Players to Watch - Week 6

Tomas Fleischmann (C) – Washington
Has seen time on the top powerplay unit since his return.

Steve Reinprecht (C) – Florida
One of the only Panthers consistently producing at the moment.

Daniel Winnik (C) – Phoenix
The young center has 6 points in his last 5 games.

Phil Kessel (RW) - Toronto
Should make his Leafs debut this week providing some much needed finish to the line-up.

Erik Cole (LW) – Carolina
Returning from injury, hopes he can help jump start a stagnate Hurricanes offense.

Michael Grabner (RW) – Vancouver – 0G – 0A - 0PTS

Alex Goligoski (D) – Pittsburgh – 2G – 1A - 3PTS

James Wright (C) – Tampa Bay – 0G – 0A - 0PTS

Wayne Simmonds (RW) – Los Angeles – 0G – 0A - 0PTS

David Perron (LW) – St. Louis – 2G – 1A - 3PTS

Mark

Florida Signs Dominic Moore

The Florida Panthers have signed Dominic Moore to a 1 year contract.

With the lack of offensive depth in their line-up, the Panthers have signed Moore who is able to help out at both ends of the rink and add some veteran experience to the team. Splitting time between Toronto and Buffalo last season, Moore had a career year in the points department. With 44 in 81 games, Moore established himself as a dependable player that could play as the second or third line center role.

In Florida, Moore should easily step into the third line role. He has little to no value as a fantasy player but may be an option in a deeper roto league that offers categories such as face-offs.

Mark

NHL New aand Notes - October 3

Now that the Stanley Cup banner has been raised and Canadian icon Joe Sakic has his number retired in the Pepsi Center in Colorado, we can concentrate on what has already transpired in the first 2 days of hockey.

Andrei Markov (D) – MON – A lacerated tendon has sidelined the All-star defenceman for 3-4 months. Markov came into contact with Carey Price’s skate and immediately limped off the ice. This is a devastating injury for the Canadiens and will be in tough to replace the leadership and points from Markov. Look for Spacek and Hamrlik to get added powerplay time. The Habs have also called up young offensive d-man Yannick Weber. Put a claim in on him as he will get plenty of PP time.

Craig Anderson (G) – COL – The new number one in Colorado came up big on Joe Sakic night. Stopping 38 out of 40 shots, Anderson looked unstoppable as the game wore on. If Anderson is available in your league take a long look at him. He will get a lot of shots each night and will have to be at the top of his game to get wins on the young Avalanche team.

Brooks Laich (C) – WAS – Scoring 2 points and 1 assist and lining up with the top gunners (AO and Backstrom) on the powerplay, Laich seized his opportunity. If he is available in you league, snatch him up on the waiver wire. He may not always play on the top line, but he will provide enough offense to garner a spot on your bench as a depth player.

Tomas Vokoun (G) – FLA – The veteran goalie was the catalyst for the Panthers as he saw 55 shots on goal and stopped 52 of them. A talented goaltender, Vokoun is the undeniable number one guy in Florida. He will see a lot of shots this season and will either be the hero or the goat. See if there are other goaltending options in your league as Vokoun should lose more than he wins.

Ray Emery (G) – PHI – His first full season game back in the league since he bolted for Russia. In what appeared to be an easy game for the Flyers, Emery stopped all 27 shots. The Flyers are hoping for Emery to be a stable and consistent goaltender this year and their success rests on it.

Brandon Dubinsky (C) – NYR – The newly re-signed centerman has some veteran wingers to help elevate his game. Lining up with Gaborik and Prospal, Dubinsky is the top center in New York and should get points playing with Gabby. If he is available in your league grab him on the waiver wire and hold onto hi until Gaborik gets hurt.

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

Panthers Pounce on Booth

The Florida Panthers have resigned winger David Booth to a 6 year, $25.5 Million dollar contract.

Last year Booth came into his own and showed the Panthers that he deserved to be signed long term and can be the face of the franchise for years to come. With 60 points in 72 games, Booth blossomed in his third year of play.

Fantasy Outlook: Owners of Booth should be looking to hold the young winger close as he has moved into keeper territory. Booth should increase on his 60 points next season as he will get top minutes playing in Florida. If he is available in your draft, grab him in early mid-rounds and reap the rewards.

Mark