When I'm at work, I usually run a quick EXCEL report when I need to look at varying scenarios, compare different types of revenue, run the various costs for a venture, and such other business type stuff. *yawn*

Naturally, I find it easier to step back, run an EXCEL report, and take a look at many hockey-related analysis in the same light.

With the numerous free agent signings taking place the last few days, I decided to whip up a quick EXCEL spreadsheet of the UFA forwards so that we could compare the signings in one easy-to-read format.

Here is a spreadsheet of the UFA forwards signed so far. Note that Jason Allison's stats are from 2002-03, as he missed the entire 03-04 season recovering from a concussion.

• How can a 'financially distressed' team like the Pittsburgh Penguins spend $1mil a year on a 5th line goon like Andre Roy? His defense is atrocious, he can't stay in the lineup many nights, and he takes a lot of bad penalties. At least Tie Domi is good at his job (of being a thug and dishing out cheap shots). Andre Roy? not so much. Roy is not going to protect Sidney Crosby for $1mil worth of salary. Thumbs way down!

• As frustrating as Cory Stillman can be, the Canes got an absolute steal with this cheap contract. Stillman is a jack-of-all-trades forward and is a good bet for AT LEAST 45-50 points. Thumbs way up!
  

• Not only did the Ducks have to pay big for Scott Niedermayer (4 years at $6.75mil a year), they had to overpay his brother, Rob, to get him there. Basically, they are paying $8.75 mil a year for Scott Niedermayer, because Rob isn't worth half of his salary. Rob's production has been level for years and his defense isn't all that great, either.

• OK, I admit I had no idea that Bobby Holik had an unusually good offensive season with the Rangers in 03-04. I still think he is overpaid and not likely to duplicate those numbers. Still, this signing isn't atrocious and I can see how this helps a team like Atlanta, which is in position to make a giant leap forward (providing they can solve the goaltending issue). If the Thrashers are going to make big purchases, Holik isn't a bad choice for them.

• I don't care how physical Martin Lapointe is, he doesn't provide enough 'intangibles' to justify such a large salary. Gary Roberts provides enough intangibles, but can provide some production along with them.

• Pierre Turgeon could turn out to be a great signing for Colorado. I realize he isn't a Peter Forsberg, but poor Pierre was out of his element in every way with the Dallas Stars. They didn't have the quality ice time for him, and forced him to play a style that he was unsuited to/for. If Colorado can let Pierre be the playmaking offensive center that he should be, he can provide cheap production behind Joe Sakic. Turgeon is not as bad as his critics would have you believe...but once you get a reputation, it's almost impossible to shake (See Brent Sopel and certain Canucks fans) .

• Shawn McEachern also looks like a tremendous steal with those numbers, but we know most of his points were thanks to some tremendously talented linemates. I didn't realize Shawn was so old, and I expect he'll get about 30-35 points with Boston...certainly worth the salary he's getting, in any event.
  

I'll update this chart as the offseason goes on. If you find it helpful, tell your friends about it. I may do one for defensemen if I'm inspired ;)