1.   Although their options are limited to the use of salary-cap exceptions, the Knicks may dabble in the free-agent market.

2.   Among deceased legends, it is Lou Gehrig, not Babe Ruth, who would be most handsomely compensated in the free-agent market today.

3.   And Anderson suddenly found himself the hottest commodity on the free-agent market, being courted by just about everyone, including the NBA champion San Antonio Spurs.

4.   And do the Stars need to delve once again into the free-agent market to get more scoring or footspeed?

5.   And signing, say, a Fedorov would also take the Rangers out of the free-agent market for four years.

6.   And when will the Giants begin looking at how things are shaping up in the draft and the free-agent market?

7.   Anderson has said he would prefer to wait until the end of the season and test the free-agent market.

8.   Another member of that former Edmonton group, defenseman Jeff Beukeboom, signed again with the Rangers this month after testing the free-agent market.

9.   Another top draft pick, defensive end Jeff Lageman, was lost to the free-agent market.

10.   Another veteran receiver with imposing credentials, Andre Rison, lurks on the free-agent market.