1. Mike Green, WSH (Age: 23)
’08-‘09 Stats: 68 GP, 31 G, 42 A, 73 PTS, +24, 68 PIM
3-Year Average: 73 GP, 17 G, 30 A, 47 PTS, +7, 55 PIM
Note: Green was incredible from December 28th to February 14th last season (20 GP, 30 PTS), a stretch that including a defenseman-record 8-game goal scoring streak. He only scored once in 14 playoff games, though.
2. Nicklas Lidstrom, DET (Age: 39)
’08-‘09 Stats: 78 GP, 16 G, 43 A, 59 PTS, +31, 30 PIM
3-Year Average: 78 GP, 13 G, 51 A, 64 PTS, +37, 39 PIM
Note: You know what you’re getting with the 6-time Norris Trophy winner. He has recorded at least 10 goals, 40 assists, and a +20 rating in each season since the lockout.
3. Scott Niedermayer, ANA (Age: 36)
’08-‘09 Stats: 82 GP, 14 G, 45 A, 59 PTS, -8, 70 PIM
3-Year Average: 70 GP, 12 G, 39 A, 51 PTS, +1, 57 PIM
Note: Niedermayer recorded 50 points for the 5th time in his career in ’08-’09. He has 34 PPG in his four seasons with the Ducks (291 GP).
4. Andrei Markov, MTL (Age: 30)
’08-‘09 Stats: 78 GP, 12 G, 52 A, 64 PTS, -2, 36 PIM
3-Year Average: 79 GP, 11 G, 46 A, 57 PTS, +0, 52 PIM
Note: Markov’s stats have gradually improved in each season since the lockout. He tallied 50 assists and 60 points for the first time in his career in ’08-’09.
5. Shea Weber, NSH (Age: 24)
’08-‘09 Stats: 81 GP, 23 G, 30 A, 53 PTS, +1, 80 PIM
3-Year Average: 71 GP, 15 G, 22 A, 37 PTS, +3, 63 PIM
Note: Weber solidified himself as one of the best defensemen in the game in ’08-’09. He tied for 2nd amongst d-men in goals and topped 50 points for the first time in his career.
6. Dan Boyle, SJS (Age: 33)
’08-‘09 Stats: 77 GP, 16 G, 41 A, 57 PTS, +6, 52 PIM
3-Year Average: 65 GP, 13 G, 35 A, 48 PTS, -9, 57 PIM
Note: Boyle is very consistent on a game-to-game basis. He had only one four-game pointless streak in ’08-’09.
7. Zdeno Chara, BOS (Age: 32)
’08-‘09 Stats: 80 GP, 19 G, 31 A, 50 PTS, +23, 95 PIM
3-Year Average: 79 GP, 16 G, 32 A, 48 PTS, +5, 103 PIM
Note: The recipient of the Norris Trophy set career highs in goals and PPG (11) in ’08-‘09. He should record 15-20 goals and top 50 points once again this season.
8. Sheldon Souray, EDM (Age: 33)
’08-‘09 Stats: 81 GP, 23 G, 30 A, 53 PTS, +1, 98 PIM
3-Year Average: 63 GP, 17 G, 25 A, 42 PTS, -12, 90 PIM
Note: Souray rebounded nicely last season after missing much of ’07-’08 due to injury. He recorded 20 goals and 50 points each for the 2nd time in his career in '08-'09.
9. Dion Phaneuf, CGY (Age: 24)
’08-‘09 Stats: 80 GP, 11 G, 36 A, 47 PTS, -11, 100 PIM
3-Year Average: 80 GP, 15 G, 37 A, 52 PTS, +4, 127 PIM
Note: Look for Phaneuf to rebound from the worst season of his career (though still not bad) in ’08-’09. He had scored at least 17 goals and 10 PPG (4 in ’09-’10) in each of his first three NHL seasons.
10. Brian Rafalski, DET (Age: 36)
’08-‘09 Stats: 78 GP, 10 G, 49 A, 59 PTS, +17, 20 PIM
3-Year Average: 78 GP, 10 G, 46 A, 56 PTS, +16, 29 PIM
Note: Rafalski has been a very safe fantasy pick over the years. He has tallied between 55 and 59 points in each of the past three seasons.
11. Mark Streit, NYI (Age: 31)
’08-‘09 Stats: 74 GP, 16 G, 40 A, 56 PTS, +5, 62 PIM
3-Year Average: 77 GP, 13 G, 38 A, 51 PTS, -2, 35 PIM
Note: Streit performed well in his first season on the Island, scoring a career-high 10 PPG. He should benefit, fantasy-wise, from the presence of John Tavares.
12. Sergei Gonchar, PIT (Age: 35)
’08-‘09 Stats: 25 GP, 6 G, 13 A, 19 PTS, +6, 26 PIM
3-Year Average: 62 GP, 10 G, 40 A, 50 PTS, +5, 55 PIM
Note: Gonchar missed most of last season due to shoulder surgery and played on a torn MCL in the playoffs. His body may be wearing down a bit but he makes the Pens’ power play go when he is healthy. Gonchar scored 7 of his 9 goals on the power play in ’08-’09 (including the postseason).
13. Jay Bouwmeester, CGY (Age: 26)
’08-‘09 Stats: 82 GP, 15 G, 27 A, 42 PTS, -2, 68 PIM
3-Year Average: 82 GP, 14 G, 26 A, 40 PTS, +5, 69 PIM
Note: Jay-Bo should thrive in Calgary with Phaneuf, Iginla, Jokinen, etc. He was very consistent with the Panthers and has not missed a game since before the lockout.
14. Brian Campbell, CHI (Age: 30)
’08-‘09 Stats: 82 GP, 7 G, 45 A, 52 PTS, +5, 22 PIM
3-Year Average: 82 GP, 7 G, 47 A, 54 PTS, +14, 26 PIM
Note: Campbell didn't quite live up to expectations in his first season with the Blackhawks. However, he should rack up the assists playing with all of those offensive weapons, especially with Hossa now in the fold.
15. Chris Pronger, PHI (Age: 34)
’08-‘09 Stats: 82 GP, 11 G, 37 A, 48 PTS, +0, 88 PIM
3-Year Average: 73 GP, 12 G, 38 A, 50 PTS, +9, 95 PIM
Note: Pronger recorded at least 10 goals and 30 assists for the 5th straight season in ’08-’09. He should do so once again in his first season with Philly.
16. Tomas Kaberle, TOR (Age: 31)
’08-‘09 Stats: 57 GP, 4 G, 27 A, 31 PTS, -8, 8 PIM
3-Year Average: 71 GP, 8 G, 40 A, 48 PTS, -4, 17 PIM
Note: Kaberle has recorded 50 points in three of the past four seasons. He was on pace to do so in ’08-’09 before a broken hand sidelined him for most of February and March.
17. Lubomir Visnovsky, EDM (Age: 33)
’08-‘09 Stats: 50 GP, 8 G, 23 A, 31 PTS, +6, 30 PIM
3-Year Average: 67 GP, 11 G, 32 A, 43 PTS, -4, 30 PIM
Note: Visnovsky has struggled with injuries a good bit in his career, but has 40-50 point potential in ’09-’10 if he stays healthy for the whole season.
18. Dennis Wideman, BOS (Age: 26)
’08-‘09 Stats: 79 GP, 13 G, 37 A, 50 PTS, +32, 34 PIM
3-Year Average: 78 GP, 11 G, 26 A, 37 PTS, +11, 58 PIM
Note: Wideman had a major breakout year in ’08-’09 (as did about half of Boston’s lineup). His ceiling isn’t much higher than 50 points and I expect him to be more in the 45 point range in ’09-’10.
19. Ryan Suter, NSH (Age: 24)
’08-‘09 Stats: 82 GP, 7 G, 38 A, 45 PTS, -16, 73 PIM
3-Year Average: 80 GP, 7 G, 26 A, 33 PTS, -1, 66 PIM
Note: Suter has gradually improved in each of his first four NHL seasons. He is underrated and could be a nice steal in your fantasy draft.
20. Kevin Bieksa, VAN (Age: 28)
’08-‘09 Stats: 72 GP, 11 G, 32 A, 43 PTS, -4, 97 PIM
3-Year Average: 62 GP, 8 G, 24 A, 32 PTS, -5, 107 PIM
Note: Bieksa has recorded at least 10 goals and 30 assists in each of his two full NHL seasons (he was injured for much of ’07-’08). He seems to be a good bet to repeat that in ’09-’10.
21. Duncan Keith, CHI (Age: 26)
’08-‘09 Stats: 77 GP, 8 G, 36 A, 44 PTS, +33, 60 PIM
3-Year Average: 80 GP, 7 G, 28 A, 35 PTS, +21, 64 PIM
Note: Keith had the best season of his career in ’08-’09, setting personal bests in assists and points. He has a +63 rating over the past two seasons, but only has 4 PPG in his career (322 GP).
22. Rob Blake, SJS (Age: 39)
’08-‘09 Stats: 73 GP, 10 G, 35 A, 45 PTS, +15, 110 PIM
3-Year Average: 72 GP, 11 G, 26 A, 37 PTS, -10, 97 PIM
Note: Blake responded nicely with the Sharks in ’08-’09 after two below-average seasons with the Kings. Expect 40-45 points from him again this season.
23. Niklas Kronwall, DET (Age: 28)
’08-‘09 Stats: 80 GP, 6 G, 45 A, 51 PTS, +2, 50 PIM
3-Year Average: 71 GP, 5 G, 31 A, 36 PTS, +9, 49 PIM
Note: Don’t expect Kronwall to top the numbers he put up a year ago, as he is a streaky fantasy player. Kronwall hit a rough patch from November 26th to January 6th (19 GP, 4 PTS), but was remarkable from January 8th to February 20th (19 GP, 20 PTS).
24. Erik Johnson, STL (Age: 21)
’08-‘09 Stats: N/A
3-Year Average: 69 GP, 5 G, 28 A, 33 PTS, -9, 28 PIM*
Note: Johnson should be ready to go after missing all of last year with a knee injury. The 1st overall draft pick in 2006 has 15 goal, 50 point potential.
25. Marek Zidlicky, MIN (Age: 32)
’08-‘09 Stats: 76 GP, 12 G, 30 A, 42 PTS, -12, 76 PIM
3-Year Average: 78 GP, 7 G, 31 A, 38 PTS, -3, 70 PIM
Note: A change of scenery did Zidlicky some good, as he scored more goals in ’08-’09 with the Wild than he did in his previous two seasons combined as a Predator (158 GP, 9 G).
26. Pavel Kubina, ATL (Age: 32)
’08-‘09 Stats: 82 GP, 14 G, 26 A, 40 PTS, -15, 94 PIM
3-Year Average: 72 GP, 11 G, 23 A, 34 PTS, -1, 86 PIM
Note: Kubina topped 40 points for the 2nd time in his career in ’08-’09. He should benefit from playing on a slightly better PP unit in Atlanta than he had in Toronto.
27. Cam Barker, CHI (Age: 23)
’08-‘09 Stats: 68 GP, 6 G, 34 A, 40 PTS, -6, 65 PIM
3-Year Average: 49 GP, 4 G, 18 A, 22 PTS, -7, 54 PIM
Note: The 3rd overall draft pick in 2004 should improve on his impressive numbers in ’08-’09. He recorded a point in 9 straight games from March 7th to March 25th, but failed to find the stat sheet (for the right reasons) in his final 10 regular season games.
28. Denis Grebeshkov, EDM (Age: 25)
’08-‘09 Stats: 72 GP, 7 G, 32 A, 39 PTS, +12, 38 PIM
3-Year Average: 72 GP, 5 G, 24 A, 29 PTS, +7, 30 PIM**
Note: Grebeshkov broke out last season, and is full of potential. Expect another 40-point campaign (or more) from him this season.
29. Jaroslav Spacek, MTL (Age: 35)
’08-‘09 Stats: 80 GP, 8 G, 37 A, 45 PTS, +2, 38 PIM
3-Year Average: 68 GP, 7 G, 25 A, 32 PTS, +10, 47 PIM
Note: Spacek tied his career high with 45 points in ’08-’09. He should top 40 points in his first season as a Canadien.
30. Bryan McCabe, FLA (Age: 34)
’08-‘09 Stats: 69 GP, 15 G, 24 A, 39 PTS, -1, 41 PIM
3-Year Average: 68 GP, 12 G, 28 A, 40 PTS, +0, 79 PIM
Note: McCabe will be the main guy on Florida’s blue line with the departure of Bouwmeester. His 41 PIM in ’08-’09 was a bit of an anomaly, as he has recorded 115+ PIM in 10 of his 14 NHL seasons.
31. Alexander Edler, VAN (Age: 23)
’08-‘09 Stats: 80 GP, 10 G, 27 A, 37 PTS, +11, 54 PIM
3-Year Average: 78 GP, 9 G, 20 A, 29 PTS, +9, 48 PIM**
Note: Edler’s numbers improved quite a bit in ’08-’09 from the ones he posted in his first full season in the NHL (75 GP, 20 PTS in ’07-‘08). Expect 40+ points from him this season.
32. Zach Bogosian, ATL (Age: 19)
’08-‘09 Stats: 47 GP, 9 G, 10 A, 19 PTS, +11, 47 PIM
3-Year Average: 47 GP, 9 G, 10 A, 19 PTS, +11, 47 PIM
Note: The 3rd overall draft pick in 2008 got off to a poor start in ’08-’09 (8 GP, 0 PTS in October), before a broken fibula sidelined him for two months. Bogosian’s rookie numbers extrapolate to 19 goals and 21 assists over an 82 game season if you take away those first 8 that he played.
33. Kimmo Timonen, PHI (Age: 34)
’08-’09 Stats: 77 GP, 3 G, 40 A, 43 PTS, +19, 54 PIM
3-Year Average: 79 GP, 8 G, 39 A, 47 PTS, +13, 49 PIM
Note: Timonen scored a career-low 3 goals in ’08-’09, but did record 40 points for the 7th straight season.
34. Tom Gilbert, EDM (Age: 26)
’08-‘09 Stats: 82 GP, 5 G, 40 A, 45 PTS, +6, 26 PIM
3-Year Average: 82 GP, 9 G, 30 A, 39 PTS, +0, 23 PIM
Note: Goals were few and far between for Gilbert last season, but he did score 13 times in ’07-’08.
35. Kris Letang, PIT (Age: 22)
’08-‘09 Stats: 74 GP, 10 G, 23 A, 33 PTS, -7, 24 PIM
3-Year Average: 69 GP, 8 G, 17 A, 25 PTS, -4, 24 PIM**
Note: Letang performed well in the Pens’ stretch run (19 GP, 14 PTS) and in the playoffs (23 GP, 13 PTS). He has 40-45 point potential in ’09-’10.
36. John-Michael Liles, COL (Age: 28)
’08-‘09 Stats: 75 GP, 12 G, 27 A, 39 PTS, -19, 31 PIM
3-Year Average: 76 GP, 11 G, 28 A, 39 PTS, -6, 27 PIM
Note: Liles is a safe fantasy pick, as he has recorded at least 30 points in each of his 5 NHL seasons. His -19 rating in ’08-’09 is mostly due to the -15 rating he accumulated in his final 24 games played (once the Avs were out of the playoff picture).
37. Christian Ehrhoff, SJS (Age: 27)
’08-‘09 Stats: 77 GP, 8 G, 34 A, 42 PTS, -12, 63 PIM
3-Year Average: 79 GP, 6 G, 26 A, 32 PTS, +2, 66 PIM
Note: I would shy away from Ehrhoff, as he is very streaky. He scored only one goal in ’07-’08 (77 GP) and failed to put the puck in the net from October 22nd to January 15th last season (36 GP).
38. Ed Jovanovski, PHX (Age: 33)
’08-‘09 Stats: 82 GP, 9 G, 27 A, 36 PTS, -15, 106 PIM
3-Year Average: 72 GP, 11 G, 28 A, 39 PTS, -11, 81 PIM
Note: Jovanovski has only had a positive plus-minus rating in 2 of his 14 NHL seasons. He recorded 100 PIM in ’08-’09 for the first time since ’02-’03 (he had not topped 75 since then).
39. Joe Corvo, CAR (Age: 32)
’08-‘09 Stats: 81 GP, 14 G, 24 A, 38 PTS, -1, 18 PIM
3-Year Average: 77 GP, 12 G, 29 A, 41 PTS, +8, 29 PIM
Note: Corvo recorded at least 10 goals and 35 points for the 3rd time in his career in ’08-’09.
40. Filip Kuba, OTT (Age: 32)
’08-’09 Stats: 71 GP, 3 G, 37 A, 40 PTS, +4, 28 PIM
3-Year Average: 76 GP, 8 G, 28 A, 36 PTS, -4, 35 PIM
Note: Kuba set career-highs in assists and points in his first season with Ottawa. Expect him to put up similar numbers in ’09-’10 to the ones he posted a year ago.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment