It's July and that means that unrestricted free agency is upon us in the
NHL. This year's crop lacks the sizzle of the star studded 1998 class,
but Blues fans will be happy to see several ex-Blues among the list of
names. Let's take a look at some of those ex-Blues expected to draw
interest around the league this summer.

Stephane Quintal: This big defensman is coveted by many teams looking
for a physical defenseman who can move the puck and play a little on the
power play. Quintal fits the bill, and although Blues fans may not
remember him as one of the team's best blueliners in recent years, he is
rumored to be commanding $3 million per season. He might get it from
the free spending New York Rangers who are expected to go hog wild this
summer in free agency.

Joe Murphy: Of all the unrestricted free agents this summer, Murphy
made more last season ($3.8 million) than anyone, including Theo Fleury
($2.4 million). That is a testament to the sheer insanity of ex-Blues
coach and G.M. Mike Keenan, who signed Murphy to that ridiculous
contract in 1996. But in any event Murphy is a nice player who scored 25
goals last season, and could help a lot of teams in the NHL looking for
secondary scoring. With a more reasonable salary Murphy would be a nice
fit for, say, a fast skating team like Edmonton or Toronto who would
make the most of his speed.

Steve Duchesne: One of the prizes of last year's free agent crop,
Duchesne flopped badly in Los Angeles, so badly they bought out his
contract before sending him to Philadelphia, making him a free agent
again this summer. He'll sign with somebody, but nowhere near the $3.75
million he made last season.

Nelson Emerson: This fast skating point producer, would look REAL good
back here in St. Louis with the Blues. He made the league average of
$1.3 million last season, while scoring 13 goals and 37 points for
Carolina, Chicago, and Ottawa. Blues fans probably still remember the
spin-o-rama goal Emerson scored against the Blackhawks in 1992 at The
Arena, in what was one of the most creative offensive displays in Blues
history. He's still a top notch power play point man, which would only
make the Blues already potent power play, that much more dangerous. For
under $2 million Emerson, 32, who still makes his offseason home in St.
Louis, could be a bargain along the same lines of Scott Young in terms
of salary and production.

Tony Hrkac: Three years ago nobody would have expected to see Hrkac's
name on this list, but after 2 solid seasons he has established himself
as a legitimate NHL player again. Hrkac chipped in 13 goals and 27
points in Dallas last season as an offensive role player centering the
Stars 3rd line for most of the year. Always talented offensively Hrkac
picked up Ken Hitchcock's strict defensive system with relative ease.
He played the kind of consistent two-way game he never could here in St.
Louis, and should get a nice contract this summer. His creativity and
good hands still make him a power play asset. Hrkac, 33, should return
to Dallas where he is liked by the coaching staff, but fellow center
Derek Plante plays a similar game and is 4 years younger, so Tony could
be looking for employment elsewhere.

Craig Janney: At one time Janney was one of the top playmakers in the
league. But he suffered through a dreadful 1998-99 season which saw him
struggle to crack the lineup of the hapless Tampa Bay Lighting and New
York Islanders. At 31 he could still help somebody if he actually got
in shape. Janney has excellent hands and still can work the power play,
but offers little else to his overall game. The dearth of scoring
around the league means he will get another chance by somebody, but it
could be his last chance.