Montreal Xtreme’s Fantasy Analysis

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. Eric Staal, Carolina – Undisputed leader of the Hurricanes, Staal is only 25 years old and is about to enter his prime. He has been a PPG player in the past couple of years and has the potential to reach 100 as he has done it before.
  2. Loui Eriksson, Dallas – coming off a 36 goal season, Eriksson has not disappointed so far this year. Already matching his career high so far this year, Eriksson has the potential to hit 70 consistently, and if the chemistry between himself and Brad Richards grows, can be a PPG.
  3. Martin Havlat, Minnesota – Has had a slow start to his career in Minnesota, Havlat has picked it up since the 20 game mark or so. Has been a PPG player for his career, Havlat has also shown that he can stay healthy as he’s been injury free for the past two seasons. Potential is a PPG player, but realistically in Minnesota, 70-75 points.
  4. Mike Cammalleri, Montreal – A proven goal scorer who can average 35-40 goals a year, Mike has been remarkably durable (exception this year) even though he has a smaller frame. Can hit between 70-80 points in Montreal.
  5. Johan Franzen, Detroit – A younger, more skilled version of team-mate Tomas Holmstrom, Franzen’s only fault is his unfortunate ability to always seem injured. However when healthy, he has the ability to score in the 30 goal, 35 assist range.
  6. Kris Versteeg, Chicago – A rookie of the year finalist last year, Versteeg is a top 6 forward on a young and talented Chicago team. While he has regressed slightly in his sophomore season, Versteeg has the ability to achieve between 55-65 points consistently.
  7. Alex Burrows, Vancouver – Alex has improved every season he has played in the NHL. A versatile winger, Burrows can play any role needed and has gelled with the Sedin twins when on that line. Look for 50-60 points a year from him.

Resigns – Forwards

  1. Milan Lucic, Boston – After a breakout year saw him nab 42 pts in 72 games, a lot was expected of Lucic this year. Injuries have plagued him, but Lucic can be a solid fantasy performed, especially if he stays on a line with Savard.
  2. Matt Moulson, Long Island – This former 9th round pick has finally found a home in the NHL. Moulson has demonstrated his scoring ability, and chemistry with the Islander’s future superstar, John Tavares.
  3. Nikita Filatov, Columbus – A wildcard, Filatov has all the tools to be a star in this league, including great goal scoring prowess. With Hitchcock’s dismissal, a return to North America looks more than likely.
  4. Brayden Schenn, Los Angeles – Already used in an NHL game this year as an emergency callup, Schenn is seen as the team’s future #2 Centre behind Anze Kopitar.

Keepers – Defencemen

  1. Sergei Gonchar, Pittsburgh – The old man of the Pittsburgh defence, Gonchar has proven that he is still an elite level point producer. Gonchar is capable of 55-65 points.
  2. Sheldon Souray, Edmonton – While he may not be with Edmonton next year, Souray’s booming shot and ability to run the PP still make him an offensive threat. Look for 45-50 points if he can stay healthy for a full year.
  3. PK Subban, Montreal – Subban has broke out in a big way in his first year as a pro in Hamilton. Strong Skater, puck mover with an elite level shot, PK will more than likely be in Montreal next year. Can hit 35 pts in his rookie year, but long term potential, look for Andrei Markov numbers (55-60 points).

Resigns – Defencemen

  1. Kevin Bieksa, Vancouver – A solid fantasy defenceman, Bieksa has twice hit the 40+ point plateau. Biggest downfall? He always seems to be injured. If he can maintain his health over a full year, can be a valuable fantasy option.

Keepers – Goaltenders

  1. Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh – A cornerstone of the franchise along with Crosby and Malkin, Fleury has already won the cup at his young age. Technically sound and blessed with great reflexes, look for Fleury to average close to 40 wins a year and 4-6 shutouts over his career.

Danny Petti