Free Agent Spotlight: Nieds and Antropov

Ryan double dips for the masses....two for the price of one!!!





SCOTT NIEDERMAYER

Height: 6’1”
Weight: 195
Shoots: Left
Age: 35

2008/09 Salary: $6.75 million
Projected 09/10 Salary: $6.0-7.0

2008/09 Stats: 82 GP, 14 G, 45 A, -8
Playoff Stats: 13 GP, 3 G, 7 A

Possible Suitors:
1. Anaheim
2. Retirement
3. Vancouver

Favorite: Anaheim
Dark horse destination: Vancouver

Niedermayer continues to be one of the more reliable defensemen in this league, and has been really durable over the years. He was a big reason why the Ducks took down San Jose in round one of the playoffs this year. He can take over a game like no other defenseman. His skills on the man advantage are very valuable to the team.

And for the 2009-10 season, I fully expect Niedermayer to be in a Ducks uniform again… it’s really either that or retirement. Vancouver is a dark horse if he and his brother Rob want to ride off into the sunset together. It’s only a matter of time when he makes his decision, and Ducks GM Bob Murray would like one sooner rather than later. ‘Nieds’ re-signs for another year…

Current Prediction:
Anaheim Ducks (1 year, $6.25 million)
---



NIK ANTROPOV

Height: 6’6”
Weight: 230
Shoots: Left
Age: 29

2008/09 Salary: $2.15 million
Projected 09/10 Salary: $3.75-4.5

2008/09 Stats: 81 GP, 28 G, 31 A, -14
Playoff Stats: 7 GP, 2 G, 1 A, -1

Possible Suitors:
1. NY Rangers
2. Columbus
3. Nashville
4. Washington
5. Dallas
6. Vancouver
7. Minnesota
8. NY Islanders

Favorite: NY Rangers
Dark horse destination: Vancouver

After 63 games in Toronto this year, Antropov was dealt to the Rangers at the trade deadline. Antropov performed pretty well for the Blueshirts as he was immediately placed on the team’s top line with Gomez & Avery. His big body and skills around the net are coveted around the league, but he has the potential of being a bust where ever he goes. Inconsistency has been the name of his game the last couple of years.

The Rangers really want to keep him, but they may not be able to afford him under a tight budget… plus, I believe GM Glen Sather will be aiming higher than Antropov. While teams like Columbus, Nashville, and Washington could get into the mix, I think he’ll be going back to Broadway; but that opinion could change between now and next Wednesday.

Current Prediction:
New York Rangers (5 yrs, $20 mil)