September 12, 2007
Dobber Sports
2007-09-12
Krys Kolanos has been invited to the Calgary training camp.
Alex Goligoski did not participate in the Pens rookie camp because he was injured.
Clearly liking quantity over quality, the Coyotes have invited goalie David McKee to camp. He joins Tellqvist, Aebischer, Auld, LeNeveu and Tjordman.
The Oilers have invited 18-year-old undrafted prospect Vitali Karamnov to camp. The youngster is a two-way center who is decent in all categories but amazing in none. Still, he bears watching in deep fantasy keeper leagues.
This week's edition of The Hockey News (found HERE ) includes an article by yours truly. It outlines this season's fourth-year breakout candidates, something that I introduced to THN about four years ago.
The NHL has given Mark Bell a 15-game suspension. This should put an end to all of the Leaf forward's question marks now. Expect 65 games and 40 points this season and then back on track a year later.
Bryan Little had a standout rookie camp for Atlanta with four goals in three games. Things are looking promising…
Chris Pronger, who separated his shoulder in Game 5 of the Cup final, is still not fully recovered yet. He is not missing training camp, but just know that the problem is there…and he may not play at 100 per cent to start the year. Schneider is looking like a better and better pick with each piece of news this week. Schneider is fully recovered from his broken wrist suffered in the playoffs.
Igor Grigorenko picked up two assists in yesterday's prospects game. I feel he will wind up on the second line this season and could flirt with 50 points.
TSN is reporting that Teemu Selanne and Brian Burke spoke yesterday, but a decision still has not been made. You can interpret that as – Selanne told Burke he'd like to hang'em up, but Burke begged him to think on it longer. Let me put it this way, if Burke said: "I need a decision now." Selanne would say "Okay, I'm done."
The Pittsburgh rookie camp has concluded and all prospects have either been released or returned to junior with the exception of 13 players who will be in main camp. They are forwards Aaron Boogaard, Jonathan Filewich, Joe Jensen, Tyler Kennedy, Mark Letestu, Kyle Rank, Tim Wallace and Ryan Stone, defensemen Jonathan D'Aversa, Kris Letang and Ben Lovejoy, and goalies David Brown and John Curry.
Vancouver rearguard Aaron Miller will undergo minor abdominal surgery. He will be out for two weeks and back before camp is complete.
Alexandre Picard, the Columbus prospect who I rambled about having knee surgery back in the spring, is still not fully recovered. He will miss training camp and likely much of October. He is ranked 76 on my fantasy prospects list and if he does not make an impression this year in the AHL, he will certainly sink quickly.
Columbus goalie Fredrik Norrena has a tight hamstring but will not miss any time. Just know that the soreness is there and thus the potential for injury.
Sami Pahlsson will miss the first few games of the season as he recovers from hernia surgery. I can't see a lot of fantasy leagues where he would be in, anyway.
Rory Fitzpatrick is getting a tryout in the Flyer's camp. Given their depth on the blueline, I don't see Rory making it.
Dallas prospect Matt Niskanen, a 20-year-old rearguard ranked 320 on my Fantasy Prospects list, injured his shoulder in the first game of their prospects tournament. The Stars went 0-3 in that tourney.
Perttu Lindgren, ranked No.62 on my Fantasy Prospects list, was the top Dallas prospect and was an offensive threat throughout – more so as the tourney wore on.
Montreal prospect Matt D'Agnosti, ranked 212 on my Fantasy Prospects list, has been one of the better prospects for the Habs and his offense is what is impressing. He could steal a job, which obviously would march him up that list in a hurry – he was so low because I felt he was four years away.
I apologize for all the emails I am not responding to. I'd like to say I'm reading them, but if I see that it's a fantasy question and it's long-winded, I pretty much don't even do that. I know this is an important month, but you can imagine how busy I am with everything this month. I strongly advise you take advantage of the forum. I try and answer several questions on it per day and the other posters are find are quite knowledgeable. Ask your question there! Afraid someone in your pool will see? Well then ask your question and when you get an answer, edit your question to read "Top Secret! Question Removed!"