(Ed. note: We thank Chris from The Program for posting his fantasy rankings this week... first up are the goalies, with the forwards coming over the next few days.)
Yes you knew this was coming and no there will be no Star Wars music to accompany this. This year we wanted to do something a hair different BUT due to the recession...we will dull out the usual skinny, some info, and a smile. We are sorry we did not blow out the budget but at any rate enjoy our list then debate away. And now our feature presentation.
The Top 25 Fantasy Goalies will feature a little bit more info on the first ten, and then a brief skinny on the final 15. This is not something written in stone and will brand goalies for life. Most of our picks were right on the money last year but we had some noticeable flops (Luongo technically and wrong about Craig Anderson, too, among others). Onward with the list.
Top 25 Fantasy Goalies:
1. Ryan Miller (Buffalo Sabres)
Why?: Simple he took home the Vezina and there is no reason to think why he could not do it again. 41-18-8 with a 2.22 GAA and .929 save percentage is pretty damn nice if you ask me. Miller greatly exceeded expectations and proved he can carry a team. This year he may actually face less pressure because of the lowered expectations of Buffalo. With how the Northeast is structured right now, Miller is set up well for another top notch season.
Skinny: Well about 38-40 wins for Miller is about right. Add in the 2.25 to 2.30 GAA and a save percentage close to .925 and you have a guy that should be up for the Vezina again. People may say last year was a bit of a fluke but at 30, Milelr is entering into what I call "the goalie prime". We know what Miller can do now when healthy. That is the bottom line. Sometimes the younger veteran gets it over the old warrior.
#2: Roberto Luongo (Vancouver Canucks)
Why?: We all know that Roberto Luongo ran out of gas last year (after the Olympic Break). He failed again against Chicago. However, this is based on regular season numbers and we have reason to believe that Luongo will bounce back. The 2.5 + GAA and subpar .913 save percentage will be a thing of the past this year even with a suspect cast of characters on D. Luongo is a fighter and knows he let his team down from March 3rd on last season. That will not happen again.
Skinny: For this year...Luongo may not quite get 12 shutouts. I am thinking somewhere in the neighborhood of 8-10 shutouts and 40 wins with a 2.29 GAA and a .923 save percentage. He is going to be pretty well automatic this year as far as fantasy goalies. He will perform like the guy just below him on this list. We call that foreshadowing.
#3: Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils)
Why?: Because he is Martin Brodeur. Marty had a bad last quarter of the season but still racked up 45 wins and 9 shutouts to go along with a 2.24 GAA and .916 save percentage. The guy is still the gold standard for goalies who start 70 or more times. Brodeur overcomes for his defense's shortcomings (sometimes a bit too much) better than anyone. The age will not start to show yet as he has preserved himself amazingly well throughout the years.
Skinny: Martin Brodeur will be nominated for the Vezina Trophy once again. His numbers will be around 41-43 wins....a 2.35 GAA and a .920 save percentage. Toss in 8 or 9 shutouts and people will forget all about that nightmare that was the 2010 playoffs. Keep in mind, that he is still going amongst the top 3 in netminders at age 38. Pretty heady stuff.
#4: Miikka Kiprusoff (Calgary Flames)
Why?: This was exceedingly tough...there were several fine goalies who could have went into this spot and I know I like to generate controversy with this list BUT Kipper proved last year he can play at a high level no matter what is thrown at him. There were nights when I felt more sorry for him than I do for another goalie in the Top 10 but that is a mystery. If Calgary finds a way to score, Kipper will be elite for one more season and then I expect a dropoff again.
Skinny: We kind of expect Kipper to start off well as honestly, it could not have ended worse last year. Calgary actually is good defensively but cannot score worth a lick. That league lead worst goal support will hurt some as not many see it improving much. That being said, Kipper could get 36-38 wins because who else is going to play honestly. Add in a 2.35 GAA to 2.40 GAA with a .920 save percentage and five or six shutouts and you have a nice solid goalie for fantasy teams without drafting too too high.
5. Henrik Lundqvist (NY Rangers)
Why?: Simply he carries the Rangers on his back. In five years with the Rangers, Henrik has done something that is so rare...its scary. He is also on the cover of oh never mind no one cares about that. Bottom line is Lundqvist is solid in net and behind a team that kills penalties very well and plays close to the vest....that 2.38 GAA might come back down a hair this year. The four shutouts last year was a bit disappointing especially for a team that is as challenged to score goals as a high school ice hockey team.
Skinny: Tough to predict this sort of thing because of the team he plays in front of but expect Lundqvist to have at least 35 wins.. I say 37 wins with a 2.35 GAA and a .919 save percentage. Throw in 6 or 7 shutouts and you can see why it was tough to place him #5 on this illustrious list.
6. Tuukka Rask (Boston Bruins)
Why?: I can hear the complaints of why he is not higher and that is the basis of one good part of a year (or the Steve Mason Theory) does not a ranking make. Rask went 22-12-5 with an insane 1.97 GAA and .931 save percentage. If he had started a few dozen more games he would have won the Vezina. It will be interesting to see how he handles a 60 game workload this year because I think that is Boston's plan for him. We all know how well Tim Thomas worked out for fantasy owners last year and I am sure many are cursing him still for ruining their fantasy team.
Skinny: The difference in Rask is age and demeanor. You could not fault him for the playoff collapse. Boston's offense went in the tank and then the defense did in Games 5, 6 and 7 in particular. While the numbers will come up a bit for Rask...and a good bit. His 2.25 to 2.30 GAA and .920 save percentage will keep fantasy owners happy. Add in around 35 wins and there will be even more smiles for a guy who could not be rattled last regular season.
7. Ilya Bryzgalov (Phoenix Coyotes)
Why?: Some will say how so low? The law of averages may catch up with Phoenix and Bryzgalov just a bit. Last year everything set up like a fairy tale come true. The reality is the 42 wins...the 2.29 GAA and .920 save percentage are not far off from his numbers of two years ago in Phoenix (granted in only 55 starts). He had 69 last year and some do think that may be a reason for a bit of a dropoff. That may be true but Bryzgalov, at 30, is in the top shelf of goaltenders now. It does not hurt to have Dave Tippett as your coach either. It almost gurantees a solid fantasy hockey season for your netminder. He made Marty Turco look great in Dallas....just saying.
Skinny: While it won't be quite as storybook as last year, Bryzgalov will have another very good year in the "valley of the sun". Bryzgalov can easily pile up 37-39 wins and a nice 2.35 to 2.40 GAA. Toss in 6 or 7 shutouts because it is a Tippett system and you have a guy that might play like a 3rd best goalie this year but someone you need on your fantasy team.
8. Pekka Rinne (Nashville Predators)
Why?: Because he is ready to make that jump into the Top 10. Rinne is ready to improve on his numbers because he enters camp as the clear and far away #1. No more Dan Ellis on his back as he is in Tampa. The 32 wins along with a 2.53 GAA and .911 save percentage do not sound spectacular but his save percentage jumped to .921 after the Olympic Break. That means something folks and I call that a springboard. When you know you are the man, you rise up to the challenge. If not for a few bad breaks, Rinne might have even advanced past Round 1 and history would not have been made for Chicago. Just saying.
Skinny: Now time to face facts...a 2.45 to 2.50 GAA would be great. That is about where we have Rinne slotted in but with a higher save percentage around .915 or so. Rinne could very well have a 40 win season and pleasantly surprise many fantasy owners who may have drafted him a bit low for a variety of reasons. The time is now for Rinne and he should excel under that kind of pressure.
9. Craig Anderson (Colorado Avalanche)
Why?: He gets the dreaded Steve Mason slot from last year. Unlike Steve Mason, Craig Anderson is better prepared for what is coming next. I actually think his GAA can improve a bit as Colorado's defense gels a bit better than they did last year. Anderson faced 33.5 shots a game over the first half but only about 27.2 a game in the second half. Anderson was in the league so long as a backup that those lofty numbers, the 38 wins, the .917 save percentage, and the 7 shutouts will all possibly be met this year. He has solid talent and hey it is a contract year after all. That should count for something.
Skinny: Expect a year right around last year which should net Anderson a fatter contract. 37-39 wins...a 2.50 to 2.55 GAA and a save percentage around .915 should do it. I am estimating another 6 or 7 shutouts as the NW can get pretty defensive minded aside from Vancouver. We also probably just made Adrian Dater jump up and down in joy which means he bumped his head. Our bad! Seriously, Colorado is no fluke and neither is Craig Anderson.
10. Jonas Hiller (Anaheim Ducks)
Why? It was tough to start ranking a tenth goalie here. The dilemma was put to us simply because we do not know where to rank Jonathan Bernier who many feel will be the starting goalie at some point in LA. However, Hiller has earned this position considering how bad the Ducks played last year. Hiller is clearly the #1 and once JS Giguere was sent to Brian Burke land, Hiller's numbers improved. A 30 win year with a .918 save percentage is quite nice. Yes the 2 shutouts is a bit of a concern but that number should bump up a hair. The other concern is the defense but honestly, the D was not good in Anaheim last year anyway. It should not make a difference.
Skinny: Hiller will hav ea high GAA for someone on this list but a .920 to .925 save percentage is hard to ignore and a potential 30-35 win season. He gave Anaheim a chance to win many nights when they had no business doing so. For that alone, that is worthy of a top 10 spot. Now to see if he can live up to the expectations. So a 2.65 GAA and .922 save percentage with 4 shutouts seems to be the consensus here.
And now it gets MUCH TOUGHER....11-25
11. Tomas Vokoun (FLA) -- Still solid numbers but little support Vokoun could potentially have close to a .930 save percentage and still finish with a sub .500 record IF he stays in Florida and commits career suicide. He would be instantly in the Top 10 if he gets traded.
12. Jimmy Howard (DET) -- Could be top 10 by All-Star Break. No fluke last year. The key for Howard will be how he plays with a healthier Wings team in front of him. The pressure to win is on him now.
13. Marc Andre-Fleury (PIT) --Time to wake up a bit MAF...no more sleepy time. You win a Stanley Cup...that is nice. Consistency needs to be addressed with this guy or else he will bust. Cold reality but just plain true.
14. Chris Mason (ATL) -- Mason is a good fit in Atlanta. People like the way he played in St. Louis last year. With a little more support, Mason could surprise....seriously.
15. Jaroslav Halak (STL) -- Don't know if he can match the playoff success. The Blues have to be better than they were last year. Don't they? The key is Halak has bouts of inconsistency. That may gaunt him somewhat.
16. Kari Lehtonen (DAL) -- Yes injury prone but can play like a #1. Lehtonen has always had the potential. Maybe a new start will be the motivation needed to finally do it.
17. Dan Ellis (TB) -- I see him taking the #1 spot at some point. Mike Smith is not all that good or has the greatest coconut. Ellis has gradually improved and a good training camp might even let Ellis steal the job early which would be a plus for fantasy owners.
18. Jon Quick (LA) -- Bernier on the horizon...good for a half season maybe a hair more? This was tough as everyone knows what Quick did pre-baby and then what he did post-baby. Clearly if he can get the baby to sleep, he will do well for fantasy owners but will the pressure of Bernier cause him to crack?
19. Steve Mason (CLB) -- Had a better second half...maybe not all hope is lost. With a new coach, Mason has to at least start the year better or one would think that anyway. At the very least, Mason will keep the GAA under 3 this year but really, one can do better in leagues.
20. Cam Ward (CAR) -- Still good but Carolina is a mess and a train wreck! Ward will just not have that much in support and that drops him a good ways though he could sport a nice tidy .915 to .920 save percentage in defeat.
21. Semyon Varlamov (WSH) --Will rack up wins at least. Is he the Antti Niemi of last year with Jose Theodore gone? That remains to be seen but the boost will be noticeable IF he can stay healthy.
22. Marty Turco (CHI) -- Should get some wins...consistency will be an issue. That being said, a guy off the streets could win 25-30 for Chicago. Turco will get 35 wins and a rather low GAA with a save percentage around .905 maybe .910.
23. Jonas Gustafsson (TOR) -- I like the monster to do pretty good. He may be the one Toronto goalie to buck the trend lately. Yes he will supplant JS Giguere at some point this year for good.
24. Michael Leighton (PHI) -- Suppose he has to go somewhere on this list. He did guide his team to the Finals last year. That being said, how long before the goalie question keeps getting asked in Philly. One may want to steer clear.
25. Jonathan Bernier (LA) -- I can see a late season impact made by him! Bernier will be in many keeper leagues and some may take a flier on him in drafts. The kid is really that talented and some think he is ready for primetime err the NHL. Count me as one of them.
Goalies first.....next up......we will go around the positional horn. Happy drafting!!!! We do have one disclaimer on Minnesota goalie Nick Backstrom. He is not in the Top 25 because of fear for injury and this would ignite some serious debate on speculation. Josh Harding or the Russian Prospect will not make it either. Sorry Minnesota fans.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Yes you knew this was coming and no there will be no Star Wars music to accompany this. This year we wanted to do something a hair different BUT due to the recession...we will dull out the usual skinny, some info, and a smile. We are sorry we did not blow out the budget but at any rate enjoy our list then debate away. And now our feature presentation.
The Top 25 Fantasy Goalies will feature a little bit more info on the first ten, and then a brief skinny on the final 15. This is not something written in stone and will brand goalies for life. Most of our picks were right on the money last year but we had some noticeable flops (Luongo technically and wrong about Craig Anderson, too, among others). Onward with the list.
Top 25 Fantasy Goalies:
1. Ryan Miller (Buffalo Sabres)
Why?: Simple he took home the Vezina and there is no reason to think why he could not do it again. 41-18-8 with a 2.22 GAA and .929 save percentage is pretty damn nice if you ask me. Miller greatly exceeded expectations and proved he can carry a team. This year he may actually face less pressure because of the lowered expectations of Buffalo. With how the Northeast is structured right now, Miller is set up well for another top notch season.
Skinny: Well about 38-40 wins for Miller is about right. Add in the 2.25 to 2.30 GAA and a save percentage close to .925 and you have a guy that should be up for the Vezina again. People may say last year was a bit of a fluke but at 30, Milelr is entering into what I call "the goalie prime". We know what Miller can do now when healthy. That is the bottom line. Sometimes the younger veteran gets it over the old warrior.
#2: Roberto Luongo (Vancouver Canucks)
Why?: We all know that Roberto Luongo ran out of gas last year (after the Olympic Break). He failed again against Chicago. However, this is based on regular season numbers and we have reason to believe that Luongo will bounce back. The 2.5 + GAA and subpar .913 save percentage will be a thing of the past this year even with a suspect cast of characters on D. Luongo is a fighter and knows he let his team down from March 3rd on last season. That will not happen again.
Skinny: For this year...Luongo may not quite get 12 shutouts. I am thinking somewhere in the neighborhood of 8-10 shutouts and 40 wins with a 2.29 GAA and a .923 save percentage. He is going to be pretty well automatic this year as far as fantasy goalies. He will perform like the guy just below him on this list. We call that foreshadowing.
#3: Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils)
Why?: Because he is Martin Brodeur. Marty had a bad last quarter of the season but still racked up 45 wins and 9 shutouts to go along with a 2.24 GAA and .916 save percentage. The guy is still the gold standard for goalies who start 70 or more times. Brodeur overcomes for his defense's shortcomings (sometimes a bit too much) better than anyone. The age will not start to show yet as he has preserved himself amazingly well throughout the years.
Skinny: Martin Brodeur will be nominated for the Vezina Trophy once again. His numbers will be around 41-43 wins....a 2.35 GAA and a .920 save percentage. Toss in 8 or 9 shutouts and people will forget all about that nightmare that was the 2010 playoffs. Keep in mind, that he is still going amongst the top 3 in netminders at age 38. Pretty heady stuff.
#4: Miikka Kiprusoff (Calgary Flames)
Why?: This was exceedingly tough...there were several fine goalies who could have went into this spot and I know I like to generate controversy with this list BUT Kipper proved last year he can play at a high level no matter what is thrown at him. There were nights when I felt more sorry for him than I do for another goalie in the Top 10 but that is a mystery. If Calgary finds a way to score, Kipper will be elite for one more season and then I expect a dropoff again.
Skinny: We kind of expect Kipper to start off well as honestly, it could not have ended worse last year. Calgary actually is good defensively but cannot score worth a lick. That league lead worst goal support will hurt some as not many see it improving much. That being said, Kipper could get 36-38 wins because who else is going to play honestly. Add in a 2.35 GAA to 2.40 GAA with a .920 save percentage and five or six shutouts and you have a nice solid goalie for fantasy teams without drafting too too high.
5. Henrik Lundqvist (NY Rangers)
Why?: Simply he carries the Rangers on his back. In five years with the Rangers, Henrik has done something that is so rare...its scary. He is also on the cover of oh never mind no one cares about that. Bottom line is Lundqvist is solid in net and behind a team that kills penalties very well and plays close to the vest....that 2.38 GAA might come back down a hair this year. The four shutouts last year was a bit disappointing especially for a team that is as challenged to score goals as a high school ice hockey team.
Skinny: Tough to predict this sort of thing because of the team he plays in front of but expect Lundqvist to have at least 35 wins.. I say 37 wins with a 2.35 GAA and a .919 save percentage. Throw in 6 or 7 shutouts and you can see why it was tough to place him #5 on this illustrious list.
6. Tuukka Rask (Boston Bruins)
Why?: I can hear the complaints of why he is not higher and that is the basis of one good part of a year (or the Steve Mason Theory) does not a ranking make. Rask went 22-12-5 with an insane 1.97 GAA and .931 save percentage. If he had started a few dozen more games he would have won the Vezina. It will be interesting to see how he handles a 60 game workload this year because I think that is Boston's plan for him. We all know how well Tim Thomas worked out for fantasy owners last year and I am sure many are cursing him still for ruining their fantasy team.
Skinny: The difference in Rask is age and demeanor. You could not fault him for the playoff collapse. Boston's offense went in the tank and then the defense did in Games 5, 6 and 7 in particular. While the numbers will come up a bit for Rask...and a good bit. His 2.25 to 2.30 GAA and .920 save percentage will keep fantasy owners happy. Add in around 35 wins and there will be even more smiles for a guy who could not be rattled last regular season.
7. Ilya Bryzgalov (Phoenix Coyotes)
Why?: Some will say how so low? The law of averages may catch up with Phoenix and Bryzgalov just a bit. Last year everything set up like a fairy tale come true. The reality is the 42 wins...the 2.29 GAA and .920 save percentage are not far off from his numbers of two years ago in Phoenix (granted in only 55 starts). He had 69 last year and some do think that may be a reason for a bit of a dropoff. That may be true but Bryzgalov, at 30, is in the top shelf of goaltenders now. It does not hurt to have Dave Tippett as your coach either. It almost gurantees a solid fantasy hockey season for your netminder. He made Marty Turco look great in Dallas....just saying.
Skinny: While it won't be quite as storybook as last year, Bryzgalov will have another very good year in the "valley of the sun". Bryzgalov can easily pile up 37-39 wins and a nice 2.35 to 2.40 GAA. Toss in 6 or 7 shutouts because it is a Tippett system and you have a guy that might play like a 3rd best goalie this year but someone you need on your fantasy team.
8. Pekka Rinne (Nashville Predators)
Why?: Because he is ready to make that jump into the Top 10. Rinne is ready to improve on his numbers because he enters camp as the clear and far away #1. No more Dan Ellis on his back as he is in Tampa. The 32 wins along with a 2.53 GAA and .911 save percentage do not sound spectacular but his save percentage jumped to .921 after the Olympic Break. That means something folks and I call that a springboard. When you know you are the man, you rise up to the challenge. If not for a few bad breaks, Rinne might have even advanced past Round 1 and history would not have been made for Chicago. Just saying.
Skinny: Now time to face facts...a 2.45 to 2.50 GAA would be great. That is about where we have Rinne slotted in but with a higher save percentage around .915 or so. Rinne could very well have a 40 win season and pleasantly surprise many fantasy owners who may have drafted him a bit low for a variety of reasons. The time is now for Rinne and he should excel under that kind of pressure.
9. Craig Anderson (Colorado Avalanche)
Why?: He gets the dreaded Steve Mason slot from last year. Unlike Steve Mason, Craig Anderson is better prepared for what is coming next. I actually think his GAA can improve a bit as Colorado's defense gels a bit better than they did last year. Anderson faced 33.5 shots a game over the first half but only about 27.2 a game in the second half. Anderson was in the league so long as a backup that those lofty numbers, the 38 wins, the .917 save percentage, and the 7 shutouts will all possibly be met this year. He has solid talent and hey it is a contract year after all. That should count for something.
Skinny: Expect a year right around last year which should net Anderson a fatter contract. 37-39 wins...a 2.50 to 2.55 GAA and a save percentage around .915 should do it. I am estimating another 6 or 7 shutouts as the NW can get pretty defensive minded aside from Vancouver. We also probably just made Adrian Dater jump up and down in joy which means he bumped his head. Our bad! Seriously, Colorado is no fluke and neither is Craig Anderson.
10. Jonas Hiller (Anaheim Ducks)
Why? It was tough to start ranking a tenth goalie here. The dilemma was put to us simply because we do not know where to rank Jonathan Bernier who many feel will be the starting goalie at some point in LA. However, Hiller has earned this position considering how bad the Ducks played last year. Hiller is clearly the #1 and once JS Giguere was sent to Brian Burke land, Hiller's numbers improved. A 30 win year with a .918 save percentage is quite nice. Yes the 2 shutouts is a bit of a concern but that number should bump up a hair. The other concern is the defense but honestly, the D was not good in Anaheim last year anyway. It should not make a difference.
Skinny: Hiller will hav ea high GAA for someone on this list but a .920 to .925 save percentage is hard to ignore and a potential 30-35 win season. He gave Anaheim a chance to win many nights when they had no business doing so. For that alone, that is worthy of a top 10 spot. Now to see if he can live up to the expectations. So a 2.65 GAA and .922 save percentage with 4 shutouts seems to be the consensus here.
And now it gets MUCH TOUGHER....11-25
11. Tomas Vokoun (FLA) -- Still solid numbers but little support Vokoun could potentially have close to a .930 save percentage and still finish with a sub .500 record IF he stays in Florida and commits career suicide. He would be instantly in the Top 10 if he gets traded.
12. Jimmy Howard (DET) -- Could be top 10 by All-Star Break. No fluke last year. The key for Howard will be how he plays with a healthier Wings team in front of him. The pressure to win is on him now.
13. Marc Andre-Fleury (PIT) --Time to wake up a bit MAF...no more sleepy time. You win a Stanley Cup...that is nice. Consistency needs to be addressed with this guy or else he will bust. Cold reality but just plain true.
14. Chris Mason (ATL) -- Mason is a good fit in Atlanta. People like the way he played in St. Louis last year. With a little more support, Mason could surprise....seriously.
15. Jaroslav Halak (STL) -- Don't know if he can match the playoff success. The Blues have to be better than they were last year. Don't they? The key is Halak has bouts of inconsistency. That may gaunt him somewhat.
16. Kari Lehtonen (DAL) -- Yes injury prone but can play like a #1. Lehtonen has always had the potential. Maybe a new start will be the motivation needed to finally do it.
17. Dan Ellis (TB) -- I see him taking the #1 spot at some point. Mike Smith is not all that good or has the greatest coconut. Ellis has gradually improved and a good training camp might even let Ellis steal the job early which would be a plus for fantasy owners.
18. Jon Quick (LA) -- Bernier on the horizon...good for a half season maybe a hair more? This was tough as everyone knows what Quick did pre-baby and then what he did post-baby. Clearly if he can get the baby to sleep, he will do well for fantasy owners but will the pressure of Bernier cause him to crack?
19. Steve Mason (CLB) -- Had a better second half...maybe not all hope is lost. With a new coach, Mason has to at least start the year better or one would think that anyway. At the very least, Mason will keep the GAA under 3 this year but really, one can do better in leagues.
20. Cam Ward (CAR) -- Still good but Carolina is a mess and a train wreck! Ward will just not have that much in support and that drops him a good ways though he could sport a nice tidy .915 to .920 save percentage in defeat.
21. Semyon Varlamov (WSH) --Will rack up wins at least. Is he the Antti Niemi of last year with Jose Theodore gone? That remains to be seen but the boost will be noticeable IF he can stay healthy.
22. Marty Turco (CHI) -- Should get some wins...consistency will be an issue. That being said, a guy off the streets could win 25-30 for Chicago. Turco will get 35 wins and a rather low GAA with a save percentage around .905 maybe .910.
23. Jonas Gustafsson (TOR) -- I like the monster to do pretty good. He may be the one Toronto goalie to buck the trend lately. Yes he will supplant JS Giguere at some point this year for good.
24. Michael Leighton (PHI) -- Suppose he has to go somewhere on this list. He did guide his team to the Finals last year. That being said, how long before the goalie question keeps getting asked in Philly. One may want to steer clear.
25. Jonathan Bernier (LA) -- I can see a late season impact made by him! Bernier will be in many keeper leagues and some may take a flier on him in drafts. The kid is really that talented and some think he is ready for primetime err the NHL. Count me as one of them.
Goalies first.....next up......we will go around the positional horn. Happy drafting!!!! We do have one disclaimer on Minnesota goalie Nick Backstrom. He is not in the Top 25 because of fear for injury and this would ignite some serious debate on speculation. Josh Harding or the Russian Prospect will not make it either. Sorry Minnesota fans.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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1 comments:
Ouch, Price not even in the top 25, yet Gustafsson, Leighton, Turco and Dan Ellis are...Bernier has 7 careers games. Not a Habs fan I see...
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