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 multi-part series exploring keeper options for keeper leagues.

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Markus Naslund | New York Rangers
Naslund started the season out red hot but has since trailed off considerably. Granted he is getting up there in age, but New York is still trying to find their own with their core of players. They have had considerable changes to their lineup over the past 2 years, and now with a new coach in town, we could certainly see new roles for players like Naslund. He has the potential to be a 50-60 point player, however, should only be considered in the deepest of keeper leagues or for managers who have run into some serious bad luck.

Paul Kariya | St. Louis Blues
Next season will be Paul Kariya’s 15th year in the National Hockey League and while we stress not overemphasizing youth in keeper leagues, because of his injury this season, he very well could fly below the radar in drafts next season and could be a steal for savvy managers. For managers in a bit of a pickle because of an injury or some other circumstance, Kariya is certainly a serviceable option at left wing. He is far more seasoned than most would like to have on their fantasy team, however, on a team like St. Louis that is up and coming with some serious offensive threats developing, he could end up playing a serious set-up role from the youngsters next season. Again, keep Kariya in the back of your mind as you head into the summer and unless you or another manager absolutely needs to keep him, wait it out and see if there is a chance to grab him a few rounds into the draft.

Milan Michalek | San Jose Sharks
Michalek is one of those fantasy hockey players that can certainly be a serviceable utility option depending on the structure and depth of your league, however, if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, there are certainly better options. When it comes down to it, he’s a pretty decent player on a high octane offense and takes advantage of the strength of his team. He’s consistently putting up 1 or 2 points every other game, but certainly not staggering numbers. Certainly an option in the deep keeper leagues but managers in shallower leagues should consider something with a little more pop.

Brenden Morrow | Dallas Stars
Morrow is coming off a season to forget for sure. He went down with a torn ACL 18 games into the season which devastated the Stars, as well as fantasy owners. However, a couple more seasons like 2007-2008 and Morrow will join that that elite group of well-rounded fantasy players that managers in roto leagues salivate over. Be aware, however, that Morrow has only cracked the 45 point mark in 3 of the 9 season he has played in the NHL, so managers looking for consistency in points may not get it with Morrow. He certainly has the potential to reach that upper-echelon of left wingers but needs more consistency in his offensive game. He is certainly a serviceable left winger for managers, especially in roto leagues and leagues that reward heavily for penalty minutes, however, he could be in a similar situation next season as Kariya; he may fall in drafts because of his injury. You’ll find some managers follow pre-ranks of players religiously, so examine your situations carefully and see if your draft position would allow your to keep another option and go after Morrow at some point in the draft, depending on the depth of your league.

Ryan Smyth | Colorado Avalanche
Smyth is one of the hardest working players in hockey on both sides of the puck, but freak injuries have plagued him his entire career and it makes it very difficult to rely too heavily on an injury prone player like him. He’s locked into Colorado for several more years, and after the team’s performance this season, that may not have owners in keeper leagues too excited. Keep Smyth as an option in the very deepest of keeper leagues. Shallower leagues could very well see Smyth go several rounds into the draft itself. Plan accordingly.

Alex Tanguay | Montreal Canadiens
Tanguay’s injury certainly didn’t help his fantasy cause this season. However, since his return on March 6th, he has 14 points and has been the best player for the Habs. Tanguay needs another year to find his place with the Habs before he becomes a solid option at left wing in keeper leagues. The only reason to throw slight caution to the wind is because he tends to peak and valley in his production a bit, so let’s make sure he’s showing some consistency in Montreal before making a keeper investment. Montreal was supposed to be a Cup caliber team this season but for various reasons, they are limping into the post season at this point. Deep keeper leagues should definitely have Tanguay as a utility player or as a 2nd option at left wing to bring over; shallower leagues could certainly wait for the first few rounds of the re-draft.

Saucerpass is currently running a keeper league series uncovering different levels of players at all 5 positions. We have already looked at goaltenders and their keepability and will continue to breakdown every position until we’ve covered most options for next season:

Keeper Left Wingers for 2009-2010

Top Tier Left Wingers
Solid Left Wingers

Keeper Goaltenders for 2009-2010

Top Tier Goaltenders
Solid Goaltenders
Servicable Goaltenders
Questionable Goaltenders (Part 1)
Questionable Goaltenders (Part 2)