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08/14/2007 - Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The NHL free agent season started with such a flurry of activity that it's easy to forget that there is still some quality talent left on the market.
It's been 1 1/2 months since the league's free agency period began, and most of the coveted players were snatched up early by teams eager to improve their station. Daniel Briere went to Philadelphia, Chris Drury and Scott Gomez signed with the New York Rangers, and Brian Rafalski inked a deal with the Detroit Red Wings.
However, there are a handful of players who have not signed yet, whether it's because teams have not made the right offers, haven't shown interest at all, or because the player is considering retirement. Whatever the reason for their availability, it must be reassuring to teams that there is still skill left to be acquired.
While significant free agents remain, the amount of teams able to compete in the free agent market at this point of the summer has certainly dwindled. That's because many of the early participants in this year's shopping period have little room left on the $50.3 million salary cap. Also, the teams with available salary-cap room are unlikely to be prime destinations for a marquee free agent.
Still, one team that somehow has space left to make another big signing is the Rangers, who are reportedly close to bringing veteran center Michael Peca into the fold. The 33-year-old Peca is a two-time Selke Award winner as the league's top defensive forward, but is coming off a fractured tibia in his right leg that caused him to miss most of last season with Toronto. Still, a healthy Peca will be a tremendous addition to the already formidable Blueshirts.
While Peca is seemingly close to joining a club, there are even bigger names out there without a team to call their own.
Among the remaining superstars are a pair of former league MVPs in Peter Forsberg and Eric Lindros, players who spend as much time on the injury list as they do in uniform these days. Forsberg, 34, is the more intriguing of the two because he can still approach the top of his game when healthy, whereas Lindros, also 34 years of age, is only an average player at this stage of his career.
Both players may choose to retire, but it seems Lindros is closer to that option than Forsberg. The "Big E" has been working closely with the NHL Players Association and he could be seeking a permanent position with the NHLPA.
Forsberg, meanwhile, is still battling foot problems, but hopes his latest surgery will get him back near 100-percent. The Swedish legend has stated that if he returns he would like to play for MODO Hockey in his home country or any of his three previous NHL clubs (Colorado, Philadelphia, Nashville).
Teemu Selanne is another offensive superstar who remains a free agent. The 37- year-old "Finnish Flash" has scored 90-plus points in each of his last two seasons with the Anaheim Ducks and helped that franchise win its first ever Stanley Cup title back in June. He hinted strongly at retirement after the playoffs, but has never made it official. If Selanne does return, it will likely only be to play for the Ducks.
Another scoring threat is on the market, as centerman Jason Allison is still without a team. The 32-year-old has battled various injuries and has played in just 165 contests since registering 95 points in 2000-01 for Boston. He last played with Toronto in 2005-06 and posted 60 points in 66 games.
In terms of goaltenders and defensemen, the list of notable names is a very short list. Ed Belfour, 42, is still interested in being a starting netminder in the NHL and was solid enough in 58 games with Florida last year that some teams should be interested. However, Belfour played for peanuts with the Panthers and is seeking a pay increase this season. Strange, one would think the guy who once offered a police officer "one BILLION dollars" to release him from custody would not need the extra cash.
Danny Markov is in a similar situation as Belfour, as the 31-year-old defenseman is still available only because he wants too much money. The Russian is a tough presence on the blue line, but is pricing himself out of many teams' budgets, including most clubs with a serious chance at winning the Cup.
It's still a mystery where most of these players will wind up, and the NHL preseason is less than a month away. Sure, most of the guys left on the table are either injury-prone, past their prime or both, but for the right price they could add experience and cachet to a number of NHL clubs.
<< Brazil to play friendly against the U.S.
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The United States Men's National Team will play
Brazil on Sept. 9 instead of Mexico.
The United States was scheduled to play at Mexico but the game was canceled
because of financial problems. Instead of vis
<< Mexico, U.S. friendly canceled
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The United States Men's National Team will play
Brazil on Sept. 9 instead of Mexico.
The United States was scheduled to play at Mexico but the game was canceled
because of financial problems. Instead of vis
<< Celtics putting finishing touches on roster
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - All-Stars Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are not
the only players on Boston's roster, and that trio will need some help if the
Celtics hope to return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1987.
Guards Tony A
<< This Week in Auto Racing August 17 - August 19
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - It's a light week for racing unless you
are trying to make the "Chase for the Nextel Cup." Then it's a huge weekend,
one of just four remaining, before we determine who will race for the 2007
champio
U.S. coach names roster for friendly at Sweden >>
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - United States Men's National Team coach Bob
Bradley named a 19-man roster on Tuesday loaded with European-based players
for an upcoming friendly at Sweden.
Sixteen of the 19 players selected for the Au
Dunn not done in Cincinnati >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - One of the biggest players rumored to be available at this
past trade deadline was the Reds' Adam Dunn. Yet, when all was said and done
the slugging outfielder went no where.
So what is next for Dunn?
It is still possib
U.S. women schedule post-Cup friendly with Mexico >>
Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The United States Women's National Team will
play Mexico in its first game after the upcoming World Cup on Oct. 13 in St.
Louis, Mo.
The United States plays one more friendly before the Women's World Cup w
Novak Djokovic: A Star in the Making >>
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Novak Djokovic has designs on being the
No. 1 tennis player in the world, and it would appear that his wish could
become a reality in the not too distant future.
The 20-year-old Serb pulled off some beauti
American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout
An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.
Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off. Randy was not impressed though. Paula thought he started off fantastic. "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either.
Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed. Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact. He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition.
Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula. Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.
Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next. Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential. Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell. He sang "Careless Whisper".
22 year old Chris Richardson was up next. He was listed with +1100 odds coming in. He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great.
Nick was boring and pitchy. Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week. Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition.
Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds . These of course were the early odds. He was considered original for picking an "odd song". He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night.
Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good.
Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds. Great voice and a great sense of humor. He's a real standout. Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit. Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig".
Jared Cotter followed. He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition. The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good.
22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next. "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon. Though the judges felt he performed okay. Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.
Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition. He was the last to perform. He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start.
Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys. Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.
To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com - this sportsbook accepts credit cards.
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