Impact of Some of the New Contracts

Eric Daoust

2014-08-28

anderson

New contracts alter fantasy values for some

Even with August being a slow month for hockey-related news, there are still developments that have significant on fantasy hockey leagues. For example, every new contract signed can greatly alter that player's value in cap leagues. Sometimes the new pact can have implications far greater than the individual earning the money.

This week we will look at three Senators that have had their fantasy values altered recently as well as to fringe players that are running out of time if they want to keep their foot in the NHL door long-term.

Once in a while on the forum we see threads surface asking for help finding the next Radko Gudas. What they are looking for are up-and-coming defensemen that can excel in multi-category leagues by offering a ton of hits and PIM while also helping in the other areas. Gudas definitely delivers the goods and does so at a cheap price.

One candidate to be the "next Radko Gudas" is Manning. Down in the AHL he has developed into a nasty defender that contributes at the offensive end. Case in points, last year he posted 31 points and 231 PIM in 73 games for Adirondack.

The risk with this player is that he turned 24 this summer and so far has only gotten into 10 NHL games. Time is running out. If he does not make the jump soon he may not get any more opportunities. But if he does make it, he will be fantasy relevant and for the time being will not cost much to put on your roster. Consider him a boom/bust prospect in a good position to make some noise on a Flyers' blueline still scrambling after the loss of Kimmo Timonen.

Devin Setoguchi (Calgary)

The former eighth overall pick has fallen mightily from his spot on Joe Thornton's wing and now faces an uncertain future in the NHL. Now in Calgary on a cheap contract, expectations have changed. In cap leagues, he still has value mainly in multi-category leagues that include hits and SOG even if he plays a depth role this year. The cap-friendly deal makes him a less risky investment even if he falters again.

While his new cap hit is appealing in cap leagues, it may work against him politically. He is not a prized free agent signing and therefore will not be forced up the depth chart. Even if he does start the year in a favorable position, the coach may not have patience with him when the inevitable slumps happen. Furthermore, the Flames are a rebuilding club and will certainly make room for their youngsters if they prove to be ready, even if it means pushing a guy like Setoguchi out of the lineup.

Overall, he remains a decent depth investment in the right multi-category league. However, even if he posts decent all-around numbers, his future may not be in the NHL. If you own him in a keeper league, you may want to think ahead and look for a replacement either to step in now or next summer when Setoguchi's new contract expires.