Free-agent busts and breakouts
— -- As teams approach the one-quarter mark of this season, enough time has passed to give context and texture to offseason free-agent signings. In some cases, the faith (not to mention dollar and term in various contracts) showed by GMs has been well rewarded. In other places, well, let's just say patience grows thinner. Here's a look at players on both sides of the ledger.
Faith rewarded
Lee Stempniak, New Jersey Devils
Stempniak was kind enough to join our Hockey Today The Podcast and it's hard to imagine a more pleasant surprise for Devils GM Ray Shero, who knew Stempniak when both crossed paths briefly with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Shero offered Stempniak a tryout and, after signing a one-year deal worth $850,000, Stempniak is playing on the Devils' top line with former Calgary Flames teammate Mike Cammalleri, producing 12 points in his first 16 games for the surprising Devils.
Disharmony is the order of the day -- again -- in San Jose. But credit GM Doug Wilson for snapping up the former Washington Capitals power forward in early July and signing Ward to a three-year deal worth $9.825 million. Ward's ultimate value to the Sharks will be in the spring if they can get their house in order and make the playoffs. But in the interim, Ward has had an immediate impact, tying for the team lead with eight goals, all scored in the past 11 games. Seven of his eight goals have been at even strength.
Justin Williams, Washington Capitals
Part of the reason Ward went elsewhere is because Capitals GM Brian MacLellan brought in one of the game's clutch players to help his team get over the playoff hump. Like Ward, Williams' value to the Capitals isn't really going to be calculated in October and November but rather May and June. Nonetheless, playing mostly with Nicklas Backstrom, the three-time Stanley Cup winner has found a nice niche with three goals and 10 assists in 15 games for the Cup-hopeful Caps.
