As the 2008-2009 campaign nears the end of what has been a very exciting first quarter of a season, I'd like to take a comprehensive look at 54 of the top free agent signings and other acquisitions from this past summer.

It's been a very interesting 16 to 22 games thus far, depending on where your allegiance lies.

* Every member of the Original Six currently holds or is tied for a playoff spot.

* A goaltender who leads the league in Sv% and GAA isn't on the All Star Ballot.

* The goaltender who finished in 2nd with a 2.12 GAA last year is currently 30th at 3.15.

* Someone not named Ovechkin or Crosby currently leads the league in points.

* Martin Brodeur will play less than 67 games for the first time since 1994-1995.

The surplus of lucrative contracts handed out this summer generated a bevy of reactions from fans, including but certainly not limited to: head scratching (Finger? Who?), rejoicing (Hossa too? repeat here we come), shoulder shrugging (Alex Auld, Mike Commodore), and maybe even a few suicide contemplations (Redden? For HOW long?!?).

So now that you've had some time to survey these fresh faces, do you still feel the same way? Who has won you over? Who has you begging on a nightly basis for a do-over?

So here's how this whole thing works...

I've compiled my list of 54 and broken them down by current team (listed alphabetically). Each players age, position, contract length/average annual salary, statistics for 2007-2008, statistics for 2008-2009, and projected stats for 2008-2009 will be provided along with a few notes on that particular player.

This is YOUR opportunity to collectively chime in on each and every major acquisition over the offseason (and if you feel like I missed anyone noteworthy, I'll be glad to add them on. No, guy in the back with a sense of humor, Brandon Bochenski is not noteworthy enough to be on this list).

What I'm looking for you to do: Post, in a comment, your grade on players from your respective teams (On a 1-10 scale) along with why/why not you're in favor of this particular signing. You are allowed to vote on players from the team your account is listed to be a fan of as well as ONE player from another team. Insanely biased votes for other teams will be disregarded.

SAMPLE OF WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR:

Player - Doug Weight (NYI)
Grade - 8.5
Thoughts - Weight came at a hefty price but has been highly productive so far.

SAMPLE OF WHAT I'M NOT LOOKING FOR:

Player - Michael Ryder (BOS)
Grade - 0
Thoughts - LOL Ryder is teh sux. Ole Ole Ole.

If you are kind enough to follow these easy guidelines, I will not only compile the average score for each player but as an added one time only bonus offer...

FEATURE THE FUNNIEST AND MOST INTELLIGENT COMMENTS IN MY FOLLOWUP BLOG!

Seriously folks, you'll be world famous.

I've put an obscene amount of time into this, so feedback is encouraged at the highest level humanly possible. There's a lot of potential here. Then again, people thought the same thing about Water World, Max Payne, and From Justin to Kelly. So take a look at anyone who ever told you "Silence is golden" or "If you don't have anything nice to say..." and tell them to stick it where the sun don't shine.

Speak your minds, enjoy your time, have fun. Here we go.

(NOTE: I'm fully aware some of these players were acquired via trade, feel free to still vote on such individuals.)

ANAHEIM DUCKS

BRENDAN MORRISON (CENTER)
Age - 33 ||| Contract - 1yr/2.75m
Former Team: Vancouver Canucks
2007-2008: 39GP, 9-16-25 (-3)
2008-2009: 20GP, 2-2-4 (-6)
PRJ. 08-09: 80 GP, 8-8-16 (-24)

Notes - Morrison was the only big splash the Ducks made this summer, signing the former Canuck for reasonable money. Despite moderate expectations, Coach Randy Carlyle has been vocal about the center's limited production thus far.

ATLANTA THRASHERS

RON HAINSEY (DEFENSEMAN)
Age - 27 ||| Contract - 5yrs/4.5m
Former Team: Columbus Blue Jackets
2007-2008: 78GP, 8-24-32 (-7)
2008-2009: 17GP, 3-9-12 (+1)
PRJ. 08-09: 82 GP, 14-44-58 (+5)

Notes - The highly coveted puck moving defenseman bolted CBJ for a sweet raise to play for the lowly Thrashers. Hainsey is on pace to demolish his previous career highs, and already has more even strength goals (1) than he did all of last season.

JASON WILLIAMS (RIGHT WING)
Age - 28 ||| Contract - 1yr/2.2m
Former Team: Chicago Blackhawks
2007-2008: 43GP, 13-23-36 (-2)
2008-2009: 17GP, 6-4-10 (-4)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 29-19-48 (-19)

Notes - Williams was highly productive in limited time in the Windy City last season. Half of his points through 08-09 have come on the man advantage (4 ppg, 1 ppa).

BOSTON BRUINS

MICHAEL RYDER (RIGHT WING)
Age - 28 ||| Contract - 3yrs/4m
Former Team: Montreal Canadiens
2007-2008: 70GP, 14-17-31 (-4)
2008-2009: 19GP, 3-7-10 (+5)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 13-30-43 (+22)

Notes - Funny thing about Ryder... all I read from Habs fans was that all this guy did was score (and was good for absolutely nothing otherwise). The Boston version of Ryder hits, cycle, plays solid D, but finds the net once every 17 or so shots (3 goals on 52 attempts).

BLAKE WHEELER (RIGHT WING)
Age - 19 ||| Contract - 2yrs/2.8m
Former Team: Phoenix Coyotes
2007-2008: DID NOT PLAY
2008-2009: 19GP, 6-2-8 (+4)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 26-9-35 (+17)

Notes - Wheeler freed himself from the desert and joined fellow Minnesota Alum Phil Kessel in Beantown. Wheeler's been a solid contributor on the third line, but his projected goal output may be a bit deceiving when you factor in that half of his total came in one game.

BUFFALO SABRES

PATRICK LALIME (GOALIE)
Age - 34 ||| Contract - 2yrs/1m
Former Team: Chicago Blackhawks
2007-2008: 16-12-2, 2.82 GAA, .897%
2008-2009: 1-2-1, 3.65 GAA, .875%
PRJ. 08-09: 5-9-5, 3.65 GAA, .875%

Notes - Lalime was brought in on the cheap to replace Jocelyn Thibault as the resident sparingly used subpar backup to Ryan Miller. So far so good, right?

CALGARY FLAMES

TODD BERTUZZI (RIGHT WING)
Age - 33 ||| Contract - 1yr/1.85m
Former Team: Anaheim Ducks
2007-2008: 68GP, 14-26-40 (+4)
2008-2009: 19GP, 7-7-14 (-7)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 30-30-60 (-30)

Notes - Big Bad Bert was off to a torrid start with the Flames, but has tapered off and is now goalless in his last seven contests.

CAROLINA HURRICANES

JONI PITKANEN (DEFENSEMAN)
Age - 25 ||| Contract - 3yrs/4m
Former Team: Edmonton Oilers
2007-2008: 63GP, 8-18-26 (-5)
2008-2009: 11GP, 1-5-6 (-4)
PRJ. 08-09: 47GP, 4-22-26 (-16)

Notes - The projected games are a bit misleading for Pitkanen, the return for Erik Cole in this summer's headline grabbing swap. Pitkanen has shown up plenty on the score sheet in the early going, providing some much needed pop from the Canes blueline.

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

BRIAN CAMPBELL (DEFENSEMAN)
Age - 29 ||| Contract - 8yrs/7.14m
Former Team: San Jose Sharks
2007-2008: 83GP, 8-54-62 (+8)
2008-2009: 17GP, 3-9-12 (+7)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 14-44-58 (+34)

Notes - Campbell has performed well under undoubtedly a heap of pressure thanks to his gigantic paycheck. The highly coveted blueliner will be 37 entering the 8th and final season of the deal.

CRISTOBAL HUET (GOALIE)
Age - 33 ||| Contract - 4yrs/5.62m
Former Team: Washington Capitals
2007-2008: (with Caps) 13GP, 11-2-0, 1.63 GAA, .936%
2008-2009: 7GP, 3-3-1, 2.95 GAA, .900%
PRJ. 08-09: 33GP, 14-14-5, 2.95 GAA, .900%

Notes - Huet is on pace to start 16 less games than his supposed backup and hasn't come close to resembling the goaltender who led the Capitals into the postseason last year.

COLORADO AVALANCHE

ANDREW RAYCROFT (GOALIE)
Age - 28 ||| Contract - 1/800k
Former Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
2007-2008: 19GP, 2-9-5, 3.92 GAA, .876%
2008-2009: 3GP, 2-1-0, 3.76 GAA, .839%
PRJ. 08-09: 15GP, 10-5-0, 3.76 GAA, .839%

Notes - This is 2008, not 1988: no goaltender with such awful numbers could appear in 15 games and still wind up even a game above .500. Man that Calder trophy seems like decades ago.

DARCY TUCKER (CENTER)
Age - 33 ||| Contract - 2yrs/2.25m
Former Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
2007-2008: 74GP, 18-16-34 (-8)
2008-2009: 17GP, 4-3-7 (-4)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 19-14-33 (-19)

Notes - After spending the entire decade in Toronto, Tucker and the Leafs cut ties as he and Raycroft departed for Denver. Even if Tucker can dodge injuries and fight off father time, he may be engaged in a losing battle in hopes of steering the Avs back into the playoffs.

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

RJ UMBERGER (CENTER)
Age - 26 ||| Contract - 4yrs/3.75m
Former Team: Philadelphia Flyers
2007-2008: 74GP, 13-37-50 (0)
2008-2009: 19GP, 7-3-10 (-2)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 30-13-43 (-9)

Notes - Umberger came over in an exchange with the Flyers and started out ice cold. He's been heating up lately, with all 7 of his goals coming in the last 9 games.

MIKE COMMODORE (DEFENSEMAN)
Age - 29 ||| Contract - 5yrs/3.75m
Former Team: Ottawa Senators
2007-2008: 67GP, 3-11-14 (-7)
2008-2009: 19GP 0-9-9 (0)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP 0-39-39 (0)

Notes - Commodore was obviously not brought in for his offensive prowess but he has piled up the assists. He is also playing 22:00+ per game, up from his average of around 19:00 per game the past few seasons.

DALLAS STARS

SEAN AVERY (CENTER)
Age - 28 ||| Contract - 4yrs/3.87m
Former Team: New York Rangers
2007-2008: 57GP, 15-18-33 (+6)
2008-2009: 17GP, 2-6-8 (+4)
PRJ. 08-09: 77GP, 9-27-36 (+18)

Notes - What is there to say about Avery that hasn't been said? He and Ott's antics sickened teammate Mike Modano when they visited Boston this month. Locker...Room...Cancer.

FABIAN BRUNNSTROM (LEFT WING)
Age - 23 ||| Contract - 2yrs/2.25m
Former Team: ROOKIE
2007-2008: ---
2008-2009: 14GP, 6-1-7 (-8)
PRJ. 08-09: 64GP, 27-5-32 (-36)

Notes - Brunnstrom, an undrafted Swede signed by the Stars, had a dynamic NHL debut with a hat trick. He's cooled down since with 3 goals in the last 13 games and just 1 in the last 8. Brunnstrom is seeing 11 mins. of ice time per game.

DETROIT RED WINGS

TY CONKLIN (GOALIE)
Age - 32 ||| Contract - 1yr/750k
Former Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
2007-2008: 33GP, 18-8-5, 2.51 GAA, .923%
2008-2009: 6GP, 5-1-0, 2.47 GAA, .914%
PRJ. 08-09: 29GP, 24-5-0, 2.47 GAA, .914%

Notes - The Wings were wise to snatch up Conklin at such a bargain. Conklin was magnificent during the middle third of the season for the Pens last year, and essentially saved their season. He has proven himself capable of filling in for a spot start or carrying a team for a stretch in case of injury.

MARIAN HOSSA (RIGHT WING)
Age - 29 ||| Contract - 1yr/7.45m
Former Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
2007-2008: 72GP, 29-37-66 (-14)
2008-2009: 17GP, 10-13-23 (+8)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 48-63-111 (+39)

Notes - The cream of the free agent crop shocked many when he signed with the Wings for just one season. He's been nothing short of spectacular so far, on pace to crush his subpar totals from last season. If he keeps it up, $7m will seem like chump change compared to his next contract.

EDMONTON OILERS

ERIK COLE (RIGHT WING)
Age - 30 ||| Contract - 1yr/4m
Former Team: Carolina Hurricanes
2007-2008: 73GP, 22-29-51 (+5)
2008-2009: 19GP, 3-3-6 (-3)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 13-13-26 (-13)

Notes - Cole has been a dud since being swapped for Joni Pitkanen. He has one goal in his last 9 games, and if he doesn't start burying the puck soon, he'll be looking at a significant pay cut this offseason. But hey, he'll always have that eye-catching injury report from the Canes Stanley Cup run to show off what a warrior he's been: "Erik Cole (Broken Neck) - Probable".

FLORIDA PANTHERS

KEITH BALLARD (DEFENSEMAN)
Age - 25 ||| Contract - 6yrs/4.2m
Former Team: Phoenix Coyotes
2007-2008: 82GP, 6-15-21 (+7)
2008-2009: 17GP, 2-8-10 (+2)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 10-39-49 (+10)

Notes - Ballard, part of the exchange that sent Olli Jokinen to the desert, has been phenomenal in the early going for the lowly Panthers. He's outshining superstar Jay Bouwmeester, and the Panthers must be happy at least one stud blueliner is locked up for the long-term.

CORY STILLMAN (LEFT WING)
Age - 34 ||| Contract - 3yrs/3.53m
Former Team: Ottawa Senators
2007-2008: 79GP, 24-41-65 (-15)
2008-2009: 13GP, 5-4-9 (+3)
PRJ. 08-09: ---

Notes - Stillman is suffering from Post Concussion Syndrome and according to the Miami Herald will be out indefinitely.

MINNESOTA WILD

ANTTI MIETTINEN (RIGHT WING)
Age - 28 ||| Contract - 3yrs/2.33m
Former Team: Dallas Stars
2007-2008: 69GP, 15-19-34 (+14)
2008-2009: 16GP, 6-6-12 (-3)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 31-31-62 (-15)

Notes - Miettinen was generating a lot of buzz early on, but like many others on this list, has cooled since. The former Stars winger has zero goals in his last 10 games.

MAREK ZIDLICKY (DEFENSEMAN)
Age - 31 ||| Contract - 2yrs/3.35m
Former Team: Nashville Predators
2007-2008: 79GP, 5-38-43 (-5)
2008-2009: 12GP, 2-5-7 (-4)
PRJ. 08-09: 10-24-34 (-19)

Notes - Zidlicky had a breakout game tonight with 3 PPPs which are not reflected in his stats above. The veteran defenseman came over from the Preds for a prospect and 2nd round pick and should be a stable contributor for the Wild on the man advantage.

MONTREAL CANADIENS

GEORGES LARAQUE (RIGHT WING)
Age - 31 ||| Contract - 3yrs/1.5m
Former Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
2007-2008: 71GP, 4-9-13 (0) 141 PIM
2008-2009: 9GP, 0-0-0 (-4) 24 PIM
PRJ. 08-09: 41GP 0-0-0 (-18) 109 PIM

Notes - Laraque returned to his native Quebec to add some toughness to the finesse-filled Habs' lineup. As the season wears on and the going gets tough, I would expect Laraque to find his way into the lineup at higher than a 50% rate.

ALEX TANGUAY (LEFT WING)
Age - 29 ||| Contract - 1yr/5.25m
Former Team: Calgary Flames
2007-2008: 78GP, 18-40-58 (+11)
2008-2009: 17GP, 8-9-17 (+6)
PRJ. 08-09: 77GP, 36-41-77 (+27)

Notes - Tanguay fell out of favor with Sutter and company in Calgary and was shipped East to Montreal for two draft picks. He has definitely impressed in the early going, especially when you consider his 8 goals are from a mere 26 shots on net (30% shooting).

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

BOBBY HOLIK (CENTER)
Age - 37 ||| Contract - 1yr/2.5m
Former Team: Atlanta Thrashers
2007-2008: 82GP, 15-19-34 (-14)
2008-2009: 5GP, 0-0-0 (0)
PRJ. 08-09: ---

Notes - Holik returns to the Devils after gross overpayments by Atlanta and NYR for his services. Then again, 2.5m is looking awfully pricey for a guy out of the lineup for the foreseeable future with a pinkie injury.

BRIAN ROLSTON (CENTER)
Age - 35 ||| Contract - 4yrs/5.06m
Former Team: Minnesota Wild
2007-2008: 81GP, 31-28-59 (-1)
2008-2009: 4GP, 1-1-2 (+1)
PRJ. 08-09: ---

Notes - Like Holik, Rolston's return to New Jersey has been immediately halted due to injury. The speedy center will look to return soon (ankle injury), and show he's still capable of putting up big numbers in defense-first/dare I say "trap" systems like he did in Minnesota.

NEW YORK ISLANDERS

MARK STREIT (DEFENSEMAN)
Age - 30 ||| Contract - 5yrs/4.1m
Former Team: Montreal Canadiens
2007-2008: 81GP, 13-49-62 (-6)
2008-2009: 18GP, 4-8-12 (-2)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 18-37-55 (-9)

Notes - Streit fled Montreal and commanded big money to take over as the resident PP QB on the Island. He's on pace to equal his output from last season but has hit a tough stretch as of late with 1a in his last 5 and no goals in his last 8.

DOUG WEIGHT (CENTER)
Age - 37 ||| Contract - 1yr/4.3m
Former Team: Anaheim Ducks
2007-2008: 67GP, 10-15-25 (+4)
2008-2009: 18GP, 4-12-16 (0)
PRJ. 08-09: 182GP, 18-55-73 (0)

Notes - Weight has revived his career on the Isle after being on a steady decline in production in the past few seasons. Did Braylon Edwards turn him onto those 5-hour energy drinks? Has anyone seen that commercial? Awkward...

NEW YORK RANGERS

MARKUS NASLUND (LEFT WING)
Age - 35 ||| Contract - 2yrs/4m
Former Team: Vancouver Canucks
2007-2008: 82GP, 25-30-55 (-7)
2008-2009: 22GP, 6-9-15 (-2)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 22-34-56 (-7)

Notes - Many were iffy about handing out big money to Naslund, easily one of the greatest LWs in NHL history. On pace for nearly 60 points, $4m doesn't seem so bad in retrospect if the former Canucks Captain can maintain his current output the rest of the way.

WADE REDDEN (DEFENSEMAN)
Age - 31 ||| Contract - 6yrs/6.5m
Former Team: Ottawa Senators
2007-2008: 80GP, 6-32-38 (+11)
2008-2009: 22GP, 2-7-9 (0)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 7-26-33 (0)

Notes - Ottawa fans were volunteering in droves to pack Redden's bags and drive him to the airport. Hell, some might have even been willing to fly the plane. While Redden has been solid for the blue shirts in the first quarter, six years is an awfully long time to commit such a ridiculous amount of cash to someone on the wrong side of 30.

NIKOLAI ZHERDEV (RIGHT WING)
Age - 24 ||| Contract - 1yr/2.5m
Former Team: Columbus Blue Jackets
2007-2008: 82GP, 26-35-61 (-9)
2008-2009: 22GP, 7-9-16 (+6)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 26-34-60 (+22)

Notes - The Rangers reeled in the enigmatic winger in a summer swap with CBJ, and so far have seen few signs of the wavering effort that drove Ken Hitchcock and Jacket's fans batty.

OTTAWA SENATORS

ALEX AULD (GOALIE)
Age - 27 ||| Contract - 2yrs/1m
Former Team: Boston Bruins
2007-2008: (with BOS) 23GP, 9-7-5, 2.32 GAA, .919%
2008-2009: 13GP, 5-5-3, 2.12 GAA, .925%
PRJ. 08-09: 56GP, 22-22-13, 2.12 GAA, .925%

Notes - Auld was brought in to replace loose-cannon Ray Emery and serve as Martin Gerber's backup. But Auld has stolen the reigns and has put up stellar numbers despite currently riding a five game losing streak.

FILIP KUBA (DEFENSEMAN)
Age - 31 ||| Contract - 1yr/3m
Former Team: Tampa Bay Lightning
2007-2008: 75GP, 6-25-31 (-8)
2008-2009: 18GP, 1-14-15 (+4)
PRJ. 08-09: 78GP, 4-60-64 (+17)

Notes - Kuba has been one of the few bright spots in Ottawa, putting up points well above his career norm. With just one point in his last six games, it may appear the 31-year-old defenseman is coming back down to earth.

JASON SMITH (DEFENSEMAN)
Age - 35 ||| Contract - 2/2.6m
Former Team: Philadelphia Flyers
2007-2008: 77GP, 1-9-10 (-4)
2008-2009: 18GP, 0-0-0 (-2)
PRJ. 08-09: 79GP, 0-0-0 (-9)

Notes - While Smith is getting up there in age at 35, the amount of leadership he brings to any team makes him worth every cent of his contract.

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

GLEN METROPOLIT (CENTER)
Age - 34 ||| Contract - 2yrs/1m
Former Team: Boston Bruins
2007-2008: 82GP 11-22-33 (-3)
2008-2009: 16GP, 1-6-7 (0)
PRJ. 08-09: 5-29-34 (0)

Notes - Metro is a warrior and an all-out effort machine. He has good hands for a 3rd/4th liner and plays a prominent role in every on-ice situation (even strength, SH, PP). For a mere $1m, the Flyers' fans who watch him on a nightly basis will be very appreciative of having Metro on board.

PHOENIX COYOTES

OLLI JOKINEN (CENTER)
Age - 29 ||| Contract - 2yrs/5.25m
Former Team: Florida Panthers
2007-2008: 82GP, 34-37-71 (-19)
2008-2009: 17GP, 7-10-17 (+4)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 34-48-82 (+19)

Notes - The Coyotes grabbed headlines on draft night when they plucked Jokinen from the Panthers. Jokinen is scoring at a point-per-game pace, and Phoenix can bank on his production at the discounted price of $5.25m for this year and next season while their youngsters like Mueller and company continue to mature and improve.

KURT SAUER (DEFENSEMAN)
Age - 27 ||| Contract - 4yrs/1.75m
Former Team: Colorado Avalanche
2007-2008: 54GP, 1-5-6 (+17)
2008-2009: 17GP, 0-3-3 (+7)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 0-14-14 (+34)

Notes - Sauer will never dazzle, but as he has been throughout his career since coming up with the Ducks, the defenseman has been solid and steady in his own end for the 'Yotes.

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

RUSLAN FEDOTENKO (LEFT WING)
Age - 29 ||| Contract - 1yr/2.25m
Former Team: New York Islanders
2007-2008: 67GP, 16-17-33 (-9)
2008-2009: 18GP, 4-4-8 (+1)
PRJ. 08-09: 78GP, 17-17-34 (+4)

Notes - The ever-streaky Fedotenko has been on a tear alongside Evgeni Malkin. The winger has all eight of his points this year in the last nine games.

MIROSLAV SATAN (RIGHT WING)
Age - 34 ||| Contract - 1yr/3.5m
Former Team: New York Islanders
2007-2008: 80GP, 16-25-41 (-11)
2008-2009: 19GP, 9-7-16 (-1)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 39-30-69 (-4)

Notes - Nine goals already for Satan, and he's barely getting a whiff of PP time in Pittsburgh. Impressive.

SAN JOSE SHARKS

DAN BOYLE (DEFENSEMAN)
Age - 32 ||| Contract - 6yrs/6.66m
Former Team: Tampa Bay Lightning
2007-2008: 37GP, 4-21-25 (-29)
2008-2009: 19GP, 6-10-16 (+5)
PRJ. 08-09: 78GP, 25-41-66 (+21)

Notes - Boyle must be loving life these days. Healthy, wealthy, productive as ever, and playing for the top team in the league as we speak. At least the Lightning still have Matt Carle as a consolation prize. Wait...

ROB BLAKE (DEFENSEMAN)
Age - 38 ||| Contract - 1yr/5m
Former Team: LA Kings
2007-2008: 71GP, 9-22-31 (-19)
2008-2009: 20GP, 2-11-13 (-1)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 8-45-53 (-4)

Notes - A 38 year old defenseman...on pace for 53 points? Blake has certainly piled up the points and is on pace for his best season since 01-02 with the Avalanche.

ST. LOUIS BLUES

CHRIS MASON (GOALIE)
Age - 32 ||| Contract - 2yrs/3m
Former Team: Nashville Predators
2007-2008: 51GP, 18-22-6, 2.90 GAA, .898%
2008-2009: 6GP, 0-5-0, 3.13 GAA, .893%
PRJ. 08-09: 31GP, 0-26-0, 3.13 GAA, .893%

Notes - Mason has been a huge disappointment since coming to the Blues after getting the boot in favor of the younger Dan Ellis in Nashville. When you've got more losses (5) than starts (4), things must be looking pretty ugly.

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

RYAN MALONE (LEFT WING)
Age - 28 ||| Contract - 7yrs/4.5m
Former Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
2007-2008: 77GP, 27-24-51 (+14)
2008-2009: 14GP, 3-0-3 (-2)
PRJ. 08-09: 64GP, 14-0-14 (-9)

Notes - Pittsburgh winger enjoys tremendous success alongside one of the games greats, leaves town, and disappoints every dingbat who never realized the correlation between player's previous success and the the off-the-charts talent of his former center. So does this mean Ryan Malone is going to disappear off the face of the earth a la Kevin Stevens? The grass isn't ALWAYS greener on the other side.

GARY ROBERTS (LEFT WING)
Age - 42 ||| Contract - 1yr/2.42m
Former Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
2007-2008: 38GP, 3-12-15 (-3)
2008-2009: 18GP, 2-1-3 (-4)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 9-5-14 (-18)

Notes - You try standing up to Gary Roberts and telling him to retire. No really, I dare you. Tell me, if you survive, how that works out for ya.

RADIM VRBATA (RIGHT WING)
Age - 27 ||| Contract - 3yrs/3m
Former Team: Phoenix Coyotes
2007-2008: 76GP, 27-29-56 (+6)
2008-2009: 12GP, 1-3-4 (-1)
PRJ. 08-09: 55GP, 5-14-19 (-5)

Notes - Radim just potted his first goal...in over FORTY GAMES! Someone line this guy up for a raise. Seriously, throw me on the ice for, what, 600 minutes worth of hockey and I bet my life I could find the net more than once. My LIFE!

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

JEFF FINGER (DEFENSEMAN)
Age - 28 ||| Contract - 4yrs/3.5m
Former Team: Colorado Avalanche
2007-2008: 72GP, 8-11-19 (+12)
2008-2009: 12GP, 0-4-4 (+4)
PRJ. 08-09: 52GP, 0-17-17 (+17)

Notes - Worth 3.5m? Is anybody? Finger haters have been quiet in the early going, a sign that he's been serviceable at the very least through his first dozen games for the Leafs. They're probably far too busy chastising Sir Healthy Scratch-a-Lot, Mr. Jason Blake.

NIKLAS HAGMAN (RIGHT WING)
Age - 28 ||| Contract - 4yrs/3m
Former Team: Dallas Stars
2007-2008: 82GP, 27-14-41 (+4)
2008-2009: 19GP, 6-7-13 (+3)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP, 26-30-56 (+13)

Notes - Hagman departed the Stars and has been a fairly consistent presence among Leafs' forwards. He's 3rd on the team in goals and tied for 4th with his 13 points thus far.

CURTIS JOSEPH (GOALIE)
Age - 41 ||| Contract - 1yr/700k
Former Team: Calgary Flames
2007-2008: 9GP, 3-2-0, 2.55 GAA, .906%
2008-2009: 5GP, 0-2-1, 3.22 GAA, .873%
PRJ. 08-09: 22GP, 0-9-4, 3.22 GAA, .873%

Notes - Joseph hasn't exactly shined in his limited opportunities to give Vesa Toskala a little rest, but nothing can ever tarnish his career record nor Toronto's love affair with Cujo.

MATS SUNDIN (CENTER)
Age - I AM ||| Contract - SO TIRED
Former Team: OF HEARING
2007-2008: ABOUT
2008-2009: MATS
PRJ. 08-09: SUNDIN

Notes - Seriously.

VANCOUVER CANUCKS

PAVOL DEMITRA (RIGHT WING)
Age - 33 ||| Contract - 2/4m
Former Team: Minnesota Wild
2007-2008: 68GP, 15-39-54 (+9)
2008-2009: 10GP, 5-5-10 (-1)
PRJ. 08-09: 41GP, 21-21-42 (-4)

Notes - Demitra has been on fire since returning from injury, which can only mean one thing: he's probably going to get hurt again in the immediate future. Lets be real here, he has to miss at least 15 games in order for this to be a typical Pavol Demitra season.

STEVE BERNIER (RIGHT WING)
Age - 23 ||| Contract - 1yr/2.5m
Former Team: Buffalo Sabres
2007-2008: 76GP, 16-16-32 (-1)
2008-2009: 20GP, 5-4-9 (+3)
PRJ. 08-09: 82GP 21-16-37 (+13)

Notes - Bernier spent time with the Sedins but has since been penciled in alongside center Kyle Wellwood (apologies for previously being misinformed by the hockey minds at ESPN). If he can rest assured management isn't itching to trade him, maybe he can finally meet his potential.

KYLE WELLWOOD (CENTER)
Age - 25 ||| Contract - 1yr/997k
Former Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
2007-2008: 59GP, 8-13-21 (-12)
2008-2009: 15GP, 8-2-10 (+4)
PRJ. 08-09: 62GP, 33-8-41 (+16)

Notes - Wellwood was on fire after being recalled from the AHL, and while he has cooled down a bit, 8 goals in 15 games is impressive from a guy who has been waived and demoted to the minors in recent months.

WASHINGTON CAPITALS

JOSE THEODORE (GOALIE)
Age - 32 ||| Contract - 2yrs/4.5m
Former Team: Colorado Avalanche
2007-2008: 53GP, 28-21-3, 2.44 GAA, .910%
2008-2009: 12GP, 6-3-1, 3.19 GAA, .889%
PRJ. 08-09: 52GP, 26-13-4, 3.19 GAA, .889%

Notes - Theodore has been getting outplayed by backup Brent Johnson so far, but more importantly... who has the superior suave coiffe and gets noticed in clubs with celebs like Paris Hilton more often? That's what matters....to Jose.

That's all she wrote folks. It's 6:15 on the East Coast, and I've put a combined 14 hours or so into this bad boy the last few nights. I implore you all to contribute your each and every thought, and greatly look forward to reading your feedback.

Jesse

Join the Discussion: Chat Room » Message Board »

Tags: Sharks Coyotes Kings Islanders Rangers Flyers Penguins Blackhawks Blue Jackets Red Wings Predators Blues Bruins Sabres Canadiens Senators Maple Leafs Flames Avalanche Oilers Wild Canucks Hurricanes Thrashers Panthers Lightning Capitals Devils Ducks Stars

» LIVE BLOG From the Garden: Boston Bruins vs. Minnesota Wild

» LOOK OUT! The Sky Is Falling! Bruins LOSE 4-2... Oh, the Horror!

» New Year, Same Story: 10 Straight Wins as B's Hold On, Defeat Pens 4-2

» Deja Entendu? A Telephone Call Between Me and My Pre-Lockout Self

» Make Room On the Bandwagon: A Last Minute Christmas List of My Own