Top Tier Defensemen in Keeper Leagues for the 2009-2010 Season
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 first segment in a multi-part series exploring keeper options at defense for keeper leagues.
Mike Green | Washington Capitals
It’s hard to argue with Mike Green’s production over the past 2 seasons. 56 points in 2007-2008; 73 points last season. The guy is the real deal with a tremendous fantasy upside: he’s a top defender on a team that should be on a similar scoring pace in 2009-2010; he’ll be anchoring the Capital power play which operated at 25.2% last season (2nd in the NHL); his +/- should be extremely good once again as the Caps are a top 10 team in 5-on-5 situations; and he’s a bit of a bruiser, so expect decent penalty minutes from him. He’s the package deal, so consider him a top option for any keeper league.
Nicklas Lidstrom/Brian Rafalski | Detroit Red Wings
Having a Detroit defender is certainly a good thing in any fantasy league, but be careful with how you proceed in a keeper league. It’s hard to dispute Nick Lidstrom’s offensive ability. He’s a stud, without a doubt, but he is getting up there in age, and while we’ve advised you to not overemphasize youth in keeper leagues, it’s worth noting that Lids only has 2 years left until he would need a new contract, and with that being his 20th season in the NHL, it’s unclear as to how much he’ll have left in the tank at that point. While it should be OK to hang onto him for the next season or so, it would be advisable to start looking into other keeper options along the way.
Perhaps consider the services of teammate Brian Rafalski. Rafalski finished last season with 59 points and a +17 rating. If Lidstrom does decide to hang ‘em up, it’ll be Rafalski’s show in Detroit, so if you’re a Lidstrom owner, consider making a play for Rafalski (or another top defender) at some point over the next 2 seasons. On a side note, don’t let the whole Hossa departure thing put you in the frame of mind that Detroit’s offense won’t be as potent in 2009-2010. They made it happen two years ago without him; they can do it again. They made key signings that will help them be an offensive juggernaut once again.
Dan Boyle | San Jose Sharks
Boyle is a great option for any fantasy hockey keeper team. He’s on a great team and has a great offensive mind to his game. He’ll certainly quarterback the power play once again in 2009-2010, so look for him to be a force in the power play point category. He’s in it for the long haul in San Jose, so consider him a viable keeper option for the next several seasons.
Dion Phaneuf | Calgary Flames
Don’t let Dion’s totals in 2008-2009 fool you; he’s still a top option at defense for keeper leagues. He has an extremely offensive mind to his game and is a pretty big bruiser to boot. He’ll be sharing the point with Jay Bouwmeester and the two could turn into a serious offensive tandem, especially on the power play. Managers in keeper leagues should be salivating over the opportunity to buy Phaneuf just a little bit lower than usual coming off his mediocre season. If the opportunity presents itself to you, definitely invest in Dion.
Chris Pronger | Philadelphia Flyers
Pronger has landed himself in a really good situation in Philadelphia and his new 7 year contract makes him an attractable option in keeper leagues. He’s the type of player that will score and punch you in the face immediately following. It’s just what fantasy managers are in the market for. There is little downside to Pronger as a fantasy player, and with him now being on a Flyer team with a huge offensive upside, one would have to assume that Pronger’s totals have the opportunity to go up. Chalk him up as a top option and watch the benefits roll in over the next several seasons. If you’re concerned about Pronger’s age, then now would be a wonderful time to sell him as the market is buzzing about his potential with the Flyers.
Zdeno Chara | Boston Bruins
Zdeno Chara is certainly benefiting from Boston’s new found ability to dominate their opponents. Chara is a power play force and a bit of a goon as well, so keeper leagues that weigh in heavily on penalty minutes should make Chara of top consideration. Plus he’s tall, so if you’re looking for an option at defense, Chara is one of the most well-rounded options on the market.
Andrei Markov | Montreal Canadiens
While the makeup of the Canadiens has changed significantly since July 1st, there is one thing that remains constant: Andrei Markov. He’ll be the anchor on the blue line again this season and should be the Canadiens’ power play quarterback once again. Jaroslav Spacek has made his way to Montreal, but it shouldn’t have an earth shattering impact on his numbers. Markov has a couple more years left on his contract, but if he consistently puts up 60 points a season, he shouldn’t have to worry about finding a home in the NHL.
Saucerpass is currently running a keeper league series uncovering different levels of players at all 5 positions. We have already looked at goaltenders and left wingers, and will continue to breakdown every position until we’ve covered most options for next season:
Keeper Centers for 2009-2010
Top Tier Centers
Solid Centers
Servicable Centers
Questionable Centers
Keeper Left Wingers for 2009-2010
Top Tier Left Wingers
Solid Left Wingers
Serviceable Left Wingers (Part 1)
Serviceable Left Wingers (Part 2)
Questionable Left Wingers (Part 1)
Questionable Left Wingers (Part 2)
Keeper Goaltenders for 2009-2010
Top Tier Goaltenders
Solid Goaltenders
Servicable Goaltenders
Questionable Goaltenders (Part 1)
Questionable Goaltenders (Part 2)
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Woah, no Gonchar? How come? Worried about injuries or just an oversight?
You got it, dude. His durability scares me half to death. If I’m going to make an investment in a top defender, give me someone who can last a little, ya know?
Don’t worry. Give it a week and wait for the “Solids” to come out.
Thanks for stoppin’.
So then what about Dan Boyle? The season before the guy missed 2/3 of the season – similar to Gonchar this year. Prior to this season Gonchar played 75, 82 and 78 game seasons.
If you look at those 2 guys they have a similar injury history over the past four years but Gonchar’s point potential is higher (Boyle = .72ppg, Gonchar 0.8ppg).
Anyways just food for thought. I know in most one leagues he’d be a top 5 pick for me (Chara, Lidstrom, Pronger, Green are in there as well), and would depend if it was a points only or multicat type setup.
Personally, I like Gonchar even in a keeper: his age and durability aren’t that big of a factor for me. I think Schrembs likes him less because I have him on my team. He’s lame like that.