Player evaluation: Ivanans

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RAITIS IVANANS

This season: 73 games, 6 goals, 2 assists, minus-10 rating.

Positives: Scored six goals this season, only one fewer than $4-million-man Michal Handzus. Ivanans has a very defined role, and he has filled it to the coaches’ satisfaction over the last two seasons. Enforcers can’t afford to be one-dimensional in the post-lockout NHL, and Ivanans has displayed some skill, beyond the ability to fight.

Negatives: Even at his best, Ivanans will never be a skilled offensive player. He’s 29 years old and unlikely to show significant improvement at this point in his career, so what you see is what you get.

Looking ahead: On a team that most followers agree lacked toughness, Ivanans was a notable exception. He returned relatively quickly from a painful broken cheekbone and resumed his physical style of play. Ivanans fills a crucial role and is not expected to contribute offense. As long as he skates strong and brings a physical element to the game, he’s a valuable contributor.

Contract situation: Signed through 2009-10 (cap number of $600,000 next season).

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