Training Camp Notes: September 22nd

Kyle Turris (C), PHX - The 3rd overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft has been sent down to San Antonio for more seasoning. While highly skilled, the knock on Turris has always been his wirey frame and inability to play against NHL-sized Defenceman. The Yotes apparently believe he is not quite there yet as he becomes one of the early surprise demotions to the AHL. After 20 points in 63 NHL games last year, Phoenix may keep Turris in San Antonio and hope he can dominate there before another promotion. Hold on to him in keeper leagues but cut bait in standard leagues.

Evgeni Grachev (C), NYR - Grachev, a 3rd round pick from the 2008 draft, was one of the most dominant players in junior hockey last year. The big Russian put up 80 points in 60 games with the Brampton Battalion, making a smooth transition to North American ice. The 19 year-old has been turning heads at Rangers camp and had an impressive game playing with Anisimov and Callahan last night. Grachev's play may get him an extended look to start the year, however the Rangers will probably send him back to Brampton or down to Hartford (as a European skater, he is eligible to play in the AHL). Watch Grachev's play over the next few weeks and grab him in a keeper league.

Matt Gilroy (D), NYR - The highly sought-after free agent signing is getting lots of pre-season ice-time. Gilroy played 21:34 last night, including 4:51 on the Powerplay. The Rangers are also giving young Defenceman Michael Del Zotto and Bobby Sanguinetti a long look as their PP quarterback, however it is Gilroy who is signed to a large, 1-way contract. Gilroy has looked good this pre-season but I'm not sure he is worth the hype. Watch his minutes in the first 10-15 games as Tortorella may quickly lose patience with Gilroy's run-and-gun defensive play.

Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta & Michael Cammaleri, MON - Watched some of the Penguins/Habs game last night and this newly acquired top line was all over the ice. The three pnit-sized forwards have shown instant chemistry and dynamic speed. Expect all three to have strong years - bouncebacks for both Gomez and Gionta. Draft any of the three pint-sized producers and expect to be rewarded.

Theoren Fleury (RW), CGY- OK, I go out a few days ago and say that Fleury won't do much more then score the shootout winner in his first pre-season game. How does he respond? One goal and two assists over the next two games. Fleury is starting to find his niche in Calgary as a secondary scorer and may actually force Sutter's hand to stay on this roster. At 41, Fleury could be a magical story and provide the Flames with something they have been lacking for years...a scoring threat on the 2nd line. I am still betting against Fleury, but get your popcorn...this is getting interesting.

Chris

Le Cammo

The Montreal Canadiens have signed Michael Cammalleri to a 5 year, $30 Million deal.

After acquiring playmaking centre Scott Gomez, Bob Gainey was looking for a couple of snipers on July 1st. He settled for a former 48 goal scorer in Brian Gionta and a guy who scored 39 Goals last year - Mike Cammalleri. Cammalleri also scored 34 goals two years ago and the Canadiens are confident he can be the finisher Gomez needs. At 27, Cammo is young enough to be a top 3 forward for the Habs through the length of his contract. The question is, can he still produce without big bodies like Jarome Iginla and Olli Jokinen creating space for him?

Fantasy Outlook: Cammalleri should be just fine in Montreal. He played a lot on Calgary's 2nd line last year but did most of his damage on the Powerplay. Montreal desperately needed a PP triggerman and Cammalleri is just that. While 5 on 5 should be a struggle for a potential hobbit line of Gionta-Gomez-Cammo, they should be able to leverage Andrei Markov's PP quarterbacking and produce great numbers. Look for all 3 players to be in the 70 point range. Cammalleri has the most potential of the 3 and could flirt with a PPG. Draft him in rounds 4-8 and hope he gets lots of PP time.

Fearless Forecast: 82GP, 36G, 42A, 78P

Chris

Hab-it Forming

The Montreal Canadiens have signed Brian Gionta to a 5 year, $25 Million dollar contract.

Gionta was an important part of the New Jersey franchise since his draft date. Last year he helped the Devil’s capture their divisional title and contributed 60 points in 81 games. Leaving the defence first Devil’s should help Gionta and his fantasy value.

Fantasy Outlook: Four seasons removed from his 48 goal season, Gionta is still a player that can contribute on a nightly basis. Paired with his old friend Gomez in Montreal should reignite the chemistry he had back when he had his best season. Look for Gionta to repeat his 60 points as a minimum and he may hit the 70 point mark. Draft him in the early middle rounds as he is still young and healthy and may have keeper value if he can exceed 60 points.

Mark