Training Camp Notes: September 27

Carey Price (G) – MON – The young netminder is looking to be in top form already this preseason. Price turned away 29 Buffalo shots and came away with a 3-2 victory. It appears that Price has worked hard this off-season to improve on some of his flaws in his very technical approach to playing goal. Look for Price to come out solid and be challenged by back-up Jaroslav Halak for the starting role. A tandem situation is still a possibility is Price struggles.

Jimmy Howard (G) – DET – The 25 year old has finally been able to crack the Red Wings line-up. Although still pegged as the back-up, Howard should play on a more regular basis than a traditional back-up. Veteran Osgood doesn’t appear he can handle the rigors of a full schedule any longer which will push Howard into more of a tandem role. Draft Howard late in rounds of your draft as he now has increased fantasy value, especially if you can change you goalies on a daily basis.

Chris Mason (G) – STL – The Blues are on the way back up and their goaltending has never been so strong. The Blues blanked the Stars 5-0 last night and mason was on top of his game. Stopping all 29 shots, the 33 year old goaltender is heading into the season as the top guy in ST. Louis. Mason is a solid choice, however Ty Conklin is a more than capable back-up that with challenge Mason for starts. If you draft Mason, grab Conklin as well, as the Blues will be playing the hot guy in net.

Martin Brodeur (G) – NJD - The veteran back-stopped the Devils to a 1-0 win over the high flying Flyers stopping all 21 shots. The 37 year old shows no signs of slowing down and is looking to break Terry Sawchucks shutout record this year. Brodeur is an elite keeper and the best goalie to ever play the game.

Mark

Atlantic Division Sleepers

New Jersey – Travis Zajac (C) – The time has come for the 31 year old to take his game to the next level. Zajac has the ability to play as the top pivot in New Jersey and playing with Parise will help anyone’s stats. With 62 points in 82 games last season, Zajac may have hit a ceiling with his point total as coach Lemaire likes to play a defense first style of play.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 82 GP – 20 G – 45 A – 65 PTS

NY Islanders – Josh Bailey (C) – The speedy playmaker came into the league and had a period of adjustment to the tempo of the game. At 19 years old, Bailey should quickly become a fan favourite in Long Island and definitely improve on his 25 points in 68 games.

FEARLESS FORCAST – 73 GP – 16 G – 25 A – 41 PTS

NY Rangers – Ryan Callahan (RW) – With his signature on a new contract, Callahan will once again be called upon to play a big role in New York. A favourite down the stretch for coach Tortarella, Callahan saw time on the top lines and created space for his teammates. Callahan should improve on his 40 points in 81 from last season.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 82 GP – 25 G – 21 A – 46 PTS

Philadelphia – Claude Giroux (RW) – The playoffs were a coming out party for young Giroux. Arguably the best player for the Flyers last spring, Giroux has risen up the depth charts with the loss of Knuble and Lupul. With 27 points in 42 games, Giroux offers the ability to play wing and center, making him useful in all situations. Giroux is poised to double his stats from last season on a very good Flyers team.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 80 GP – 30 G – 35 A – 65 PTS

Pittsburgh – Kris Letang (D) – After winning the Stanley Cup, the Penguins were unable to re-sign some of their depth defensemen. Letang is a young d-man that has produced at every level and will now be looked at for a more offensive role from the back-end. Letang scored 33 points in 74 games and should have no problem adding some more points to that this season.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 76 GP – 12 G – 24 A – 36 PTS

Mark

Better the Devil You Know ...

The 2008-09 season was filled with adversity for the New Jersey Devils. Starting the season off well they lost All-star goaltender Martin Brodeur with a torn bicep muscle. All seemed to be lost until career backup goaltender Scott Clemmensen appeared on scene. The Devils maintained pace with the top teams in the Eastern Conference until Brodeur was ready to make his return.

With Brodeur back, the all-time win record by a goaltender was in sight. On March 17 2009 the Devils defeated the Blackhawks and Brodeur surpassed Patrick Roy as the NHL’s win leader by a goaltender. After that the wind in the Devils sails died. They finished the season on a losing skid and continued the lackluster performance in the playoffs.

Martin Brodeur – one of the best goaltenders to ever play the game. Draft him early and never trade him. He is aging but can still perform better than most goalies in the league.

Zach Parise – This young sniper is a breath of fresh air in the defensive style of the Swamp. He has shot up in all draft charts and in now a long term keeper.

Patrick Elias – Has once again emerged as a catalyst in Jersey. This streaky players has the ability to put up big points but is too streaky. He is a mid round pick at best now because of his age and disappearing factor.

Jamie Langenbrunner - The captain had a career year but can he keep this as a consistency? I doubt it, draft him accordingly in later rounds.

Travis Zajac – His best year to date, this youngster will continue to develop as long as he plays with Parise and New Jersey plays offensively. He should be considered a sleeper and can be stolen late.

Brian Gionta – Only 29, it seems like eons ago he had a 48 goal season. His value has fallen so has his draft ranking. Gionta is a UFA and should remain in New Jersey. Look for similar numbers next year.

Paul Martin – The strongest and most offensive Devil rearguard, had a decent season as New Jersey doesn’t get much help from their backend. Look elsewhere for help as you will be able to draft more offensive help on other teams.

David Clarkson – The resident tough guy, Clarkson has the ability to put up points and defend his teammates. A great depth pickup in roto leagues can be had late or on waivers.

These following players have limited fantasy value and should be looked at a depth players and waiver pickups: Danius Zubrus, Brendan Shanahan, Brian Rolston, Jonny Oduya and Scott Clemmensen.

Mark