May 27 2015

Martin Erat – Like Fleischmann, Erat is done. For whatever reason, these two have hit their declining years a little early. It happens. But don’t fall into the ‘name’ trap.

Antti Niemi – This one has a caveat, and a big one: there are some teams out there in which he would be an incredible fit and benefit huge from the system. But there are also teams who would lean on him too much and he’s just not good enough for that. So I’m not saying “guaranteed 10-25-7, 3.10, 0.895” by any means. What I’m saying here is – do not expect him to get Vezina consideration. Tone down expectations. I can see Buffalo targeting him, and possibly Edmonton (did he get along with Todd McLellan does anyone know?). And depending on who coaches Buffalo, he could actually do really well there. But, personal preference, if I needed a goalie for my team, Niemi would be down the list behind Dubnyk and exhausting all trade options.

Marek Zidlicky – Zidlicky’s decline began five years ago, but was cleverly disguised by the Devils propping him up with bloated ice time and all the key situations they could give him. He went to Detroit and things changed…but he still put up points. But that was due to adrenalin. New team. That sort of thing. He had seven points in his first seven games for the Red Wings, but then just four in his next 20.

Jiri Tlusty – I give up. I gave him the benefit of the doubt because he’s had so many spurts of impressive production. But mommy can’t hold his hand anymore. Daddy can’t make excuses for him anymore. (The roles of mommy and daddy played by…me).

Brad Richards – He signed with the perfect team for him and was given the perfect set of responsibilities. And for that we got 37 points.

Matt Beleskey – Breakthrough season (22 goals). Breakthrough playoffs (seven goals in 14 games so far). We saw this stuff before from an injury-prone player in a contract year. His name rhymes with Syan Sickell. Sell high.

Derek Roy – As with Erat and Fleischmann, Roy is done. At least with Roy, the decline can be traced back to an event (quad surgery).

Blake Comeau – I’ll be interested in Comeau if he re-signs with the Penguins. But any other team, I have no interest. But with the Penguins, if the Big 2 are healthy and back to normal (because I don’t believe that in the second half last season they were normal), I think he’ll surprise. But he won’t get such an opportunity in 29 other cities.

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The other UFA’s, such as Michael Frolik and Karri Ramo, who I have not mentioned in either column – I’m neutral on. No big expectations (negative or positive) about them.

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To address a note in the comments from Monday on Edmonton targeting Cam Talbot – they already tried targeting underrated backup goalies who look fantastic in limited action. Ben Scrivens. Viktor Fasth. Trust me – they’re not going to drink from that well again. Proven starter, or no move at all.

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Of marginal interest, Ladislav Nagy says that he still owns a house in Arizona and would be open to returning to the NHL. He is 35 now, so I guess it’s possible. But his last three seasons (through 2008) he was a 55-point player. You can translate this article if you want to read more.

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The Fantasy Prospects Report is out on Monday. It costs $13.95 on its own, $16.50 with the Keeper League Pack and $29.99 as part of the Ultimate Pack. OR, you can get the Ultimate Pack for $10 – wouldn’t you rather do that? Details here.

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Lots of beautiful goals last night from the Brassard line, but I liked this one the best: