Glendening is cheaper but Helm's the better player. Helm might be a bit overpaid and a bigger health risk, but if you want a better player you're going to have to pay more. Point is, though, that I don't expect either to get a 2nd from anyone, and if it's offered, you take it as quickly as possible. These guys are here until their contracts run out, and probably after.
I'm not sure Helm is the better player.
He's faster. Sure.
Here are their 5-on-5 stats over the last four seasons.
Helm - 2977 minutes 25-34-59
Glendening - 2903 minutes 20-31-51
Considering Helm spent quite a bit of time in 2 of those seasons with Datsyuk...
Helm has a huge lead in CF%, but again, Datsyuk vs 4th liner who takes shutdown shifts in the defensive zone.
In terms of goals for vs goals against...
Helm has been on the ice for 100 goals and allow 117 goals for a GF% of 46.1.
Glenny has been on the ice for 81 goals and allowed 95. GF of 46.0 percent.
For fun, here are Abdelkader's numbers
3335 minutes 108 goals for 130 goals against, 45.38 GF%
Abby's offense is better
32-39-71
But in terms of rates, it's a little closer
Goals/60
Helm .5
Abby .58
Glendening .41
Points/60
Helm 1.19
Abdelakder 1.28
Glendening 1.05
So considering faceoffs and salary and term - I take Glendening over Helm and Abdelkader any day of the week.
I might take him if they made the same amount of money for the same amount of years, based on faceoffs.
But considering money/years?
Glendening any day.