as your second or third fantasy goalie.
But the two UFAs who remain unsigned and could have the most impact in fantasy hockey are veterans Teemu Selanne and Bryan McCabe.
- Teemu Selanne: Coming off knee surgery, Selanne has yet to decide if he will return for a 19th season in the NHL. If he does, there's no mystery for which team he will play: he will return to the Anaheim Ducks. But if he returns will he be the same goal-scoring, power-play machine that fantasy owners have trusted for two decades? He is 41 years old and coming off surgery on his knee, one that is still causing him some pain as he rehabs this summer. Yet Selanne's consistent numbers---as well as his stellar production a year ago---should continue to make him a solid bet in fantasy hockey circles. Last season---at age 40 remember---Selanne was 8th in the NHL with 80 points, while his 49 assists ranked 10th, and his 16 power play goals were 3rd best. Even as a power play specialist Selanne remains an important fantasy hockey pick-up in leagues that count power play goals and/or points. The last three years he has notched 16, 14, and 16 power play goals; and in 2006-07 he scored 25 power play goals. Health will be the main concern for Selanne this season, if he decides to play, but he is well worth taking a chance on in your fantasy hockey draft.
- Bryan McCabe: Unlike Selanne, there is no question that McCabe, 36, will play this season. The question is, where will he sign? There are many rumors that McCabe will head back to Long Island where he started his NHL career because he owns a house there and his wife is from the area. That could be a good fit for McCabe because he could share power play point time with the slick Mark Streit. But no matter where McCabe ends up it will likely be in a third-pair role, with power play duties included, the same role he performed with the Rangers down the stretch last season. However, McCabe recorded only six points in 19 games with the Blueshirts, and his value is being questioned moving forward. Depending on where he signs and what players he gets to share the ice with, McCabe is, at best, a later-round fantasy hockey selection, one who could provide some secondary defense scoring.
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