The fifth installment in the 2010-2011 Sleeper series targets who’s available to steal in the Northwest Division.
Player: Kevin Porter
Team: Colorado Avalanche
Position: Wing
Impact: Deeper Fantasy Leagues
Analysis: Not sure if we’ll see Porter with the ‘Lanche to start the season, but if he makes an appearance with the organization at any point in 2010-2011, he’s worth flagging to see if Colorado gives him a worthy shot to try and make an impact in the scoring department. Keep an eye on him and only use if you see fit in the absolute deepest of leagues.
Player: Mikael Backlund
Team: Calgary Flames
Position: Center
Impact: Deeper Fantasy Leagues, as well as Keeper Fantasy Leagues
Analysis: While Backlund may be ready to go, he’ll start the season behind Jokinen, Langkow and Stajan in the Flames’ depth chart. As a long those players are healthy, his role may be limited. However, he’s a stud and deserves long term consideration in keeper leagues.
Player: Alex Tanguay
Team: Calgary Flames
Position: Left Wing
Impact: Deeper Fantasy Leagues, as well as Keeper Fantasy Leagues
Analysis: There’s a good chance that Tanguay’s ranking in your service has taken a significant tumble after last season’s performance. If he racks up 50-60 points, consider it a success. Have a look in the early middle rounds as he should be a top-6 option for the Flames this season.
Player: Ales Hemsky
Team: Edmonton Oilers
Position: Right Wing
Impact: Average Fantasy Leagues
Analysis: This is more of a reminder that Hemsky’s rank may be somewhat lower this season because of last season’s injury, so he may be an oversight for some managers. If he slips past the 4th or 5th round in standard leagues, pounce all over him as he’s a stud at an extremely thin right wing position.
Player: Taylor Hall & Jordan Eberle
Team: Edmonton Oilers
Position: Wing and Center Respectably
Impact: Moderately Deep to Deeper Fantasy Leagues, as well as Keeper Leagues
Analysis: There’s a very good chance you’ll see both on at least the 2nd line in Edmonton this season. They are both long term keeper options with tremendous upside. Drafting Eberle and Hall will depend on your league style and type, so adjust and plan accordingly. In standard 12-team leagues, early middle rounds (usually when you’re filling up utility spots) is when it would be ideal to make a play for a rookie, such as Eberle or Hall.
Player: Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson
Team: Edmonton Oilers
Position: Left Wing
Impact: Deeper Fantasy Leagues
Analysis: Amidst all the hype of Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle, lies Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson. Paajarvi-Svensson will be one of the fastest skaters in the league this season, and if he can find his groove with the Oilers, perhaps he can find his way up into top-6 territory. Oilers fans have plenty to be excited about this season, so if you’re a believer, take Paajarvi-Svensson with one of your last picks and see if he develops. He’ll have every opportunity to make an impact as there is very little set in stone outside the top line in Edmonton.
Player: Pierre-Marc Bouchard
Team: Minnesota Wild
Position: Depends on Service
Impact: Moderatley Deep to Deeper Fantasy Leagues
Analysis: Bouchard will be another oversight by most managers this season because of a concussion, Bouchard should be ready to start the season and could provide decent scoring depth to managers in deep fantasy hockey leagues.
Player: Chuck Kobasew
Team: Minnesota Wild
Position: Wing
Impact: Moderatley Deep to Deeper Fantasy Leagues
Analysis: If you’re in a league that rewards heavily for goal scoring, consider making a play for Kobasew at some point this season as he usually has a pretty slick scoring touch. Again, middle to later rounds as a utility winger should service your team just fine.
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