Evaluating the remaining unrestricted free agents

	Sergei Samsonov comes toting the luggage of a lackluster Stanley Cup finals. Lou Capozzola/SI
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After just four days of free agency, the shelves of fortune-shifting talent haven't been picked over so much as they've been looted. Flush with the extra dollars afforded them by a boost in the salary cap, NHL GMs have resumed spending as though they were elected officials, tossing briefcases of cash larger than expected at anyone on the open market.

How crazy has it been? Andy Hilbert, Marty Reasoner and Shean Donovan all were snatched up within 72 hours. Clearly they didn't realize that Tim Ecclestone and Dale Rolfe were still out there.

While those recent signees might not become franchise cornerstones, there are still some unrestricted players out there who actually might be able to help your team:

Sergei Samsonov: Maybe that lackluster performance in the Finals didn't go unnoticed after all. Still, with his speed and creativity, Sammy can impact someone's second line, and that's probably the hold-up. He's apparently looking for upwards of $3.5 million, and that's more like first-line money these days. Rumors persist that he'll end up in Chicago -- with a team that doesn't want to get caught without a chair when the music stops -- or Detroit, but don't count out Toronto, which is desperate to present a quality winger to Mats Sundin and appears intent on stocking up on ex-Bruins this summer. A return to Edmonton? Still possible.

Brendan Shanahan: Evan at his advanced age (37), 40 goals is 40 goals. The Blues are reportedly out after re-signing Petr Cajanek, the Senators and Canadiens -- having been spurned by Jason Arnott -- remain in the hunt, and the Bruins, who are acting as if the salary cap is a suggestion rather then a strict guideline, are the frontrunners. Rumors of Shanahan's stunning contract demands -- upwards of $5 million per year for at least two years -- may drag out the process.

Mark Recchi: There's been little talk of his potential destination, although there are any number of teams he could help on the second or third lines. At his age (38), though, you have to think family concerns are his first priority. The right situation will outweigh the best offer.

Michael Peca: Reports suggested that he had re-signed with the Islanders over the weekend, but they haven't been confirmed. This just makes too much sense not to happen, although the Stars still may be sniffing around for a replacement for Jason Arnott.

Petr Sykora: He netted 31 points in 40 games after his trade to the Rangers and finished the season with 23 goals. He's a nice fall-back option for some team that misses out on the younger Samsonov. Chicago or Los Angeles
wouldn't be a surprise.