2009-2010 Carolina Hurricanes Fantasy Breakdown
Club: Carolina Hurricanes
Fantasy Impact Rating: Warm
Superstars: N/A
Big Producers Ray Whitney, Eric Staal, Cam Ward
Mid-Level Flyers Tuomo Ruutu, Rod Brind’Amour, Joni Pitkanen, Joe Corvo
Rookies/Prospects: Zach Boychuk, Drayson Bowman, Mike Murphy
Sleepers: Sergei Samsanov, Erik Cole, Chad LaRose
Avoid The Hype: Scott Walker
Despite not having a standout superstar, the Carolina Hurricanes offer fantasy managers, especially those in deeper leagues, the opportunity to add some productive depth to their fantasy squad in 2009-2010.
In year-to-year leagues, the Hurricanes offer two seasoned veterans that can still pack a fantasy punch in certain situations. The more fantasy friendly of the two, Ray Whitney, still has a knack for scoring, despite being a 20 year veteran. He’ll anchor the top line in Carolina again this season on the left hand side and will most certainly be a staple on the power play once again. Consider Whitney a solid 2nd option at left wing in all fantasy hockey leagues. His ageless counterpart, Rod Brind’Amour, is still putting up points at a fairly steady clip and is still serviceable to managers in deeper fantasy hockey leagues. He’s a beast in the face-off circle and could be an ok 2nd option, or even better, a 3rd option at center for managers with larger rosters. Do note, however, that he does come a red flag: his +/- rating was 2nd worst in the league last season at -23, so make sure if you do invest in Brindy that you understand you may need to find a couple players that will get you back to even par; perhaps a top defender or two to balance you out.
A staple in the ‘Canes lineup, as well as fantasy lineups, over the past 4 seasons is Eric Staal. Staal continues to be a solid option in keeper leagues, as well as year-to-year leagues. He had 40 goals and 75 points last season as he continues to be a solid contributor, both even strength and with the man advantage. Because of the depth at the center position, managers may be able to get Staal as a top option at center in the 2nd, possibly 3rd round of a draft, depending on the league settings. He’ll be in good company once again this season and we should see similar numbers as the makeup of the ‘Canes hasn’t been altered much this off-season.
Now, the depth that the ‘Canes offer can shore up a fantasy team in the middle rounds, so take note. Starting on the back end, Joe Corvo and Joni Pitkanen are two defensive players that could be decent 2nd/3rd options on any fantasy team. Corvo is showing some offensive upside in the ‘Canes system and is far more durable than Pitkanen. Pitkanen himself has a nice offensive upside himself, however, is far more injury prone than most other 2nd/3rd options at defense. These two should be staples on the Carolina power play this season and should see similar production if healthy. Pitkanen could produce a little more if healthy, but seems to be a stretch in the past couple of years.
Tuomo Ruutu seems to have found a nice home in Carolina where he has the opportunity to show off his offensive prowess. Ruutu spent a couple years in Chicago where he never really had a chance to live up to the hype that surrounded him, but with 54 points and 79 penalty minutes last season with the ‘Canes, he may be showing his former club that he was no slouch. Before investing in him though, just throw some caution to the wind as last season was Ruutu’s breakout, so don’t invest too much into him in case he doesn’t live up to the hype that will most certainly surround him in 2009-2010. A 3rd option at wing or a utility player in a league that rewards for penalty minutes would be a nice fit for any fantasy squad this season.
Erik Cole has broken a lot of fantasy hearts over the past several seasons with his injuries and inability to play anywhere but the same line as Eric Staal. Good thing he’s back in Carolina this season anchoring the top right wing spot. Because of an injury and a mediocre effort in Edmonton last season, Cole may fly under the radar in many leagues this season. We know his ability, however, it’s often masked by his inability to stay healthy. Consider Cole a serious offensive threat this season but one that should not be used as a top option. The longer you can wait on Cole, the better, so plan accordingly. Staying with the sleeper theme, Sergei Samsanov has finally found a place he can flourish in. It has been disappointing season after disappointing season for Samsanov after he left Boston, but he has re-found his stride as a Hurricane and is a solid depth option at left wing for mangers in a little bit of a deeper fantasy hockey league. He should see 2nd unit power play time this season and could bounce back and forth between the 2nd and 3rd line left wing position.
As far as rookies go, the ‘Canes have a couple forwards that may be worth flagging for future considerations. Zach Boychuk is the first name to become familiar with as he can play both center and wing. Boychuk has proven to be scoring machine as his totals with Lethbridge of the WHL show a top 6 potential: 271 points in 237 games for the Hurricanes (Lethbridge). It may be smart jump on him this season in keeper and dynasty leagues as Whitney and Brind ‘Amour may be on their last leg and the Hurricanes (Carolina) will be looking for fresh young talent to fill their shoes. This is also where Drayson Bowman may come in handy to the club. He may be another year away from seeing NHL time, but keep him in the back of your mind for future winger considerations. Since 2004, Bowman has 242 points in 265 games with Spokane of the Western Hockey League. Again, with some players exiting in the next couple of seasons, it could give Drayson a real shot to make the squad and prove his worth. For now though, take Boychuk over Bowman.
Lastly, an interesting player to keep in mind as you draft this season is Chad LaRose. He had a solid season in 2008-2009 posting 31 points and a +6 rating but didn’t appeal to fantasy owners all that much as his power play production was pretty much non-existent. This season, however, the situation may be conducive to give Chad an opportunity to top his 2008-2009 totals. He’s playing on a wing behind an injury prone Erik Cole and (potentially) in front of seasoned grinder Scott Walker. If Cole goes down this season, LaRose could have his chance at top line duties with Walker being past his prime and all. Right wing is an awfully thin position, so there’s no shame in taking a shot on LaRose in the later rounds of a deeper draft. It could pay off, especially if he can land a spot on the 2nd power play unit.
Grade: B+
Starter: Cam Ward
Backup: Michael Leighton
Cam Ward continues to be a solid option for managers in keeper leagues, as well as year-to-year leagues. He had a successful campaign in 2008-2009 finishing just 1 win shy of a 40 win season. He’s on a top team in a sometimes uncompetitive Southeast Division, so the opportunity for wins may be a little greater with Atlanta, Tampa Bay and Florida in town more often than other teams. Consider him a top goalie for any fantasy league who can be drafted in the 2nd, possibly 3rd round in a 12-manager fantasy league. As for Michael Leighton, he had a helluva campaign with the Albany River Rats in 2007-2008 and shows the promise of being a solid option between the pipes in case Ward goes down, but until then, it would be best leave him in the free agency pool as he may only see 15 or so “spotty” starts this season.
Keeping in mind that Cam Ward and Michael Leighton are both due for a contracts next season, it may be in the best interest of dynasty league managers to keep the name Mike Murphy in mind. Murphy has been absolutely out of this world for the Bulls in the OHL. He holds an 85-23 record with Belleville recording 8 shutouts and a 2.42 goals against average over 4 seasons. If the ‘Canes decide to shuffle their goaltending situation next season, Murphy could become a real fantasy threat down the line, so keep him in mind. He’s still young, but if his record is any indication of his ability, he has tremendous upside.
As we progress through the month of August, you can find a new team analyzed for its fantasy value just about every day, so bookmark our 2009-2010 Team Breakdown page and enjoy.
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What do you guys think of Jussi Jokinen headng into this season?
Hey Jordan-
Jussi Jokinen may be the odd man out at left wing this season. There’s no doubt that Whitney will be Carolina’s top option at left to start the year. With that being said, there are several players that could fill that 2nd line left wing position.
We’re thinking that because of the way Sergei Samsanov has excelled in Carolina, he’ll be their 2nd option at left wing to start the season.
Even if we’re wrong in this assumption, the ‘Canes also have Chad LaRose, who has improved his production every season since 2005-2006.
Don’t forget that Tuomo Ruutu has also played left wing in the past, so if need be, he can certainly fill the role as well.
Jokinen’s performance with Carolina was so-so during the regular season and even though he has the ability to play the center position as well, the ‘Canes are set as they have Staal, Brind’Amour, Cullen and Yelle to fill those roles. Certainly cuts his versatility a bit.
It just may not be in the cards for Jokinen to make it off that 3rd line this season, especially if LaRose lives up to the club’s expectations. He may be called upon to kill penalties this season and could develop into a shorthanded threat, but your best bet would be to avoid him unless you’re in a deep fantasy leagues that emphasizes shorthanded points.
Good breakdown. Yea I picked up Jokinen in a dynasty league this year, he was my 21 out of 23 pick.
Just wanted to say your doing an amzing job at pointing out the major players on each team. Can’t wait to hear what you think of the Leafs and Gustavsson
Thanks for reading, man. And I can’t wait to tell you how much his 1 year contract scares me half to death.