Free Agent Frenzy; Big Names Sign With Teams

75 free agents signed with their respective teams July 1st, and 18 additional players followed suit on the 2nd.  A lot of big names were moved around including Simon Gagne, Tim Connolly, Ville Leino, and Michael Ryder, but today we will look at the top free agent signing at the forward, defenseman, and goalie position.

Top Forward:

Brad Richards

Brad Richards waited it out through day 1 of free agency while 75 other players found new teams or re-signed with their former teams.  Early on in day 2, Richards made his decision to go with the New York Rangers by signing a 9 year deal worth $60 million.  He finished last year with 28 goals and 49 assists in 72 games. He'll also surely help out the Rangers, who at times, struggled to put the puck in the net.

3 Big Impact Players that MIGHT be Moved at the Trade Deadline

Let's take a look at 3 players that will certainly help any team with their playoff push.  All 3 of these players are still available as of now.  There are just over 24 hours until the 2011 NHL trade deadline.

#3) Ales Hemsky

Although health is a constant issue with Hemsky, he is a fantastic playmaker and a great scorer.  He has very good hands and if he can stay healthy has the potential to first line on any team.  Statistically, he is a point per game scorer, and is in the top ten in "points per 60 minutes".  Interested teams include Washington and Los Angeles, but a trade is not necessarily imminent.

To Trade, Or Not to Trade: Brad Richards

As we quickly approach the February 31st trade deadline, the Dallas Stars have a lot to think about. Their star, and debatably their best player Brad Richards is nearing the end of his contract, and will thus become a free agent this summer.

As of now, Richards makes upwards of $8 million a season and that number might possibly rise. Because of this, Dallas most likely will not be able to resign him.