Articles by magnum

The salamehockey.com site administrators, over the course the next few weeks, will be taking a look at each team’s roster and analyzing the likely scenarios for keepers and re-signs for the upcoming 2011-2012 season. TEAM: GOODFELLAS GM: CHRIS PALERMO FORWARDS   KEEPERS   1. Evgeni Malkin, Penguins – Gino’s 2011 season was shortended much like in 2010, where the talented center produced on a point-per-game level but could not stay healthy for the entire year. His 37 pts in 43 games this year indicate that the drive to produce is still there, but a healthy season will be what the doctor orders for Malkin to return to his 100 pt ways. He is undoubtedly still one of the “big three” in talent and has proven he can be an NHL scoring leader. Assuming Malkin has put all his injury concerns behind him, and that he is fit to start training camp in September 2011 after suffering a torn right ACL and MCL, he can return to produce anwhere from 90-110 pts over an 80 game season.   2. Zach Parise, Devils – Much like Malkin, Parise sat out the majority of the year with the Devils due to a torn meniscus, but is slated to return for the 2011-2012 healthy. His past cannot be denied, he is an elite forward whose talent and push for excellence often have him finish high in the scoring race, with two seasons over 80 pts already under his belt at age 26. It remains to be seen if Parise will remain a Devil as he is currently an RFA, but the smart bet is on yes. That being said, depending on the coaching change and system to follow, Parise, the team player he is, can put up anywhere from 80 to 90 pts, if not more, depending on how much offensive freedom he is given.   3. Jeff Skinner, Hurricanes – at the age of 18, the 7th overall pick in the 2010 entry draft made waves as a rooke for the Carolina Hurricanes. His goal-scoring ability was undisputable, and if not for his size, Skinner would have likely been in the top 3 of pre-draft rankings, however the Canes are now smiling, as no player from the 2010 draft has had a better year. 63 pts in 82 games, and without having been dependent on another player to be setting him up (he rotated in and out lines with Jokinen, Ruutu, Staal, Larose all year long, producing at ever situation), Skinner has the talent to hit 80 pts in his prime, if not more. In the coming year, he will no longer be a novelty for opposing defensemen to deal with, but he remains a threat for 60-70 pts.   4. David Krejci, Bruins – the Czech center essentially inherited the top center position after Marc Savard’s brief return led to another spell of concussion syndrome. Despite this, Krejci had also demonstrated he was a hard enough worker with enough talent to lead a line with Nathan Horton and Milan Lucic (where he spent 80% of his ice time all year), who seemed to all step into another gear in 2011. Having achieved 62 pts in 75 games, Krejci appeared to have stepped back into his scoring touch from 2009, where he eclipsed 70 pts, and given the success of his line for the Bruins attack, is a good bet to put up 65-75 pts over a full season in the coming year.   5. Alex Tanguay, Flames – after an awful 2010 with the Lightning, Tanguay moved back to the Calgary team he had his best season with (81 pts in 2007) and rekindled the magic alongside Jarome Iginla for a resurgent 69 pts in 79 games. The 31 year old is back to his old ways and hopefully can continue his production leading into the next year, given there is continued risk of a Calgary blow-up and rebuild which may disband the winger from his favorite line mate. Having surpassed 70 pts four times in his career, he has the talent to repeat the feat, but is also a consistency risk, given he has also had five seasons well below that mark. If the situation stays the same, 60+ pts is definitely possible in the coming year.   6. Nathan Horton, Bruins – part of the Lucic-Krejci-Horton line that came together to produce in 2011, Horton’s move to Boston looked like a move of brilliance at first glance. His first 20 games as a Bruin, Horton scored at a 78 pt pace, but when then drop off and only finish with 53 pts in 80 games. Horton has been known for his inconsistency for quite some time, however as the season went on, his production was much less in spurts and much more consistent given the chemistry he developed with Krejci. He remains a top line talent with less than optimal effort, but given the situation he is in, Horton, whose career high of 62 pts has not been hit since 2008, is still capable of notching 60+ pts once again in the coming year.   7. Michael Frolik, Blackhawks – the former 10th overall pick with the Florida Panthers in 2006, Frolik was once regarded as a potential 80 pt scorer with flair and decent size. The Panthers effectively gave up on this fact late in the 2011 season, but the Hawks surely hope they scooped up a bargain in the young Czech. He has yet to eclipse 50 pts in his short career, but also hasn’t had the right opportunity up until now. With a core of Toews, Kane and Sharp to show him the ropes, and with the possibility of being paired with Marian Hossa, the upside to Frolik is undeniable, yet risky as well. He remains a player that can hit 70 pts in his prime, but when is the question and as more time goes on, the less likely it will happen. A bold bet for […]

The salamehockey.com site administrators, over the course the next few weeks, will be taking a look at each team’s roster and analyzing the likely scenarios for keepers and re-signs for the upcoming 2011-2012 season.   TEAM: OLD NO. 7 GM: ACHILLE MARRA   FORWARDS   KEEPERS   1. Nicklas Backstrom, Capitals – The dynamic offensive powerhouse from Sweden is not only supremely talented, but plays with quite possibly the most prolific scorer in the NHL today, Alexander Ovechkin. Having never produced less than 69 pts since his rookie season, Backstrom’s 65 pts in 77 games left much to be desired in 2011. However, the Capitals adopted a more responsible defensive-minded game that stifled all production across the board. Even Ovechkin had a bad year. Add to that a broken finger endured throughout the final 15 games of the season as well as the remainder of the playoffs, Nick proved he was brave enough to bear the injury despite missing 5 games and continued onwards. It remains difficult to tell if the Capitals system will remain as is in 2011-2012, but a rebound is very likely, and the expectation from Backstrom is a return to the 85-95 pt range that he is capable of.   2. Thomas Vanek, Sabres – After quite possibly one of the most successful sophomore seasons in recent history (his 84 pt effort in 2007), Vanek would go on to subpar seasons either due to enhanced defensive coverage, injury or perhaps being under the pressure of his heavy contract. Vanek rebounded nevertheless to a strong 73 pt showing in 2011, and only really took off, oddly enough, once Derek Roy had been put on the shelf. While frustratingly streaky, Vanek is capable of putting up 70+ pts year in and year out, and is no longer a goal-heavy threat as he was once pegged in prior years. Assuming he ditches the coasting from time to time for good, he is capable of reaching 80 pts once more, especially with new management’s vow to improve the lineup surrounding him.   3. Patrick Marleau, Sharks – I covered Marleau in the Mr. Motorboat analysis and it went like this: A tale of two seasons. Marleau made an early transition to the Magnum hockey club early on in the season, and as the Sharks struggled to score, Marleau would prove no different, as in his first 50 games of the 2010-2011 season, Pat only scored 36 pts, a terrible 59 pt pace. Frustrated with his production, Magnum sold off what looked like a write-off year for Marleau to Mr. Motorboat (who would then ship him to Old No. 7 during the spring). What followed was then inexplicable: 37 pts in 32 games, a 95 pt pace, and better yet, the Sharks would go on a tear that not many had predicted, in order to win the Pacific Division. When it was all said and done, Marleau delivered another good year of production. He is a good bet for 70+ pts with upside in the 80’s given the right amount of icetime.   4. Matt Duchene, Avalanche – At the age of 20, Duchene has not only silenced everyone that thought he was not yet ready for the NHL, but he has proven to be an excellent forward with good Hockey IQ that does not quit. His performance in 2011 was an improvement over 2010’s totals, going from 55 to 67 pts in nearly full seasons, and Duchene’s role remains highly prominent among the Avalanche forwards. Sharing the top center spotlight with Paul Stastny, he will relied upon heavily after the departure of Chris Stewart via trade, and will likely surpass the 70 pt mark in 2011-2012.   5. Jamie Benn, Stars – Benn, alongside Mike Ribeiro and Brenden Morrow, truly impressed the Dallas Stars brass in 2010-2011, so much so, that James Neal effectively became obsolete and was later traded to shore up the Dallas blueline. Putting Benn back into his natural center position, the young forward’s production took off like a rocket. Between October and January, Benn produced at a moderate but healthy 50 pt pace. Following the Neal deal, Benn exploded for 31 pts in 29 games, a dominant pace that almost helped Dallas reach the postseason. Depending on the outcome of the Brad Richards dilemma, Benn may potentially be thrust into an even bigger role in the coming year. Being conservative, he is capable of 60-70 pts in the coming year, however he has the talent, size and the right situation to do a lot more, very soon.   6. Ryane Clowe, Sharks – after being dogged by injury after injury in the earlier part of his career, Clowe has finally been able to string together 3 solid seasons above 70 games played. With that improvement in durability came an improvement in production as well. As Thornton, Heatley and Marleau all faltered throughout several dry spells in 2010-2011, Clowe delivered a career-best 62 pts in 75 games. The top six winger is well-poised to continue this performance, and his size and strength will likely help continue to provide the depth scoring punch the Sharks need. Now in his prime, he can continue to post above 60 pts per season, assuming he continues his current healthy trend.   7. Mikhail Grabovski, Maple Leafs – the former Hab and Moscow Dynamo, Grabovski broke out when put into a top six role in Toronto in 2011, along with the likes of Nikolai Kulemin and Clarke MacArthur. While he appeared destined to a great total above 65 pts earlier in the season, consistency issues and several slumps cooled off the hot start and Grabovski scored 58 pts in 81 games. Despite this, until further notice, Toronto does not have a better line to turn to, and the young Belarussian will likely continue to produce anywhere from 55-65 pts in the coming year.   RESIGNS   8. Saku Koivu, Ducks – the tenacious Saku went on to a modest 45 pts in […]

Los administradores del sitio salamehockey.com, en el transcurso de las próximas semanas, será echar un vistazo a lista de cada equipo y analizar los escenarios probables de los poseedores y los signos de nuevo para la próxima temporada 2011-2012.   DETRÁS DE LA MÁSCARA(BEHIND THE MASK) EL LUCHADOR RODRIGUEZ MARTINEZ ESPINAZIO ALEJANDRO REINOSO GUTIERREZ RAMIREZ IGINLAREZ PLEKANEZ VIVA SENOR GOMEZ CH   GERENTE GENERAL: SENOR ROGER REINOSO, CA   ADELANTE   MANTENGAS   1. Jarome Arthur-Leigh Adekunle Tig Junior Elvis Iginla, Flames – Iginla is a leader, a hard worker, and is 1/64th Puerto Rican, on his mother’s side, 4x detached. After a rough 2009 season, where the prodigal son was thought of as slowing down with his 69 pt result, Iginla bounced back and shut everyone up with his 86 pts in 82 games. All this without a decent lineup to play with. He is a proven producer and very reliable, having now played four straight 82 game seasons and never having missed more than 12 games in a season since his beginnings in 1996. Expect anywhere from 80+ pts and onwards, and perhaps more if Iginla is dealt to a contender with offensive objectives.   2. Taylor Hall, Oilers – the 2010 first overall pick and young 1/32 Cuban Taylor Hall impressed in his rookie season, having come from the wicked streets of Calgary’s Cubano community to put up 42 pts in 65 games. However, upon his injury, Hall had just begun to find his stride and was likely going to break the 60 pt barrier, having scored the majority of his pts later in his shortened season. The dynamic scorer has the right speed, hands and size to develop into an elite scorer, and in his prime, which may come sooner than one would expect, is capable of becoming a 80+ pt player, if not better.   3. Chris Stewart, Blues – while he did come from a Jamaican family, Stewart is also part Mexican and Dominican. The power forward gained quite a bit of notoriety playing with Colorado in his earlier seasons, but despite this, was dealt late in the 2011 season to the Blues in a blockbuster deal. Despite the change in scenery and having moved north, away from his heritage, Stewart posted 53 pts in 62 games, and continued to impress in St. Louis on the top line. One can expect more of the same, anywhere from 60-70 pts.   4. Tomas Plekanec, Canadiens – Tomas grew up in Kladno, a predominantly Nicaraguan epicenter of northern Czechoslovakia. One would say he was instrumental in the orchestration of the trade that made fellow Central American countryman Scott Gomez come to the Canadiens (ya thanks Tomas!). Plekanec is hard to predict, as his pt totals have hovered anywhere from 40 to 70 pts in the last 5 years. Despite this, he will be a top six and power play fixture on the Canadiens lineup, and as such, can be expected to put up anywhere from 50 to 70 pts (with a more likely finish near the bottom end of that range), depending on how much scoring he is relied upon for, especially in the world-famous Jacques Martin system.   5. Brandon Dubinsky, RANGERS – Dubinsky grew up in Anchorage and while he has not a single drop of South American heritage in his body, he did grow up near Scott Gomez, and that has to count for something. He also plays for the RANGERS. As such, this makes him a player that cannot be traded. RANGERS. Brandon developed his skill with the Portland Winterhawks, and despite 3 years of toiling with the Rangers in a depth role, broke out of his shell in 2011 to deliver 54 pts in 77 games. One can expect more of the same as Dubinsky enters his prime.   6. Ryan Callahan, RANGERS – Similar to Dubinsky, Callahan broke out in 2011 with 48 pts in 62 games, despite an unlucky injury. One would say the pair of unheralded Rangers really helped carry the team, as their strong two-way play helped fend off opposing attackers while providing for an excellent counter attack. Jacques Martin take notice. You traded for the wrong RANGER. Anyways, Callahan is a RANGER, and worked hard through the ranks with Dan Girardi, who is 1/32 Puerto Rican by naturalization. Callahan, depending on his role in the coming year, can score anywhere from 50-60 pts but this may take a hit if a first line center is brought in during the off-season.   7. Justin Williams, Kings – There was a stretch of time where some people thought that 1/128 Ecuadorian Justin Williams would never play another healthy season again. 2007-2008: 37 games. 2008-2009: 44 games. 2009-2010: 49 games. And that’s not counting the 4 seasons before     the lockout where Williams played 45 games a season on average. That being said, Williams finally delivered another partially healthy season with 57 pts in 73 games, before dislocating his shoulder (hey at least he didn’t break his leg for the 19th time). If healthy, Williams is capable of producing a 50-60 pt season in 70-80 games. But don’t expect any conquistador miracles.   RESIGNARSE   8. David Desharnais, Canadiens – the 5’7 Desharnais once slept with a Brazilian chick. That’s all I got. Anyways, having developed in the Q with Tony Renda, Desharnais put up three solid seasons of near or more than 100 pts, indicating he had offensive talent. His main worry remains his size, which is just below the 5’8 average for the Montreal Canadiens, but still remains a solid foot below the NHL average. Desharnais worked his way to the 2nd line and provided excellent depth scoring, and some say he is due for a bigger role in the coming year. It would be reasonable to expect anything similar to 2011’s numbers from the diminutive center, but there is some upside, and given his work ethic, Desharnais has some talent to surprise.   9. Scott Gomez, […]

The salamehockey.com site administrators, over the course the next few weeks, will be taking a look at each team’s roster and analyzing the likely scenarios for keepers and re-signs for the upcoming 2011-2012 season.   TEAM: YOSHIES COOKIES GM: JOSIP VINSKI   FORWARDS   KEEPERS   1. Patrik Elias, Devils – at the age of 35, Elias continues to be an exemplary forward with excellent skill and hands, and manages to find the net with his excellent vision. Long detached from his career high of 96 pts, he remains a heavy contender to flirt with 60-70 pts on an annual basis, depending on the ice time he has to share with the remainder of the Devils top six.   2. Milan Hejduk, Avalanche – another player that has recently hit 35, Hejduk, long detached from a 98 pt campaign in 2002-2003, has been a steady presence for a Colorado club that has met its fair share of change over the years. While he has begun to break down, one can expect anywhere from 55-65 pts from Hejduk in a moderately healthy season.   3. Chris Kunitz, Penguins – while Kunitz first impressed spectators with a 60 pt sophomore season in 2006-2007, he has struggled to duplicate that performance with seasons totaling 50, 53, 32, and 48 pts since then. The trend has never risen above that magical year playing alongside Perry and Getzlaf, despite the fact that Kunitz should have developed some chemistry alongside Sid the Kid by now. Expect 50-60 pts.   4. P.A. Parenteau, Islanders – you’d think Parenteau was a rookie having played his first full NHL season in 2011, but no, he’s 28. After stints with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, Augusta Lynx, Portland Pirates, Norfolk Admirals, Chicago Blackhawks (briefly), Hartford Wolf Pack, and get this, the NEW YORK RANGERS! (wow…. THE RANGERS!), Parenteau, the sonofuvabitch frenchman, found himself on John Tavares’ line. I guess those 8 years of toiling in AHL mediocrity paid off. If Pierre-Alexandre somehow manages to stick to that line as Tavares begins to uncover his potential, he should be good for even more than his 53 pt showing in 2011, but nothing crazy. He is after all, a former member of the Rangers. RANGERS.   5. David Booth, Panthers – Booth is a prolific goalscorer and truly talented forward with excellent upside. Unfortunately for him, he can’t seem to find it since he got clocked 6 ways to Sunday by Mike Richards in 2009. Nevertheless, he has good hands and with the right team and system, should be able to return to his 30 goal ways. He is capable of 60 pts down the line, perhaps even as soon as this year, assuming chemistry develops with Niclas Bergfors on the Stephen Weiss line.   6. Derek Stepan, Rangers – Stepan, a highly regarded prospect drafted by the RANGERS, became a household name in 2011 when he took on a very responsible two-way role down the middle and put up 45 pts doing it. In his prime, Stepan has the talent to hit 60-70 pts, however the 20 year old still needs to work on his consistency.   7. Bryan Little, Thrashers – at 23, Little has shown he can score at the NHL level, despite having had a terrible sophomore season where his 51 pt rookie season was erased from fans’ memories. Despite this regression, he put up a respectable rebound 48 pts in 76 games in 2011, and is now a feature goalscorer on the Atlanta top six. With good mobility and a sniper’s vision, he can achieve the 60 pt mark soon.   RESIGNS   8. Brian Gionta, Canadiens – The Habs’ captain is no longer the player that scored 48 goals in 2005-2006, yet the leadership he brings to the Canadiens dressing room and the consistent presence as a two-way forward in a wonderful Jacques Martin system make Gionta a better all-around player. Unfortunately, this doesn’t translate into mind-boggling numbers, and after consecutive 46 pt seasons, one can expect more of the same from the top six winger.   9. Mason Raymond, Canucks – Raymond really broke out of his shell in 2010 after posting 53 pts on a Canucks team that only just began to show its talent and depth. As inconsistency paired with not enough pts to go around to the players not named Sedin, Kesler or Burrows occurred in 2011, Raymond regressed once again and only hit 39 pts in 70 games. Nevertheless, playing on such an offense can have its perks, and Raymond is likely capable of hitting his peak numbers again, assuming his role remains the same.   10. Antoine Vermette, Blue Jackets – some thought Vermette’s 65 pt performance in 2010 was a bit high, and that it was perhaps a result of extensive playing time with the Blue Jackets’ franchise player, Rick Nash. That might have been true, as Vermette’s pt totals took a hit in 2011. However, he remains a valuable option to the Blue Jackets top six despite continued pressure from the team’s young core to break through, and should be regarded as such going forward.   11. Guillaume Latendresse, Wild – while he missed the majority of the 2011 season, Latendresse impressed the Minnesota brass with his play in 2010 and warrants a continued look as a physical net presence. Expectations should however be tempered given the Frenchman’s inability to crack 40 pts since his beginnings in the NHL.   12. Matt Calvert, Blue Jackets – Calvert impressed the Columbus management prior to injury in the 2011 season as he rose above his 5th round pedigree to provide a scoring punch to a stagnant offense. And while he certainly doesn’t possess the talent of Nash, Voracek, or Brassard, his work ethic above all else make him a likely fixture amongst the Blue Jackets top scorers in the coming year.   13. Cal O’Reilly, Predators – O’Reilly took his time to get to the NHL, but quickly made an impact […]

The salamehockey.com site administrators, over the course the next few weeks, will be taking a look at each team’s roster and analyzing the likely scenarios for keepers and re-signs for the upcoming 2011-2012 season.   TEAM: PUNISHERS GM: FRANCO MUCCI   FORWARDS   KEEPERS 1. Dany Heatley, Sharks – Heatley disappointed in 2011 with a poor 64 pt showing where several other Sharks took the spotlight and became household names. Since moving to the West Coast, the former 50 goal scorer with a career high of 105 pts has not delivered the same numbers, but remains a venerable threat year in, year out, especially with the players he’s surrounded with. Expect anywhere from 70-90 pts in 2011-2012. 2. Marian Hossa, Blackhawks – Hossa joined the Hawks to provide leadership and add depth scoring with a two-way punch. While his production on a per-game basis has been steadily productive (57 in 65 in 2011 and 51 in 57 in 2010), Hossa’s last 80 game season was in 2006-2007. This should temper all expectations that peg him higher, and as such, it’s logical to peg Hossa as a type of player who will score 60-70 pts in 65-75 games. 3. Logan Couture, Sharks – The Sharks knew they had a good thing in Couture when they drafted him 9th overall in the 2007 entry draft, as the young center continued to produce at every level he reached as he entered the NHL in 2010. Couture delivered a Calder-worthy performance in 2011, with 56 pts in 79 games, and mixing it up with the most talented forwards each and every game. The talented Couture has a good upside, and in his prime, will likely become a 70+ point producer. 4. Jordan Eberle, Oilers – The “baby-faced assassin” had lofty expectations going into the 2011 season, with many people thinking he was the second coming after a dominant performance at the 2010 WJC. Eberle, in an injury-shortened season, delivered 43 pts and developed good chemistry with linemate Taylor Hall. With good talent and some patience from the Edmonton brass, Eberle is capable of becoming a first line forward with 70-80 pt production 2-3 years down the line. 5. Derek Roy, Sabres – Before an injury cut his season in half (as it does for most of Franco’s players around the month of October or November, or what the SFHL calls early tanking season), Roy was on a tear, scoring 35 pts in 35 games. Roy would then go on to miss the rest of the season but despite this, will return in 2011-2012 and will certainly take up the first line center position for the Sabres. Pairing excellent offensive instincts, and good wingers to set up, the diminutive center can reach 70-80 pts in a full season, which was usually the case prior to 2011. 6. Travis Zajac, Devils – Zajac sorely missed his buddy Zach Parise in 2011, as his prior seasons of 62 and 67 pts dictate. 2011 spelled a year of transition for the devils, as they welcomed franchise forward Ilya Kovalchuk into the mix, but the chemistry with existing Devils forwards wasn’t quick to develop. Zajac went on to complete a full season and score only 44 pts. As such, 2011-2012 will likely feature a rebound with the return of Parise, but with so many pts to go around with less icetime being given to the frontline duo of past years in Jersey, expectations should be tempered to approximately 55-65 pts. 7. Derick Brassard, Blue Jackets – at the age of 23, Brassard has proven a few things: he can’t play at a very high level for an entire season, and he isn’t the most durable of players under 25. That being said, Brassard has excellent skill, and will continue to be heralded as a Blue Jackets’ top six forward. It was once thought that the line of Filatov-Brassard-Voracek would wreak havoc on the NHL, but that has not yet happened, and the imminent arrival of Ryan Johansen will only further hurt Brassard’s chances of developing into a first line center to pair with Rick Nash. Expect anywhere from 50-60 pts, depending on Brassard’s pre-season conditioning and preparation.   RESIGNS 8. Ray Whitney, Coyotes – Whitney has proven time and time again that he cannot be excluded from the discussion of excellent scoring forwards. Playing on a defense-first Coyotes team, he went on to score 57 pts in 75 games, on par with the prior year. As Whitney ages, he will surely take back seat to younger talent, but for the time being, can be relied upon for more of the same in a top six role. 9. Rene Bourque, Flames – Rene seems to miss some time due to injury each and every year, however 2011 proved otherwise. The 29 year old played his first 80 game season in his career (that’s right, his first!) on his way to achieving 50 pts, lower than his career high 58 set in 2010. Bourque can be relied upon for top six production for the time being, assuming the Flames are not blown up anytime soon. 10.  Simon Gagne, Lightning – Gagne has achieved two consecutive 40 pt seasons with trustworthy dependability and solid durability above the shoulders. Having hit 70 pts twice in his career, he has displayed talent in his past and has gelled well with the Lightning in a depth scoring role, but remains no more than an injury-prone top six option. 11.  Tyler Bozak, Maple Leafs – at the tender age of 25, Tyler is tearing it up with the Leafs. The Ukrainian-Canadian descent forward projects as a top six forward, but after a disappointing 2011, he will need to elevate his game to remain relevant on serious contender like the Leafs franchise Brian Burke is dreaming of creating. 12.  David Jones, Avalanche – the young David Jones has progressed each year he has played in the NHL and has finally surpassed the 70 games played mark in […]

The salamehockey.com site administrators, over the course the next few weeks, will be taking a look at each team’s roster and analyzing the likely scenarios for keepers and re-signs for the upcoming 2011-2012 season.   TEAM: MR MOTORBOAT GM: GENNARO GIARRUSSO   FORWARDS   KEEPERS 1. Alexander Ovechkin, Capitals – Ovechkin was the king of fantasy hockey up until Sidney Crosby’s 2010-2011 season began. At that point, in combination with the Capitals opting for a more responsible, defensive approach, and Sidney “Jesus Christ” Crosby going on a tear on pace for nearly 140 pts (up to his concussion), Ovechkin looked like a shadow of his former self. When you look like a shadow of your former self and still manage to score 85 pts, then you’re good. Ovechkin is the second member of the big two and should never be dealt from a team unless there’s something seriously insane coming the other way. Ovechkin has eclipsed 110 pts in his career and has the talent to push that number to 130+. 2. Steven Stamkos, Lightning – Coming off an incredible sophomore campaign where the young Stamkos scored 95 pts, it looked like Stamkos would compete with Sidney Crosby for the Art Ross trophy in his RFA contract year. Then New Year’s Day came. For some reason, while his counterpart succumbed to a concussion, Stamkos failed to maintain the torrid scoring pace (a roughly 120 pt clip) that had him on track to compete for a lot of NHL hardware, let alone the scoring title. The final four months of the 2011 season saw Stamkos score at a surprising 65 pt clip. Despite this, he finished with a very respectable 91 pts, and remains a phenomenal goal scorer with unlimited upside. As long as he’s surrounded with the never-say-die Martin St. Louis, is a solid bet for anywhere between 90 and 100 pts per season. If there is another level to him once he hits his mid-20’s, Stamkos can definitely eclipse the 100 pt mark. 3. John Tavares, Islanders – The former 1st overall pick (like the two above… WTF Gennaro can you attempt to win the pool already?) built on a strong rookie season with the Islanders to score 67 pts in a rollercoaster sophomore season. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Tavares is scary talented and will continue to be the Islanders’ most lethal weapon, however will he ever deliver on the lofty expectations set forward for him prior to his drafting? Only time will tell, but Tavares looks like a lock to become a future 40-50 goal scorer and potentially 90 pt player when he hits his prime. 4. Patrick Marleau, Sharks – A tale of two seasons. Marleau made an early transition to the Magnum hockey club early on in the season, and as the Sharks struggled to score, Marleau would prove no different, as in his first 50 games of the 2010-2011 season, Pat only scored 36 pts, a terrible 59 pt pace. Frustrated with his production, Magnum sold off what looked like a write-off year for Marleau to Mr. Motorboat. What followed was then inexplicable: 37 pts in 32 games, a 95 pt pace, and better yet, the Sharks would go on a tear that not many had predicted, in order to win the Pacific Division. When it was all said and done, Marleau delivered another good year of production. He is a good bet for 70+ pts with upside in the 80’s given the right amount of icetime. 5. Joe Pavelski, Sharks – Similar to Big Joe, Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau, Pavelski had a rocky start to the season and then pushed for a big finish and scored a total of 66 pts to end 2011. Joe is a smart two-way center that has worked his way into a pivotal role with the Sharks, and has proven to be a valuable asset to any fantasy team as well. He can be counted on for 60 pts and can likely deliver 70+ as he enters his prime and continues to play in the San Jose top six. 6. Patrice Bergeron, Bruins – While Bergeron possesses good talent and plays on a dynamic line with Recchi and Marchand on a deep Bruins forward corps, he has somewhat lost his step since the 2006-2007 season where he completed his second 70 pt season. Having delivered 57 on the year as the Bruins made the playoffs, he is undoubtedly a valuable 2nd line center with good upside, but is not likely going to deliver the same production as he was once pegged for. Expect anywhere from 55-65 pts. 7. Dustin Penner, Kings – Penner was the big winger Dean Lombardi managed to pair with Anze Kopitar (albeit for a short period of time), however the Los Angeles experiment has yet to pay dividends. Penner, after successful 2009-2010 season of 63 pts, was unable to replicate that production into this campaign and only put up 45 pts. His inconsistency is worrisome to many but despite this, if there is chemistry developed over time with the venerable Los Angeles first line star, Penner is capable of reaching his 2010 heights once more. Expect anywhere from 50-65 pts.   RESIGNS 8. Matt Moulson, Islanders – Moulson has proven himself over the last two seasons to be a reliable goal scorer and valuable top six forward on a fledgling Islanders team. His current production may continue or even improve over time given his pairing with John Tavares. 9. Matt D’Agostini, Blues – With the litany of injuries succumbing to the Blues in the 2010-2011 season, D’Agostini showed the Canadiens they were wrong for dealing him as he brought an extra scoring punch to a Blues team in need of offense. His presence on the PP and in the top six proved very successful but given the return of several healthy players as well as others via trade (Stewart, Oshie, Perron, etc), the young forwards numbers are likely to remain […]

The salamehockey.com site administrators, over the course the next few weeks, will be taking a look at each team’s roster and analyzing the likely scenarios for keepers and re-signs for the upcoming 2011-2012 season. TEAM: QUEBEC HABITANTS GM: JOE FERRARO   FORWARDS KEEPERS 1. Henrik Sedin, Canucks – Henrik won the NHL scoring title in 2009-2010 and has not looked back since. He has risen to the top of the elite and short of the big two, is a mainstay on any keeper forward listing. As the twins progress through their prime, there should be no reason to doubt their production topping 90 pts and often flirting with 100 each and every year. 2. Daniel Sedin, Canucks – Daniel won the NHL scoring title in 2010-2011 and paid dividends for those who banked on him rebounding after an injury-shortened year prior to this one. Same as his brother Henrik, Daniel has now eclipsed the 100 pt mark for the first time in his career, and one can only expect a continuing trend, given how much the brothers are leaned upon in Vancouver for production. 3. Jeff Carter, Flyers – Jeff, a former first rounder who was snubbed by Trevor Timmins (good call Trevor!) in the 2003 entry draft, has not put up the same pts as he did in 2008-2009 when he hit 84, but has shown good consistency as a fantastic scorer with excellent size on a deep Philadelphia forward corps. If he continues with the Flyers and is not dealt for a goaltender at some point to replenish the sieve the Flyers have in goal, their most glaring weakness, he can be counted on for anywhere between 60-70 pts per season, and at 26, is just entering his prime as a goalscorer. 4. Mike Richards, Flyers – Mike has developed into a fantastic leader and all-around tough player and is often hated by any hockey fan outside of the Philadelphia area for his cheap hits. Similar to Carter above, Mike has settled into a 60-70 pt range since scoring 80 pts in 2008-2009, but continues to be a perennial offensive force on an ever deeper Philadelphia team that usually rolls with three lines, hence the lower production. 5. Phil Kessel, Maple Leafs – Kessel is a mercurial 30 goal scorer, having hit the milestone three times in his short career so far. His only demise is that he plays for the Leafs, whose hopes for progression will likely depend on getting Phil a big first line center to be paired with. At that point, it is always likely Phil can eclipse the 70 pt mark and make the jump to become a 40 goal scorer as well. 6. Vincent Lecavalier, Lightning – Now at the ripe age of 31 and nearing the downside of his career, Vinny is beginning to rebound after languishing for two years after suffering several injuries and only putting up 67 and 70 pts after two fantastic 90+ seasons in the 2007 and 2008 campaigns. While the scoring threat in Tampa has shifted to the likes of St. Louis and Stamkos in the last 2 years, Vinny’s late season heroics while being re-paired with MSL delivered some positive results which make the big center a likely rebound candidate for the upcoming season, if he doesn’t suffer a setback. Anywhere between 70-90 pts is fair game for the Frenchman. 7. David Perron, Blues – Perron began an impressive-looking season in 2010-2011 before succumbing to injury and missing a lot of time throughout the season. Nevertheless, the resurgent Blues have faith in the young forward, and there is reason to hope for a rebound year in 2011-2012 whereby Perron continues his development into a solid top six forward capable of 60 pts.   RESIGNS 8. Brad Marchand, Bruins – The third liner that plays like a top sixer, Marchand was highly effective in the later stages of the season and managed a respectable 41 pts in his first full NHL season. Everyone and their mother hates the kid’s guts, but paired with Bergeron and Recchi for the majority of the season, he has learned from veterans and quickly silenced critics that pigeon-holed him into third line duty. 9. Jordan Staal, Penguins – As the Penguins lost their two top centers in 2011 to injury, Jordan became a leader and an example to help carry the Penguins into the playoffs with an albeit patched together team of rentals and depth players. While his defensive acumen continues to be his calling point for the Pens, Staal has risen to the challenge offensively as well, and given the right opportunity and playing with the right players, can deliver decent production at his price.     DEFENSE KEEPERS 1. Dion Phaneuf, Maple Leafs – Dion struggled mightily ever since joining the Leafs and has failed to deliver comparable results as he did in Calgary earlier this decade. Things did look positive following the trade of Tomas Kaberle from the Leafs however, and Phaneuf is likely slated to a return to 40+ pts in the coming campaign after a strong finish. 2. Mark Streit, Islanders – The Long Island PP QB missed the entire 2010-2011 season with injury and rehabilitation but is a proven competitor and likely the best option at the point on a very young and likely resurgent Islanders club. If he remains healthy, he is a good bet for 50 pts. 3. Brian Campbell, Blackhawks – Campbell has struggled since joining the Hawks and its likely due to the mammoth contract that seems to be one of the major reasons for the team’s fading depth as years go on. Being overtaken by Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook on the top pairing, Campbell no longer stands the likelihood of delivering a 60+ pt season as he did with the Sabres/Sharks prior to his free agency signing, however he is still a very capable offensive defenseman capable of scoring 40 pts in a season.   RESIGNS (None)   GOALTENDERS KEEPERS […]