While you were sleeping v2.0

Last week we looked at two young players who had huge 4th quarters to finish out the 2008-2009 NHL Season. Both Claude Giroux and Anton Babchuck should both be treated as solid sleepers come draft day in September. This week I want to look at two players who came into this season known more for their fists then their scoring touch.

David Backes, RW/C, STL

The Minnesota native had a strong first full season in the NHL in 07-08. Showing flashes of speed, skill, and toughness, Backes brought some fantasy value with a career-high 31 points and 99 PIMs. He showed enough promise that Vancouver tendered an offer to the restricted Free Agent in the off-season. St. Louis quickly matched and David has rewarded their investment this season.

Backes became a top forward for the Blues this season. He played in every situation and quickly became the go-to guy for coach Andy Murray. David scored an impressive 31 goals and 54 points playing in all 82 games. He also finished with a healthy 165 PIMs for those of you in leagues that reward those shenanigans. It should be noted though that as the goals soared, the PIMs dropped. He's become too valuable to be in the box on a regular basis.

At 25, Backes should be able to better those numbers next year on a very talented and emerging Blues team. His big frame, good speed, and developing hands could turn him into one of the top power forwards in the game over the next couple of seasons. Think Shane Doan on a much better team.

Next Season's Fearless Forecast: 82 games played, 35 goals, 32 assists = 67 points.

Where you should draft him: 12th-16th round (standard), 7th-9th round (keeper)

Steve Ott, LW, DAL

One of the best agitators in the game, many wondered where Ott would fit in after the Stars signed Sean Avery last off-season. We all know how that worked out for Avery. Ott, on the other hand, took advantage of some extra ice time as many of the Stars top players began to drop (see Brendan Morrow, see Jere Lehtinen, see Brad Richards). All of a sudden, Ott was on a top line with Mike Ribeiro and Jere Lehtinen during Dallas' push for a playoff spot. The line clicked and Ott even saw a stretch of 12 points in 8 games in early February, finishing the season with 37 points in his last 40 games. As with Backes, Ott's PIMs took a dive when he got more top-end minutes.

So is this a mirage? Was Ott the product of circumstance? Well, he did put up two 40+ goal seasons with Windsor in junior and scored 18 goals in his only full year in the AHL. He has always had scoring touch but was buried on the depth chart because of his willingness to drop the gloves. I don't think you can expect Ott to be a point-per-game player next year but he should be able to score on a more regular basis moving forward. His PIMs should also go up again next year as he won't be counted on as a top-line player with the Stars (if they are healthy). Think...Sean Avery 06-07.

Next Season's Fearless Forecast: 82 games played, 18 goals, 26 assists = 44 points, 185 PIMs.

Where you should draft him: 15th-18th round (standard), 12th-16th round (keeper)

Chris

Gambling on Gilroy

Recent Hobey Baker winner, Matt Gilroy, has signed a 2-year contract with the New York Rangers after winning the National Championship with Boston U at the NCAA Frozen Four tournament.

Gilroy was one of the most sought-after, non-NHL free agents heading into the upcoming off-season. Already 24, Gilroy had a very successful season at Boston U, recording 8 goals and 37 points in 45 games. An impressive total at the college level.

Rangers GM Glen Sather, has gone out on another limb signing Gilroy to a 2-year, one-way contract for $3.5 million. This ensures the young rear guard a spot on the Rangers team next year, regardless of how he plays. Gilroy should be playing on the top 2 pairings next season and will be able to gain valuable experience from Wade Redden.

Fantasy owners should be wary when looking at drafting Gilroy. He will get plenty of ice time in New York but that is far from being a successful fantasy producer. There have been numerous Hobey Baker winners in the NHL, but only a handful have been fantasy studs. Neal Broten, Paul Kariya, Chris Drury, and Ryan Miller are the most notable fantasy gems to emerge from the college ranks.

Being 25 heading into the next NHL will be an advantage to Gilroy, but look for him to still have numerous stumbling blocks playing for a highly demanding coach in John Tortorella. If you are able to grab Gilroy in the late rounds of your draft next season, he is worth taking a flyer on. Owners should not expect him to put up top numbers in his first year and should look elsewhere if they need to draft a point-producing d-man.

Mark

While you were sleeping...

As the fantasy hockey season winded down and you fought tooth and nail for the championship, most GMs adopt the attitude of "what have you done for me lately?" I know the drill, you start dropping anyone that isn't putting up points and focus more on instant rewards then long-term success. But it's during this last quarter of the NHL season where next year's fantasy sleepers are begging for your affection. Well if you missed their desperate screams for attention, here is a summary of next year's fantasy sleepers based on strong finishes this season.

Claude Giroux, RW/C, PHI

Everywhere he has played, Giroux has been an offensive monster (yes, I said Monster Mr. McGuire). He surpassed 100 points in all 3 years in the Q and was the Flyers 22nd overall pick of the 06' Draft. He went to the Flyers camp as a 19 yo in 07-08 and almost made a deep roster. Claude had a decent camp this year but the Flyers just didn't have a top 9 forward spot for him. Enter Danny Briere's injury troubles and Giroux's point-per-game AHL rookie campaign and the Flyers called him up at the midway point of the season. Giroux didn't slow down either, he netted 27 points in 42 games (on pace for a 54 point rookie season). Getting top 6 minutes, Giroux had a stretch of 11 points in 9 games. So far, in his first 3 playoff games he has 1 goal and 2 assists and a fight with Tyler Kennedy (OK, I know Tyler isn't a fighter but you get the point). His creativity and maturity with the puck will make him a staple on Philly's top two lines for years to come. Just 21 years of age, grab him early if you're in a keeper league.

Next Season's Fearless Forecast: 82 games played, 27 goals, 42 assists = 69 points.

Where you should draft him: 12th-13th round (standard), 5th-7th round (keeper) 

Anton Babchuk, D, CAR

Who is Anton Babchuk? A former 1st round pick (2002) of the Chicago Blackhawks, Babchuk was known as a physical Dman who had some offensive upside. After struggling to impress the Chicago brass, he was traded to Carolina in 2006. After another decent, yet unspectacular year, Anton decided to go home and play for the Russian powerhouse Omsk. It was in Omsk that he started to really develop his untapped offensive game with 24 points in 57 games (great numbers for a Dman in the Russian League). Anton decided to take another crack at the NHL but was buried on a deep Carolina depth chart. As the season progressed though, Babchuk started getting more ice-time and new Head Coach Paul Maurice became a believer in his skill. Babchuk was the Canes best Dman down the stretch and had an amazing 23 points in his last 26 games, averaging well over 2o minutes of icetime a game (he had 8 points in the Canes last 4 games). He has a cannon of a shot and used it to score 16 goals this year. At 25, Babchuk will enter next season as a top 2 Dman on the Canes and should continue to develop his offensive game. We're talking keeper potential here.

Next Season's Fearless Forecast: 82 games played, 18 goals, 31 assists = 49 points.

Where you should draft him: 15h-17th round (standard), 10th-12th round (keeper) 

Stay tuned for more sleepers over the next few weeks.

Chris

Choosing 1 and 1A

When it comes to the 2009 NHL Entry Draft later this June, fantasy owners should only be concerned with 2 players, John Tavares and Victor Hedman. They are the undisputed prizes of the upcoming draft and will not only be sought after by the Islanders and Lightning, who own the picks, but by the other 28 teams in the league as well.

Brian Burke has openly said that he will be pursuing Tavares and is will to pay whatever it takes to capture the prized star forward. That should be an key indicator to fantasy owners that they should be eying in this young star come draft day. Tavares will excel regardless of which team drafts him. He will be looked upon as a franchise player and given every opportunity to lead his team as it is built around him. I would look to select Tavares high in all formats, especially if you are in a keeper pool with roto stats.

Victor Hedman is another player looked at as a franchise player with whatever team he lands on. He is the 1A option to Tavares and is well coveted by teams that are already deep at forward. Fantasy owners in keeper leagues should be keen on the possibilities of drafting him however it is just a question of how early. Hedman will be a productive team leader well before his prime, but owners should be aware that he will have growing pains as all young defenseman do when they enter the league. I wold look to draft Hedman in the mid rounds of new drafts and early if you are in established keeper pools that allow for a farm team or futures. If you are in a one year pool I would steer clear of him in his first year and let another owner draft Hedman and grab an established d-man instead.

Beyond the first two picks, there is a plethora of talent available as future keepers. I will be looking into these players deeper in a future post and advise fantasy owners whether they should risk taking a shot at these kids.

Mark

Rookie Keepers

Every new NHL season adds a new crop of rookies and a bunch of new opportunities for owners to grab the next player that may help their team go forward. At this point, we should all be aware of the sophomore slump, as we have seen many current NHLers go through it and either rise above or crumble under the pressure.

This year in the NHL we have observed many rookies make immediate impact on their clubs. But just because they play a lot of minutes does not necessarily make them keeper-worthy. The long-term value has to be great to keep these players over others that may have already found their role in the league.

1. Bobby Ryan – Ryan has finally emerged and found a place on the top two lines in Anaheim. He currently has 43 points in 49 games and 22 PIMS and looks stronger every game he plays. Ryan will be a looked-upon a cornerstone in the Ducks organization in the coming years and will mesh well with current stars Getzlaf and Perry.

2. Kris Versteeg – Versteeg came out of nowhere this years and surprised fantasy owners. Surely a waiver pickup in your league, he leads all rookies in scoring with 45 points in 65 games. Versteeg plays a power-forward type of game that allows him to create room on the top two lines in Chicago. A fantasy bonus is that he also puts up PIMS. Look for him to continue his strong play next year and upgrade his numbers.

3. Derick Brassard – Brassard was lost earlier this season to injury. He was on a great pace of 25 points in 31 games on a Columbus team that is dying for a number-one centre. Brassard possesses excellent scoring instincts and fits well with sniper Rick Nash. Look for him to be a point-per-game scorer next season barring any major injuries.

Worth a long look – these guys almost made the grade, and if you cannot find a better option, then these players are worth taking a risk on.

1. Steve Mason – Mason is having a sensational rookie campaign and is leading Columbus right into a playoff position. Leading the league with nine shutouts, Mason has truly excelled in the Ken Hitchcock system of hockey. Columbus has given Mason the reins by trading Pascal Leclaire to the Senators. He will be the starting goalie for the Jackets next season; the only question is whether or not another rookie will displace him as he did Leclaire.

2. Pekka Rinne – Rinne was virtually unknown in the NHL at the start of the season. Sitting on the bench for the first half of the season, Rinne has beat out fellow teammate Dan Ellis as the starter in Nashville. Rinne is a huge goalie at 6’5”, covers a large amount of net, and has put up great number at every level of play. The concern with Rinne is that next year he will be in a tandem with Ellis as Nashville looks for a true number-one guy.

3. Drew Doughty – Doughty has excelled in his first year of play, outplaying fellow first-round defenders Schenn and Bogosian. He has put up 21 points in 65 games and 42 PIMS on a young and improving Kings team. Averaging 23 minutes off ice time a night, Doughty will only get better with time. Look at Doughty to be in the top pairing on the Kings for years to come.

Being in a keeper fantasy pool is a lot of responsibility. As a dedicated owner, you need to ensure that you have amassed the best possible talent carrying forward. The above-mentioned players should help you keep your team moving in the right direction and help you reach your goal.

Mark

A Downer for Downie

The AHL board of governors have voted to uphold a suspension to Steve Downie of the Norfolk Admirals.

Read the complete TSN article here.

Fantasy Outlook: Steve Downie was suspended for 20 games on March 5 for striking an official with his stick. The initial suspension was appealed by Norfolk but the decision was upheld.

Fantasy owners may have thought that Downie being moved from the deep Philadelphia organization to the thin Tampa squad would result in more playing time. Since being traded to Tampa, Downie has played in 23 games. Not a scoring threat, he has 3 goals and 3 assists with the Lightning. Downie has also amassed 54 penalty minutes in that time. While in Norfolk, Downie has 8 goals and 17 assists, along with 107 PIMS.

Owners should beware when drafting Downie next year. If your league rewards PIMs and you can grab him in a late round in your draft, do it. That being said, don't expect him to be a full-time player. The NHL is moving towards greatly reducing fighting, and that could severly penalize Downie's fantasy value. He has the ability to be a character guy but he has a target on him. Any slip up in the NHL or AHL and he will be looking at another lengthy suspension.

Mark

Fantasy Q & A: Barker or Hemsky?

This question from Kevin:

I am in a fantasy keeper pool and have to decide whether to keep Ales Hemsky or Cam Barker. I like Barker's upside and he is just a Rookie. What are your thoughts?

Kevin

Hey Kevin,

Thanks for the question.

What you are struggling with is the ultimate keeper question...a proven player who may have maxxed out on his potential vs a young player still oozing with potential and upside.

My thoughts would be to keep Hemsky and try to shop Barker to another team. I appreciate Barker's impressive 30 points in 49 games (pro-rated to 50 points in 82 games) as a 3rd year player (note he is not a rookie as he has played over 30 games the past two seasons). My problem is that Barker is already starting to carve a niche for himself as a Powerplay specialist. Joel Quenville does not trust him to play 5 on 5, and a lot of his minutes are coming on the Powerplay (though it should be noted that he is getting some time short-handed as well). Chicago was also shopping him at this year's deadline. 

All is good for Barker right now because he is producing on that uber-talented Powerplay. My concern is that once a Powerplay specialist stops producing, he begins to see his minutes decline (in games where he has not received any PP time, his minutes were under 17 and as low as 11). Remember Bryan Berard and Marc-Andre Bergeron, both valuable fantasy Dmen when producing, have been healthy scratches when they are not. I am not saying Barker will fall into this category but I need to see a few more years of this kind of production and elevating ice-time before I buy in.

Hemsky on the other hand, is an under-rated keeper RW. Always a threat to be a PPG player, he seems to be missing that last gear to become an elite fantasy keeper (whether that comes from untimely injuries or not playing with a front-line centre). At 25, he is still young enough to have some untapped potential and could be a top fantasy contributer for the next 7-8 years. Hold on to him and enjoy the ride.

Chris

The New Broad Street Bully

Philadelphia trades Scottie Upshall and a 2011 2nd round pick to Phoenix for Daniel Carcillo.

Motivation:

Gretzky fell in and out of love with Carcillo over the past year. Danny was all the rage for the Coyotes in the first half of last season but his antics got tiring. A bit of a head case, Carcillo would snap at any given time, often costing the Coyotes with bad penalties and game misconducts. Gretzky was much more stern with Carcillo this year but that translated to Carcillo struggling to put up points. Once considered a 40 point, 200 PIM player, Carcillo is off to Philadelphia to try to get his offensive game back. Upshall is a good 3rd liner with some offensive upside. It will be interesting to see where he nets out in the Coyotes depth chart as they seem to have quite a few borderline 3rd/2nd liners.

Fantasy Outlook:

Daniel Carcillo: Last year's 24 points and 324 PIMS (in just 57 games) made Carcillo a hot commodity in leagues that reward PIMs. This year, he is on pace for just 12 points and 223 PIMS. The move to Philly should help in both categories. GM Paul Holmgren has already said that Carcillo will be a top 9 forward and he expects him to contribute some offence. Philly already shipped out one head-case this season in Steve Downie (who by the way is serving a 20 game suspension in the AHL for sticking a referee) and will not allow Carcillo to hurt the team on the ice. Look for Danny to contribute with a few points down the stretch and be a valuable player in the playoffs. I like Carcillo as a great pickup next year in fantasy leagues with PIMS. I see him putting up 30-35 points and 200 PIMS for the Flyers next season, making him a nice mid-late round pick at next year's draft.

Scottie Upshall: Upshall has always been able to provide energy and timely scoring but has struggled to stay healthy, and stay on a scoring line. With a career high 30 points in 2007-2008, he seems to have limited offensive upside. Upshall should develop into a very good 3rd liner in the desert but has very limited fantasy value. He'll get a chance to play more offensive minutes in Phoenix but will eventually lose ice-time to the Yotes' younger, offensive studs Turris, Mueller, Boedker, Tikhonov and Hanzal. Look for him as a late round depth player or waiver pickup next year.

Marks' Take: Carcillo will get every chance to fit in with the Flyers. However, they have walked down this road previously with Steve Downie. If Carcillo can't control himself and be productive, he could very well find himself playing in the AHL.

Down the QEW

Toronto trades Dominic Moore to Buffalo for Carolina's 2009 2nd round pick.

Motivation: After Moore and Brian Burke could not get any closer on a contract extension, Dominic was held out of Tuesday's game and the writing was on the wall. Moore has had an outstanding year in Toronto with more ice-time and responsibility. Setting career highs already with 41 points in 64 games, Moore was looking for a big pay raise but Burke wasn't willing to commit to paying him 2nd-liner salary. In the end, Burke held out as long as possible and shipped Moore 90 minutes south to division rival Buffalo. The 2nd round pick is astonishing considering Moore was a waiver pick up a year ago.

Fantasy Outlook:

Dominic Moore: The move to Buffalo is not a good one for Moore owners. Trying to prove he can be a 2nd line centre, he now slots behind Tim Connolly and Derick Roy on the depth chart. Moore will notch a few points down the stretch but will be more valuable to the Sabres as a checking line centre and face-off specialist. Look for him to finish the year with around 48 points. As a pending UFA, he will have to sign somewhere and try to prove himself again. Would not be surprised to see him return to Toronto for a more modest salary. A late round pick or waiver pick-up next season.

Marks' Take: Moore priced himself out of Toronto and was shipped down the road. He will fit in nicely in Buffalo by replacing Kotaliks' speed with grit and consistency. Look for Moore be a character player helping the Sabres reach their goal of the playoffs. He will add the odd point but his production will fall.

Big Nik in Big Apple

Toronto trades Nik Antropov to NYR for 2009 2nd round pick and a conditional draft pick.

Motivation:

Brian Burke made it clear that he would be moving Nik to the highest bidder at the deadline. He waited all-day Wednesday for that desired 1st round pick but in the end settled for New York's offer of a 2nd and conditional 3rd in 2010 (if Rangers make the playoffs, 4th if they do not). New York gets a big winger with skill to help get their lifeless offence going.

Fantasy Outlook:

Nik Antropov: Many thought Nik would disappear this year, no longer able to ride Mats Sundin's shotgun. Instead, Nik is on pace for a career-high 58 points getting top ice-time with a poor Maple Leafs squad. Nik has proven he can stay healthy and contribute over the past two seasons and should supply some secondary scoring for the Rangers. Look for Nik to finish with 6-8 goals and 12-14 points down the stretch. I could see him developing nice chemistry with Nik Zherdev and re-signing with the Rangers. Nik should be a decent mid-round selection next year but is a pending UFA so watch where he lands. Look for him to continue to put up 50+ points for the next few years.

A Hurricane of a Trade

Carolina trades Justin Williams to Los Angeles for Patrick O'Sullivan and a 2009 2nd round pick. Carolina then trades Patrick O'Sullivan and the 2nd round pick to Edmonton for Eric Cole and a 5th round pick.

Motivation: 

After heated contract negotiations last summer, O'Sullivan just did not deliver as the top 6 player Lombardi thought he was getting. O'Sullivan has a history of turning coaches and teammates off and seemed to have overstayed his time in LA. Carolina was looking for the Big winger to help get Staal going again...they went with someone they knew had chemistry with Eric. Justin Williams is a talented winger who just cannot stay healthy. He'll look for a fresh start in LA.

Fantasy Outlook:

Patrick O'Sullivan: I have liked O'Sullivan for a while now as he flashes great speed and skill. Watching him this season, he has become more of a complete player but doesn't bring skill night in and night out. His speed could be electrifying on the fastest ice in the league and he could be the perfect compliment for the playmaking Sam Gagner. On pace for just 46 points after a career-high 53 last year, look for O'Sullivan to finish the season with 12-14 points. I also like his game in the playoffs, if Edmonton can make it. For next year, I like him as a sleeper if he can connect with some of the Oil's young talent. Think 55-65 points next season and a great mid-round pick.

Eric Cole: Cole was supposed to be magic this season with his size and speed on Edmonton ice. After struggling out the gate, he just couldn't seem to be that dominant winger he showed flashes of in Carolina. A mid-season surge while clicking with Sam Gagner didn't last and Cole is currently on pace for a mere 34 points this season. Look for him to play on Staal's wing and finish the season strong (13-16 points). At this point, he is a non-keeper but a nice bounce-back candidate next year. Watch where he lands in the off-season though as he is a UFA. 

Justin Williams: After two healthy, productive seasons, Williams only played 37 games last year but did end up at almost a PPG. This year, he has battled even more injuries but just hasn't produced when he is playing. With just 10 points in 32 games, have the injuries finally caught up to him. Justin is not the same player that would use his great speed to crash the net. Now a perimeter player, he is going to have to become more of a playmaker to stay relevant in fantasy (think Paul Kariya after battling injuries). A gamble for the Kings as the 26 year-old is signed through the next two seasons at $3.5 mil. Look for Justin to continue to struggle in LA with 6-8 points down the stretch. Going into next season, he becomes a high-risk/high-reward player drafted in the late rounds. 

Striking Oil

The Edmonton Oilers acquire Ales Kotalik from the Buffalo Sabres for a 2nd round draft pick.

Fantasy Outlook: The Oilers continue to search for experienced depth and a winger that can mesh with Ales Hemsky.

Kotalik will fit well into Edmonton's fast paced brand of hockey. He has great speed and a rocket shot. A skilled winger, Kotalik is a streaky player and leaves fantasy owners frustrated over his inconsistent output.

Keep an eye on this Kotalik. If he is able to fit in on the top line in Edmonton, he may be able to put up more consistent numbers. Current owners should not expect too much right away. Be patient to see which line he ends up on and if he can develop chemistry with his new linemates.

Mark

Migrating to the Windy City

The Anaheim Ducks trade forward Samuel Pahlsson, defenceman Logan Stephenson and a conditional draft pick in 2009 to Chicago for defenceman James Wisniewski and forward Petri Kontiola.

Fantasy Outlook: Pahlsson was a key component with the Anaheim Ducks, helping them win their Stanley Cup two seasons ago. He will primarily be used as a shut-down guy on the Blackhawks, but will also be able to help with his playoff experience in a young Chicago dressing room.

Fantasy owners should not pass over Pahlsson in a roto league format. He is is tied for 2oth in the league in faceoff percentage and takes key draws. He is an option in a deeper draft if you are looking to upgrade your faceoff category prominence.

James Wisniewski will have the opportunity to learn from two top defencemen in today's NHL. He goes to Anaheim as a depth guy for the time being. He will have to sit tight as Anaheim sorts out their defensive depth chart this off season.

If Wisniewski ends up staying in Anaheim, he could end up third on the depth chart, providing one of Pronger or Niedermayer leave. He would be a good option late in a draft next season as he in an offensive minded player. Current owners should expect that he puts up the average point and pairs with either Neidermayer or Pronger.

Mark

Chris' Take:

I like this move for Anaheim. Whitney and Wisniewski should be the top pairing for the Ducks in 2010-2011. Wisniewski has some untapped offensive potential and is more likely to QB the talented Powerplay then Whitney. Look for him as a nice sleeper option next year when Pronger is traded or Scotty signs with Vancouver.

Another Broadstreet Bully

The San Jose Sharks have traded defencemen Kyle McLaren to the Philadelphia Flyers for a 6th round draft pick.

Fantasy Outlook: McLaren was banished to the AHL even before the regular season started and was forgotten, until now.

This is a marriage for the Flyers as McLaren fits the perfect mold of a Broadstreet Bully. He is a hard hitting defenceman that will add depth to a depleted Philadelphia blueline. McLaren has a chance to reacquaint himself with the NHL and should be able to fit in nicely.

* Breaking News

Kyle McLaren has has failed his physical with the Philadelphia Flyers and the trade with the Sharks has been voided.

If your league values penalty minutes, McLaren may be an option next season. Look for him late in the draft as a depth defenceman if he can hang on with a team.

Mark

Broadway Bound

The Phoenix Coyotes have traded defenceman Derek Morris to the New York Rangers for defencemen Dmitri Kalinin and forwards Nigel Dawes and Petr Prucha.

Fantasy Outlook: The New York Rangers were able to add an aggressive d-man with a bit of offensive ability rolled in.

Morris will fit into the top 2 pairings in New York and provide some grit that they were missing on the back end.

Fantasy owners should be cautious when looking at adding him via the waiver wire. Morris has 12 points in 57 games this season and should not expect an outpouring of points the rest of the way. He is a decent depth option in you need to fill a bench spot.

The Phoenix Coyotes have reloaded their roster obtaining players that have been exiled from their previous teams because they under perform or their contracts are too heavy.

The 3 new Coyotes have no fantasy appeal and owners should steer clear of of these desert dogs.

Mark

Voted Off the Island ... Finally

The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired veteran goal scorer Bill Guerin from the New York Islanders for a conditional draft pick in 2009.

Fantasy Outlook: It was just a matter of time before Guerin was traded. After the whole ordeal of sitting out the game between the Islanders and Sabres because of a pending deal, he was finally traded.

Even though his better days are behind him, Guerin's leadership and goal scoring prowess should only increase playing on the wing of one of the two leading point scorers in the league.

Guerin will provide adequate support to the Penguins top 6 and should be able help a fantasy owner if they already have him on his roster. Guerin has no keeper value as he is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year and is a question mark as to where he will end up. If he is available on your waiver wire I would advise you to pick him up, but I would suggest you do not trade for him as the owners of this vet will be asking for a steep price, selling him as Crosby's winger.

Mark

From Pretender To Contender

The Boston Bruins have acquired veteran Mark Recchi and a 2nd round pick in 2010 from Tampa Bay for defenceman Matt Lashoff and forward Martins Karsums.

Fantasy Outlook: The Bruins have added an invaluable leadership presence to a team that is looking to make a deep run in the playoffs. Recchi, 41, is not a stranger to being traded on deadline day having been moved 5 times late in the season.

This veteran will surely bring the leadership the Bruins were expecting when trading for him. However, owners should not readily run out and pick him up if he is available, until he has developed chemistry and consistent linemates on his new team.

Mark

What's a Bruin?

The Boston Bruins trade Petteri Nokelainen to the Anaheim Ducks for defenceman Steve Montador.

Fantasy Outlook: The Boston Bruins have added a hard hitting, depth defencemen for a prospect center.

The Anaheim Ducks continue to remodel their club by moving out another veteran and adding youth and a cheaper contract. Montador didn't look like he fit into their long terms plans after the acquisition of Ryan Whitney from Pittsburgh.

Montador has little fantasy value but will be looked upon to add stability and grit to the Bruins rock solid team. Owners that currently have him on their team should expect more of the same from the big d-man.

Mark

Backing Up the Backup

The Phoenix Coyotes trade Mikael Tellqvist to the Buffalo Sabres fora 4th round pick in 2010.

Fantasy Outlook: In what is looked at as a small deal in the NHL world, Sabres fans should be relieved. Darcy Regehr has a addressed an issue that has been looming since star goalie Ryan Miller went down with a high ankle sprain.

This move may mean one of two things: Ryan Miller's ankle is sprain is worse than Buffalo is letting on, or the Sabres have given up hope on Patrick Lalime.

The reason this has fantasy implications is because it affects Buffalo's confidence and owners of Ryan Miller should be concerned.

Do not look at Tellqvist as an adequate replacement for Miller. If you have the opportunity to replace Miller with another #1 guy, go for it. If not, add Tellqvist from the waiver wire - only if you have room on your bench.

Mark

A Second Time Around

The Colorado Avalanche trade defenceman Jordon Leopold to the Calgary Flames for Lawrence Nycholat, prospect Ryan Wilson and a 2009 second round pick.

Fantasy Outlook: Calgary made a huge move to secure a top 5 blueline corps. Leopold will help Calgary be one off the monsters in the Western conference.

Colorado was looking to dump salary and Calgary was the beneficiary. The Avalanche receive a late 2nd round pick in 2009 which should help ease the wound from losing Leopold to free agency in July.

This transaction has limited fantasy appeal. Leopold will play well helping the Flames strive for the Stanely Cup. He is, however, buried behind Phaneuf as the power play quarterback and will put up limited points in the final games.

Look for Leopold to be with a new team come July 1st as this is a playoff rental. He will have a better fantasy outlook come July 1st as he will be looked upon a young veteran on another team.

Mark