As we continue to get deeper into August, the players remaining become more likely to sign 1 year deals at “Crazy Eddie” prices. Let’s take a look at the best available.

-This article was first published at The Daily Goal Horn.

NHL Free Agent Bargains

Joe Thornton (C): At 42 years of age, Jumbo Joe can still help a hockey team out. Last season, Thornton played on an offensive machine in Toronto. He also dealt with limited travel that helped alleviate stress on his aging body. Playing in 44 games, he notched 20 points. His points per game was almost on par for the previous season with San Jose, but a far cry from his point a game days.

James Neal (F): The 33 year-old had just five goals and five assists (10 points) in 29 games during his season with the Oilers. Overall, he has 294 goals and 261 assists (555 points) in 13 seasons with the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh, Nashville Predators, Vegas Golden Knights, Calgary Flames and Edmonton. Someone is going to give him a 1 year deal.

Sami Vatanen (D): I am always shocked that a solid right-handed defender like Vatanen continues to be available. He certainly doesn’t put up the offensive numbers as he used to, but he can still help a defense out. He’s only 30 years-old so I expect him to not stay unsigned for much longer.

Zdeno Chara (D): The 44 year-old defender isn’t even sure if he will play next season or retire. “I think it’s not always a decision I can make myself,” he said at season’s end. “I have to have a conversation with my wife and children and see where we want to be in the next few days or weeks. After those conversations, I’m going to probably let the emotions settle in and see where I’m at.” If he does play, he’d be a great value add to shore up a team’s bottom pair.

Ryan Donato (F): Another rare 25 year-old UFA, the Sharks opted to not give him a qualifying offer. This was the same issue with both Nick Ritchie and Ondrej Kase in Boston. Donato scored 20 points in 50 games last season and should be picked up before the season starts.

Jason Demers (D): He’s a right-handed defenseman that can still play third pair minutes. In 41 games, the 33 year-old veteran picked up just 4 helpers for the Coyotes. He’s a prime candidate for an invite to a training camp on a professional tryout (PTO).

Tyler Bozak (C): The 35 year-old scored 17 points in 31 games last season playing bottom six minutes. There’s no doubt he can still be a productive contributor. He has a one year deal from the Blues available to him, but is currently seeing what else is on the market.

Eric Staal (C): Last season, the 36 year-old pivot split time between the Sabres and Canadiens but only managed a career low 13 points in 53 games. To make matters worse, he set a career high with a -30 plus/minus rating. Of course, Staal could bring value to a team’s fourth line next season at a bargain price. His leadership and experience would be worth the money alone.

Travis Zajac (C): The Islanders acquired Zajac at the trade deadline along with Kyle Palmieri for additional center depth heading into the playoffs. At 36, he score 20 points in 46 games and added another 2 points in 14 playoff contests. There’s a rumor that he has also agreed to return to the Island.

Nikita Kusev (F): At 29 years of age, Kusev is already a reclamation project. Highly touted coming out of the KHL, the disappointed Devils terminated his contract. The Panthers signed him mid season, where he finished with 10 points in 31 games split between the two clubs. He could be worth a cheap flyer or at least an invite to camp on a PTO.

For those of you that didn’t get the Crazy Eddie reference, it’s because you are under 40.

At this moment, the Blueshirts have a projected $8.8 million in cap space with 24 contracts on the books. Anthony Bitetto is expected to play with the Wolf Pack, so that number is around $9.5 million. If you leave some cushion for performance bonuses, the Rangers still have over $7 million in space to improve the team.

If we are to believe Chris Drury telling agents he has no idea why the Rangers have been linked to Jack Eichel, just what are the Rangers going to do with all that space?

Mind you, they don’t need to spend to the cap ceiling either. And I don’t believe the Rangers aren’t interested in Eichel, but at the same time, they are no guarantee to get him.

A late flyer on Joe Thornton

Jumbo Joe still looks like he loves to play the game, and continues to chase his Stanley Cup dreams. In his illustrious 23 year NHL career, Lord Stanley has eluded him every time. He’s still one of the greats, which is not bad for the first overall pick in the 1997 Draft.

Last season, Thornton played on an offensive machine in Toronto. He also dealt with limited travel that helped alleviate stress on his aging body. Playing in 44 games, he notched 20 points. His points per game was almost on par for the previous season with San Jose, but a far cry from his point a game days.

Although bringing him in will come at the expense of a younger and more able body for that role. It would make sense only a legit contender would be interested in his services, but the Rangers are an interesting team this offseason.

The moves they’ve made to date scream a directive to make the playoffs. Anyone who has followed this team closely can tell the rebuild is over.

So bringing in a leader like Thornton to help teach this team what it takes to get to the next level has some logic to it.

Does Thornton still want to play?

Thornton is back in Switzerland practicing with HC Davos. When asked about playing next season, Joe seemed a little uncertain.

“This came so sudden, I really haven’t had time to think about it,” Thornton said June 2 after Toronto was eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. “First and foremost I have to be a dad for a little bit here. But yeah, I feel really, really healthy and really, really, good … And that’s a good sign.”

NHL.com

Thornton just turned 42 years-old, and will be entering his 24th season. If he were to play a full 82 game season, Joe would be third all-time for NHL games played. He can also move up the list as 32 games brings him to 5th, and 34 games to 4th.

He would also be entering the 2021-22 campaign with 1529 career points. If he could score 51 points, he would surpass Ray Bourque for 11th all-time. Not out of the realm of possibility, but highly unlikely at his current .44 points per game pace.

My bet is Jumbo Joe plays next season. If he would be willing to do a similar deal with the Rangers as he did with Toronto, it makes some sense. Last year he signed on for $700,000 and a full no move clause, it’s something Drury should consider if no other major moves are made.

NHL Rumors

Sharks want Kane out, and more on Rangers and Eichel here.

He is also a wanted man. Apparently, the Toronto Maple Leafs were interested and now Patrick Marleau is lobbying him to come back to San Jose. Doug Wilson, Sharks GM is keeping it close to the vest, but seems interested as well.

Old Man Joe Thornton still kicking

Joe Thornton is 41 years-old and has been sporting a magnificent beard lately. He just announced he’s playing with HC Davos in the Swiss league and looks a “few” years younger thanks to a shave.

Anyone who adds Joe Thornton to their lineup isn’t doing so for his old offensive production. He isn’t that anymore as he only scored 31 points last season in 70 games.

If you sign him, it is because he is veteran presence that will give you solid minutes as a third line center. And also chip in on the second power play units.

Jumbo Joe on Broadway?

Thornton is gettin ready to play, that is certain. Where he will land is to be determined because he is not signing with anyone right now. When he does sign, he will likely go for a contender or back home to San Jose.

However, what if Joe would like one season playing at Madison Square Garden? What if the Rangers have a million dollars to give him for one season? It isn’t out of the realm of possibility, especially if things turn out badly with Ryan Strome and his upcoming arbitration case.

One season in New York. How does that sound Joe? I would love to see it.

Joe Thornton has a short list

Adrian Dater reported yesterday that Joe Thornton has a short list which includes the Colorado Avalanche, Bruins, Lightning, Stars, and Penguins. In addition, Kevin Kurz spoke with Thornton who finds the prospect of going to a contender very tempting.

Carolina Goalie Problems

The Carolina Hurricanes are now without an NHL goalie after both James Reimer and Petr Mrazek went down to injury in Toronto. They are currently looking at both Blackhawks goalies who could be big seller’s by 3PM tomorrow. It sounds like they have been after Chicago’s Robin Lehner for some time too.

Playoffs will not impact Rangers moves

Elliotte Friedman last night on Sportsnet said that the Rangers won’t let the playoffs impact their decision to move Chris Kreider. If they don’t feel they can sign him they will trade him. The Avalanche are still considered the top destination and according to Chris Johnston in the same segment, Tyson Jost may be one of those pieces they can use to land Kreider. Dennis Bernstein last night noted that the Rangers had 2 scouts at the Avalanche game last night.

Sens Sellers

Don’t forget that Jean Gabriel Pageau is also very likely to moved. Once Kreider is traded, he should be the next hot target at forward.

Hab Not

Jeff Petry is a name that has come up but according to reports, they already turned down a big offer from the Carolina Hurricanes and it is unlikely he goes anywhere. On the Ilya Kovalchuk front, sounds like they may still investigate trading him at the deadline with Colorado recently being linked.

Big Buyers

Colorado, Tampa, Boston, St. Louis, Dallas, Toronto, Pittsburgh and Vegas.

Big Sellers

Chicago, L.A., Ottawa, New Jersey, Detroit, and Anaheim

Wild Cards

NYR, Edmonton, Calgary, Minnesota, Buffalo, and NYI

Devils Deal

It began with Andy Greene who is a UFA rental being sent to the Islanders who needed help defense. It is unlikely Greene will resign on the Island. Then a bigger deal moving Blake Coleman to Tampa for Nolan Foote and a pick.

Coleman is 28 years old and having a decent season with 21 goals and 31 points in 57 games. He also has 1 year left on his deal that carries a low AAV of 1.8M.

Impact

This does take a rental defenseman off the market and helps the Tampa add some depth up front. Maybe even gives them leverage to make additional moves. The ball has now started to roll and we can expect to see more deals done, leading to an anticlimactic deadline day.

Joe Thornton to Colorado or Boston

Joe Thornton is a talked about commodity that hasn’t even waived his clause, but it really is no surprise that teams are interested in him anyway.

Bruce Garrioch believes San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson will attempt to move as many pieces as possible before the Feb. 24 trade deadline. Defenseman Brenden Dillon is expected to be traded, but there will be a lot of attention on veteran Sharks center Joe Thornton. He has a full no-movement clause, but there’s a belief he could waive it to join a Stanley Cup contender. Garrioch thinks the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche are good fits.

Spector’s Hockey

Wild in Minnesota

Bruce Boudreau has been dismissed as the Wild head coach leading to more speculation that an overhaul of the roster is inevitable. The reason for that thinking is because the Wild were making a playoff push and were only three points out of a wildcard spot. It’s basically a signal that management has made a decision to start looking to next season already.

Everyone knows that the two biggest names they have to move are Matt Dumba and Jonas Brodin. Both are young blue liners with term that teams like Carolina, Winnipeg, and Toronto are looking for. Still, GM Bill Guerin has plenty of other assets he can move. One such player is Eric Staal who has only one year left on his deal at a reasonable 3.25M AAV. A team like the Islanders would jump at him in a heartbeat.

Waving Goodbye?

There are several aging veterans with No Move Clauses that will be of serious interest if they opt to waive them. The three big names are Joe Thornton, Duncan Keith, and Henrik Lundqvist. If any of them do decide they’d like to go to a contender for one final playoff run, it would certainly change the dynamic of the deadline.

We’ve talked about Joe Thornton in our daily NHL rumor mill several times, but Duncan Keith is a new entrant to our daily espousing of trade talk. The 36 year old defenseman still has 3 years left on a deal that comes with a cap hit of $5.5M. If he does decide to waive, the Hawks will need to likely eat half that salary for the remaining term.

Henrik Lundqvist who only has one more year left is the least likely to waive. The 37 year old has not started for the Rangers since February 3rd, in a loss to Dallas where he was pulled. That’s 6 games without a start, and was just passed over in back to backs last night with Alexandar Georgiev starting both. A showcase for the young Bulgarian goalie, or the start of Hank’s long goodbye? We will soon find out.

Canes Ready to Deal

Pierre Lebrun recently reported that Carolina will trade one of their 2 first round picks for either Matt Dumba, Damon Severson, Rasmus Ristolainen, or Brandon Montour.

Trading Taylor Hall again?

Let’s make it quick because this rumor has surfaced since Hall is still set to be a UFA this summer. Last night, Pierre Lebrun basically laughed it off on TSN’s Insider Trading stating that both sides recently had dinner in Montreal and they should get something done this summer.

Lightning and Bruins Looking For Jumbo Joe

According to Frank Seravalli, the Lightning and Bruins have talked about adding Joe Thornton…if he decides to waive his clause and be traded.

Canes Looking for D

Last night on Insider Trading they also noted Carolina will trade one of their 2 first rounders for a defenseman with term. Could Minnesota trade Matt Dumba or Jonas Brodin tomCarolina? While a first round pick is a start, Canes better be ready to offer more.

Another fire sale in Ottawa

Sadly for Senators fans this has become like an annual rite of passage to have a sell off at the deadline. Things might be tougher this time around for GM Pierre Dorion as the Ottawa Sun is reporting little interest in the swath of players they have available outside of Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

“Everybody is really kind of feeling each other out and seeing if they’re going to be in the playoffs or if they’re going to be buyers or sellers. There’s been a lot of conversations, a lot about nothing.”

Dorion via Ottawa Sun

Two players likely to be moved but for pennies on the dollar will be goalie Craig Anderson and defenseman, Ron Hainsey. All in all, the Senators will probably trade at least a half dozen players this trade deadline. C’est la vie.

San Jose Sharks fire sale?

Sadly for San Jose, these Sharks aren’t swimming anywhere any more. Two of the most intriguing names if they desire to be traded will be Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. Each loves San Jose, but with retirement rearing its ugly head for both maybe a playoff run is the way to go. The Islanders are a team to keep an eye out on at the deadline as they want to add a veteran scoring presence to this young team for the post season (if they make it).

3 Headed Goalie Monster Dies on Broadway

Igor Shesterkin won again for the 5th time and 6 tries and David Quinn basically announced the end to the 3 goalie rotation. What does that mean for Henrik Lundqvist and Alexandar Georgiev? The Rangers may actually lower their asking price or at least loosen up and move Georgiev by the deadline. They could hold on to all three as well and keep Georgiev in the press box and deal with this matter at the draft.

Oilers Lock Up Nurse

Pageau To The Island?

The Islanders need offensive help and they may be the top contenders to land UFA rental Jean Gabriel Pageau from the Senators. According to Pierre Lebrun he believes the Isles will give up a conditional 2nd that could become a 1st, another conditional pick and Kieffer Bellows for Pageau and defenseman Ron Hainsey.

The Islanders of course aren’t a shoe in here because Pageau can center a 2nd or 3rd line and provide a PP boost. As per the Ottawa Sun at least 15 teams will be calling on him.

Fire sale in San Jose

With the injury to Thomas Hertl and the Sharks near the bottom of the standings, expect the sell off to begin. It is time for them to rebuild and overturn this aging rosters starting with Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau.

Sleepy In Toronto

So while Kapanen slept in, the rumor mill is only churning harder for the Leafs. Will Kyle Dubas make a real trade and fix the holes on defense and in goal? Toronto to me remains one of the more intriguing teams at the deadline with regards to making hockey trades versus rentals like other contenders.

Avs and Blues to fight over Kreider

I wrote this today, so you may want to check it out. Here’s the gist of it:

There’s been talk of the many teams possibly in on Chris Kreider. According to the most recent reports there are at least 8 in the mix. They are your usual suspects of contenders but when it comes to likely landing spots, two teams stand out and they are both in the Western Conference. Even better still, they are in same division. They are the Colorado Avalanche and the defending Champs, St. Louis Blues. One of those 2 teams is going to not only cough up their first rounder, but a highly touted prospect and maybe more.

Joe Thornton, C, 38

Big Jumbo Joe definitely has his better years behind him, there’s no doubt about that, but signing this almost 39 years old center might be a smart move for a rebuilding team. Thornton still puts up points, is a big body and most importantly, wins faceoffs. Though he only played in 47 games this year, he still accumulated 36 points and won about 52% of his faceoffs. He’s no longer the 1^st overall pick player he used to be, but standing at 6-4, 220lbs, he can play some solid minutes. Another thing to consider is his experience, both regular season and playoff games. Teaching the younger players how to function in this higher level will be one main reason to sign Thornton, especially for Chytil and Andersson, the future centers of this franchise. One last thing to consider is Jeff Gorton, who was apart of the Boston Bruins organization when they drafted Joe up until his departure. Having some sort of previous relationship can help sign Jumbo Joe in the first place and may even drive the signing price down a bit. Personally, there’s no way I would sign Joe Thornton to anything close to the 8 million he stole from the Sharks last year but a 1 year deal would be just what the doctor ordered for this new, young team of Rangers.

Tyler Bozak, C, 32

Tyler Bozak has been apart of one team for his whole career, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Since the 2009/10 season Bozak has been a consistent player to say the least. Averaging about 0.61 points per game, his game boils down to his faceoff ability. His career average is about 53.6 percent, which isn’t bad at all. Though the real problem has been decreased playing time over the past three years is the arrival of new, younger players. Have you heard of Auston Matthews? William Nylander? Mitch Marner? These young, dynamic players have taken Toronto by storm and will eventually need new, big contracts to go with their big play. This leaves Bozak out in the cold without a place to stay. Though Bozak isn’t the game-changing player you would want to sign, he’s a player to consider for a small multi-year deal as the Rangers rebuild for the future. Consistency goes a long way and if Bozak can be consistent, he’ll earn that contract.

Ian Cole, D, 29

Defense was an unusual weak spot for the Rangers this past season. With the departures of Ryan McDonagh (and it pains for me to say Nick Holden, I GUESS), the injury of Kevin Shattenkirk, the demotion of Brendan Smith and the usual play of Marc Staal, the Rangers had to rely on rookies to get the job done. Enter Ian Cole. Veteran man with some veteran experience, especially with winning in the playoffs. Though the top two pairs are essentially set with Skeji, Pionk, and Shattenkirk there’s plenty of room to fight for 3 position spots. Adding Cole will relieve some pressure off the top pairing and he can be a factor when it comes to scoring. Though his contract demands might be a little high, the Rangers can afford to give up some of their cap space to have a solid d-man. Hopefully this doesn’t end up like another Brendan Smith situation all over again.

Alexi Emelin, D, 31

Again, though I’m hesitant about defense thanks to Brendan Smtih, Alexi Emelin could solve two problems at once. Another “problem” the Rangers had was no physical toughness. Gorton said they potentially might target some gritty players to round out the bottom of the lineup. With my fellow writers addressing Milan Lucic and Leo Komarov for potential signings and myself addressing Greg Pateryn in a previous post, I’ll go for Alexi Emelin. Though he doesn’t have that scoring touch that everyone wants, a shut-down defenseman who can hit, block shots and kill penalties could be the answer to the question of why the Rangers were so bad last year. Emelin is coming off a decreased role with his new team (Nashville) with only averaging barely 17 minutes on the ice verses over 21 minutes in the 2016/17 season (Montreal).  Though surprisingly that didn’t slow him down as he still accumulated 181 hits and 109 blocked shots. This type of gritty, stay at home defense is the type of play the Rangers need to get back on track and to open the ice for their goal scorers. I still believe Pateryn would be more of a steal and more of a smart signing but there’s nothing wrong with having Emelin on your team.

Thomas Vanek, LW, 34

Okay this one is a stretch but hear me out. Does anyone really expect the Rangers to make the playoffs next year? Unless they dazzle with some unique free agent signings and some how have stolen three franchise players in this upcoming draft that score at will, the reality is that they will be rocking the bottom of the standings. So why not sign Vanek? He can still produce a solid amount of points (56 this past season) and he’s no stranger to the powerplay. The reason you sign him is to give your centers some confidence by just shoveling the puck to him for some goals here or there. Mentoring players can be a big part of the reason you sign him, and his contract can probably be minimal when it comes to term. Remember, the Rangers are rebuilding for the first time in years, this usually means not being good for a short period.