The Canucks Look to Take the Pressure off of Luongo in 2008-2009

Club: Vancouver Canucks
Fantasy Impact Rating: Lukewarm

Superstars: None
Big Producers: Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, Pavel Demitra
Mid-Level Flyers: Steve Bernier, Ryan Kesler, Mattias Ohlund
Rookies/Prospects: None
Sleepers: Kyle Wellwood, Mason Raymond, Ryan Shannon, Kevin Bieksa
Avoid The Hype: None

Analysis:
I think the appropriate phrase to designate to the 2008-2009 Vancouver Canucks when looking at their fantasy impact is ‘up in the air.’  There is some serious upside to the uncertainty of the situation and if everything pans out the way it should for Vancouver, they could become a serious fantasy contributor.

Two players that hopefully provide a spark to the somewhat anemic Vancouver offense are Daniel and Henrik Sedin. This dynamic duo probably has some of the best chemistry of any two players in the entire National Hockey League. Nine times out of ten, whenever Daniel Scores, Henrik is right there with the helper. Keeping this in mind, it might be an ideal strategy to try and get both players on your team. Perhaps you’re a manager who has a swing pick in your draft. If you’re sitting in the 2nd or 3rd round and both players are still available, it might not be a bad play to go back to back Sedins. Points and playing time are consistent and they run the power play to boot.

Fans in Vancouver are hoping that newly acquired winger Pavol Demitra will remain healthy for the duration of the season to provide some much needed help in the goal scoring department. Demitra has proven that he has the ability to perform at a superstar level. Frequent injuries, however, have plagued Demitra’s career and prevented him from consistently performing at his highest level. We have to assume that Demitra will hit the deck at least once this season based on his history, so that leaves the question open as to where he should be drafted. If you’re looking to rely on Demitra as your number one right winger, you may want to consider drafting another right winger who could pack a similar punch. A safe play would be to look for Demitra anytime after that start of the 4th round of your draft.

Beyond Vancouver’s top line is where we get into the foggy parts of their fantasy impact. Vancouver brought over Steve Bernier from Buffalo in the offseason hoping that he can finally hit his stride in their system. Bernier is on the cusp of breaking out and could very well hit 50-60 points if he finds his groove. A 3rd or 4th option at right wing to start the season on your squad would be the ideal play. Ryan Kesler is another player coming into his own with the Caunucks. He’s coming off of a 37 point season and should be starting the season on Vancouver’s 2nd line. Hold off on putting too much stock into Kesler until he finds his way and produces consistently. If he falters a bit, though, Kyle Wellwood has the potential to take over that 2nd line center spot. Wellwood was expected to breakout last season in Toronto and busted big time. He has new life in Vancouver, however, and could hit the 40-45 point mark if he is shuffled up to the 2nd line. Wellwood and Kesler should be a late round picks in the deepest of leagues.

Mason Raymond should be slotted in at left wing on the 2nd line to start the season. He may see some second unit power play time, which ups his value a little bit and because of his position, some leagues who play the specific left wing position may value this sleeper over other options. If you’re in the last round or two and you see him there, make sure you have 3 or 4 viable options at left before you pull the trigger. No shame in stashing him on your bench until he gets going.

It’s unclear as of right now whether or not Ryan Shannon will start the season with the Canucks in ‘08-’09. Shannon was bounced back and forth last season between the NHL and AHL to fill injuries, but when he was up, he proved to be a solid producer. Monitor Shannon’s progress as the season draws closer and see if he earns himself a spot on the starting roster. Avoid drafting him, and add him once you can see him produce consistently enough to where his chances of being sent down to the AHL diminish. He could be a nice stopgap option for an injury ridden team if he stays in the NHL.

If you’re looking for help on the back end, Kevin Bieksa and Mattias Ohlund may be of some help to you. Use them as 3rd or 4th options at defense on your team. Their values may drop in pre-draft rankings because of injuries last season, which makes your chances of getting a player like Bieksa in the later rounds all the more possible. The both should see time on the top power play line and are capable of putting up 40+ points if they can remain healthy.

Goaltending:
Situation: Rock Solid
Grade: A-
1. Roberto Luongo
2. Curtis Sanford

There is very little doubt in Roberto Luongo’s playing ability. The numbers speak for themselves: 82 and 49 with a 2.33 goals against and a save percentage of .919 with 11 shutouts over the past 2 seasons in Vancouver. Not too shabby, whatsoever. He’s certainly a top 5 candidate amongst goaltenders to build your team around. If you’re looking for a chip in Roberto Luongo’s shining armor, it would be the team playing around him. The Canucks finished 23rd last season in scoring, meaning the pressure for Luongo to perform at his peak each night is greater than other tenders around the league. When all is said and done, however, the good certainly outweigh the bad, and if you do end up landing Luongo on draft day, you will have a solid base to build your team around.

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