Ranford began the season with the Dallas Stars organization, so now he tries his luck with the worst team in the NHL this season--the Avalanche. Ranford becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, so his NHL audition continues with another organization.

Whitney, like Ranford, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He is a little bit older than Ranford, so time may be running out on him a little sooner to make his mark at the highest level. He remains a long shot to reach the NHL.

Both Ranford and Whitney need to first prove they can stick at the NHL level before becoming fantasy assets. Of the two, Ranford has the better chance of becoming an NHLer down the road.