Top 10 Free Agent Defensemen

SI Staff | Jul 2, 2010

Top 10 Free Agent Defensemen /

Top 10 Free Agent Defensemen

Sergei Gonchar

Signed with Ottawa Senators (3 years, $16.5 million) The consummate power play quarterback is getting a little long in the tooth after 15 NHL seasons and workhorse ice time. 2009-10 stats (Pittsburgh): 62 GP 11 G 39 A 50 Pts

Anton Volchenkov

Signed with New Jersey Devils (6 years, $25.5 million) Superb shot-blocker with a mean streak who relishes challenges and the physical side of the game. Does not add much to the offense, though, and can be injury prone. 2009-10 stats (Ottawa): 64 GP 4 G 10 A 14 Pts

Paul Martin

Signed with Pittsburgh Penguins (5 years, $25 million) Mobile but not very physical, he's a solid, responsible backliner who can log workhorse minutes. 2009-10 stats (New Jersey): 22 GP 2 G 9 A 11 Pts

Dan Hamhuis

Signed with Vancouver Canucks (6 years, $27 million) Not overly physical, but has shutdown capability and can log lots of ice time. Has savvy moving the puck, but isn't much of an offensive threat. 2009-10 stats (Nashville): 78 GP 5 G 19 A 24 Pts

Zbynek Michalek

Signed with Pittsburgh Penguins (5 years, $20 million) Has good size (6-2, 210) and smarts. Can play a shutdown role, man the point on the power play, and contribute in spots offensively. 2009-10 stats (Phoenix): 72 GP 3 G 14 A 17 Pts

Pavel Kubina

Signed with Tampa Bay Lightning (2 years, salary NA) A big (6-4, 245) veteran (112 seasons) who can gobble minutes, he isn't particularly physical and he can be inconsistent, but his shot and offensive production can offset his defensive sins. 2009-10 stats (Atlanta): 76 GP 6 G 32 A 38 Pts

Willie Mitchell

Veteran (10 seasons) shutdown defenseman with leadership skills and a decent shot, but not much offensive upside. 2009-10 stats (Vancouver): 48 GP 4 G 8 A 12 Pts

Kurtis Foster

Signed with Edmonton Oilers (2 years, $3.6 million) Brings great size (6-5, 220), versatility, power play presence and heart. He was nominated for the 2010 Masterton Award for perseverance and dedication to hockey after overcoming a devastating leg injury. 2009-10 stats (Tampa Bay): 71 GP 8 G 34 A 42 Pts

Henrik Tallinder

Signed with New Jersey Devils (5 years, $13.5 million) Eight-year veteran has size (6-3, 214) and shutdown capability as well as some offensive potential. 2009-10 stats (Buffalo): 82 GP 4 G 16 A 20 Pts

Andy Sutton

An 11-year veteran who moves well for his size (6-6, 245) and he has a heavy shot. Will add some physical presence to whoever signs him. 2009-10 stats (NY Islanders, Ottawa): 72 GP 5 G 8 A 13 Pts

Published Jul 2, 2010

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