Toronto Acquires Joffrey Lupul
Fantasy Impact: TSN reports that Anahiem has traded Joffrey Lupul, Jake Gardiner and a 2013 conditional draft pick to Toronto for defenseman Francois Beauchemin.
Deadline Day – Central Division
COMPLETELY REWRITTEN DUE TO ALL THE DEALS - In Part 2 of this six-part series, we’ll take a team-by-team look at the Central Division. Buyers? Sellers? Who’s available? How can you prepare your fantasy roster for the upcoming address changes for some of these guys? Everything you need to know as a fantasy hockey owner about the 2011 NHL Trade Deadline is right here.
Sweet or Sour: Western Conference
Following along the lines of my Eastern counterpart, this week we’ll look ahead to the final 30 games (or so) and see what might be in store for the balance of the season. I'll pick one player from each Western Conference team that should be in for a sweet finish and one whose production over the last stanza may leave a sour taste in their owner’s mouths. I'll try my very best to avoid being Captain Obvious.
A Different Breed
In order to better project the fantasy value of an NCAA goaltender, one thing you must realize is that they’re a totally different breed. When I scout a college goalie, I have to recognize elements such as their daily class and practice schedule, the college culture and lifestyle, the intense rivalries, and most importantly, the game’s style differences. Ultimately, I think of the NCAA as a parallel universe to that of the NHL. It’s the same sport, just in a different world.
Deadline Day – Atlantic Division
COMPLETELY REWRITTEN due to all the early deals - In this six-part series, we’ll take a team-by-team look at the trade deadline. Buyers? Sellers? Who’s available? How can you prepare your fantasy roster for the upcoming address changes for some of these guys? It’s all here, and we’ll start it off with the Atlantic Division. Cap numbers courtesy of CapGeek.com
The Malkin Injury – Fantasy Impact
The Penguins announced that star center Evgeni Malkin is going to miss the remainder of the 2010-11 season with a torn ACL (and a torn MCL as well) in his knee. His recovery time is anywhere from four to eight months. What does this mean? A significant injury always leads to a significant opportunity. Even if Sidney Crosby does return in the near future from his concussion, the Penguins have a tremendous hole to fill (as do many poolies who own Malkin).
Saturday’s Picks – February 4th
Looks like CBC is trying to make up for the less than intense ASG from last Saturday with a triple header today, not to mention five Canadian teams in action that can all be seen on the Canadian network. This is a terrific prelude to Hockey Day in Canada coming up next Saturday. We’re trying to incorporate a slightly different format for the picks this Saturday, focusing on six matchups from the days’ action. I’m going to roll with the Hot Mutt, still up from the minors, as Caribou picked six winners last time out, beating yours truly by one. Plenty of hockey all day long so let’s get to it:
Boychuk on the Verge
While the Carolina Hurricanes were on the receiving end of James Reimer’s first career shutout last night at Air Canada Centre, top prospect Zach Boychuk tried his darndest to single-handedly erase the donut on the scoresheet.
Recalled to the big club for the third time this season from the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers, Boychuk posted four shots on net in the 3-0 loss, showing signs of what’s to come from the swift-footed forward.
Looking Ahead – Week 18
A tough decision can be made easier with these charts showing you the best five and worst five schedules for upcoming seven-day periods. Some of you used them last year but for the benefit of new readers here is a refresher. The number next to the team indicates the 'multiplier' to use on a player's point-per-game pace to give you an idea how many points to expect for that week.
15 Points to Consider – February 4th
Developing in a losing environment, Boston’s embarrassment of riches, the next Jeff Skinner, and more!