After a week hiatus due to law school finals, I am back. I hope you enjoyed Mike’s column last week, I am sure we will see more of Mike’s hockey commentary at other points throughout the season. I hope you followed his advice; his opinion is one of maybe three or four that I actually trust.
We have a lot to cover so I am going to get right to it.
First and foremost, Mats Sundin, has announced that he will be deciding on a suitor within a week or two. At this point, stop reading and pick him up. Ok, Sundin is only signing with a contender so the best talent he has played with in a few years should support his numbers. Sundin in his prime was about as dominant as players come. Today, he is a top 10 center. You will never find this kind of talent on the waiver wire again this season. Go get him.
A couple of Penguins are very close to returning to action. Marc-Andre Fleury should find his way back into the lineup Thursday night. He sat the bench on Saturday watching Sabourin get lit up. He is going to start and should be activated in all leagues. At this point, I would cut Sabourin. Ryan Whitney is also very close to returning to the lineup. He was originally rumored to be returning with Fleury on Thursday, but it is looking more like Tuesday against the Lightning. Whitney should also be started immediately because he will undoubtedly join the top power play unit. While the Pens may bring him back slowly, he will certainly get a lot of power play time.
Chris Osgood hurt his groin and it sounds like he should be out for an extended time. He sounded pretty dejected in a recent interview, almost whining and moping. The obvious add is Ty Conklin, who filled in gloriously for Fleury last season. However, keep an eye on Jimmy Howard. He has been the next big thing for Detroit goalies for a few years now. He outplayed Conklin in the preseason but was sent down because he had a two-way contract. He struggled earlier this year in the minors after breaking a finger, but has rebounded since. Again Conklin will be the first you want to add, but Jimmy Howard could take the job and run with it if given a chance.
As I thought they would, the Dallas Stars are separating themselves from Sean Avery. They are currently exploring their options while Avery gets his temper under control in anger management. It is not clear what will happen to Avery, what is clear is that Avery has played his last game in a Stars uniform. The Stars minor league affiliate has already said they would accept Avery, so that may be option #1 for a while. Until we get a timetable for a return to the NHL, don’t waste a roster spot on Avery.
Here are a couple quick hits for you to look into.
It looks as though the coaching change and Justin Williams’ return to the line up in Carolina are having positive affects on fantasy worthy players. Ray Whitney, Eric Staal, and Tuomo Ruutu have stepped up their play recently and are starting to live up to their pre-season expectations. Staal and Whitney are probably owned but Ruutu should be out there for you.
Somehow I have failed to mention David Krejci and I apologize. He is on fire. Most of his production has come in the form of assists but points are points. If for some odd reason he is available, I implore you to get him. He had 10 points in his last 6 games. Sure, he won’t keep that up but I think he will continue at about a point-per-game.
As with any SportsJudge.com article, feel free to post a comment or question. Until next week, The Puck Stops Here.
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