In what I hope will become a popular occurring segment, I will rank who I think are the top 10 bargain players for their respective teams after each month of the NHL season. To kick things off, here is who made the cut for October’s edition of what I am calling Bang For The Buck.
*Note: The list does not include players who are still working off their rookie contracts
Cap hit- 0.850
11 GP, 2 G, 5 A
Most laughable comparison: Scott Gomez- Cap Hit of 7.357 (6 GP, 0 G, 1 A)
*The diminutive Desharnais is currently tied for third on the Habs in scoring with 7 points in the club’s first 11 games.
9. Matthieu Perreault, Washington Capitals
Cap hit- 0.525
7 GP, 3 G, 2 A, +6
Most laughable comparison: Alex Semin- Cap hit of 6.700 (9 GP, 2 G, 4 A, -1)
*Another small forward who plays with speed and excitement. Could become a greater contributor with increased role.
8. Mike Smith, Phoenix Coyotes
Cap hit- 2.000
8 GP, 4-2-2, 2.57 GAA, 0.92 Sv%
Most laughable comparison: Michal Rozsival- Cap hit of 5.000 (1 GP, 0 G, 0 A)
*Smith has given the Coyotes exactly what they needed; a cheap and dependable replacement of Ilya Bryzgalov
7. Sheldon Souray, Dallas Stars
Cap hit- 1.650
11 GP, 3 G, 5 A, +8
Most laughable comparison: None
*The Oilers lost when Souray was a big money player, but the Stars are winning now that he isn’t
6. Colin Greening, Ottawa Senators
Cap hit- 0.817
12 GP, 4 G, 4 A
Most laughable comparison: Nikita Filatov- Cap hit of 1.982 (3 GP, 0 G, 1 A)
*Surprising Sens getting surprising production from 7th round pick in 2005
5. Pascal Dupuis, Pittsburgh Penguins
Cap hit- 1.500
13 Gp, 3 G, 6 A, +6
Most laughable comparison: None
*Veteran forward chipping in much needed offense for injury-plagued Pens
4. Corey Potter, Edmonton Oilers
Cap hit- 0.525
9 GP, 1 G, 7 A
Most laughable comparison: Tom Gilbert- cap hit of 4.000 (11 GP, 1 G, 2 A)
*Nine total NHL games since 2008, Potter has been a poised puck-mover particularly on the power-play for the surging Oilers
Cap hit- 0.675
11 GP, 5 G, 1 A
Most laughable comparison: Scottie Upshall- cap hit of 3.500 (11 Gp, 1 G, 1 A)
*Scored career-high five goals last year and has five already this year while logging a lot of minutes for the improved Panthers
Cap hit- 0.700
11 GP, 5 G, 3 A
Most laughable comparison: Andrew Ladd- cap hit of 4.400 (11 GP, 3 G, 1 A)
*Leading Jets in goals while being plugged on what ever line needs his creativity.
