Sunday, May 17, 2009

Shark Bait


This was the year the San Jose Sharks were supposed to win the Stanley Cup. Instead this was the year they failed miserably. The Sharks were able to add what seemed to be all the right pieces in the offseason for their run to the Cup. They were outstanding for three-quarters of the regular season and slowed down near the end. Their ousting by the eight seeded Ducks will always be remember as the ultimate insulate, especially when they look up to see their Presidents Trophy Banner.

Joe Thornton – Even though he struggled in the postseason, Big Joe is top 5 in any draft. He is one of the most complete players in any format and should be drafted as such.

Evgeni Nabokov – One of the best goalies in the league, Nabakov had a great regular season but looked terrible in the playoffs. Like Joe, Nabby is a top 5 goalie and should be drafted as such, in the top 2 rounds of any draft.

Patrick Marleau – The Sharks captain had a resurgence this season with close to point per game stats. Look for the Marleau rumors to continue this offseason as he was non-existent in the playoffs. Owners should not be shocked if he is finally moved and his stats may suffer in that case.

Devin Setoguchi – In his second season with the Sharks, Seto had a huge leap forward playing with Thornton and looking good on his wing. If he can stay there Setoguchi should improve on his numbers next season and now has keeper value.

Joe Pavelski – Known as Little Joe, Pavelski anchors the second line and as upped his totals in every year with the club. Look as Pavalski as a depth player and should be drafted in later rounds or stolen as a waiver pickup.

Dan Boyle – In his first season as a Shark, Boyle continued his offensive ways and made the Sharks a favorite all year. Boyle is a top 3 dman and should be drafted in rounds 2 or 3 of a draft. He will continue to put up great numbers and average in the top dmen in the league.

Milan Michalek – It appears as though Michalek as found his offensive ceiling. Bounced between the top 2 lines, Michalek plays the majority of the games and should be looked upon for 60 points per season. For that reason, he should be drafted in the mid rounds of any draft and may have limited keeper value depending on your team.

Ryane Clowe – A streaky scorer, Clowe has the ability to put up good numbers in short bursts. Playing a power-forward type of game, Clowe has settled in nicely on the second line. Look to draft Clowe as a depth guy until he can go over the 60 point mark.

Rob Blake – at 38 years old, Blake has still showed he game can a force on the ice and score sheet. A UFA this season, Blake should return to the Sharks again and continue putting up great numbers. If he comes back, he should be kept or drafted in middle rounds of a draft.

Christian Ehrhoff – A career year last year, Ehrhoff showed he has more value than a depth defenceman. Owners should keep him on their radar after the top tier dmen are gone from their drafts. He has proven he can play an important role on the powerplay.

Marc-Edouard Vlasic – Known as Pickles, Vlasic managed to have a great season playing along with the veterans. More of a fantasy depth guy, Vlasic should be drafted after the top tier dmen are gone.

Jonathan CheechooBUYER BEWARE !!! Cheechoo has officially gone from top line player to sitting in the press box. His fantasy value has hit rock bottom and owners should NOT draft him in any format. If Cheechoo does get traded, as rumors speculate, his value will still be low and you should go after a more consistent player.

Mark

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