The Sharks Will Be On The Shoulders of Thornton Once Again This Season

Club: San Jose Sharks
Fantasy Impact Rating: Cool

Superstars: Joe Thornton
Big Producers: Milan Michalek, Dan Boyle
Mid-Level Flyers: Patrick Marleau
Rookies: None
Sleepers: Joe Pavelski, Devin Setoguchi, Torrey Mitchell
Prospects: Logan Couture
Avoid the Hype: Jonathan Cheechoo

Analysis:
The San Jose Sharks have amassed an interesting breed of fantasy players who often keep managers guessing about production totals. Let’s start with the obvious: Joe Thornton. Easily a top 5 pick in any draft. The guy is a premier playmaker who seems to dabble on a few lines during the course of any game. He’s easily capable of 1 to 1.5 points per game and loves to play setup man on the power play. Who they put around him this year on that top line could be a bit of a mystery until the season gets going. A safe bet to make is Milan Michalek anchoring the left hand side. Michalek had a solid 50+ point season in ’07-’08 and should produce similarly in 2008-2009.

As for the right hand side of the first line, expect one of two players: Jonathan Cheechoo or Devin Setoguchi. If San Jose opts to give Cheech another shot on the top line, be very cautious about making him your top right winger. Cheechoo completely flopped last season, stranding many a manager who slotted him in as their top option at right wing. Don’t rule out a bust again this season for him, which should open the door for a great up and coming talent in Devin Setoguchi. Seto began last season in the AHL recuperating from an injury, but was called up shortly thereafter because of an injury to Ryan Clowe. He amassed 17 points in 44 games, which doesn’t seem like a significant amount, but it will certainly help him fly under the radar for drafts this fall. He’ll most certainly go middle to late rounds (16-19) in a twelve manager league, but make sure you should have at least two solid options at right wing in front of him until he can get up to the level he is capable of playing at.

The Sharks’ fantasy impact may not extend much past their 2nd line this upcoming season. 2nd line center Patrick Marleau was a guessing game last season and may be just that this season as well. It was no secret that Patrick Marleau and Ron Wilson had their differences, but with Wilson out of the picture, it’s hard to say how he’ll respond. He’ll go somewhat high in most drafts, but a smart manager would pass over him in those early rounds for a more consistent producing center. Trust me, there are plenty out there. If Marleau falls to the middle rounds for some reason, and you’ve already nabbed two proven centers, he might not be a bad addition. When all is said and done, expect 50-55 points from Marleau this year.

New comer Dan Boyle will be looking to make an immediate on San Jose’s blue line this year. The Sharks lost all-star defender Brian Campbell and veteran Craig Rivet this past off-season and have high hopes for Dan Boyle in their system. If you recall, Boyle suffered a freak accident last year when he fell on a skate and did some serious damage to his wrist. He’ll be healthy and ready to go this year, and in his position as a number one defender, he’ll certainly merit a top defender spot on your fantasy roster as well this season. People might forget about Boyle because of his absence last year, so you may be able to nab him a little later than expected. Expect between 50 and 60 points in 2008-2009 for Boyle.

In looking at the sleeper situation in San Jose, there are a few players you may want to keep on your radar. Previously mentioned Devin Setoguchi is a nice option at right wing who may end up producing well this season. Joe Pavelski may be a nice late round addition if you’ve loaded up your wingers and are looking to balance out your team with another center. Pavelski should start the season as the Sharks’ third line center with room to move up in Marleau shows his streaky side. Pavelski owners were pleased last season that their later round pick or early season pick-up lit the lamp 19 times and had 21 helpers. Like last year, look for Pavelski in later rounds. He shouldn’t go un-drafted this season. Torrey Mitchell is another name you may see this season. Although the Sharks are set at center, they may find a place for Mitchell on the wing somewhere, and if not, he’ll certainly be a top candidate in case of an injury.

Logan Couture is a sick prospect that might make his way up at some point this season. Couture had great numbers with the Ottawa 67s the past two seasons and has the potential to be a number one center one day. Couture, however, may be hard pressed to find his way into the league this season because of the Sharks depth at center. If you do happen to see him up this season, keep a watchful eye on who he plays with, and wait for some moderate production before making the add.

Goaltending:
Situation: Rock Solid
Grade: A
1. Evgeni Nabokov
2. Brian Boucher

Evgeni Nabokov should be one of the first 5 goaltenders taken in any league format. Up and down, Nabby is one of the best tenders to build your team around. Depending on your league’s format, grabbing Nabokov with your first pick may allow the option to build a solid core of forwards and defenders before having to worry about picking up a backup goaltender.

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