Rangers Sign Vinny Prospal
The New York Rangers have signed forward Vaclav Prospal to a one-year deal worth $1.1 million.
August 16, 2009
I won't be putting up a new ramblings today until there is something to ramble about. These August days can be tough for us fantasy fanatics. The Prospal analysis will be up shortly, and I hope to have a big update in the guide up for this evening. As well, the French version of the [...]
The Next Great American Defenseman.
The United States has made major inroads into hockey since the 1980 gold medal win at Lake Placid. Despite producing some talented players, they haven't produced at a level high enough to warrant much individual NHL hardware in most areas. Brett Hull won the Hart in 1991, Tom Barrasso won the Vezina in 1984 and John Vanbiesbrouck won the Vezina in 1986.
This lack of hardware doesn't apply to the Norris Trophy. Since Rod Langway won back-to-back Norris Trophies in 1983 and 1984, Americans have won the Norris seven times in 24 seasons. Led by Chris Chelios and Brian Leetch, the US has consistently produced elite level defensemen and has consistently captured the hardware to prove it.
Norris trophies aside, Americans have produced defensemen of quality since the early 80's. Another American, Mark Howe, was Norris runner-up three times. Both Gary Suter and Bryan Berard won Calder trophies.
August 15, 2009
Fantasy Hockey Guide found here. Next update will probably be Monday - middle of the day. Matt D'Agostini signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Habs yesterday. For a (soon to be) 23-year-old with promise, coming off a 53-game NHL appearance, I'm surprised he went for two-way. Brass probably pointed to his minus-17 and [...]
Not Just Another Pool: Creating the Ultimate Fantasy Experience
There are hockey pools... and then there are fantasy leagues.
There are thousands of people out there who are content with joining a run-of-the-mill pool, whose self-esteem and personal happiness aren’t tied up in the performance of their team. You know the type... twenty minutes before the office draft, they can be found frantically trying to print off last year’s stats from NHL.com. During the draft they say things like, “I thought Marian Hossa plays for Pittsburgh,” and then they try to draft Joe Sakic, not realizing that he just retired. In other words, they don’t take their fantasy hockey all that seriously... not that there’s anything wrong with that.
August 14, 2009
TSN just reminded me that Tomas Kaberle's no-trade clause kicks in this weekend. The Caps are publicly saying (in the Post) that Jose Theodore will be their No.1 goaltender. It is not surprising that they are saying this. But in the end it won't be factual. His large contract makes the team say this [...]
Tampa Bay Trades Artyukhin to Anaheim for Miller
The Tampa Bay Lightning have dealt big, agitating winger Evgeni Artyukhin to Anaheim for Drew Miller and a third-round draft pick.
I’m Just Not That Into You
Every year there are players who I end up ranking so low on my one year draft lists that I know almost for a certainty that they will not be on my team. It could be because there is so much hype on a player that someone will surely take them long before they enter my draft radar.
August 13, 2009
Fantasy Guide can be found here. Drew Miller and a third rounder for Artyukhin. Analysis to come... The Lighting have just sent a message via Twitter that they are making a trade today and getting a player and a draft pick in return. More to come. Brian Lawton, the GM, often is the [...]
Summer Sleeper Series – Carson, McBain, or Rodney
Every Wednesday this summer, I will bring you a sleeper to watch for the 2009-2010 season (and potentially beyond). Released in no particular order, I will refrain from picking sleepers that have already shown glimpses of breaking out in the past – the obvious candidates. Time to go beneath the surface for some sleepers that you may not have thought about…