The trade deadline is fast approaching, so I figured now might be a good time to take an in depth look at each of the Western Conference teams to see who might be have the possibility of changing addresses at the trade deadline on March 3rd. This week we’ll examine all of the players in Anaheim, Calgary, Chicago, and Colorado to see what could be in store for them come deadline time.
Ilya Kovalchuk has been the face of the Atlanta Thrashers since he came into the league close to a decade ago. The Thrashers have seen their share of star players come and go (most notably Dany Heatley and Marian Hossa), but Kovalchuk has been there through thick and (mostly) thin. However, it appears that his time in Atlanta is running out, especially with Bob McKenzie stating last week that he is completely confident that Kovalchuk will get moved at the deadline. When rumour mongers mention Kovalchuk’s name in passing, it doesn’t hold much weight, but Bob McKenzie’s word is about as good as it gets in the hockey world.
What teams could realistically acquire Kovalchuk? What will it take to land the former Rocket Richard winner? How will a potential deal impact the fantasy values of both players on Kovalchuk’s new team?
Of all the topics that surface while discussing goalies, maybe the most intriguing one to ponder is Demeanor. In fact, if I had to give you one piece of solid fantasy scouting advice, it just might be to never underestimate the revealing power a goalie’s demeanor has on their fantasy value.
Spezza vs. Toews
What started as an innocent email from a reader has grown into a full-blown debate. In a keeper league that counted only points, who would you rather own? Jason Spezza of the Ottawa Senators or Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks. It is my position that Spezza is the better player to own, but that is clearly the opinion of the minority, given the overwhelming response.
One of the dissenters was McKeen’s contributor and old friend of DobberHockey Gus Katsaros. He suggested creating a piece on the subject, giving our different viewpoints. I thought it was a good idea, and so without further ado – Spezza vs. Toews…
Zack Kassian’s 20-game suspension this week has probably made him persona non grata for many fantasy hockey GMs.
After all, in many fantasy hockey formats, reliability is an important factor. Many GMs don’t want a guy who can snap and get long suspensions.
My winning percentage stayed at the 70% mark last week. I correctly predicted a blowout victory and a shootout win. I got 7 out of 10 winning teams right. Not only am I getting the winners right, my analysis on what I think is going to happen and why I see it happening has been so spot-on it has been sort of freaking me out. I am in a hockey tournament this weekend in Niagara Falls so I am doing these picks late on Thursday night. I will look at some different angles for these games as I can’t read and research the same articles I usually do. EDIT: After writing this I just have to say, these are some very tough games this week, tread with caution.
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.
Welcome to the official DobberHockey Olympic Pool! We have managed to secure some great sponsors to both run the pool and reward the winners at the end! The pool is absolutely free to join, and is being run by our friends over at Armchair Pools. To join the pool, simply click the link here, and register a team name. You will then be asked to pick your players - don’t worry about making your final selections now, you can log back in to the site at any time before the Olympics begin and change your picks.
As for the prizes…
The Buffalo Sabres are 8-1-2 in their last eleven games and sit only two points back of the Eastern Conference leading Washington Capitals. The NHL’s most tenured Head Coach, Lindy Ruff has no true superstar to rely on, but he seems to be able to squeeze the most out of his charges year in and year out. This season, Buffalo’s best forward so far has been Tim Connolly and the top defenseman has been the rookie Tyler Myers.
Nashville is the new Detroit.
That statement might be unfair, even considering the current NHL standings, but in at least one respect it rings true, and that might be very good news for your fantasy team.
