Wait….You Mean They Got Better?!?

Club: Detroit Red Wings
Fantasy Impact Rating: Hot

Superstars: Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Marian Hossa, Nicklas Lidstrom
Big Producers: Brian Rafalski
Mid-Level Flyers: Mikael Samuelsson, Tomas Holmstrom, Dan Cleary
Rookies/Prospects: Thomas McCollum
Sleepers: Johan Franzen, Valtteri Filppula
Avoid the Hype: None

Analysis:
It’s not uncommon to see some sort of fallout surrounding a team coming off of a championship year and it’s hard to believe that a team like the Detroit Red Wings could improve their situation and possibly be more intimidating than last year. Well, they have, and they are.

This should be easy. If you have a chance at grabbing Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk or Marian Hossa in the first round, take them (in that order). They will score. They will play the power play. They are all number one options at their respective positions. Nicklas Lidstrom is a number one defender, but if you’re in the market for a defender early and you see Dion Phaneuf or Chris Pronger in still out there, they may be have a bit more luster to them, especially if your league values penalty minutes. If you’re not able to grab Lids, then consider Brian Rafalski as a source of points from the blue line. He’s also a candidate to be a number one option at defense for any fantasy team.

Mikael Samuelsson and Tomas Holmstrom should reap the benefits of having Datsyuk as their center this year and should be able to improve upon their effort last season. A 50 point season surely isn’t out of the question for either of these players, and could easily be used as 3rd options at their respective wing positions on your fantasy squad.

For those of you who caught the Red Wings in the playoffs last year, you may have noticed that Johan Franzen decided to shed his skin and go on an absolute tear, scoring 13 goals and adding 5 helpers. He drew top line honors this season and should fit nicely as your 3rd option at left wing, baring nobody jumps the gun on him in your league. Valtteri Filppula is a sleeper in the deeper leagues out there and even though he’ll be a 3rd line center, he’ll see some power play time this year, and if certain players begin to struggle, he’ll be a top candidate to move up in the depth chart.

Goaltending:
Situation: Rock Solid
Grade: A-
1. Chris Osgood
2. Ty Conklin

Despite heading into his 15th season in the National Hockey League, Chris Osgood is still playing well enough for fantasy managers to rely on him as a number one option in net. Detroit’s defense is stellar and certainly contributed to one of the lowest shots against totals in the league last year. With the solid defense and a top notch offense, Osgood should easily be able to win 30+ games this season. Ty Conklin proved to be a valuable backup last season in Pittsburgh and should offer the Red Wings the opportunity to rest Osgood without fear of taking a loss. Also, for those of you in keeper or dynasty leagues, it may be beneficial to flag Thomas McCollum and keep an eye on him over the next couple of years. He’s developing well in the OHL and could be Detroit’s next franchise goaltender once Osgood hangs up his skates.

Fantasy Hockey Team Breakdowns List