Top Tier Right Wingers 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 right wing for keeper leagues.

Photo by: PredatorsHockey

Jarome Iginla | Calgary Flames
One of the most talented players in the NHL, Iginla has been a force since his rookie season in the ‘96-‘97 campaign. While his numbers went down slightly last year, a down year for Iginla was still better than almost all of his peers. A two time 50 goal scorer, Iginla has the ability to rack up goals, assists, power play points, penalty minutes, shots on goal, and anything else you could need. Once the absolute cream of the crop is off the board in any draft, choose Iginla with confidence as he is an all-world player in a stable playing environment.

Marian Hossa | Chicago Blackhawks
While Hossa might have been having problems finding a home the past few seasons, he has not had any problems scoring in big bunches while he is on the ice. Finally settled in with an extremely young and talented Chicago team, Marian will be ready to prove all doubters wrong. He has the potential to put up big numbers (potentially along the lines of his 100 point season just a few years ago) and will provide a great source of power play points. Hossa is the kind of player you want to build a fantasy team around. Enjoy him as he becomes acquainted with all his new toys in the Windy City. Don’t forget that Hossa will miss the beginning of the 2009-2010 season, so it may be wise to nab a quick replacement at right wing to cover in his short absence.

Patrick Kane | Chicago Blackhawks
Being one of the NHL’s brightest young stars at just twenty years old, Kane has busted onto the scene in a big way. Not even old enough to have an adult beverage, Kane already has 142 points in 162 career games. Thirty five power play points and a surprising durability out of the smallish Kane have fantasy owners salivating at his potential. Surely to learn a great deal from new addition Marian Hossa, Kane is a virtual lock to surpass his career high of 72 points in a season. If his 170 pound frame can survive the wear and tear of the NHL, great things are on the horizon for this promising young Blackhawk.

Ales Hemsky | Edmonton Oilers
Hemsky sometimes flies under the radar as he plays in relative obscurity with a mediocre Edmonton team, but make sure you do not hold that against him. A right winger that will have at least twice as many assists as goals, Hemsky has a tendency to pass more than shoot. Keep in mind he has never played a full 82 game season, and has missed 37 games the past four seasons (averaging out to around nine games missed a season). Make a run for Hemsky in your keeper league as the talent is developing in Edmonton, providing more chances to score for Hemsky, and more chance for him to become a household name.

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Corey Perry | Anaheim Ducks
“Big” Corey Perry is a well rounded force to be reckoned with. Not only did he score a career high 72 points last season with the Ducks, he bashed his way to 109 penalty minutes (108 the previous season). Perpetually paired with uber-stud Ryan Getzlaf, Perry sees big ice time to go along with his big game. As some of the bigger names leave Anaheim, it opens the door for Perry to exhibit his physical style during both full strength and power play situations. He may not get the point totals that some of his fellow top tier right wingers will, but he will make up for any minor differences with big time penalty minutes.

Daniel Alfredsson | Ottawa Senators
The elder statesmen of this group, Daniel Alfredsson is only a few years away from being “over the hill.” Do not make a five year keeper plan around Alffy, but it is safe to plan a couple years around him. His numbers went down last year, but keep in mind Ottawa struggled all around. As of right now Healtey, Spezza, and Alfredsson are all still Senators. That fact alone should keep owners interested. The last time this smooth Swede scored under 70 points in a season we were all worried about the Y2K effect. If you already have some young studs and want to make your big title push, do what it takes to grab Alfredsson and enjoy the ride.

Martin St. Louis | Tampa Bay Lightning
Despite the ups and downs of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization, only a few things have stayed consistent. One of those things has been Marty St. Louis. With five 70+ point seasons under his belt (including the 102 point performance in ’06-’07), St. Louis continues to thrive despite the lack of talent around him. Marty and Vinny are one of the best tandems in the league and as long as Vinny is still in town, you’ll see major production from the two. All in all, St. Louis is a true talent that should not be overlooked in keeper drafts this season.

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

Keeper Defenders for 2009-2010

Top Tier Defenders
Solid Defenders
Serviceable Defenders
Questionable Defenders

Keeper Centers for 2009-2010

Top Tier Centers
Solid Centers
Serviceable 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
Serviceable Goaltenders
Questionable Goaltenders (Part 1)
Questionable Goaltenders (Part 2)