After spending the 2010-11 season playing for Zurich of the Swiss League, Nolan was given an invite to training camp by the Canucks. If the 39-year-old veteran is able to nab a roster spot with Vancouver, it will be as a depth forward.
Nolan finds himself without a team as of Mid-August. The Irishman's best match for an employer should be any squad seeking a consistent and steady veteran with proven experience on the power play.
Last season, Nolan had a renaissance of a sort, scoring 25 goals in 59 games. However, the 37-year old is definitely in the twilight of his career. Nolan didn't put up more than 19 goals in the three seasons preceding last, and he is an injury risk. He could easily drop off a cliff this season, particularly if he doesn't fit into Minnesota's new offense.
At 36 years old, Nolan is certainly on the backside of his career. He's no longer the player that racked up 84 points for the Sharks during the 1999-2000 campaign. He's coming off a 32-point season for the Flames, and he has seen his production drop in each of the last four years. That being said, he is a nice source of PIM, so if he can regain any semblance of his former scoring touch playing alongside Marion Gaborik, he could be a late-round option in deeper leagues.
Nolan had a great rebound year last season after two years away from the NHL, scoring 16 goals and 24 assists in 76 games with the Coyotes. The move to Calgary should only help his scoring (and plus/minus), as he will be paired with 70+ point scorers Daymond Langkow and Kristian Huselius. If he stays healthy, he could increase his output to around 60 points and become a valid fantasy option again.
Once an elite power forward, Nolan has the luxury of not being a top forward for the Coyotes. This lack of pressure could allow Nolan to shine, though drafting him may be a little premature. Keep him on your radar in the first few weeks and add him if he shows signs of regaining his former skills.
Nolan's immediate future in the NHL is cloudy as 2005-06 starts. He is rehabbing a serious injury and has filed a grievance against the Leafs for their unwillingness to pay him. It's safe to say you can strike him off your draft list.
