The 2011 NHL free agency period wasn’t nearly close to what some of the past periods have been like, but there were still some notable free agents that will have key fantasy impacts this coming sports betting season. No signing was as big of a deal as Brad Richards’ with the New York Rangers, and that was just the tip of the iceberg.

Richards is likely to center the top Rangers’ line alongside Marian Gaborik as the Rangers look to get back into the postseason. Richards will quarterback the powerplay and log quality shorthanded minutes as well, but he could lose some assists if Gaborik fails to stay healthy. The Philadelphia Flyers were able to lock up their NHL franchise goaltender with the signing of Ilya Bryzgalov, and he should be a fantasy stud behind a talented team after carrying the Phoenix Coyotes the past couple of years. James Wisniewski signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets are flashing his offensive potential with the Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders a year ago, and should thrive with the ability to really showcase his skills. Meanwhile, the Canadiens will welcome back a free agent that missed significant time a year ago in Andrei Markov, who is one of the top offensive defenseman in the league when healthy. Montreal also signed winger Erik Cole to play on the top line along with captain Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez, and the hope is that he can provide a spark to that line after scoring 26 goals a year ago.