With the fantasy hockey season winding down, managers in keeper leagues need to start considering players to bring over to the 2009-2010 season. This is the third segment in a 5 part series exploring keeper options for deep keeper leagues.
Serviceable Starters
Ilya Bryzgalov | Phoenix Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes are a growing franchise. They have some of the best young talent in the NHL and we saw through a trade on deadline day that they are sticking with the youth movement from here on out. Bryzgalov is a good goaltender on a team that’s trying to find their way. He doesn’t always get the goal support he needs and it may be a few years before we see Bryzgalov jump to that “solid starters” category because of the situation he’s in. Until then, consider him a .500 goaltender or slightly better and hope that the ‘Yotes develop a little quicker than some are anticipating.
Chris Mason | St. Louis Blues
St. Louis is another franchise that is on the rise and with the way Mason has been playing since Manny Legace was sent to the minors gives the team some hope for the future. Mason has one more year in his contract with St. Louis and while he is proving himself to be a good goaltender once again, he’s on a team that is still developing their younger talent. While Mason’s function as a long term keeper option may be a bit hazy at this moment, manager’s considering bringing him over should be able to and get their starts in next season, however should be on the lookout for next season’s Steve Mason.
Mike Smith | Tampa Bay Lightning
Believe it or not, Mike Smith is one of the better goalies statistically from this past season. Managers in fantasy leagues that don’t count losses should consider Smith as a decent option between the pipes. The problem, however. Is that the Lightning franchise is in a state of disarray at the moment and after a season like this, it’s hard to imagine the Bolts turning around and putting in a 90 point effort next season. Smith will be in Tampa for a few more years and with nobody really challenging him for the job, should see the majority of the starts if healthy. He’s a good goalie on a team with some uncertainties, so be prepared to deal with the frustrations and tribulations that accompany may be ahead.
Rick DiPietro | New York Islanders
DP is proving to be a headache for keeper owners who may have taken him on because of his long term contract. His injuries are certainly frustrating but playing for an Islander team that is in a lull as a franchise right now puts the icing on the cake. We certainly know that when healthy, DiPietro will be between the pipes and at times, he will prove his worth. However, he’s an unrealizable goaltender in unforgiving place right now. Consider him a last resort or a 2nd tender option in any keeper league unless extremely handcuffed.
Jon Quick/Erik Ersberg | Los Angeles Kings
This is going to be a tough decision. Quick has played well in the 2nd half of half of the season here but Ersberg continues to see starts. It could certainly be a platooning situation next season for the Kings. If both goaltenders do stick around, we probably won’t know until late summer who the starter will be, possibly even later. We’ll follow the situation closely over the summer and report any updates but managers considering bringing over one of these goaltenders may want to have a backup plan in case one is demoted to 2nd string. Both goaltenders are serviceable options on a Kings team that is building an incredible defense and promising offense. Remember, though, that they are still finding their way and there are certainly some growing pains that will come along with that.
1. Top Tier Goaltenders for Keeper Leagues in the 2009-2010 Fantasy Hockey Season
2. Solid Goaltending Options for Keeper Leagues in the 2009-2010 Fantasy Hockey Season
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