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UFA spotlight -- Sheldon Souray

Sheldon Souray

All week leading up to July 1, we’ll be profiling unrestricted free agents and speculating where they might end up.

Sheldon Souray (D)

Age: 35

2011-12 cap hit: $1.65 million

The skinny: Souray’s goals appear to have shifted with the free agent market.

Originally, he stated his desire to stay in Dallas after a successful comeback season with the Stars, one that saw him notch 21 points in 65 games while averaging over 20 minutes per night.

Then things changed.

A report from Fan 590’s Andy Strickland claimed Souray rejected Dallas’ one-year, $3 million dollar offer, suggesting a couple variables entered the equation.

One, length of term. Souray probably wanted more than a single season, given he’s been a hockey nomad over the last three years (Edmonton, Hershey and Dallas).

Two, Souray likely recognized the market was thinning out. When he (allegedly) rejected Dallas’s offer, UFA defensemen Johnny Oduya, Jamie McBain, Alex Sulzer and Clayton Stoner had already been signed.

Since then, Barret Jackman, Brad Stuart, Shane O’Brien, Dennis Wideman, Hal Gill and Cory Sarich have come off the market as well.

The more the market dwindles the higher Souray’s value becomes. He also benefits by having a particular skill set, namely his booming shot (left-handed!) and ability to man the power play.

On that note, St. Louis had a mediocre power play last season and GM Doug Armstrong recently told BND.com he’s in the market for a left-handed defenseman.

As last summer’s signings of Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner suggest, St. Louis isn’t afraid to bring aboard veterans -- could there be a fit for Souray?

More UFA spotlights

Ryan Suter

Zach Parise

Jason Garrison

Jiri Hudler

Justin Schultz

Shane Doan

Alexander Semin