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

Flame On

At times last season the Calgary Flames looked to be one of the top teams in the league, let alone the Western Conference. As the season wound down, many factors hampered their success in the playoffs. By mismanaging the salary cap, trading depth for Olli Jokinen, an injury riddled defense corps and a tired goalie lead to the round one defeat in the playoffs. There are many questions moving ahead, but the core group of players will remain intact and will lead the Flames to another winning season next year.

Jarome Iginla – One of the best and most durable players in the league, Iginla is a true leader and a premiere player. He is a consistent player and is an above a point per game. He should be taken in the top 10 players in the league and has more value because he is a winger.

Michael Cammalleri – A UFA this summer, Cammalleri will be able to pick where he wants to play the next few season. He had 82 points in 81 games last year and owners should expect more of the same wherever he signs. Cammo should be looked to be drafted in the top 5 rounds after the top tier players are gone.

Olli Jokinen – There are many questions surrounding Jokinen. Many people see him a great player a leader. Never having played in a true hockey market until his trade to Calgary, Jokinen disappeared in the last games before the playoffs. Because he is in Calgary, he may have a lot more perceived value than he truly does. Buyer Beware on this one.

Daymond Langkow – Bouncing between the top two lines last year cost Langkow in the point department. Owners grew frustrated as they thought he was going to have a career year and ended up on the waiver wire on most leagues. He may be looked at as a sleeper now but he doesn’t look to be on the top line anymore, draft him accordingly.

Craig Conroy – Merely a depth player at this point, Conroy will put up points depending on the line he end up on. Consider him a waiver pickup in all formats.

Dion Phaneuf – Even though he only had 47 points in 80 games, Phaneuf is looked at as one of the top young dmen in the league. Owners should not shy away that he had an average season last year. Phaneuf should be drafted in the top 2 rounds in any format.

Todd Bertuzzi – With 44 points in 66 games many would say that he had a successful season. Bertuzzi does have a natural ability to play the game but his best years are behind him. A UFA this summer, he may be willing to take a pay-cut to stay in Calgary. Draft him with caution or pass entirely. Bertuzzi will never play another full season as he has too many long lasting injury problems.

Rene Bourque – An exciting young player, Bourque had 40 points in 58 games. When healthy he adds an element of speed and skill to the wing. Bourque has the ability to turn into a keeper and should be drafted in mid rounds.

Curtis Glencross – His first full season in the league was a success. With 40 points in 73 games, Glencross is a depth player at this point in his career. Fantasy owners should look for Glencross for depth in deeper leagues as he scores in bunches.

Miikka Kiprusoff – Returning to form last year, Kipper played in all but 6 games last year. It appeared as if he looked tired towards the end of the season and was unable to rebound. Kipper is still a top 5 goalie in the league and will play every night unless he is ill. Draft him accordingly and owners will be rewarded.

Mark