By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ian_Mawdsley]Ian Mawdsley
Having completed four Yahoo custom league drafts already this September, it has been interesting to see where guys have gone draft by draft. Of course, not every draft is the same, with many varying in stat categories or by league type (H2H, Rotisserie, etc) or by the number of teams drafting. With that in mind, some guys will be better depending on if you have SOG, Hits & Blocks in your scoring settings, rather than just the regular G, A, PPP, etc. Be sure to do your research and mock drafts!!
Let's get started! There might be some players that are rated highly, but that doesn't mean that they are rated where they should be!
C Ryan Getzlaf (Yahoo Rank=34)
As far as I'm concerned, Getzlaf should be rated much higher than he is, so consider him a steal in the 3rd or 4th round. He is on a top line with last year's 50 goal scorer and has Bobby Ryan to his left. His stats weren't that bad, they just weren't amazing last year. Expect this to increase back to the 80 point range, along with great PPP, a solid +/- and if you're lucky, he may even return to his expected 80+ PIM. If your league has hits, you just got yourself a multi-threat, 80 point talent. Don't be afraid to grab him earlier than his rank would say. Although if you miss him, do not fret as there are plenty of Centers available that will put up good numbers later on.
C Jason Spezza (YR=94)
It was only two years ago that Jason Spezza was averaging 80-90 points a season. A few injuries later and sub par seasons later, people are seriously discounting this guy's ability. Yes, he lost Heatley, but Alfie is back now and with some new young talent, Spezza is sure to put up 65-70 points this year. His PPP will be great, but look out for that +/- if they can't figure defence out.
C Mikko Koivu (YR=124)
Koivu has consistently put up 60-70 points in MINNESOTA... and now he has a pure goal scorer in Dany Heatley on his wing and is primed to get at least 70 points assuming they can mesh. Tell me how many other 70 point players are available at 124. Not very many! Great PPP, decent PIM and good SOG, although that might go down with Heatley in town.
RW David Backes (YR=60)
If your league takes into account Hits, SOG, FW, G, A, +/- & PIM or some variation there of, Backes is worth much more than a rating of 60. The newly minted captain will put up great numbers this year and is as close to an all around player as they come. St. Louis is primed for a good season and possible playoff run with their young squad starting to hit their prime and Backes will be leading them all the way... and in every category.
RW Marian Hossa (YR=113)
Why a 30 goal scorer on a top offensive team like Chicago is rated at 113 is beyond me. He is not first line, but on a good second line, with ample opportunity on the top powerplay unit. If he can play a full season, look for a 70 point season from him and good PPP numbers, good shot totals and a good +/-.
RW Nathan Horton (YR=165)
Last season almost had a 30-30-30 year. Yet he rates at 165. Better for you if you can get him late. He did get destroyed in the finals of the playoffs last season and was out with a concussion, but he is back now and there is no reason why he can't put similar numbers. Do take that with a grain of salt, as there have been many not to come back well from a concussion.
LW Jamie Benn (YR=160)
LWs are thin this year as they are most years, but I have found there are few LWs in the middle of the draft and many good LWs available late in the draft. Benn is one such LW. Entering his third campaign, Benn improved last year and shows signs that he is ready to breakout. It helps that he will most likely get chances on the top line this year with Ribeiro and Eriksson. He gives added bonus for hits and expect PPP to increase with more playing time on the top unit.
LW Simon Gagne (YR=269)
This pick is assuming he can play at least 70 games. It's a risky pick, but that's what the last three rounds of the draft are for right? He is reunited with Mike Richards in L.A. and when he is healthy, he is a point per game player. Injury is always a scare, but his point totals should increase to 55-65 and have good PPP and have good SOG.
LW Antoine Vermette (YR=205)
Let me start by saying that this pick is more for leagues with Hits, SOG and FW. Vermette is solid in each of those three stat categories and has potential to get back up to a 60 point season. Having some other centers in the way on the depth chart hurts, but his LW capability helps make him more valuable as a positional player. Again, if you don't track Hits, SOG or FW, he is probably not the player for you.
Other Wingers To Look Out For
C David Krejci
C Tim Connolly
C Derek Roy
RW Ales Hemsky
RW Kyle Okposo
RW Daniel Alfredsson
LW Andy McDonald
LW Patrik Elias
LW James Neal.
Ian is an avid hockey and fantasy hockey fan. In his spare time, he likes to poke fun at Maple Leaf Nation. He is a strong supporter of the Colorado Avalanche. Go Avs!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?2011-2012-Wingers-To-Look-Out-For&id=6602357] 2011-2012 Wingers To Look Out For
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