It knows no talent, age, creed or color. Once in an athlete’s career, there is a period of time so crucial; so detrimental to their psyche that everything else seems minuscule in nature. You can’t prevent it. You can’t contain it. You can only hope to overcome it: the sophomore slump.
It’s hard to argue the existence of the ‘sophomore slump’ with so many instances over the years. However, whether you believe or not, you may catch yourself adjusting in fantasy drafts because of it. Several members of this year’s sophomore class certainly merited attention in the first 3 rounds of most drafts and those managers who decided to take a chance on these players were certainly taking a chance. So what’s the verdict so far this season? Let’s have a look at the fantasy caliber players to see where they stand at this point in the season:
Candidate: Patrick Kane – Chicago Blackhawks
Stats: 13g/20a/+2/18pim
Situation: Started slow but is firing on all cylinders
Analysis:
There were questions with Kane’s somewhat slow start as to whether the sophomore slump would cripple the Hawks this season, however, Kane has since turned his game around and has been on fire since the end of October. No questions here: he’s a keeper.
Candidate: Jonathan Toews – Chicago Blackhawks
Stats: 8g/14a/+4/21pim
Situation: Slower start than anticipated, but consistent play
Analysis:
Kane’s sophomore counterpart Jonathan Toews, could be considered to be slumping, however, when you look at it, he’s playing consistent hockey at this point in the season. He’s just about a point per game and had a nice start to the month of December. If you’re an owner, stick with him as he should continue to play consistently throughout the remainder of the season.
Candidate: Sam Gagner – Edmonton Oilers
Stats: 1g/5a/-3/8pim
Situation: Slumping
Analysis:
Gagner is seriously slumping. He’s actually seeing more ice time and shifts than Cogliano and still can’t bury the biscuit. It may be time to cut the ties with Gagner since centers are awfully plentiful even in the deepest of leagues. Plus he’s dealing with concussion symptoms right now, so for fantasy purposes, it just may not be Gagner’s season.
Candidate: Andrew Cogliano – Edmonton Oilers
Stats: 8g/6a/E/10pim
Situation: Producing, but not to potential
Analysis:
Cogliano has been slightly more productive than Gagner, however, still isn’t producing to the level that he should be right now. He isn’t seeing the ice time that some expected and has been ineffective on the power play. Beyond that first line, the team is somewhat slumping as a whole and if you’re in a somewhat shallower league, you may want to consider parting with Cogliano.
Candidate: Peter Mueller – Phoenix Coyotes
Stats: 5g/11a/-6/14pim
Situation: Slowly breaking out of slump
Analysis:
Mueller is on an extremely youthful Phoenix Coyotes squad that were expected to struggle a bit because of their lack of NHL experience. Mueller has had a slow start to the season but is starting to work himself in to a groove. I would consider Mueller a nice low buy as Phoenix should continue to improve their game this season. He’s a first liner and will continue to spend time on the power play, so get him while you can.
Candidate: Nicklas Backstrom – Washington Capitals
Stats: 9g/18a/+2/12pim
Situation: HOT
Analysis:
Despite an ice cold start to the season, Backstrom has since picked up his game and is red hot right now. With Semin back in the lineup, AO and Backs will certainly continue to produce, so if you were able to buy low or if your stuck with him through the first few weeks of the season, you’re on golden rod from here on out.
Candidate: Brandon Dubinsky – New York Rangers
Stats: 5g/12a/+1/43pim
Situation: Cooled off considerably
Analysis:
Dubinsky had a great start to the season but has only 5 points since November 1st. He’s getting decent playing time but will never be a number one center in New York with Gomez in town. Nevertheless, he’s their 2nd line guy and will continue to see power play time. New York is playing well this season and he should be able to recover from this small funk that he is in. Remember that he is a center, so if he continues to fizzle, you should have few complications finding a replacement. Give him a chance, though.
Candidate: Tobias Enstrom – Atlanta Thrashers
Stats: 1g/6a/E/22pim
Situation: Slumping
Analysis:
There was a great deal of concern regarding Enstrom’s position on the Thrasher blue line with Schneider and Hainsey joining the roster in the off-season. So far this season, Hainsey has been the threat from the point for Atlanta leaving Enstrom in the dust in the point department. Tobi has no power play points and is logging just as much ice time as Hainsey. He was expected to be a considerable power play threat for the Thrash but it just hasn’t come to be. It’s time to cut the ties.
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