Volchenkov is one of the best shot blockers in the league. i wouldn't doubt if he re-signs with ottawa. but that being said if he blocks a shot a game that saves you a goal a game.

Martin would be nice. pricey like you said. his price might have gone higher if he had played for team USA.

Lidstrom is one of those over 40 guys you might consider. if he tests the water and doesn't retire.

I think phoenix will re-sign Morris as he's been an asset to their team.

Siedenberg - might be an interesting choice

Leopold is one of those PP Qb's, due a raise, and the pens might resign if they lose gonchar.

Volchenkov or Martin would use up all available cap space this summer, but I think there are players that can produce as much as Martin for much less.

Buffalo needs a d-men that are good overall, can work both the point and as a shot taker on the PP, and can match with one lefty and one righty.

Seidenberg has produced as much as Martin the last two seasons, is bigger, as good defensively, left-handed, and costs half as much. He is the best value out there for what Buffalo is missing. Signing him allows room for another d-man or forward to be signed also.

The next biggest value, or maybe even better, is Kurt Foster. He was forced to sign for a cheap 600k deal with TB because he was coming back from a broken femur. He lit it up on the PP as a shot taker. He's big, solid defensively, and right-handed. Seidenberg and Foster could be paired both 5-on-5 and on the PP and be an upgrade over Tallinder and Lydman, and cost about a million less than their 5.4 mil cap hit.

If I had a choice between one big contract, and two lesser contracts for almost equal production from each player, I would take the two players every time.

Biron won't cost anything since he should be willing to sign for the same 1 million that Lalime cost. With the 5.4 cap savings it pretty much comes down to one forward and one d-man, or two d-men considering the lack of talent and Rivet's recovery time.

Trading Stafford and saving his 1.9 mil cap hit might allow for one more move, but I doubt we could end up with three new skaters that make a very big impact. A new back-up goalie for the same price, and two new skaters that are an improvement over Tallinder, Lydman, or Stafford would be a fairly effective summer though.

didnt lalime post better numbers then biron last season?

edit: MUCH better stats. but its just stats. sorry guys. i love marty biron too. but im not sure he has it anymore.

Why is Marc Andre Bergeron only paid 750k? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought he was wayy better than that salary indicates.

hey, i was just kidding for the most part.