Dobber reveals nine underachieving players he’s targeting in trade talks

In going through teams in my three keeper fantasy leagues, I find my interest piqued by certain players who are doing horrible. No, David Desharnais isn’t one of them. Right now these players could be had for a song and the only serious cost to you is the roster spot that he wastes for the next month or so as you wait for him to come around. Or you drop him in January if he doesn’t.

Just a quick list of guys, when looking through teams in my leagues for trade offers. There will definitely be some slumping players that I didn’t address.

Buy Low

Carl Soderberg, Boston Bruins

It may be too late for the 28-year-old first-year player, since he has six points in his last five games. But I’ve put some feelers out. You never know. His current pace is 51 points and I think he’ll surpass that. But maybe his owner won’t.

Tyler Ennis, Buffalo Sabres

Ennis is a streaky player. We see it happen every year – 20 games, 20 points regardless of how bad a year he’s having. I really think we’ll see it again. Then we’ll get all excited and draft him early again next summer. And round and round we go. But meanwhile, I’d like to get him for a song and then turn him out for a higher price after he has his hot run.

Jiri Tlusty, Carolina Hurricanes

I don’t feel that Tlusty will turn it around enough to get to 55 points, but do think he’ll turn it around and get 45. Not much help for my needs this year, but enough to give me hope for next year. I already landed him for a draft pick. Carolina, and in particular Eric Staal, turns it up in the second half each year.

Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes

Still going with my “Carolina will have a strong second half” theory here.

Slava Voynov, Los Angeles Kings

With seven points in his last nine games we’re probably too late here as well. But I still think he’ll be a Top 10 defenseman this year. His playoff performance had an impact on me.

Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings

The last time Brown’s points-per-game was anywhere close to 0.36 he was a rookie. He’s not going to leave that range now that he’s in his prime, he just needs time.

Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins

A slow start thanks to an injury wiping out the start of his year. But don’t think for a second that he’s not a near-point-per-game player. It just hasn’t begun yet. It will.

John Carlson, Washington Capitals

He’s on pace for 38 points thanks to his current run of nine points in his last 11 games. So I may be too late. I don’t think Carlson will go out and get 60 points. At least not this year. But 45 to 50 sounds about right.

Tobias Enstrom, Winnipeg Jets

With two points in his last 18 games, Enstrom is ripe for the picking. After missing much of the last 18 months, he’s just off to a slow start. His points-per-game average should be closer to the 0.6 mark and not his current 0.35.

But not all “slumping players” are catching my interest. Many of the names my eyes just skim right past. Not even a second look, I just file them under “I” (for ignore).

No Thanks

Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins

He was never a big offensive guy, so after he led his team in scoring last season I tried really hard to move him in the league I own him in. There is no way I go after him in another league.

Jamie McBain, Buffalo Sabres

McBain has had enough chances. He looks alright in Buffalo when he plays, but there has to be a reason he keeps getting scratched.

Drew Stafford, Buffalo Sabres

After a decline to 50 points in 2011-12, followed by a terrible year last season, I’m in no mood to put up with his eight points in 25 games. At 28 years of age, we should have seen more by now.

Sergei Gonchar, Dallas Stars

I didn’t have any expectations for him this year anyway. That certainly hasn’t changed.

Sam Gagner, Edmonton Oilers

This is more a personal bias. I’ve just never been a fan. The only time he ever raised my eyebrow was when he tallied eight points in a game. Not everyone can do that. But until he’s out of Edmonton, I’m not interested.

David Desharnais, Montreal Canadiens

Maybe – maybe – if he was thrown into a deal for free I would grudgingly take him, thanks to his recent little run. But he’s had all the opportunity in the world. So if this ‘little run’ doesn’t continue long enough to correct his numbers, I’m writing him off.

Damien Brunner, New Jersey Devils

It’s just not his team. I still think Brunner could be a very good player. Even a star. But not with the Devils.

Michael Ryder, New Jersey Devils

This cat has run out of lives. His decline has been stalled for years thanks to his hopping teams and entering the perfect situation. But now that decline is in full effect.

Alex Edler, Vancouver Canucks

Whenever a two-way player exceeds my expectations (see Marchand, Brad – above), I never really get my head around the fact that he’s suddenly a good offensive player. So when that player stumbles I tend to be quick to write him off. Edler peaked at 49 points and I doubt he ever gets 45 again.