Forwards, defencemen and goaltenders are grouped onto one draft cheat sheet with our annual Top 100 list; designed to give you the building blocks for a championship-calibre fantasy roster right out of the gate. Combine them with our goalie primer, goalie rankings and sleepers to create a dynamo in your league. Yesterday’s draft guide also had trading tips, poolie etiquette, and what it takes to win.
Criteria: Plenty of great players didn’t make this list. These rankings aren’t about making sure all 30 teams are represented and Canadians (players or teams) didn’t get special preference. It’s all about the projected stats. Nothing more. Nothing less.
The Top 100 is for ’10-11 single-season standard fantasy leagues counting goals, assists, +/-, penalty minutes, power play points and shots on goal – all weighted equally – for forwards and defencemen; with wins, goals against, save percentage and shutouts – all weighted equally – for goaltenders.
Standard league philosophy: Power forwards and offensive defencemen with strong peripherals carry significant value in these sorts of leagues, which is why you may see someone projected to score 15 more points ranked behind someone who cranks out plenty of PIM and/or SOG.
Goalie note: Some individual goaltenders may have a slightly different order than we saw in Tuesday’s tandem netminder rankings, based solely on the projected number of starts for each man. Also note that while runs on goalies will normally happen earlier than you’ll see them listed here overall (which is why we rank goaltending separately in addition to today’s offering), the Top 100 attempts to gauge just how much any one player is worth compared with another with these scoring categories.
Bonus info: We’ve also kicked it up a notch this year. Included with players in the Top 100, dependent upon position played: age to start the season; Cap hit; Contract expiration year and ensuing UFA, RFA status/ Last year’s stats for quick reference/ Projected line; Potential linemates; Expected PP role/ “Tweet this”: giving a 140 character limit for additional info.
Line combos: Short. Simple. Projected lines referenced here are nothing more than guesses based on last season and what’s transpired so far in training camp and the preseason. You can find every line combo and defensive pairing from all 30 teams in-season every single evening with our live blogging.
If you see “L1/1A”, it means the team basically has what can be considered two equally effective first lines (Crosby, Malkin, etc). If you see “alphabet soup” instead of two projected linemates, it means there are too many possibilities still in play there. RW-C-LW eligibility varies by league.
Top 10
1. Alex Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals: 25 years old; $9.538M cap hit; UFA in 2021 ’09-10: 1.51 P/G; 72 GP; 50G; 59A; 109 points; +45; 89 PIM; 368 SOG; 40 PPP Projected line: L1; Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Knuble; PP1 Tweet this: His ability to dominate the wing for his poolies is already legendary; Backstrom’s emergence only increases OV’s lethalness.
2. Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins: 23 years old; $8.7M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 1.35 P/G; 81 GP; 51G, 58A, 109 points; +15; 71 PIM; 298 SOG; 34 PPP; 55.9 FO% Projected line: L1/ 1A; Chris Kunitz, Pascal Dupuis; PP1 Tweet this: Diversified his portfolio to include goals and is a legit all-around fantasy beast. The pride of Cole Harbour is 23 and only getting better.
3. Martin Brodeur, G, New Jersey Devils: 38 years old; $5.2M cap hit; UFA in 2012 ’09-10: 76 GS; 45-25-6; 2.24 GAA; .916 SV%; nine shutouts Tweet this: Additions of shot-blocking Anton Volchenkov and (a full season of) Ilya Kovalchuk’s goal support only help goalie’s cause.
4. Evgeni Malkin, C/W, Pittsburgh Penguins: 24 years old; $8.7M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 1.15 P/G; 67 GP; 28G; 49A; 77 points; -6; 100 PIM; 268 SOG; 28 PPP; 40.0 FO% Projected line: L1/ 1A; Jordan Staal (Mike Comrie), Eric Tangradi; PP1 Tweet this: Likely moving to the wing. 1.15 points-per-game was considered a disappointment. Sign me up for his ’10-11 North American Rebound Tour.
5. Nicklas Backstrom, C, Washington Capitals: 22 years old; $6.7M cap hit; UFA in 2020 ’09-10: 1.23 P/G; 82 GP; 33G; 68A; 101 points; +37; 50 PIM; 222 SOG; 37 PPP; 49.9 FO% Projected line: L1; Alex Ovechkin, Mike Knuble; PP1 Tweet this: He ramped up his G, SOG production, has the game’s most feared winger flanking him and is himself one of the best passers around.
6. Steven Stamkos, C, Tampa Bay Lightning: 20 years old; $3.725M cap hit; RFA in 2011 ’09-10: 1.16 P/G; 82 GP; 51G; 44A; 95 points; -2; 38 PIM; 297 SOG; 41 PPP; 47.9% Projected line: L1/ 1A; Martin St. Louis, Steve Downie; PP1 Tweet this: 2008’s first overall pick lived up to the hype in his sophomore campaign and his top six supporting cast in TB is quite strong.
7. Henrik Lundqvist, G, New York Rangers: 28 years old; $6.875M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 72 GS; 35-27-10; 2.38 GAA; .921 SV%; four shutouts Tweet this: At least 30 wins in all five NHL campaigns with 35, 38, 37 and 37 over his last four. Career 2.33 GAA and .918 SV%.
8. Mike Green, D, Washington Capitals: 24 years old; $5.25M cap hit; RFA in 2012 ’09-10: 1.01 P/G; 75 GP; 19G; 57A; 76 points; 54 PIM, 205 SOG; 35 PPP Projected pairing: D1; PP1 Tweet this: Two straight seasons of better than a point-per-game average with 205 points (86 PPP) in 225 games over his past three years.
9. Ilya Kovalchuk, LW/ RW, New Jersey Devils: 27 years old; $6.67M cap hit; UFA in 2025 ’09-10: 1.12 P/G; 76 GP; 41G, 44A, 85 points; +10, 53 PIM; 290 SOG; 27 PPP Projected line: L1; Zach Parise, Travis Zajac; PP1, PP2, PP3, PP4… Tweet this: The Russian sniper may be terrorizing opposing goalies from the right side this year and dual wing eligibility will bump up his value.
10. Ryan Miller, G, Buffalo Sabres: 30 years old; $6.25M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 68 GS; 41-18-8; 2.22 GAA; .929 SV%; five shutouts Tweet this: The GS and Ws will be there for this East Lansing, MI product, but his GAA & SV% improved pretty dramatically last year. Can he repeat?
Nos. 10-19
11. Zach Parise, LW, New Jersey Devils: 26 years old; $3.125M cap hit; RFA in 2011 ’09-10: 1.01 P/G; 81 GP; 38G; 44A; 82 points; +24; 32 PIM; 347 SOG; 26 PPP Projected line: L1/ 1A; Travis Zajac, Ilya Kovalchuk; PP1 Tweet this: The winger still produced well after Kovalchuk’s arrival and will continue to do so, regardless of the line assignments.
12. Alexander Semin, LW/RW, Washington Capitals: 26 years old; $6M cap hit; UFA in 2011 ’09-10: 1.15 P/G; 73 GP; 40G; 44A; 84 points; +36; 66 PIM; 278 SOG; 27 PPP Projected line: L2; Tomas Fleischmann, Brooks Laich; PP1 Tweet this: Having already delivered stellar stats the past few years, the Russian will be digging in extra hard for a big UFA payday for next summer.
13. Roberto Luongo, G, Vancouver Canucks: 31 years old; $5.33M cap hit; UFA in 2022 ’09-10: 67 GS; 40-22-4; 2.57; .913 SV%; four shutouts Tweet this: Leaner, meaner and should challenge for another 40-win season with improved peripherals.
14. Dany Heatley, LW/RW, San Jose Sharks: 29 years old; $7.5M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 1.00 P/G; 82 GP; 39G; 43A; 82 points; +14; 54 PIM; 280 SOG; 30 PPP Projected line: L1/1A; Joe Pavelski, Patrick Marleau; PP1 Tweet this: Fully recovered from offseason groin surgery, Heater is capable of more and his second campaign with SJ should see even better returns.
15. Ryan Getzlaf, C, Anaheim Ducks: 25 years old; $5.325M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 1.05 P/G; 66 GP; 19G; 50A; 69 points; +4; 79 PIM; 149 SOG; 22 PPP; 47.4 FO% Projected line: L1; Matt Beleskey, Corey Perry; PP1 Tweet this: This SK-born talent remains an elite power forward and he’ll be looking to pass point-per-game territory for the fourth straight year.
16. Pavel Datsyuk, C/W, Detroit Red Wings: 32 years old; $6.7M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 0.88 P/G; 80 GP; 27G, 43A; 70 points; +17; 18 PIM; 203 SOG; 25 PPP; 55.1 FO% Projected line: L1; Henrik Zetterberg, Tomas Holmstrom Tweet this: Remember he had 87, 87, 97 & 97-points before last year; reunion with Zetterberg on a healthy Detroit team will produce sweet, sweet music.
17. Daniel Sedin, LW, Vancouver Canucks: 30 years old; $6.1M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 1.35 P/G; 63 GP; 29G; 56A; 85 points; +36; 28 PIM; 225 SOG; 21 PPP Projected line: L1; Henrik Sedin, Mikael Samuelsson; PP1 Tweet this: Even a drop-off from last season would still mean a point-per-game pace, good +/- with strong SOG. Henrik & Daniel are a magical tandem.
18. Martin St. Louis, LW/RW, Tampa Bay Lightning: 35 years old; $4.5M cap hit; UFA in 2015 ’09-10: 1.15 P/G; 82 GP; 29G; 65A; 94 points; -8; 12 PIM; 242 SOG; 37 PPP Projected line: L1/ 1A; Steven Stamkos, Steve Downie; PP1 Tweet this: Signing the winger to a four-year, $22.5M extension after his 35th birthday speaks volumes of the franchise’s respect level for #26.
19. Corey Perry, RW, Anaheim Ducks: 25 years old; $5.325M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 0.93 P/G; 82 GP; 27G; 49A; 76 points; even; 111 PIM; 270 SOG; 23 PPP Projected line: L1; Ryan Getzlaf, Matt Beleskey; PP1 Tweet this: His average of 110 PIM over the past three years complements already strong point/ SOG totals.
Nos. 20-29
20. Henrik Sedin, C, Vancouver Canucks: 30 years old: $6.1M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 1.37 P/G; 82 GP; 29G; 83A; 112 points; +35; 48 PIM; 166 SOG; 27 PPP; 49.5 FO% Projected line: L1; Henrik Sedin, Mikael Samuelsson; PP1 Tweet this: Reigning Hart winner has built-in support system with Daniel, so twins’ base expectations start at a point-per-game with higher upside.
21. Patrick Kane, RW, Chicago Blackhawks: 21 years old; $6.3M cap hit; UFA in 2015 ’09-10: 1.07 P/G; 82 GP; 30G; 58A; 88 points; +16; 20 PIM; 261 SOG; 29 PPP Projected line: Jonathan Toews, Troy Brouwer; PP1
Tweet this: Stanley Cup hangover is always a worry, but the first overall pick from 2007 is remains a golden RW selection for poolies.
22. Joe Thornton, C, San Jose Sharks: 31 years old; $7.2M cap hit; UFA in 2011 ’09-10: 1.13 P/G; 79 GP; 20G; 69A; 89 points; +17; 54 PIM; 141 SOG; 29 PPP; 53.9 FO% Projected line: L1/1A; Ryane Clowe, Devin Setoguchi; PP1 Tweet this: 477 points in 383 GP with SJ, including a +106 rating and only three missed games in those five seasons, make Jumbo Joe money in fantasy.
23. Jarome Iginla, RW, Calgary Flames: 33 years old; $7M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 0.84 P/G; 82 GP; 32G; 37A; 69 points; -2; 58 points; 257 SOG; 21 PPP Projected line: L1; Olli Jokinen, Alex Tanguay; PP1 Tweet this: The playmaking Tanguay could be the key to Iginla’s rebound, but captain has enough drive on his own to shake off that sub-par campaign.
24. Rick Nash, LW/RW, Columbus Blue Jackets: 26 years old; $7.8M cap hit; UFA in 2018 ’09-10: 0.88 P/G; 76 GP; 33G; 34A; 67 points; -2; 58 PIM; 254 SOG 22 PPP Projected line: L1; Antoine Vermette, Kristian Huselius; PP1 Tweet this: Hitch was Yoda to Nash’s Skywalker, unleashing his inner PK-demon. #61 is going to gut opposing goalies like a Tauntaun on a snowy Hoth night.
25. Miikka Kiprusoff, G, Calgary Flames: 33 years old; $5.83M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 72 GS; 35-28-10; 2.31 GAA; .920 SV%; four shutouts Tweet this: This high-start goalie should enjoy the benefits of a second season under Brent Sutter; Finn’s peripherals improved dramatically last year.
26. Marian Gaborik, RW, New York Rangers: 28 years old; $7.5M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 1.13 P/G; 76 GP; 42G; 44A; 86 points; +15; 37 PIM; 26 PPP Projected line: L1; Alexander Frolov, Vinny Prospal; PP1 Tweet this: Injury concerns seem less prevalent for Gaborik owners these days, which allows for more time to bask in his offensive brilliance.
27. Nicklas Lidstrom, D, Detroit Red Wings: 40 years old; $6.2M cap hit; UFA in 2011 ’09-10: 0.60 P/G; 82 GP; 9G, 40A; 49 points; +22; 24 PIM; 194 SOG; 20 PPP Projected pairing: D1; PP1 Tweet this: Imagine his age-based critics’ surprise in April when he’s putting the finishing touches on better point totals than last year.
28. Sergei Gonchar, D, Ottawa Senators: 36 years old; $5.5M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 0.81 P/G; 62 GP; 11G; 39A; 50 points; -4; 49 PIM; 138 SOG; 30 PPP Projected pairing: D1; PP1 Tweet this: PP wizard moves his skills to Canada from the U.S., but the chances-created-to-sweet-results-gained conversion rate will still be as high.
29. Drew Doughty, D, Los Angeles Kings: 20 years old; $3.475M cap hit; RFA in 2011 ’09-10: 0.72 P/G; 82 GP; 16G, 43A; 59 points; +20; 54 PIM; 142 SOG; 31 PPP Projected pairing: D1; PP1 Tweet this: It would take 140 pages – not characters – to describe why this kid is already a legit franchise defenceman. Keeper league GOLD.
Nos. 30-39
30. Patrick Marleau, C/W, San Jose Sharks: 31 years old; $6.9M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 0.55 P/G/ 82 GP; 44G; 39A; 83 GP; +21; 22 PIM; 274 SOG; 25 PPP; 51.4 FO% Projected line: L1/ 1A; Joe Pavelski, Dany Heatley; PP1 Tweet this: The 6-2, 220-pound forward has only endured one bad season statistically since the lockout ended and C/W eligibility really helps.
31. Tuukka Rask, G, Boston Bruins: 23 years old; $1.25M cap hit; RFA in 2012 ’09-10: 39 GS; 22-12-5; 1.97 GAA; .931 SV%; five shutouts Tweet this: Has the elements to be a franchise goalie on a great defensive team; draft Thomas, due to play better this year, for bench insurance.
32. Dan Boyle, D, San Jose Sharks: 34 years old; $6.67M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 0.76 P/G; 76 GP; 15G; 43A; 58 points; +6; 70 PIM; 180 SOG; 29 PPP Projected pairing: D1; PP1 Tweet this: Entering his third campaign with the Sharks, Boyle remains one of the safest bets around for poolies with helpful stats in all categories.
33. Zdeno Chara, D, Boston Bruins: 33 years old; $7.5M cap hit; UFA in 2011 ’09-10: 0.55 P/G; 80 GP; 7G; 37A; +19; 87 PIM; 242 SOG; 16 PPP Projected pairing: D1; PP1 Tweet this: Seven straight seasons with at least 39 points and strong peripherals make him one of the better standard league options on D.
34. Marian Hossa, RW, Chicago Blackhawks: 31 years old; $5.23M cap hit; UFA in 2021 ’09-10: 0.89 P/G; 57GP; 24G, 27A; 51 points; +24; 18 PIM; 199 SOG; 7 PPP Projected line: L2; Patrick Sharp, Viktor Stalberg; PP2 Tweet this: Beginning the year healthy could mean another shot at the 40-goal plateau and the Hawks will need his production.
35. Chris Pronger, D, Philadelphia Flyers: 35 years old; $4.921M cap hit; UFA in 2017 ’09-10: 0.67 P/G; 82 GP; 10G; 45A; 55 points; +22; 79 PIM; 175 SOG; 26 PPP Projected pairing: D1; PP1 Tweet this: Don’t be scared off by the minor August knee surgery and a potential delayed start to his season; this is a guy you’ll want on your team.
36. Jimmy Howard, G, Detroit Red Wings: 26 years old; $717K cap hit; UFA in 2011 ’09-10: 61 GS; 37-15-10; 2.26 GAA; .924 SV%; three shutouts Tweet this: The likelihood that a healthy Wings team will improve on last year means Howard’s chances for a sophomore slump are diminished.
37. Duncan Keith, D, Chicago Blackhawks: 27 years old; $5.55M cap hit; UFA in 2023 ’09-10: 0.84 P/G; 82 GP; 15G, 55A; 69 points; +21; 51 PIM; 213 SOG; 16 PPP Projected pairing: D1; PP1 Tweet this: Keith is invaluable to the Hawks, but his ’09-10 points jump was striking (44 to 69) and another year of it will boost his rankings stock.
38. Henrik Zetterberg, C/W, Detroit Red Wings: 29 years old; $6.083M cap hit; UFA in 2021 ’09-10: 0.95 P/G; 74 GP; 23G; 43A; 70 points; +12; 26 PIM; 309 SOG; 22 PPP; 49.5 FO% Projected line: L1; Pavel Datsyuk, Tomas Holmstrom; PP1 Tweet this: A good candidate to make it four straight years with 300+SOG, Zetterberg is also looking to increase that goal total.
39. Johan Franzen, RW, Detroit Red Wings: 30 years old; $3.955M cap hit; UFA in 2020 ’09-10: 0.78 P/G; 27 GP; 10G; 11A; 21 points; +1, 22 PIM; 91 SOG; 11 PPP Projected line: L2; Valtteri Filppula, Todd Bertuzzi; PP2 Tweet this: This mule is going to have some serious kick for his owners as he enters the campaign healthy, aside from minor charley horse.
Nos. 40-49
40. Jason Spezza, C, Ottawa Senators: 27 years old; $7M cap hit; UFA in 2015 ’09-10: 0.95 P/G; 60GP; 23G; 34A; 57 points; -1, 20 PIM; 165 SOG; 24 PPP; 50.5 FO% Projected line: L1; Milan Michalek, Daniel Alfredsson; PP1 Tweet this: Consider the generally forceful, post-injury version of last year’s Spezza to be the one more likely to show up this season.
41. Bobby Ryan,W/C, Anaheim Ducks: 23 years old; $5.1M cap hit; UFA in 2015 ’09-10: 0.79 P/G; 81 GP; 35G; 29A; 64 points; +9; 81 PIM; 258 SOG; 21 PPP Projected line: L2; Jason Blake, Teemu Selanne; PP2
Tweet this: Chalk up dual eligibility as he’ll be tried as the L2 C this year “until he fails”; Randy Carlyle considering him for PP1 point job too.
42. Antti Niemi, G, San Jose Sharks: 27 years old; $2M cap hit; UFA in 2011 ’09-10: 35 GS; 26-7-4; 2.25 GAA; .912 SV%; seven shutouts Tweet this: His signing threw a wrench into a clear #1 goalie picture in SJ, but this Cup-winner seems to have the edge to begin the year.
43. Eric Staal, C, Carolina Hurricanes: 25 years old; $8.25M cap hit; UFA in 2016 ’09-10: 1.00 P/G; 70 GP; 29G; 41A; 70 points; +4, 68 PIM; 277 SOG; 41.8 FO% Projected line: L1; Jussi Jokinen, Tuomo Ruutu; PP1
Tweet this: While Staal has yet to challenge his 100-point campaign, he carries an unheralded amount of PIM with great SOG and still-helpful points.
44. Semyon Varlamov, G, Washington Capitals: 22 years old; $822K cap hit; RFA in 2011 ’09-10: 15-4-6; 2.55 GAA; .909 SV%; two shutouts Tweet this: Varlamov needs to seize the starting role this year because Michal Neuvirth is no slouch. Grab both goalies for your team and pile up wins.
45. Daniel Alfredsson, RW, Ottawa Senators: 37 years old; $4.875M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 1.01 P/G; 70 GP; 20G; 51A; 71 points; +8; 22 PIM; 168 SOG; 31 PPP Projected line: L1; Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek; PP1 Tweet this: Over the past decade, few fantasy forwards have been as consistent as Ottawa’s captain. Slot him on the wing with confidence.
46. Ilya Bryzgalov, G, Phoenix Coyotes: 30 years old; $4.25M cap hit; UFA in 2011 ’09-10: 69 GS; 42-20-6; 2.29 GAA; .920 SV%; eight shutouts Tweet this: Bryz was spectacular last year, but what’s the encore on a Phoenix squad that won’t be sneaking up on anyone this time?
47. Vincent Lecavalier, C, Tampa Bay Lightning: 30 years old; $7.73M cap hit; UFA in 2020 ’09-10: 0.85 P/G; 82 GP; 24G; 46A; 70 points; -16; 63 PIM; 295 SOG; 25 PPP; 53.2 FO% Projected line: L1/1A; Simon Gagne, Ryan Malone; PP1 Tweet this: For as much help as Simon Gagne’s arrival will help him, Steve Yzerman may be the most influential in turning #4’s point production around.
48. Marty Turco, G, Chicago Blackhawks: 35 years old; $1.3M cap hit; UFA in 2011 ’09-10: 52 GS; 22-20-11; 2.72 GAA; .913 SV%; four shutouts Tweet this: Free agency dramatically changed the fantasy fate of the veteran goaltender and his stats should benefit from Chicago’s D.
49. Brad Richards, C, Dallas Stars: 30 years old; $7.8M cap hit; UFA in 2011 ’09-10: 1.14 P/G; 80 GP; 24G; 67A; 91 points; -12; 284 SOG; 40 PPP; 51.5 FO% Projected line: L1; James Neal, Loui Eriksson; PP1 Tweet this: It seems like his ’09-10 point outburst was more about him rediscovering his form than anything else, which bodes well in contract year.
Nos. 50-59
50. Anze Kopitar, C, Los Angeles Kings: 23 years old; $6.8M cap hit; UFA in 2016 ’09-10: 0.99 P/G; 82 GP; 34G; 47A; 81 points; +6; 16 PIM; 259 SOG; 38 PPP; 49.7 FO% Projected line: L1; Ryan Smyth, Dustin Brown; PP1 Tweet this: The 6-4, 220-pound centre took a big step in his development and this should be his year to blow past the point-per-game plateau.
51. Erik Johnson, D, St. Louis Blues: 22 years old; $2.6M cap hit; RFA in 2012 ’09-10: 0.49 P/G; 79 GP; 10G; 29A; 39 points; +1; 79 PIM; 186 SOG; 15 PPP Projected pairing: D1; PP1 Tweet this: 2006’s first overall pick is entering his third NHL campaign and he’ll continue to skate into his destiny – a franchise defenceman.
52. Jaroslav Halak, G, St. Louis Blues: 25 years old; $3.75M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 43 GS; 26-13-5; 2.40 GAA; .924 SV%; five shutouts Tweet this: And in the Blue corner, standing 5-11 and weighing in at 182 pounds… your undisputed No. 1 goaltender… Jaaaarrroslav Hallllllaaaakkkkkk.
53. Pekka Rinne, G, Nashville Predators: 27 years old; $3.4M cap hit; UFA in 2012 ’09-10: 54 GS; 32-16-5; 2.53 GAA; .911 SV%; seven shutouts Tweet this: Finnish netminder has the size, skills and now the clear No. 1 role to post strong stats for his poolies in any format.
54. Mike Richards, C, Philadelphia Flyers: 25 years old; $5.75M cap hit; UFA in 2020 ’09-10: 0.76 P/G; 82GP; 31G; 31A; 62 points; -2; 79 PIM; 237 SOG; 31 PPP; 50.7 FO% Projected line: L1/ 1A; alphabet soup; PP1 Tweet this: The Kenora, ON-born pivot brings a little of everything to the table and his point production should rise this season.
55. Phil Kessel, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs: 23 years old; $5.4Mcap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 0.79 P/G; 70 GP; 30G; 25A; 55 points; -8; 21 PIM; 297 SOG; 16 PPP Projected line: L1; Tyler Bozak, Nikolai Kulemin; PP1 Tweet this: Especially valuable in goal-heavy formats, Kessel should top 300 SOG and challenge the 40-goal plateau by season’s end.
56. Jeff Carter, C, Philadelphia Flyers: 25 years old; $5Mcap hit; RFA in 2011 ’09-10: 0.82 P/G; 74 GP; 33G; 28A; 61 points; +2; 38 PIM; 319 SOG; 22 PPP; 52.4 FO% Projected line: L1/ 1A; alphabet soup; PP2
Tweet this: 79 markers over his past two seasons with 661 SOG will make Carter attractive to any drafter; expect more points than last year too.
57. Paul Stastny, C, Colorado Avalanche: 24 years old; $6.6M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 0.98 P/G; 81 GP; 20G; 59A; 79 points; +2; 50 PIM; 199 SOG; 25 PPP; 50.0 FO% Projected line: L1/ 1A; T.J. Galiardi, Chris Stewart; PP1 Tweet this: Stastny has been a fantasy asset since entering the NHL in 2006 and ’10-11 should produce around a point-per-game or even more.
58. Jonathan Toews, C, Chicago Blackhawks: 22 years old; $6.3M cap hit; UFA in 2015 ’09-10: 0.89 P/G; 76 GP; 25G; 43A; 68 points; +22; 47 PIM; 202 SOG; 22 PPP; 57.4 FO% Projected line: L1; Troy Brouwer, Patrick Kane; PP1 Tweet this: This Conn Smythe winner wants to shoot more this season and could finally crack the point-per-game level.
59. Tomas Vokoun, G, Florida Panthers: 34 years old; $5.7M cap hit; UFA in 2011 ’09-10: 62 GS; 23-28-11; 2.55 GAA; .925 SV%; seven shutouts Tweet this: No SV% lower than .919 since the lockout and 26 shutouts in that time as well.
Nos. 60-69
60. Craig Anderson, G, Colorado Avalanche: 27 years old; $1.812M cap hit; UFA in 2011 ’09-10: 71 GS; 38-25-7; 2.63 GAA; .917 SV%; seven shutouts Tweet this: Proved he has what it takes to be a starter in this league and he’ll carry another heavy workload.
61. Ryan Kesler, C, Vancouver Canucks: 26 years old; $5M cap hit; UFA in 2016 ’09-10: 0.91 P/G; 82 GP; 25G; 50A; 75 points; +1, 104 PIM; 204 SOG; 26 PPP; 55.1 FO%; Projected line: L2; Mason Raymond, Alex Burrows (Sergei Shirokov) ; PP2 Tweet this: This second line pivot brought a nice blend of points, PIM and SOG last year and even with modest declines in ’10-11 he’ll be a good pick.
62. Ryane Clowe, RW, San Jose Sharks: 28 years old; $3.625M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 0.70 P/G; 82 GP; 19G; 38A; 57 points; even, 131 PIM; 189 SOG; 15 PPP Projected line: L1/1A; Joe Thornton, Devin Setoguchi; PP2 Tweet this: The rugged winger was a force out there for standard leaguers last year and his PIM total going forward will be the key for his worth.
63. Cam Ward, G, Carolina Hurricanes: 26 years old; $6.3M cap hit; UFA in 2016 ’09-10: 45 GS; 18-23-5; 2.69 GAA; .916 SV%; no shutouts Tweet this: Will Pilates be the answer to keeping his back healthy in ’10-11? If so, he could be a huge bargain.
64. Ales Hemsky, RW, Edmonton Oilers: 27 years old; $4.1M cap hit; UFA in 2012 ’09-10: 1.00 P/G; 22 GP; 7G; 15A; 22 points; +7; 8 PIM; 57 SOG; 8 PPP Projected line: L1; Shawn Horcoff, Taylor Hall; PP1 Tweet this: With the injection of talented youth into this line-up, Hemsky Nation has a supporting cast to complement his immense skills. Career year.
65. Tomas Kaberle, D, Toronto Maple Leafs: 32 years old; $4.25M cap hit; UFA in 2011 ’09-10: 0.60 P/G; 82 GP; 7G; 42A; -16; 24 PIM; 158 SOG; 25 PPP Projected pairing: D1/ 1A; PP1 Tweet this: Through the barrage of trade rumours, the guy continues to produce strong totals for his poolies.
66. Brian Rafalski, D, Detroit Red Wings: 37 years old; $6M cap hit; UFA in 2012 ’09-10: 0.54 P/G; 78 GP; 8G; 34A; 42 points; +23; 26 PIM; 134 SOG; 19 PPP Projected pairing: D2; PP1 Tweet this: Lidstrom and Rafalski paired on PP1, but are being split at even strength to begin season.
67. Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Pittsburgh Penguins: 25 years old; $5M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 66 GS; 37-21-6; 2.65 GAA; .905 SV%; one shutout Tweet this: His peripherals might keep you guessing, but the win totals and starts will be there.
68. Niklas Backstrom, G, Minnesota Wild: 32 years old; $6M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 58 GS; 26-23-8; 2.72 GAA; .903 SV%; two shutouts Tweet this: Wild drop-off for Backstrom sans Lemaire, but expect Year Two under Todd Richards to go more smoothly.
69. Dion Phaneuf, D, Toronto Maple Leafs: 25 years old; $6.5M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 0.40 P/G; 81 GP; 12G; 20A; 32 points; +1; 83 PIM; 225 SOG; 16 PPP Projected pairing: D1/ 1A; PP1 Tweet this: His fantasy stock has fallen on hard times, but in standard leagues he’s in line for a rebound with a truculence-based PIM spike too.
Nos. 70-79
70. Shea Weber, D, Nashville Predators: 25 years old; $4.5M cap hit; RFA in 2011 ’09-10: 0.55 P/G; 78 GP; 16G; 27A; 43 points; even, 36 PIM; 222 SOG; 20 PPP Projected pairing: D1; PP1 Tweet this: Weber assumes captain responsibilities now and he should continue to bring a nice blend of everything for his standard league owners.
71. Michael Cammalleri, W/C, Montreal Canadiens: 28 years old; $6M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 0.77 P/G; 65 GP; 26G; 24A; 50 points; +7; 16 PIM; 218 SOG; 15 PPP Projected line: L1; Andrei Kostitsyn, Tomas Plekanec; PP1 Tweet this: 13-6-9 in 19 GP playoff run is more likely the Cammalleri poolies will get in ’10-11. Point-per-game with CGY and LOS when healthy.
72. John Tavares, C, New York Islanders: 20 years old; $3.75M cap hit; RFA in 2012 ’09-10: 0.66 P/G; 82 GP; 24G; 30A; 54 points; -15; 22 PIM; 186 SOG; 25 PPP; 47.5 FO% Projected line: L1; Matt Moulson, Kyle Okposo; PP1 Tweet this: One step at a time for the first overall pick from 2009, who should see gains across the board statistically in Year Two.
73. Jonathan Quick, G, Los Angeles Kings: 24 years old; $1.8M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 72 GS; 39-24-7; 2.54 GAA; .907 SV%; four shutouts Tweet this: How long can Quick fend off young Jonathan Bernier’s challenge? Therein lies the tale of Quick’s ’10-11 value. Draft both to be sure.
74. Patrik Elias, LW, New Jersey Devils: 34 years old; $6M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 0.83 P/G; 58 GP; 19G; 29A; 48 points; +18; 40 PIM; 145 SOG; 11 PPP Projected line: L2; Jason Arnott, Jamie Langenbrunner; PP2 Tweet this: Reunited with Arnott, Elias is still capable of being a near point-per-game threat with helpful peripherals.
75. Carey Price, G, Montreal Canadiens: 23 years old; $2.75M cap hit; RFA in 2012 ’09-10: 39 GS; 13-20-5; 2.77 GAA; .912 SV%; no shutouts Tweet this: Can the youngster translate a taste of humble pie and the Halak trade into proving his worth as the franchise’s goalie?
76. Teemu Selanne, RW, Anaheim Ducks: 40 years old; $4.5M cap hit; UFA in 2011 ’09-10: 0.89 P/G; 54 GP; 27G; 21A; 48 points; +3; 16 PIM; 173 SOG; 27 PPP Projected line: L2; Bobby Ryan, Jason Blake; PP1 Tweet this: This PP fiend is a goal/ SOG dream for where you’ll snag him at the draft. Don’t be agist. If Ashton can marry Demi, you can take Teemu.
77. Andrei Markov, D, Montreal Canadiens: 31 years old; $5.75M cap hit; UFA in 2011 ’09-10: 0.76 P/G; 45 GP; 6G; 28A; 34 points; +11; 32 PIM; 85 SOG; 16 PPP Projected pairing: D1; PP1 Tweet this: Plan on ACL comeback in November and if it’s earlier, which it may be, then that’s gravy.
78. Steve Mason, G, Columbus Blue Jackets: 22 years old; $905K cap hit; RFA in 2013 ’09-10: 55 GS; 20-26-9; 3.05 GAA; .901 SV%; five shutouts Tweet this: For the ’09-10 taint this youngster carries headed into the draft, he’ll surely outperform where you nab him to be a second or third goalie.
79. Mikko Koivu, C, Minnesota Wild: 27 years old; $3.25M; UFA in 2018 ’09-10: 0.89 P/G; 80 GP; 22G, 49A; 71 points; -2; 50 PIM; 246 SOG; 28 PPP; 56.9 FO% Projected line: L1; Andrew Brunette, Antti Miettinen; PP1 Tweet this: The Wild locked up their two-way captain to a seven-year, $47.25M contract extension. Not an elite fantasy centre, but chips in everywhere.
Nos. 80-89
80. Patrick Sharp, W/C, Chicago Blackhawks: 28 years old; $3.9M cap hit; UFA in 2012 ’09-10: 0.80 P/G; 82 GP; 25G; 41A; 66 points; +24; 28 PIM; 266 SOG; 16 PPP; 51.7 FO% Projected line: L2; Viktor Stalberg, Marian Hossa; PP1 Tweet this: Sharp’s main value derives from his W/C status, which provides poolies with versatility as he thrives on a CHI scoring line.
81. Loui Eriksson, LW, Dallas Stars: 25 years old; $4.267M cap hit; UFA in 2016 ’09-10: 0.87 P/G; 29G; 42A; 71 points; -4. 26 PIM; 214 SOG; 12 PPP Projected line: L1; Brad Richards, James Neal; PP1 Tweet this: The Swede enters his fifth NHL campaign firmly entrenched with first line minutes and 134 points over his past two years.
82. Jonas Hiller, G, Anaheim Ducks: 28 years old; $4.5M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 58 GS; 30-23-4; 2.73 GAA; .918 SV%; two shutouts Tweet this: Even with the loss of Nieds on D, the changes aren’t shaping up too badly for Hiller’s stats going forward.
83. Travis Zajac, C, New Jersey Devils: 25 years old; $3.89M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 0.82 P/G; 82 GP; 25G; 42A; 67 points; +22; 24 PIM; 210 SOG; 21 PPP; 52.9 FO% Projected line: L1; Zach Parise, Ilya Kovalchuk; PP1 Tweet this: Parise and Kovalchuk on the same line = one happy centre.
84. Chris Mason, G, Atlanta Thrashers: 34 years old; $1.85M cap hit; UFA in 2012 ’09-10: 61 GS; 30-22-8; 2.53 GAA; .913 SV%; two shutouts Tweet this: Ideal for H2H leagues as a third starter; Mason, Pavelec and the Thrashers may surprise some people in ’10-11.
85. Tomas Plekanec, C, Montreal Canadiens: 27 years old; $5M cap hit; UFA in 2016 ’09-10: 0.85 P/G; 82 GP; 25G; 45A; 70 points; +5; 50 PIM; 216 SOG; 24 PPP; 49 FO% Projected line: L1; Michael Cammalleri, Andrei Kostitsyn; PP1 Tweet this: He rebounded from his subpar ’08-9 and expecting somewhere in the 65-70-point range once again seems pretty reasonable.
86. James Neal, LW, Dallas Stars: 23 years old; $2.875M cap hit; RFA in 2012 ’09-10: 0.71 P/G; 78 GP; 27G; 28A; 55 points; -5; 64 PIM; 200 SOG; 10 PPP Projected line: L1; Brad Richards, Loui Eriksson; PP2 Tweet this: Neal should continue the forward motion in his offensive development by surpassing the 30-goal mark and proving his “Real Deal” nickname.
87. Olli Jokinen, C, Calgary Flames: 31 years old; $3M cap hit; UFA in 2012 ’09-10: 0.61 P/G; 82 GP; 15G; 35A; 50 points; +3; 75 PIM; 236 SOG; 15 PPP; 49.3 FO% Projected line: L1; Alex Tanguay, Jarome Iginla; PP1 Tweet this: He’ll be a standard league steal this season for where you’ll get him. Hungry to put recent struggles behind him.
88. Derek Roy, C, Buffalo Sabres: 27 years old; $4M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 0.86 P/G; 80 GP; 26G; 43A; 69 points; +9; 48 PIM; 215 SOG; 25 PPP; 50.4 FO% Projected line: L1; Thomas Vanek, Drew Stafford; PP1 Tweet this: 220 points over his past three seasons and has only missed six games in that time too.
89. Simon Gagne, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning: 30 years old; $5.25M cap hit; UFA in 2011 ’09-10: 0.69 P/G; 58 GP; 17G; 23A; 40 points; -1; 47 PIM; 183 SOG; 19 PPP Projected line: L1; Vincent Lecavalier, Ryan Malone; PP1 Tweet this: Must shake the bad injury luck of the 2 of the past 3 seasons to find his goal-scoring groove. Could hit 40 if that happens.
Nos. 90-100
90. Mikael Samuelsson, RW, Vancouver Canucks: 33 years old; $2.5M cap hit; UFA in 2012 ’09-10: 0.72 P/G; 74 GP; 30G; 23A; 53 points; +10; 64 PIM; 219 SOG; 14 PPP Projected line: L1; Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin; PP1 Tweet this: Rose to the occasion with a top six role in VAN compared with generally an L3 slot in Detroit.
91. Chris Stewart, RW, Colorado Avalanche: 22 years old; $2.875M cap hit; RFA in 2012 ’09-10: 0.83 P/G; 77 GP; 28G; 36A; 64 points; +4; 73 PIM; 221 SOG; 13 PPP Projected line: L1; T.J. Galiardi, Paul Stastny; PP2 Tweet this: An increase in goals should be coming, but his PIM and SOG totals alone make him worthwhile for standard league owners regardless.
92. Lubomir Visnovsky, D, Anaheim Ducks: 34 years old; $5.6M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 0.62 P/G; 73 GP; 15G; 30A; 45 points; -10; 20 PIM; 131 SOG; 23 PPP Projected pairing: D1; PP1 Tweet this: 5-8-13 in 16 GP with ANH after the trade and passing last year’s 45 points is reasonable.
93. Thomas Vanek, LW, Buffalo Sabres: 26 years old; $7.14M cap hit; UFA in 2014 ’09-10: 0.75 P/G; 71 GP; 28G; 25A; 53 points; +9; 42 PIM; 182 SOG; 18 PPP Projected line: L1; Derek Roy, Drew Stafford; PP1 Tweet this: This Top 100 placement was a gift. Time to step up your game Thomas.
94. Rene Bourque, LW, Calgary Flames: 28 years old; $3.33M cap hit; UFA in 2016 ’09-10: 0.79 P/G; 73 GP; 27G; 31A; 58 points; +7; 88 PIM; 215 SOG; 13 PPP Projected line: L2; Niklas Hagman, Matt Stajan (Mikael Backlund); PP2 Tweet this: His PIM, SOG additions will once again make him a solid bargain in standard leagues.
95. Mark Streit, D, New York Islanders: 32 years old; $4.1M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 0.60 P/G; 82 GP; 11G; 38A; 49 points; even; 48 PIM; 187 SOG; 22 PPP Projected pairing: D1; PP1 Tweet this: As the youthful core of this team matures, Streit’s already-strong base of points should only grow.
96. Christian Ehrhoff, D, Vancouver Canucks: 28 years old; $3.1M cap hit; UFA in 2011 ’09-10: 0.55 P/G; 80 GP; 14G; 30A; 44 points; +36; 42 PIM; 181 SOG; 23 PPP Projected pairing: D1/ 1A; PP1 Tweet this: The main reason for his rise in fantasy value was the +/- spike; a level near which he’ll need to maintain.
97. Tobias Enstrom, D, Atlanta Thrashers: 25 years old; $3.75M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 0.61 P/G; 82 GP; 6G; 44A; 50 points; -5; 30 PIM; 109 SOG; 19 PPP Projected pairing: D1/ 1A; PP1 Tweet this: 120 points in 246 NHL GP and the young Swede has more to give his owners.
98. Jordan Staal, C, Pittsburgh Penguins: 22 years old; $4M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 0.60 P/G; 82 GP; 21G; 28A; 49 points; +19; 57 PIM; 195 SOG; 5 PPP; 48.3 FO% Projected line: L1/1A; Eric Tangradi, Evgeni Malkin; PP2 Tweet this: Aside from his stubborn foot infection, things are shaping up for career year with move up from L3 into more offensive role. PP1 possible.
99. Alex Burrows, LW/RW, Vancouver Canucks: 29 years old; $2M cap hit; UFA in 2013 ’09-10: 0.82 P/G; 82 GP; 35G; 32A; 67 points; +34; 121 PIM; 209 SOG; 6 PPP Projected line: L2; Mason Raymond, Ryan Kesler; PP3 Tweet this: Even missing the first part of the season, his point/ PIM/ +/- combo is worth the wait in a scoring line role.
100. Alex Goligoski, D, Pittsburgh Penguins: 25 years old; $1.83M cap hit; RFA in 2012 ’09-10: 0.54 P/G; 69 GP; 8G; 29A; 37 points; +7; 22 PIM; 98 SOG; 17 PPP Projected pairing: D1/ 1A; PP1 Tweet this: He’ll battle with Paul Martin and Kris Letang for prime PP time, but is – IMO – the best offensive option on D for Pens. Large upside.
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