Black Sox Fantasy Analysis

March 29, 2010 therockers Team reviews 0

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 2010-2011 season.

Keepers – Forwards

  1. Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit – Prior to this year, Datsyuk was the picture of consistency, producing four straight 85+ pt seasons, with two consecutive 97 pt seasons, making the Russian veteran a perennial MVP candidate. He remains a top line center with 100 point potential.
  2. Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit – Similar to Datsyuk in terms of points per game production, but oftentimes will not complete a full season’s games due to injury. Hank is extremely talented and possesses the skill to be a 100 pt player as well, if he remains healthy.
  3. Alexander Semin, Washington – Semin will never play 82 games per season, but in those 60-70 games, he will produce at a similar clip to any PPG player in the NHL. Semin has the upside of 85-95 pts per season and will continue to provide that potential if he remains healthy for years to come.
  4. Brad Richards, Dallas – What a year for Richards. A major bounce back from a slow few seasons in Tampa as well as last year in Dallas, Richards has assumed the top centerman role in Dallas and will continue to provide 85-95 point upside well into his late thirties.
  5. Mike Ribeiro, Dallas – Gennaro believes Mike Ribeiro should eat his own feces, but nonetheless, Mike is a great player in a post-Montreal portion of his career, and has the skill to consistently post 75-85 point seasons with a talented and young Dallas top six.
  6. Andrei Kostitsyn, Montreal – Andrei, a former 1st round pick, is an extremely talented Belarussian with great scoring ability and the talent to become a 60-70 point player for the Canadiens, if he remains healthy and free of cocaine. His friends call him TITS… why wouldn’t you protect him?
  7. Brooks Laich, Washington – The wolf in sheep’s clothing, Laich is capable of being a solid 60 pt, top 6 forward on a talented Washington team. He plays a rugged style, and the only hinderance can be that he may begin to show signs of wear and tear.

Resigns – Keepers

  1. Jussi Jokinen, Carolina – Jussi has sweet hands, and is a definite top 6 forward on the Hurricanes until their prospects come into their own.
  2. Milan Hejduk, Colorado – While he’s not getting any younger, Hejduk is still a good fantasy producer who, if he can stay healthy, can be a reliable fantasy option for a few more years.
  3. Colin Wilson, Nashville – Colin is a top prospect, not only on the Predators, but throughout the League. The Preds are grooming him to take over from Arnott once he finally keels over and dies.
  4. Mikkel Boedker, Phoenix – He was thrust too early into the spotlight in Phoenix which hurt his development. However, he definitely has top 6 forward potential, and is developing his game in the AHL. Expect him in the big leagues soon.

Keepers – Defencemen

  1. Andrei Markov, Montreal – One of the most underrated defencemen in the league, Markov is most valuable to the Canadiens, as can be seen in their win/loss record without him. Still in his early thirties, Markov is a top fantasy dman and can expect a few more 60 pt seasons from him.
  2. Tomas Kaberle, Toronto – Kaberle has become an elite defenseman for the Leafs and remains an excellent potential 50-60 pt defenseman. His production has dipped this season, but that can be explained by the fact he plays for the Maple Laffs.
  3. Chris Pronger, Flyers –  The #1 defencemen on the Flyers, Pronger still remains an excellent fantasy option and you can expect 50-60 points from in the immediate future.

Resigns – Defencemen

  1. Stephane Robidas, Dallas – Has really come into his own this year and become the #1 offensive option on the Stars. Might be pushed by younger talent next year, but with the trade of Vishnevski, can claim the top spot for a little while longer.
  2. Filip Kuba, Ottawa – Has been a little injury prone the past few season, Kuba can still nonetheless play a good offensive role on the Sens on the first or second PP unit. Has a little competition now for PP time with young Erik Karlsson.

Keepers – Defencemen

  1. Pascal Leclaire, Ottawa – Has a guaranteed job next year with Ottawa, and the potential to steal back the #1 role is still very, very possible considering Elliott’s pedigree and his inconsistent play.

-Danny Petti & Giulio Iaconi