September 26th – October 4th
Even though the season starts today, the brunt of the games won’t take place until next Thursday, so that leaves plenty of time to get your affairs in order. Here is some news and notes from around the league that might help you shore up your team heading into the start of the regular season:
Nikolai Khabibulin – Chicago Blackhawks
The ‘Bulin Wall is crumbling in Chicago. Nikolai Khabibulin was placed on waivers this past week with hopes of making it with another club this season. Unfortunately, nobody was willing to pony up the 6.75 million for him. It seems like there are two options right now: back to Chicago, or over to Russia. If he heads out, it opens the door for a nasty goaltending prospect to try and make a splash. Antti Niemi, who was signed by Chicago this summer, could step in if Huet plays poorly or catches an injury. Keep him on your radar for now, but hold off on making a play for him until there is a significant roster shake up.
Steve Bernier – Vancouver Canucks
It looks like Bernier will start the season on the top line with the Sedin twins. For those of you in shallower leagues, Bernier may be a decent play in case you caught an injury this pre-season. It’s tough to say where exactly he’ll end up on the point scale this season, but one would have to figure if he spends most of his time on the top line and the power play, he’s easily going to hover around the 60 point mark. He could be a waiver wire steal if he’s still out there.
Marek Zidlicky – Minnesota Wild
It appears as if Marek Zidlicky has caught a leg injury and could miss an extended period of time. While Minnesota may have the best fantasy defenders on any one team in the league, it certainly is a blow to those who put stock in Zids in their draft. Don’t fret, though. Check your waiver wire and see if Brent Burns or Marc-Andre Bergeron are available. If Burns is out there (for some reason) scoop him up. He caught an injury late in the summer that may have deterred some managers from taking him. If not, Bergeron may be of some value. We know he can quarterback a power play, and could be given the opportunity to move up and give Burns a hand.
Alex Goligoski – Pittsburgh Penguins
Alex Goligoski will compete with Kris Letang for the top spot on the potent Pittsburgh power play. Long term injuries to Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney have opened the door for these two young guns to man a nasty power play. There’s a good chance that both players will still be available, so take advantage while you can.
Petri Kontiola – Chicago Blackhawks
Petri Kontiola has been optioned back to the AHL, despite a strong showing in the pre-season. Kontiola was heavily favored to man the center position on Chicago’s 2nd line. That job is still very much open but it looks like Dave Bolland is making a strong case for himself. Keep an eye on who Chicago slides into that 2nd line center slot. He could be worth an add.
Paul Gaustad – Buffalo Sabres
Paul Gaustad has had surgery on an injured thumb and will be out for 3-4 weeks. Gaustad has seen more and more time on the ice over the past few seasons and is a decent source of penalty minutes for managers looking to acquire a player who can point, as well as drop the gloves. Look for his return in late October.
Raffi Torres – Columbus Blue Jackets
Raffi Torres has a separated shoulder and will miss a considerable amount of time with the Jackets. Torres was brought over from Edmonton and was penciled in as the 2nd line left winger. With the injury, it looks like Freddy Modin will move up to the 2nd line and play alongside of Jakub Voracek and Derick Brassard. There is a ton of potential on the 2nd line and if Modin gets back to where he was in Tampa Bay, his fantasy appeal could benefit in Torres’ absence.
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