Sheldon Souray

Last Friday marked the kick off of NHL Free Agency 2011.

As some teams opened up their checkbooks and started signing free agents, people began to raise eye brows at some of the length and dollar figures of some of the contracts that were signed.

As a Red Wings fan, I was most unimpressed with the signing of Jonathan Ericsson for $3.25 million a year for three years. I cannot strongly say that he will be worth it in the long run, but hey, I'm not Ken Holland.

It looks like the Sheldon Souray drama, which started last May, is finally over. The Edmonton Oilers have placed the former star defender on re-entry waivers, meaning any team can claim him at half the cap hit, with the Oilers responsible for the other half. If claimed, the Oilers will pay half of Souray's contract this and next season.

It's not even Halloween yet but that hasn't stopped early speculation as to which NHL players might find themselves on the move, if not now then possibly before the end of the season.

It's a different world, today's NHL, with the salary cap swinging back and forth like a giant blade over some teams. Personnel moves are rarely made with strictly hockey as the reason—the almighty dollar finds its way in there a lot.

What follows are, in no particular order, some NHL players whose addresses could change in the either very-near or not-too-distant future.

The New Jersey Devils are one of the most respected professional sports franchises in North America.

They have solid ownership, own their own arena and a dedicated fan base that stretches pass the state limits of New Jersey.

They have quality people who run the day-to-day affairs of the the hockey club, they also have some great athletes who preform on one of North Americas biggest sports stages.

Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal reported that Steve Tambellini will not put Sheldon Souray in the minors until the last second in hopes of making a trade.

Tambellini also does not want to carry three goaltenders for long, as he attempts to trade either Jeff Deslauriers, or Devan Dubnyk. Should that fail, expect him to demote one of them to the minors.

After about two or three weeks away from the Bleacher Report, I have decided to come back (at least for now).

Sheldon Souray has cleared waivers but he can still be placed on re-entry waivers. If and when that happens the Columbus Blue Jackets and believe it or not the New York Rangers could put a claim on him.

Mark Everson of the New York Post reports that Bryce Salvador underwent inner ear testing after being knocked out of a preseason game. Lou Lamoriello does not expect him out for long so no chance he hits the LTIR.

Adrian Dater of the Denver Post reports that Salvadore could be out with an ear infection (best case scenario) to possibly a concussion (worst case scenario).

As part of a continuing series, writer Benjamin Benya will be previewing all 30 NHL teams over the next two weeks in preparation for the 2010-2011 regular season.

First up out West, the Edmonton Oilers.

Simply put: You don't get the first overall draft pick by being really, really good.

So Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, and Magnus Pjaarvi have a fair bit of work ahead of them.

New Jersey Devils

It seems that GM Lou Lamoriello is not in a rush to clear cap space. He has said that he'd like to see how training camp goes, which is a smart management move. A few players could be traded and Langenbrunner has recognized the possibility of being traded. However, he'd like to stay with the team.