July 15 2015

Dobber

2015-07-15

Controversial thoughts on O’Reilly, normal thoughts on Pysyk, Gelinas, Etem and more…

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Some re-signings, and then I’ll talk about what I think of the player in fantasy hockey. Because what else is there to discuss on July 15?

Montreal signed winger Michael Bournival to a one-year, two-way contract worth $600,000 in the NHL. Although he has shown a nice offensive touch in the QMJHL and is showing promise in the AHL, he’s firmly in his niche as a potential checking-line NHLer. Third line upside, possibly 35 to 40 points several years from now.

New Jersey signed defenseman Eric Gelinas to a two-year contract worth $3.15 ($1.575 AAV). This is pretty good money considering his reduced role. Because not only are John Merrill and Damon Severson on the scene, but Adam Larsson appears to have arrived. And all three have better upside and play a more complete game than Gelinas. What he needs is another team – a team that needs an offensive defenseman with little defense. While no other defenseman saw more than 49% offensive zone starts, Gelinas saw 61.2%. And his -0.94 quality of competition (relative Corsi) was also a team low. So most opportunities, weakest competition – 19 points. Pass.

The Rangers have signed winger Emerson Etem to a one-year deal worth $800,000. I like the potential line of Kevin Hayes with Etem and J.T. Miller. Great third line. Don’t see him moving up the chain unless there are some injuries.

The Rangers also signed prospect forward Oscar Lindberg to a two-year deal worth $1.3 million ($650,000 AAV). This is a one-way contract. It’s a low enough value that the contract can be buried in the minors. As things stand now though, he’ll be the 13th forward who could become the next Dominic Moore. He has some upside and could progress from there over the next several years.

The Sabres re-signed Mark Pysyk to a two-year deal worth $2.25 million. With that kind of money, he’ll be on the team this year. Which is interesting because I didn’t have him as an NHL regular this year. Just a few cups of coffee again. But at 23, it’s put up or shut up time. I’ve adjusted my expectations accordingly – looks like he’ll get the Golden Boy treatment (extra opportunities) while someone like Chad Ruhwedel will only get in if Pysyk fails and fails repeatedly.

Arizona signed Brendan Shinnimin to a one-year, two-way contract worth $600k in the NHL, thereby avoiding arbitration. At this point Arizona has three spots up for grabs, plus I’m sure they would consider replacing Joe Vitale if a fourth prospect really earns it. But I’m sure they’ll sign another free agent, and the likes of Max Domi, Anthony Duclair and Lucas Lessio have the inside track on those spots.

One great way to get my 10th annual Fantasy Hockey Guide for cheap is to just take advantage of the Draft Kings deal. Get everything for 10 bucks. No tax added and three of the other guides are added free.

Regarding Ryan O’Reilly – thanks to rataylor in the comments yesterday: the NHLPA provides free access to driver services anywhere in North America at any time. With that available, that there can still be DUI charges on players is nuts.

I don’t think team owners should actually do this (unless these issues multiply to the point of being out of control), I’m just giving food for thought. And I actually do think team owners should consider this in the NFL. Assuming they don’t already (i.e. as secret spies, or guardian angels who stay hidden so the player doesn’t know they’re around?)

And yes, it’s a moot point. The union would stop it in its tracks, of course.

According to this, the NHL and NHLPA are selling ads on their World Cup jerseys for $8 million. And why not? If you’re going to open that door, may as well make it worthwhile. According to Westhead (the author), a marketing executive says “They think they’re going to get a global financial services company like Visa to pay that much, but it’s just not going to happen.”

Well that’s fine! Don’t waver from this price tag. If nobody pays then what’s the downside – the jerseys look like they always do? If this barrier is going to come down, make it worth your while. Because once advertisers get a foothold here, then within five years you’ll see small ads and logos appearing on NHL jerseys. So this is your chance to set that market’s rate.

Taylor Pyatt has retired. I always point to him as the example of the power forward with a lot of promise, never came to fruition. I think a big reason for that was due to injuries hitting him at key times early in his career. He made the NHL as an 18-year-old! Generally that indicates that the player has promise. But injuries in three of the next four years stunted him. Then in Vancouver he scored 23 goals and 37 points at the age of 26. Did he have more? Apparently not. That was his peak.

In my one league, the guy must have hung onto him for about five years.

And with that, I’ll delve back into the Fantasy Guide. Today I hope to finish Florida and Los Angeles, which would keep me slightly ahead. I like being ahead.

UPCOMING GAMES

Apr 10 - 19:04	CBJ	vs	BUF
Apr 10 - 19:04	FLA	vs	DET
Apr 10 - 19:04	BOS	vs	CHI
Apr 10 - 19:04	NYI	vs	NYR
Apr 10 - 19:04	WSH	vs	CAR
Apr 10 - 20:04	DAL	vs	WPG
Apr 10 - 21:04	UTA	vs	NSH
Apr 10 - 21:04	COL	vs	VAN
Apr 10 - 22:04	L.A	vs	ANA
Apr 10 - 22:04	VGK	vs	SEA