Just Fantasy Hockey - Week 3 Rookie Watch

Artem Anisimov (C) – NYR –
6 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 PTS
The talented Russian centerman is playing a mere 10 minutes a night but has managed to score 4 points in 6 games. The 21 year old averaged a point per game in the AHL and is looking to climb up the depth charts on Broadway.

Victor Hedman – (D) – TAM – 5 GP, 0 G, 4 A, 4 PTS
The second overall draft choice is making a huge impact with the Lightning. With 4 points in 5 games, Hedman is averaging over 25 minutes a game and plays in every situation. He has 14 shots and a +2 rating and has shown veteran poise as a rookie.

Jamie Benn – (LW) – DAL – 4 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 PTS
Benn has made an impression with Coach Crawford and is averaging 16 minutes of ice-time a game. Benn had 82 points in 56 games in the WHL and has a tendency to score goals, something the Stars need.

Evander Kane (C) – ATL – 3 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS
It appears that Kane is on his way to playing with the Thrashers on a full-time basis. With the early struggles of Antropov and Todd White, Kane may find his way onto the top line sooner rather than later. If he can make a connection with Kovalchuk he may just win rookie the Calder trophy.

Tyler Myers (D) – BUF – 4 GP, 0 G, 2 A, 2 PTS
The 6’8”, 222 lbs d-man possesses a reach that keeps attackers at to the outside. An all-round defenceman, Myers has an offensive flair to him. With 42 points in 58 games in the WHL, Myers has seen time on the powerplay already.

Other mentionables: John Tavares and Michael Del Zotto continue to lead the rookie scoring race with 5 points. Erik Karlsson is struggling in Ottawa and may get sent down very soon. Peter Regin continues to produce in Ottawa, a team that is finding it difficult to score.

Mark

Training Camp Notes: September 30th

Evander Kane (C) – ATL – The 4th overall draft pick has made enough of an impression in Atlanta to warrant and extra look in real NHL action. Kane will undoubtedly stay up for his 9 games allowed before it affects his contract status. He is penciled in on the third line with Colby Armstrong and Rich Peverley for now and will be hard pressed to climb the depth charts as Atlanta already has their top six in place. Kane remains a high-end prospect in keeper leagues, but he should be returned to the minors once his 9 games are up.

Robert Lang (C) – PHO- The veteran forward has signed a year deal with the Coyotes and should add another leadership presence in the dressing room. With 39 points in 50 games last season in Montreal, Lang should automatically become a top 6 forward in the desert. His fantasy value is minimal at this time and should only be considered in very deep leagues, if he gets hot.

Maxim Afinogenov (RW) – ATL - The speedy Russian is looking to rebound from two horrible seasons in Buffalo. Marred by injuries, Afinogenov skates like lightning but is too unpredictable for his teammates to coordinate a balanced attack. Signing in Atlanta will give the winger a fresh start as well as many fellow countrymen to play will. Plagued by injuries and unpredictability, Afinogenov is worth a waiver claim just to see what he can do in Atlanta.

James Van Reimsdyk (LW) – PHI – The 20 year old has impressed the Philadelphia brass so much they waived Randy Jones to be able to carry him on the roster. Look for JVR to bounce around the top 9 forwards and get time on the second powerplay unit. If he is available in your league, pick him up as he has loads of potential and a great prospect to have on your roster.

Nathan Gerbe (C) – BUF – Small in size but not in talent, Gerbe was sent down to Portland to continue improving his game. The 5’6”, 173 lbs, 22 year old, is extremely small by NHL standards. Gerbe should get a call up to Buffalo once the injury bug hits. Gerbe has excellent potential to be an NHLer, think Danny Briere, but will have to make the transition to wing at the pro level as his size works against him at the center position.

Mark

Training Camp Notes: September 26th

Viktor Stalberg (LW), TOR - We mentioned Stalberg in an earlier column but he is worth mentioning again. His play this pre-season has got stronger with each game. He has tremendous speed and size and uses that to his advantage to track down pucks on the forecheck and backcheck. Every time his huge 6'3, 210 frame hits top gear, you are left in a state of awe. Trying to put the finishing touches on making the big club, Stalberg was all over the ice against Detroit last night. He had 2 goals and an assist in over 18 minutes of ice-time. His first goal showcased his great wrist shot, which helped him snipe 24 goals for Vermont last year. A Hobey Baker finalist, grab Stalberg off the FA list and hope he can stay in Ron Wilson's good books. He is a deep sleeper that should be targeted in keeper pools.

Maxim Afinogenov (RW), ATL - Mad Max played a strong game for the Thrashers last night, scoring a goal and an assist in 16 minutes of ice-time. The speedster has struggled to stay healthy and produce with the Sabres over the past 3 seasons. A change of scenery might be what Max needs. He had many offers to go to the KHL but wanted to return to the NHL to prove he could still be a difference maker. If Max can land on one of the top two lines in Atlanta, he could have a bounce-back year. Playing with any of Kovalchuk, Antropov, Kozlov, White or Little should help him get back to being a relevant goal-scorer. Watch him early and be prepared to snatch him off the FA list if he produces.

Jonas Gustavsson (G), TOR - The long-awaited debut of "the Monster" took place in the Motor City last night. After having a minor heart procedure at the beginning of camp, Gustavsson has been practicing with the team, waiting for the incision to heal. He played just one period last night, stopping all 7 shots he faced. The Monster uses his huge frame to get in front of shots and has surprising quickness for a goalie that big. While he showed a bit of rust last night, Toronto is commited to this guy and will give him every chance to steal the starter job from incumbent Vesa Toskala. With an improved Toronto Defence, Gustavsson could be a great sleeper goalie this season and have a Pekka Rinne-type of year 1 impact. Target him in your drafts and keeper leagues.

Vladimir Sobotka (C), BOS - Sobotka has been on the cusp of making the Bruins for two straight years but has been buried on the depth chart behind all of Beantown's other young talents. After putting up 44 points in 44 AHL games in Providence last season, he has nothing left to prove at that level. He is an AHL+ player waiting for a shot at a regular NHL job. This should be his year. With David Krejci coming off surgery for a torn labrum and Phil Kessel traded to Toronto, suddenly their are some openings in Boston's very talented top 9. Sobotka is looking to seize one of those spots and had an assist last night in over 17 minutes of ice-time. Watch him early as he could be a great FA pick-up if he lands a permanent gig with the Bruins.

Chris

Training Camp Notes: September 24th

Jamie Benn (LW), DAL - Benn was the best player in the WHL last season and a scoring machine during the Kelowna Rockets Memorial Cup run. His play in that tournament raised his stock in the Dallas system and he quickly became their top prospect. Given an opportunity to make the club this pre-season, Benn is earning a top 6 spot. Last night he played with Mike Ribiero and finished with a goal and a fight. Benn is tied for the pre-season scoring lead with 4 goals in 4 games. The Stars love Benn and would like to see him thrive on a top line. Look for him to start the season in the top 6 and watch his early-season progress. Draft Benn in the late rounds of your keeper leagues and hope for the best.

Jack Johnson (D), LA - Johnson played just 41 games last year and has battled injuries in both of his two NHL seasons. That said, he has always had a ton of potential and the Kings want to see it come to fruition. They moved the highly-productive Kyle Quincy to Colorado during the offseason to open up more opportunities for Johnson. Johnson should start seeing a lot more powerplay time which could help spike his production. Last night, Johnson had an assist while logging over 23 minutes of icetime and a team-high 1:05 on the powerplay. Johnson has 5 points in 4 pre-season games and could form a dynamic duo with Drew Doughty on the kings blue-line starting this season. Grab Johnson in the middle rounds of your draft and earlier in keeper leagues. He could finish the year a #2 fantasy d-man.

Evander Kane (C), ATL - The other big centre picked in the top 5 of last year's draft, Kane has an outside shot of making the Thrashers opening night roster. Kane played just under 17 minutes last night, with over 3 minutes on the powerplay and penalty kill respectively. The Thrashers love his size and responsible, two-way game. Kane may crack the opening night roster but it would probably come as the 4th line centre. Don't expect a ton of production this year, but Kane is worth holding onto in keeper leagues.

Matt Duchene (C) COL, Brayden Schenn (C), LA - The two top 5 picks played against each other last night. They combined for 0 points and a total of 2 shots on goal. Schenn had over 18 minutes of ice-time and played in all situations. Duchene was given 15 minutes of ice-time, but played 2:40 on the powerplay.

Although he didn't register a point last night, Schenn impressed in his first pre-season game with 2 goals and 1 assist. The Kings are soft up the middle and would like Schenn to make the squad if he is ready. Brayden should play a few more times over the weekend, and if he can keep up his solid play, he could find himself centering the Kings 2nd or 3rd line come opening night. Draft Schenn in your keeper league.

While the production hasn't been there for Matt Duchene this pre-season, he has impressed the Avs coaching staff with his speed, versatility and smart, two-way game. Expect Duchene to make the Avs starting roster and draft him in keeper leagues.

Nik Antropov (C), ATL - Big Nik proved last season that he doesn't need to ride shotgun to Mats Sundin to put up points. After being traded from Toronto to New York at the deadline, Antropov quickly became the Rangers most dangerous offensive player. Atlanta signed the big centre to a 4 year contract in the off-season, with the hopes of him becoming one of their top offensive players. Antropov has looked great so far in the pre-season with 5 points in just 2 games. He had a goal and an assist last night playing over 16 minutes on a line with Ilya Kovalchuk and Bryan Little. If Antropov maintains chemistry with Kovalchuk, he could be in for a career year. Draft him in the middle rounds as he could be a cheap, highly productive forward.

Chris

Training Camp Notes: September 19

Atlanta – Zach Bogosian (D) – This sophomore is coming off a strong second half last season after he broke his leg earlier on in the season. An important piece of Atlanta’s future, Bogosian logged an enormous 31:16 minutes seeing time on the powerplay and in short-handed situations. This kid will be a monster this year.

Tampa – Victor Hedman (D) – The second overall draft pick skated in his second pre-season game. In his first 2 games in the NHL Hedman has averaged 27 minutes of ice-time and has played in all situations. He has not tallied a point yet, but that will come in time.

Detroit – Ville Leino (LW) – The talented Finn should be a lock this year with Detroit. The only question is which line will he play on? Leino had 2 assists last night in 15:56 minutes of ice-time and will only gain confidence the more he plays.

Colorado - Matt Duchene (C) – Hitting the score sheet last night, Duchene was arguably the best player on the Avalanche. Duchene scored 1 goal and assisted on another and played 3:11 on the powerplay. He is a bright spot on a rather dim Avalache team.

St. Louis – Erik Johnson (D) – His recovery has seemed to come full circle as Johnson played in his first game last night. With 1 assist, Johnson logged 20:06 minutes of ice-time, had 3 shots and was +2. Look for his minutes to increase once the season starts.

Edmonton – Mike Comrie (C) – What a home coming for Comrie. Feared that he would be booed once he stepped on the ice, fans were chanting Comrie’s name after his 4 assist night. His totals will come down to earth once the season starts but keep an eye on the waiver wire for him.

Anaheim – Luca Sbisa (D) – The young d-man was a part of the Pronger trade at the draft and is fighting for a spot with the Ducks. In 23:54 minutes of ice-time, Sbisa scored a goal, an assist, +2, 2 PIMs, and 2 shots on goal. He also played 4:51 minutes on the powerplay.

Vancounver – Henrik Sedin (C), Daniel Sedin (LW), Cody Hodgson (C), Sergei Shirokov (RW) – The Sedins continued their scoring by beating up the Sharks. Henrik had 2 goals and 2 assists in the game, while Daniel scored 1 goal and had 2 helpers. Hodgson also scored a goal and had 12 PIMs in only 7:22 minutes of ice-time. Shirokov played wing with the Sedins and helped his cause to stay with the Canucks by getting two assists. Keep an eye on him, if he makes the club he will be a sleeper in all drafts.

Mark

Southeast Division Sleepers

Atlanta – Bryan Little (C) – Making a huge impression last year, Little was a factor playing in all situations in Atlanta. Even with the Thrashers bringing in Antropov in the off-season, Little should still play on the top line with Russian snipe Ilya Kovalchuk. A rise in last years stats should be expected.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 82 GP – 27 G – 35 A – 62 PTS

Carolina – Tuomo Ruutu (C) – Not a household name by any means, Ruutu has settled in his role in Carolina nicely. A top 6 forward in Carolina, Ruutu quietly compiled 79 PIMs and 54 points in 79 games last season. Expect Ruutu to repeat his numbers once again and add depth to your fantasy roster.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 80 GP – 27 G – 28 A – 55 PTS

Florida – Michael Frolik (C) – A successful rookie campaign last season helped the Panthers attempt to reach the playoffs for the first time in years. Without many highly skilled forwards in Florida, Frolik automatically becomes a top 6 forward which will help him add to his 45 points in 79 games. He should be able to overcome the sophomore slump this year.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 82 GP – 22 G – 29 A – 51 PTS

Tampa Bay – Steven Stamkos (C) – The highly touted rookie started slowly out of the gate last season. With further experience and a stable atmosphere in Tampa, Stamkos will be able to elevate his game and move from sleeper to keeper in no time. Stamkos heated up late in the season last year and scored 46 points in 79 games.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 80 GP – 25 G – 40 A – 65 PTS

Washington – Brooks Laich (C) – The Capitals possess some of the most exciting young players in the game to date. Besides the obvious stars, Brooks Laich has slowly become a contributor in Washington. With 53 points in 82 games, Laich should improve his number from last season. At any given time during the season he will be the second line center as Brendan Morrison does not have what it takes to keep up any longer.

FEARLESS FORECAST – 82 GP – 26 G – 34 A – 60 PTS

Mark

Atlanta Thrashers Round-Up

The Atlanta Thrasher have resigned Colby Armstrong to a 2 year, $2.4 Million dollar contract and resigned goaltender Kari Lehtonen to a 1 year, $3 Million dollar contract.

It appears as the Thrashers GM, Don Waddell, is making every attempt to try and woo all-star winger Ilya Kovalchuk to re-sign a long term contract with the team. Waddell has signed Antropov, Armstrong, Lehtonen and traded for defenceman Pavel Kubina as persuasion to get a contract done. Although it may seem as if the effort was there to make the Thrasher a more competitive hockey team, the results on the ice should be similar to what they were last season.

Colby Armstrong was arguably the the prize in the Hossa trade two seasons ago. Armstrong, at 26, scored 40 points in 82 games last season. He will at top 6 forward in Atlanta and play in all situations. With the improved offense in Atlanta, Armstrong should improve on his totals next season. Owners should expect 50 points out of the winger and will be able to grab him as a depth guy in later rounds of your draft.

Kari Lehtonen is a highly skilled Finnish goaltender that has one drawback from making him a star, injuries. Over the 4 seasons in the league, Lehtonen has suffered from back and groin issues. At 25, he is entering the prime of his career as a goaltender and it remains to be seen if he can play a full season. Oozing with potential, he has the ability to make Atlanta into a competitive team. With an improved defensive squad, and more talent up front, Lehtonen’s time to shine is now. Signing a one year contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent, he may stay healthy and have huge season. As of now, Lehtonen should slide in all drafts as he is on a weaker team. He is worth taking a flyer on even if he stays on your bench all season. The potential of him getting traded to a better team or being signed next off-season is high and may be worth taking a risk on.

Mark

Budding New Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have had an active offseason by signing tough guy Colton Orr to a 4 year, $4 Million dollar contract, signing defenceman Francois Beauchemin to a 3 year, $11.4 Million dollar contract, signing Swedish centerman Rickard Wallin to a 1 year contract, resigning speedster Mikhail Grabovski to a 3 year, $8.7 Million dollar contract and trading talented d-man Pavel Kubina to Atlanta for Garnet Exelby.

Brian Burke has slowly started to mold the Toronto Maple Leafs into a team which will eventually compete for the Stanley Cup. The main building block in the foundation seems to be intimidation. Burke has focused on bringing in players that have the ability to play a well balanced game and can hit you through the boards.

Colton Orr played in all 82 games with the Rangers last season and has little fantasy appeal. If your league rewards penalty minutes, Orr may be worth a look in deeper roto leagues as he gather close to 200 last year.

Francois Beauchemin is coming off an injury plagued season last year. Playing in a mere 20 games, he scored 5 points and had 45 shots in Anaheim. In Toronto, Beauchemin will be looked at for leadership as well as his consistency on the blueline. The 29 year old offers minimal fantasy value and may be worth a look in deeper leagues.

Rickard Wallin has spent the last 4 seasons playing in Europe and saw his last NHL game back in the 2003-04 season with Minnesota. The captain of Farjestad, Wallin will offer the Leafs leadership up front and will be given every opportunity to play on the top lines. Wallin is a wildcard at this point. With 45 points in 55 games in the Swedish Elite league, a 60 point campaign may not be out of the question for the unknown Leaf.

Mikhail Grabovski flew onto the scene last season in Toronto. He started out very strong as opposing teams were caught by surprise with his speed and quick shot. Unfortunately for Grabovski, teams quickly learned that his one dimensional play could be slowed by being physical and his stats suffered. With 48 points in 78 games, is a good option as depth guy in all formats. He will get plenty of ice time in Toronto and contributes in all categories.

Garnet Exelby was brought in from Atlanta as a salary dump but offers the Leafs a great young defenceman that can hit hard and is eager to prove he can play at the NHL Level. At this point Exelby is a depth d-man and offers no fantasy value.

Pavel Kubina, had arguably, his best season as a Leaf last year. He maintained a career high in points with 40 while playing in all 82 games. In going to Atlanta, Kubina will continue to offer high reward to fantasy owners. The offensive minded Kubina will help lead a young Thasher defence corps that should be near the top of the league when it comes to defensive points on the powerplay. Another 40 point, 100 PIM season is not out of the question which makes him a must draft on draft day.

Mark

Big Nik in the ATL

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed Nik Antropov to a 4 year, $16 Million deal.

Desperate to find somebody that can play with sniper Ilya Kovalchuk, the Thrashers went for a big playmaking centre with soft hands. Coming off a career season of 28 Goals and 59 Points, Big Nik has been able to shake the injuries that haunted him early in his career. At 6'6, 230, Nik can control the puck down low like few in the game and is an underrated playmaker. He seems like a great fit to play with Kovalchuk on the top line.

Fantasy Outlook: Expect Big Nik to find instant chemistry with Kovalchuk as Antropov is more of a passer then a shooter and will have no problem dishing it to a sniper of Ilya's rank. Look for both players to have productive fantasy seasons. I see Antropov setting career bests in assists and points as he logs a ton of icetime in Hotlanta. Look to steal him in the mid-rounds of your draft and enjoy the ride.

Fearless Forecast: 76GP, 28G, 41A, 69P

Chris