Top 10 fantasy players over the age of 35
Tom Collins
2014-08-11
The Top 10 fantasy hockey players over the age of 35
Many of us fantasy hockey junkies are always looking for the next big thing, and in doing so, will overlook guys who are still performing well despite their relative old age.
There's been some debate about exactly how well Iggy will do in Colorado this season — can he keep up with the high-flying Avs is the big sticking point — but all signs point to the 37-year-old continuing to be a relevant fantasy player. Iginla hasn't had a full season less than 30 goals 1999-2000. He still possesses a wicked shot, and should be a good veteran presence on a young Colorado team. Although there is some concern about his shot total (just 209 this past season), Iginla, should be able to score 30 goals and 60 points.
Imagine how many career points Jagr would have if he didn't miss part 150 games due to various lockouts and another three years playing in the KHL. Right now, he's sixth on the all-time points list with 1,755, and should pass Marcel Dionne and Ron Francis this season. Even in his old age, he's still getting it done. The 42-year-old Czech put up 67 points on a bad Devils team last year. How good can he be with some extra scoring prowess next to him this season?
Even though his points took a bit of a hit when he was traded to the Rangers — which seems to happen to most players who go to New York — St. Louis is a special case. After winning the Art Ross trophy in 2013-14, many were wondering if he could even be a point-per-game player for another season. He was making a pretty good run at it before he was traded, at which point he scored just one goal and eight points in 19 games with the Rangers. He followed that up with an emotional 15 points in 25 playoff games as the Rangers went to the finals. While an Art Ross may be out of the realm of possibility for St. Louis in New York, it would surprise no one if he put up 70 points this season as a 39-year-old.
The 36-year-old puts most younger players to shame with his commitment to defence while still putting up the points. This past season, Datsyuk scored 17 goals and 37 points in 45 games, an off-year for the Winged Wonder. Datsyuk's moves are as pretty as you'll find in the NHL and his ability to contribute in many fantasy hockey categories makes him a must have for your fantasy squad.
Chara is one of the best all-around fantasy players in the NHL. He'll never lead in any one category, but will be at the top of the list in many of them. Chara is the only defenceman in last five years to have a season of at least 40 points, 10 power play goals, 60 pims and be a plus player (which he did last year). In fact, only nine active players have ever hit that mark, and Chara and Dion Phaneuf are the only two to have done it more than once (they have each done it three times).Chara is also one of only 23 defencemen last season to have 150 hits and 100 blocks. The 37-year-old contributes in almost any category your league might have, and shows no signs of slowing down.