Ice Scoopz: Top 10 Free Agents Deadline 2010-2011

Top 10 Left Over Free Agents For 2010-2011

10. D Brendan Witt
If any teams are looking for a tough shut down defender Brendan Witt fits the bill. Once a highly touted physical stay at home defenseman, he has struggled to find a team as the new rules have slowed him down drastically. Witt still could offer grit, toughness, no nonsense leadership and is still willing to drop the mitts. Witt's last gig however was last season for Bridgeport of the AHL before the Isles bought him out.

9. G Rob Zepp
Many teams have sent their scouts to Germany to watch Rob Zepp the former 4th (99th and then 110th overall) draft pick in 1999 and 2001 for the Thrashers and the Hurricanes. Zepp has attracted attention from his recent play overseas where he has played extremely well for Eisbären Berlin of the DEL. While I'm not about to rule out a signing this season it is very unlikely as he would have to clear waivers because he played in Europe this season. After the post season would be more likely.

8. RW Jonthan Cheechoo
The once Rocket Richard winning winger has struggled since winning the prestige trophy. Cheechoo has been on a steady decline since his 2005-06 season and has struggled to even find work around the league. Cheechoo was cut from the Dallas Stars camp this season and the season before bought out from his contract by the Ottawa Senators. He has been playing pretty decent since then and has had some interest as he's managed 45 points in 52 games for the Worcester Sharks of the AHL. Cheechoo may be able to add a cheap offensive lift for a team desperately seeking depth.

6. C Wayne Primeau
Last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs failed to gain him any attention during the off season. A quality 4th line center that can handle a regular shift and also play the penalty kill. He is an unrestricted free agent and hasn't played all season long so how game shape would he be at this point in the season.

7. D Jay McKee
A highly touted shot blocking defensive blueliner, McKee played his best hockey with the Buffalo Sabres but was brought in last season by the Pittsburgh Penguins to help shut down the opposition and make another run at the Stanley Cup. After suffering an injury 5 games into the post season Jay McKee and no major interest this offseason quietly disappeared into the night. He's currently volunteering as the assistant coach for the Niagra Purple Eagles hockey team but as told the media recently he hasn't ruled out a return to the NHL.

6. C Robert Lang
Lang is at the final stages of his career but after playing with the Phoenix Coyotes last season he show he still has a little left in the tank. He can still score but no longer at will and the speed of the game has caught up to him. Lang hasn't officially retired yet but this post season could be his last chance. He hasn't played this season so he would come waiver free.

4. LW Slava Kozlov
The aging Slava Kozlov is still a creative player with talent to offer any team looking for a cheap offensive fix. Kozlov had interest this summer from around the league before taking a money offer from CSKA Moscow of the KHL. CSKA Moscow failed to make the KHL playoffs therefore Kozlov is a free agent and may be willing to return to North America to help a playoff bound team. He also may prefer to stay in Russia for more money than any team is willing to offer the 38 year old who put up 27 points in 44 games in the KHL.

3. D Kim Johnsson
Defensive defenseman Kim Johnsson played quietly last season for the Chicago Blackhawks before suffering a concussion. He took the first half of the season off to recover and was slowly forgotten. He technically was on the Chicago Stanley Cup winning team but due to injury didn't play in the playoffs or play 40 regular season games so his name isn't engraved on the Cup but recent reports have Johnsson cleared to play and looking to sign on with an NHL team to get his name on the Cup finally.

2. RW Owen Nolan
Gritty veteran with loads of leadership ability. Nolan is currently playing in Europe for Zurich where he's still showing he can play the game with 26 points in 24 games with 54 penalty minutes. He has an NHL opt out clause and has been eager to return to the league for one last shot at the cup. He would however have to clear waivers as he's in Europe which may scare most teams away due to recent events.

1. LW Paul Kariya
The former Canadian star Kariya is the biggest name still out there but his status is still unclear as is if he'll ever play again after taking time out due to lingering concussion symptoms. Kariya has a respectable season last year with 45 points in 75 games. Kariya could offer a lot to a team looking for some secondary scoring and a veteran presence....if Kariya is full healthy and willing to return to play this season.

Honorable Mentions:
LW Kyle Calder
RW Shean Donovan
RW Richard Park
G Manny Legace
LW/C Dean McAmmond

Anybody missing? If anyone has any extra free agents to add to this list feel free to post in the comments field. I'd love to see who your lists of guys to be subtracted or added to this list of free agents. Remember this is just a quick list of whos still out there and not the full list. I didn't include most European free agents as it's very unlikely teams would make a pitch this time or year due to waivers and besides that's top 10 for another day!