To B, or Not To B a Fantasy Contributor? That is the question (in Boston)…
Club: Boston Bruins
Fantasy Impact Rating: Cool
Superstars: Marc Savard
Big Producers: Zdeno Chara
Mid-Level Flyers: Chuck Kobasew, Marco Sturm
Rookies/Prospects: Tuukka Rask, Blake Wheeler
Sleepers: Patrice Bergeron, Michael Ryder
Proceed With Caution: Phil Kessel, Milan Lucic
Analysis:
A lot of “up in the air” players contribute to Boston being an interesting fantasy source this upcoming season and managers looking to add a Bruin or two to their roster should exercise some caution when doing so.
It would only be appropriate to start with the proven leader on this squad. Marc Savard has proven himself as an elite player in the National Hockey League, and shows no signs of slowing down. The only detriment to his game at this junction of his career is the lack of depth playing around him. Despite being on a team that was trying to find its niche, Savard was able to notch 78 points in 74 games last season, with 66 penalty minutes to boot. Savard is easily a number one center who will be sought after in the second round of a 12 manager draft.
Playing to Savard’s left on the first line will be Marco Sturm. Sturm has put in some good efforts in recent years, tallying 59 points in ’05-’06, and 56 points in ’07-’08. Sturm is a player that could easily be drafted anywhere from round 11 to 14, so having Sturm as your third left winger option could yield serious dividends for fantasy managers savvy enough to wait until those middle round to nab him. Chuck Kobasew was a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners who were able to nab him off the waiver wire last season, but could contend with Phil Kessel this season for top line honors if he doesn’t exhibit similar results early on. Kobasew was 2nd on the team in goal scoring last season with 22, and finished the 2007-2008 campaign with the highest single season point total of his career. Don’t jump at Kobasew too quickly this season, however. Use Kobasew as a 3rd, or even 4th option at right wing for your team until we can see if he is able to duplicate and surpass last season’s totals. As of right now, savvy managers would swipe him in the middle to later rounds. Phil Kessel, who should start the season on Boston’s 2nd line, has failed to show the National Hockey League what he is truly capable of doing. We know he’s capable of carrying top line honors in Boston, but he hasn’t been producing as many expected him to be. 2008-2009 may be a defining year for Kessel, and might not be a bad bench stash on any fantasy team until we can see if he responds to critics. Don’t nab him any earlier than round 15 in a twelve manager draft.
Barring any setbacks, Patrice Bergeron should be ready to go for Bruins training camp this fall, and may slip past amateur fantasy players during your draft. Remember that Bergeron put in two dynamite efforts with the Bruins in 2005-2006 and 2006-2007, amassing 70+ points in each season. He spent the majority of 2007-2008 on IR with a concussion, but appears to be healthy for 2008-2009. Bergeron just may be one of the biggest sleepers of any fantasy draft this year, and nabbing him in one of the later rounds should definitely pay off if he is able to stay healthy this season. Michael Ryder may also draw some interest from fantasy managers this season. There’s no beating around the bush: Michael Ryder was a huge bust last season. He was anemic on Montreal’s top rated powerplay, thus rendering a demotion from top line honors. We know Ryder has put up very good, consistent numbers in seasons past, and last season may have just been a bump in the road. The nice thing (for Ryder at least) about the right wing situation in Boston is that it’s not set in stone. With good play, Ryder has the opportunity to end up on the top line with Savard and Sturm. Play this situation safe, however. Don’t bite too early on Ryder. He may be another bench stash until we can see what the change of scenery has done for him.
Milan Lucic may draw some attention this season from fantasy managers specifically looking for players who are known for dropping the gloves, but can contribute on the offensive side of the puck. Lucic spent the latter half of last season contributing on Boston’s 2nd powerplay line, planting his big body in front of opposing goaltenders. Lucic may join the ranks of Sean Avery and Daniel Carcillo this upcoming season, but only use Lucic as a 4th option at left wing, or as a utility player.
Tuukka Rask and Blake Wheeler are two names that managers involved in keeper/dynasty leagues may want to become familiar with. Certainly Tim Thomas’ performance last season was remarkable because of the situation Boston was in, however, Thomas certainly isn’t a franchise goaltender. Tuukka Rask may be. Barring major goaltending issues, we shouldn’t see Rask for a couple of years, but it may not be a bad idea to stash him away until he starts serving the Bruins full time. He’ll continue to get a feel for the North American style of play with Providence this season. Blake Wheeler is a dynamite prospect acquired by the Bruins this past offseason that could make some noise down the road as well.
Goaltending:
Situation: Solid
Grade: B
1. Tim Thomas
2. Manny Fernandez
Tim Thomas will be between the pipes again this year after putting together an underrated performance last season. Thomas turned in a 28-19-6 record with a 2.44 goals against and 3 shutouts. Thomas should serve as a solid number 2 tender on any fantasy team. Unless Thomas seriously struggles or catches an injury, leave Manny Fernandez alone for this season.
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