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. Alexander Ovechkin, Washington – Arguably the best player in the league. What else can I say? Has potential to hit 60 goals a year and 120-130 points a year. The Elite superstar.
2. Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay – Stamkos has been on fire this year. The former #1 overall pick, Stamkos is threatening to it 50 goals in only his second NHL season. A force in the NHL for years to come. Potential is 110-115 points a year.
3. Phil Kessel, Toronto – another player with Elite level goal scoring ability, Kessel is the #1 offensive threat on the Leafs. Currently able to hit 70 points by himself, if he’s paired with a quality centre, can be a 90 point player.
4. Tuomo Ruutu, Carolina – A solid Fantasy performer, Ruutu has been able to resuscitate his career in Carolina. Look for 50-55 points a year.
5. Brian Gionta, Montreal – The potential captain of the Montreal Canadiens has shown how valuable he can be when in the lineup. On pace for 35 goals over an 82 game season, Gionta can obtain anywhere between 55-65 points a year.
6. RJ Umberger, Columbus – Has become a more offensive threat in recent years, Umberger is a player the Blue Jackets can count on to contribute consistently. 50-55 points should not be unreasonable.
7. Benoit Pouliot, Montreal – Has a great shot and stickhandling ability, Pouliot’s only flaw so far is that he’s yet to put if all together consistently at the NHL level. Change of scenery has done him well. Look for 45-50 points in the short term and 60-70 as long term potential.
Resigns – Forwards
1. JP Dumont, Nashville – While not getting any younger, Dumont still has the talent and skill to be a top six forward on Nashville.
2. Andrew Cogliano, Edmonton – While he has regressed since his breakout year, Cogliano still has the ability to be a productive top 6 forward on the Oilers, but will be pushed by the additions of Eberle and Paajarvi-Svensson next year.
Keepers – Defencemen
1. Dan Boyle, San Jose – The #1 offensive defenceman on San Jose, Boyle plays a regular shift, is the Powerplay quarterback, and #1 penalty killer. Look for 55-60 points over the next little while.
2. Ed Jovanovski, Phoenix – Still a top pairing option on a young Phoenix team, Jovonovski can be effective on the PP.
3. John-Michael Liles, Colorado – While he has had his run-ins with management this year, Liles is still their best option as the PP quarterback..
Resigns – Defencemen
1. Mark Giordano, Calgary – Has come into his own this year, making up somewhat for Bouwmeester and Phaneuf’s (at the time) shortcomings, Giordano has good offensive skills, and is a top 4 D-man on Calgary’s blueline.
Keepers – Goaltenders
1. Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary – Miikka is a top fantasy option for goaltenders. Kiprusoff has been remarkably durable over the last 5 years. Plays over 70 games a year, is good for 35-40 wins and 4-6 shutouts a year.
-Danny Petti