Fantasy Hockey Ramble – March 31, 2009
Dobber Sports
2009-03-31
For details on how to pick up my fourth annual Interactive Playoff Draft List, click here.
I have room for about five more questions in my Hockey News mailbag (posted tomorrow), so if you go to THN.com fantasy section and ask a question, if it's before say 5pm ET I will probably be able to get to it.
Loui Eriksson has 15 points in his last 15 games and he will probably finish the year with 37 goals. Next year, look for 35 and 70.
Kris Versteeg has just one point in his last seven contests. I am reminded of some trade deadline talks that I had when I tried to spice up my offer by adding Eriksson on my side for Versteeg on his side. He said it made the deal worse. We were able to work out the deal without those two players – and I thank him for it now.
Alex Tanguay has eight points in his last three contests.
Michal Rozsival is expected to skate today and hopes to practice with the team tomorrow.
Florida coach Peter DeBoer told the Miami Herald that he will play Anderson until he loses.
The Leafs are expected to sign undrafted prospect Christian Hanson today, according to TSN. He is a giant – 6'4, 225 and he put up decent NCAA numbers this season. At the age of 23, he would probably be considered for a roster spot come training camp, although he's closer to a Dustin Penner type than an enforcer. He is the son of Dave Hanson, one of the Hanson brothers from the movie Slap Shot.
The Bruins have signed undrafted prospect Yannick Riendeau to an entry level deal. Riendeau led the QMJHL in scoring this season, so they didn't sign him to shore up their penalty killing. His odds of making it into the NHL are low – but if he gets there to stay, then you know it will be for offense. A prototypical boom or bust prospect here.
Pierre-Marc Bouchard has a concussion and will be out for at least a few more days.
Ottawa prospect Jim O'Brien will join Binghamton of the AHL. He is ranked 173, as he is still several years away from producing consistently in the NHL.
From Aaron Portzline , who was a recent guest on Dobber Nation: Neither LW Jason Chimera (groin) nor D Rostislav Klesla (upper body) will dress for Tuesday's game with Darth Vader. Chimera could dress on Saturday in Nashville, but I get the sense that Klesla's out a while. LW Fredrik Modin is not skating, so he's still out a long while. Listen to his Dobber Nation spot HERE .
The Ducks signed d-man Mark Mitera to an entry level contract. He is still about three years away and has reasonable upside of about 45 points.
D-man Ladislav Smid is out for the season with a broken hand. Taylor Chorney, ranked 303 on my prospects list, was recalled.
The Wild signed forward Cody Almond to an entry level deal. He is a budding power forward but is a few years away from NHL duty. He is ranked 470 on my prospects list.
The Preds are hurting. Jason Arnott has a concussion, but is skating on his own. He is at least a few days away. David Legwand has a fractured cheekbone and is probably out until the last game of the season. Martin Erat has a broken leg and he will miss the season and the first round of the playoffs – and probably much of the second round if they get that far. Ryan Jones has an upper body injury but he could play Friday. Right now, the team will go with Cal O'Reilly, Mike Santorelli, Patric Hornqvist in more offensive roles.
Speaking of O'Reilly, he has been playing 15 minutes a game and has two points in two games. He makes a great pickup for at least a few days because currently – he's the No.1 center in Nashville. This is the opportunity he needed. O'Reilly is ranked 85th on my prospects list. Jones is ranked 47th, Santorelli 97th and Hornqvist 71st.
Baseball season starts one week from today – for just $5.99, the lowest price on the market, you can pick up your copy of Dobber's Fantasy Baseball Guide right HERE .
TJ Oshie MONSTER hit on Rick Nash:
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIIpCbE1VCc]