Atlanta Could Provide The Depth Your Fantasy Team Needs
Club: Atlanta Thrashers
Fantasy Impact Rating: Warm
Superstars: Ilya Kovalchuk
Big Producers: None
Mid-Level Flyers: Eric Perrin, Todd White, Slava Kozlov, Tobias Enstrom
Rookies/Prospects: Brett Sterling, Ondrej Pavelec, Riley Holzapfel, Angelo Esposito, Zach Bogosian
Sleepers: Jason Williams, Bryan Little
Avoid the Hype: None
Analysis:
The Atlanta Thrashers may not have a squad jam packed with flashy players, but the solid core of players that they will showcase this season may offer your fantasy team some nice depth for the long haul. Let’s start with the obvious: Ilya Kovalchuk. Kovy is easily a 1st round draft pick in a 12 manager league and shouldn’t fall short of the 87 point season that he posted last year. In fact, with a little more around him to work with in terms of talent, he may be able to exceed that, and could possibly hit the 100 point mark, like he almost did in 2005-2006.
Centering Kovalchuk on the top line could be one of two people: Todd White or Bryan Little. White was the Thrashers top guy at center last season, but failed to produce the numbers that a number one center should, finishing the season with only 37 points in 74 games. He was supposed to bring with him those 60 point seasons that he posted in Ottawa several years ago, but that seems to have been lost somewhere in transition. Bryan Little, however, is one of the biggest sleepers heading into 2008-2009, and has a great chance slide to into that first line center position. Little absolutely dominated with the Barrie Colts for four seasons, posting a 109 point season in 2005-06, and a 107 point season in 2006-07. This guy has shown us he can play, and if he’s half as good as he has shown us, he’ll bump White down to that 2nd line, and take over the top center spot. Jason Williams will try his hand playing right wing on the top line to start the season. Williams, who was claimed by the Thrash in the off-season, may be a nice 2nd or 3rd option for any fantasy team at the right wing position. If Williams is still around in your draft in the 12th round or later, snatch him up. He’ll certainly go overlooked this season because he’s in Atlanta, but don’t underestimate this top line. If they can click, expect big things from this trio.
If you’re looking for a little bit of depth at certain positions in the middle rounds, have a look at a player like Todd White, who may find his niche on the 2nd line once the season gets going. Or, take a look around White to see who may be there. Slava (Vyacheslav) Kozlov is still playing, and still putting up decent numbers for a player in his position. He posted 41 points last season with some power play time on the first and second unit. Kozlov might not be a bad option in the middle rounds. If Anderson decides to move Eric Perrin to the wing to try and beef up the depth at right, he may be a solid producer again this season. Perrin was especially crafty on the penalty kill last season, notching 10 shorthanded points in 2007-2008. He might be a nice mid to late round pick if you’re trying to nab a player who can get you those specialty points.
It would be safe to say then, that achilles heel of the Atlanta Thrashers’ fantasy appeal is their defense and goaltending. Outside of Tobias Enstrom, who came out of nowhere last season to post 38 points, tops for all Thrasher defenders, they don’t pack a hearty punch. Enstrom will be entering his sophomore year this season, so heads up for all you skeptics. If you don’t believe in the sophomore slump, then Enstrom should be in a perfect position to once again quarterback the Thrasher powerplay. Look for him to improve on his performance from last season and consider him a number 2 fantasy defender on your team for now.
Brett Sterling, Ondrej Pavelec, Riley Holzapfel, Angelo Esposito, and Zach Bogosian are a nice mix of players that you might see in a Thrasher uniform this season or a year or so from now. For managers in a keeper or dynasty league, Ondrej Pavelec, Riley Holzapfel, Angelo Esposito, and Zach Bogosian may be of some interest to your team down the line. Zach Bogosian has all the makings of a top defender for Atlanta. He’s got the size and instinct to be in the top pairing with Enstrom, but he may be a season or two away from playing in NHL. However, with Atlanta’s lack of depth at defense, he’ll be a welcome face once he finally makes it to the big show. We saw a glimpse of Ondrej Pavelec last season for several games and truth be told, if Lehtonen doesn’t clean his game up, Pavelec will take his job. Pavelec played extremely well in his two year stint in the QMJHL, as well as in his first season with Chicago of the AHL. If Lehtonen or Hedberg goes down with an injury, he’ll be the first in line to battle for playing time, so keep a watchful eye on this situation.
Angelo Esposito won’t see any NHL time for a while for he still needs to develop several aspects of his game to conform with the level of play in the NHL. He may not be a bad late round choice for a farm club this year; someone to stash for a few years. If Riley Holzapfel doesn’t start the season with the Thrash, he’ll be the first choice to be brought up in case of injury. Holzapfel, a center, is known for his extremely hard work ethic, and possesses the skill to be an admirable center in the NHL. Monitor his situation. If you see him in a Thrasher uniform, flag him and see how his production is. Brett Sterling is probably the name from the long list of rookies and prospects that you will actually see play with Atlanta this season. Sterling has put up consistently great numbers in his time at Colorado (college) as well as in his two year stint with Chicago of the AHL. He has proven that he can handle himself and is capable of putting the puck into the net. However, his size is of his biggest criticisms. Much like Holzapfel, if you see Sterling in a Thrasher uniform, don’t pull the trigger right away. Monitor his production before you make the decision to add him.
Goaltending:
Situation: Unstable
Grade: B-
1. Kari Lehtonen
2. Johan Hedberg
Kari Lehtonen is probably one of the most unpredictable goaltenders in the league, and trying to build your team around him can become very frustrating. Don’t rely on Lehtonen as your number one tender to start the season. Until the season gets into full swing, and we can see some consistency in Kari, treat him as a 2nd or 3rd option in net. Also, if you recall last season, Johan Hedberg saw some significant playing time because of Lehtonen’s inconsistencies, so be savvy to the fact that if things aren’t going the way the Thrashers plan, history has shown us that they have no issues platooning the two tenders.
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