Will goalies begin to head overseas?

From Kevin Allen of USA Today:

My prediction is that this league will have superior goalkeeping. There are only 30 starting goalie spots in the NHL, and there are more than 30 quality goalies in the world.

Rather than take backup money in the NHL, a talented goalie may seek his fame and fortune in the Continental League. Four goalies are already doing that, and more are sure to follow. Can't you see Nikolai Khabibulin over there in 2009-10? I'm guessing teams in that league will pay him more than NHL teams will after his struggles in Chicago.

Read Allen's entire post from Mucking and Grinding here.

Very interesting observation from Allen; his points are extremely valid. There are many very good netminders playing back up roles in the NHL and they may move overseas to make more money and get more ice-time. That said, I don't see any top of the line netminders opting out of the NHL.

Looking at the remaining free agents

From Kevin Allen of USA Today:

Jaromir Jagr is going to Russia. Marian Hossa left $50 million on the table from other suitors to play one season for the Detroit Red Wings for $7.45 million. The Tampa Bay Lightning have changed a third of their roster.

The league has changed dramatically since the start of free agent signing season, but there still are desirable players:

•Pavol Demitra: At 33, he is a proven scorer who can play center and wing. He's going to produce points, and he has several teams bidding for him. "We are weighing a couple of different situations," said his agent, Matt Keator. "Like with all veteran free agents, winning, style of play and his family come into play."

Read the entire article here.

Almost all the significant free agents remaining are veteran players who have been through the wringer over the years. A couple of them may still be game-changers (Sakic, Selanne, Sundin), but most will be solid players who provide more "name recognition" than actual on-ice value.