In the final fantasy analysis, the salamehockey.com site administrators, will be taking a look at Yoshi’s Cookies roster and analyzing the likely scenarios for keepers and re-signs for the upcoming 2010-2011 season.
Keepers – Forwards
- Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay – A great success story, Mini-Martin has been an elite level fantasy producer since he won the scoring title in 2003-2004. While getting on in age, Marty hasn’t slowed down and looks like he found the fountain of youth in centreman Steven Stamkos. Will be a PPG player and can still hit 90+ in the next couple of years as he plays with a emerging Stamkos
- Nikolai Antropov, Atlanta – Has really broken out since leaving the wastelands called Toronto, Antropov is a huge man who plays like he’s Martin St. Louis’ size. Now with Kovalchuk gone, Antropov becomes the main focus on Atlanta. Look for 60-70 points a year
- Ryan Kesler, Vancouver – Another player who has broken out this year, Kesler is on pace for a career year. A gritty forward for has found his scoring touch, the biggest question for Kesler is if this year is an aberration, or if he can continue his play. As in Antropov’s case, look for 60-70 pts regularly as the Sedins take the brunt of the opponent’s attention.
- Antoine Vermette, Columbus – Has finally shown signs of brilliance on a consistent basis, Vermette has found success playing with Nash and is having a career year. Has good playmaking skills, I see a potential ceiling of 75 points for Vermette, and again, nabbing between 60-70 points a year.
- David Backes, St. Louis – The Inglorious Backes has taken a slight step back this year along with the rest of his teammates. However, that doesn’t mean he’s not a valuable commodity. Backes has the potential to be one of the best power forwards in the league. He fights, he checks, he scores, Backes is the complete hockey player. Again, he has the ability to flirt in the 60-70 point range.
- Mason Raymond, Vancouver – Continuing the “Breakout” season motif, Raymond is finally playing like the Canucks (and this GM at one point) wished he would when they drafted him. One of the fastest skaters in the league, Raymond has good hands around the net as well. Can be a top 6 player on the team for years to come. Look for 50-60 points a year if he can remain consistent.
- Matt Stajan, Calgary – Locked into a long term deal with Calgary, Stajan will get the opportunity to play with Iginla (though it hasn’t worked out well yet). Able to get in the 50-55 point range for Toronto, you can bet on the same workmanship like consistently in his game in Calgary.
Resigns – Forwards
- Matthew Lombardi, Phoenix – Has finally broken through the 50 pt plateau in phoenix, Lombardi is a useful player. Another player high elite level speed, Lombardi will continue to play in the top 6 in Phoenix
- Alex Steen, St. Louis – Has found his scoring touch in St. Louis, after a slow start has really caught fire over the second half of the year. While playing top 6 minutes this year because of his increased production, with the glut of offensive talent the Blue have available, Steen may find himself demoted to a third line role, however his increased production has certainly turned some heads.
- Andrew Brunette, Minnesota – Brunette has always been a solid fantasy producer, and has had a small “renaissance” this year. However he is getting on in age (he’s 37), and time is starting to catch up. However, he’s still able to log top 6 minutes in Minnesota because of a) his chemistry with captain Mikko Koivu and b) because there is no one else there to push him out.
- Brenden Morrow, Dallas – While injuries may have started to take their toll, Morrow can still be a force for the Stars (as he showed in the Olympics as well).
Keepers – Defenceme
- Ryan Suter, Nashville – Part of the Brash Nash Smash defensive duo with Shea Weber, Suter is emerging as one of the best shutdown defencemen in the league. Suter is capable of producing between 35-45 points a year.
- Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia – Pronger’s arrival in Philly has caused a decline in Timonen’s stats, however, he’s still capable of putting up 40-45 points a year as he has significant PP time.
- Andy Greene, New Jersey – Another player that has broken out in a big way this year, Greene has become a PP option for the Devils and can grab between 35-40 points a year while being a fiscally responsible choice.
Resigns – Defencemen
- Scott Neidermayer, Anaheim – Some may question why I put Neidermayer as a resign as he’s statistically having a great season, and the answer is simple. He may not be in the NHL next year. Neidermayer has made noise before about retiring and the fact that he has no contract for next year and won the Olympic Gold Medal in his hometown, he may decide to hang them up. However at this point, since no one is sure, and he’s still a valuable commodity, resigning him is the best option
- James Wisniewski, Anaheim – May be the biggest benefactor from Neidermayer leaving, Wisniewski has the ability to be a top 4 d-man and play on the PP.
Keepers – Goaltenders
- Ilya Bryzgalov, Phoenix – Perhaps enjoying the biggest breakout season of them all, Bryzgalov has turned in an elite level fantasy season. Currently enjoying a 41 win 8 SO, season, Brygalov has shown he can be a top 5 goalie in this league. And with no young goalie to push him, can hold the Phoenix net for a long time. Look for 35-40 wins and 4-6 shutouts.
Resigns – Goaltenders
- Craig Anderson, Colorado – Anderson finally got his chance to be a #1 after spending a 3 seasons in the Panthers organization. Probably the biggest reason the Avalanche are in the hunt for the last playoff spot, Anderson has been the steady hand guiding that ship.
- Jaroslav Halak, Montreal – Jaro has had a PHENOMENAL season, beating out CAREY PRICE for the #1 job. Technically is very sound, has great mental toughness and always spreads the praise when he wins, and takes the blame when he loses, JAROSLAV HALAK is the ultimate team player. Should be a #1 somewhere as early as next season.
-Danny Petti