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The thinking process that goes in to selecting the Prime Cuts roster is similar to Pierre McGuire’s “Monsters” team on TSN (I promise that is the first and only time I will compare my thinking process to Pierre’s). Since this is a fantasy hockey site, the selection process favors players that have had strong seasons on the score sheet, obviously. However, not just goals and assists are weighted – perhaps a player has started to shoot the puck more, or play better defensively. Intangibles like heart, grit, and determination factor in to the selection process as well. It is far and away my favorite article to write each year, and I hope you will all enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

The final part of the series will name the top two lines.

The Expert Panel is back for round two! Dobber and a few others led the way going 7-for-8. The consensus went 7-for-8 as well.

For the second straight season, Chicago’s backup goaltender exceeded all expectations, took advantage of ample opportunities and played their way right into a starter’s role for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Back in October, Corey Crawford was considered as nothing more than a serviceable backup. He thrived as a minor-leaguer after traveling the long-winding journey from Moncton (QMJHL) to Norfolk and then Rockford of the AHL. He had also played more than enough AHL games in order to develop the mental toughness, poise and skills needed to succeed at the NHL level…he just needed the chance.

Three new players crack the top 10.

The first edition of this list was put together last year, and it is something I am going to update at least once each season. I have a few general rules when it comes to building a team in a fantasy hockey keeper league. One of the more important ones is to not plan beyond a two or three year window. You are not building a real NHL club, and too often I see poolies place too much of an emphasis on youth and prospects instead of trying to add players who could help them win now. Using this rule, take a look at your team(s). Can you realistically say you will have a shot at winning the league at some point within the next two or three seasons? If not, time to scrap the rebuild and start adding proven NHL talent.