--Rhys Sakic
Unsigned Free Agents
Joe Sakic, always a fan favourite, is back for his 20th season but the fate of many free agents still hangs in the balance. Big names remain in limbo over retirement and small ticket players face a depth role or complete lack of interest from around the League. The list of players who have committed to European teams for the upcoming season includes higher profile players than has been seen in recent years and is still growing. Many of the undecided players are expected to retire before the start of the season, which is rapidly approaching. The following is a list of still well-known players I suspect will step away from the game this year.
| Western Conference | Eastern Conference |
| Teemu Selanne | Patrice Brisebois |
| Stephane Yelle | Brendan Shanahan |
| Yanic Perreault | Jim Dowd |
| Peter Forsberg | Mats Sundin |
| Dan Cloutier | |
| Ladislav Nagy |
It honestly wouldn't surprise me if Selanne pulled a stunt like he did last year but I think secretly he's ready to retire. Peter Forsberg, again, wants to wait to see what his health does. With doctors saying he wouldn't be able to play until Christmas, I think we've seen the last of Peter the Great. My eastern conference list consists of players who have reached the point in time where they either question their ability to play or aren't able to produce anymore (sorry, Jimmy Dowd). The biggest question in the East remains Mats Sundin. The guy is a giant enigma, or at least likes to think he is, changing his mind every two days.
Best Off Season Moves
Tampa Bay came out strong, surprising fans with numerous signings (the most predictable being Steve Stamkos). Montreal, adding Alex Tanguay, also looks to have played the field well. We all know rosters mean nothing if you don't have the chemistry to work together but these two teams seem to have a strong start.
On the other side of the continent, Canada controls the field. Calgary took strides in nabbing a potentially amazing talent in Mike Cammalleri. Vancouver took a risk on Pavol Demitra, but one that will undoubtedly play out well. But let's not forget Andrew Brunette in Minnesota, Rob Blake in San Jose, and Brendan Morrison in Anaheim (possible Selanne replacement?). It's going to be a wild season in the West.
Looking Ahead To...Training Camp
'Tis the season for rookie camps, training camp, and preseason games. Teams kick off preparations in the next two weeks or so. Here's some hints of what to look for in camps around the league.
Rookies-Seen Stamkos? The 2008 first overall is going to draw a crowd of the devoted in Tampa Bay.
Coaches-With all the coaching changes around the league (Colorado, LA, San Jose, Tampa, Atlanta, etc) it's going to be fun watching the beginning steps in camp.
Goalies-Most systems have two perfectly able goalies and some youngsters waiting in the wings to grab a chance for the number two spot. I foresee some goaltender controversies coming out of camp.
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