Need a second opinion in your pool? Get help live!
That’s a wrap for today’s Q&A, but it’ll return live on Monday at 3 pm ET/ 12 pm PT.
Thanks for your involvement and as always… my apologies if I didn’t get to your question.
Thursday’s fantasy video
Wednesday night’s action
Hawks’ youth is served
Posted at 17:01 ET
WINGING IT
Jason from Quebec
“Hi Chris! Glad to see you still have the best fantasy hockey advice around!
I’m in a 1-year standard league and currently have Voros (RW) and Bernier (LW)
Would any of these FA’s be an upgrade for the rest of the year?
RW: Antropov, Versteeg, Knuble, Afinogenov, Gionta
LW: Avery, Blake, Hartnell, Booth, Malone”
Chris
Thanks Jason. I’d actually rather have Antropov than Voros long term, while Avery is pretty tempting over Bernier when you factor in the potential PIM.
Posted at 16:56 ET
TRADE THOUGHTS
Jeff in Toronto
“I’ve been offered Datsyuk, Gaborik and Leclaire for Hejduk, Souray and JSG. I have N. Kronwall to move into the D spot, is this a no-brainer? I’m actually reluctant to give up Hejduk who has been so darn hot. I tried to substitute Bertuzzi, but he wouldn’t go for it. Should I have jumped already?”
Chris
I’d take it Jeff. Hejduk has been hot and JSG will rebound, but Datsyuk is the best player in the deal and Gabby’s upside when healthy is even better than Souray’s – and they’re each an injury risk. Leclaire will get better.
Posted at 16:54 ET
TEAM REVIEW
Matt in Mtl
“Hey Chris,
I am loving the live blogs, and your insight is always appreciated.
I’m in a single season, 10 team H2H. I thought my team looked great after our draft but things aren’t looking good outta the gate and I find myself in second last place. The stat categories are G,A,P,+/-, PPP, SHP, GWG, W,L,GAA,SV%,SO. It is 22 player roster, each night we play 2C, 2 LW, 2 RW, 2F, 4D, 3 Util, 3G, 4 Bn and 2 IR and we are allowed 80 add drops for the season. My lineup is as follows:
C: Jokinen, Roy, Bergeron, Mueller, Lang, Fisher, Legwand
LW: Ovechkin, Morrow, Elias, Vermette
RW: Doan, Satan, Holmstrom, Erat, Justin Williams (IR)
D: Niedermayer, Boyle, Letang, Ehrhoff, Whitney (IR)
G: Lundgvist, Fleury, Leclaire
I realize I have to many C but it really hasn`t been an issue so far because of the 2F and 3 Util players that we are allowed to play each night. I am wondering where you think my weaknesses are and who I might be able to sacrifice for a waiver pickup as I am getting a little inpatient with a few of my players (Vermette, Fisher, Legwand, Mueller). Some of the notable players available are:
Krejci, Weight, Brassard, Handzus, Filppula, Comrie, Avery, Neal, Latendresse, Versteeg, Bernier, Voracek Robidas, Vlasic, Enstrom, Beauchemin, Spacek, Rivet, Giardi, Hamrlik, Ballard, Carle. What do I do???”
Chris
Thanks Matt. If you think you could get some use out of another defenceman in that nightly scenario, I could see adding someone like Robidas for now in place of Vermette or Legwand. I might even drop the other of those two to put Bernier in there, since you’ve got some flexibility with the F/ Util slots.
Brassard is interesting, but counting on rookies for months down the road can be daunting. Versteeg looks good now, but could be on a different line tomorrow and you have somewhat limited moves.
Posted at 16:46 ET
CROSBY TRADE
William, Idaho
“One year league incl pims.
I’ve been offered Crosby + Jovo for my Alfie + Chara.
Normally I would hit the button asap, but I’m already set on C and Jovo is a band-aid boy and not comparable to Chara. Also, without Alfie my wingers will not be as strong. But hey, it’s Crosby we are talking about here. Go?”
Chris
As much as Crosby is still the favourite to win the Art Ross this year, I might not make the rade. I agree with your assessment of the centre situation and I’m guessing your wingers would be hurt more by Alfie’s departure than your centres would be helped by Crosby’s arrival. I’d rather have Chara than Jovo too, although Jovo will come around.
Posted at 16:42 ET
FA POSSIBILITIES
Joe.zone
“Hey Chris
looking for your input on my team; keeper league, 12 teams, G A PPP +/- SOG PIM & W SV% GAA SO
here’s the team;
C Gomez, Big Joe
LW Nasher, Prospal, Lucic
RW Doan, Hemsky, Holmstrom, Setoguchi
D Coburn, Rafalski, Hamrlik, Keith, Visnovski
G Nabokov, Leclaire
FA’s
Drury, Jordan Staal, Lang, Pavelski, Khabibulin
Thanks Chris, here’s to another great season with your advice.”
Chris
Thanks Joe. I would actually be looking to cut bait with either Hamrlik or Keith, who have been doing ok, to add Khabi and help you out in net for at least the time being. He’s been playing really well and could be a shot in the arm there.
Posted at 16:37 ET
DROP JB?
Taylor
“Hi Chris,
Thanks for taking my question.
I’m in a strictly Goals and Assists pool which you have two defensemen. In my draft I got zdeno chara & jay bouwmeester. We each have two trades for the whole season.
My question is: Due to the lack of production by both mainly boumeester should I use one of my trades this early or wait and see what happens. Shea Weber is a current free agent or is there some one else you had in mind? Thanks a lot.”
Chris
Taylor, when you’re in a situation with only two trades for the entire season you really need to wait until you have a player with a long-term injury or there’s a clear-cut big gain situation with your swap.
Bouwmeester should settle in around 40 points this year and as much as Weber is hot now; what are the odds he puts up the sort of 60-point season you’d need to even possibly justify making the swap?
As frustrating as it is, you really have to save those moves for later.
Posted at 16:33 ET
STAMKOS
Alex, Vancouver
“Hey Chris,
Stamkos… yay or nay? I love watching this guy play (I haven’t seen much of the tampa games) but he’s not producing at all. Same deal with Selanne but I know if I drop him he’ll just pick up right after. Tkachuk, Carter, M. Koivu, Miettinen are the top tier FA out there. Thanks”
Chris
He’s not producing because his ice time has been brutal. That will improve and he’ll also be worked into the PP regularly. Tkachuk is scoring goals left and right and is hotter now, so if your league is shallow enough where he can be a FA then you could try him and watch Stamkos’ production/ ice time.
I do think his numbers are going to come around though. Too much talent and his linemates are fine.
Posted at 16:30 ET
TEAM EVAL
John from Ottawa
“Hey Chris,
Great stuff on your column as always. I’ve been challenged by a frequent reader of this website – “known as: Lord Stanley” to submit my fantasy team for an analysis and opinions.
10 team roto keeper league. Weighted scoring system: G, A, PIM, +/-, Wins/SO
Active roster consists of 6F, 4D, 2G, 8 Bench and 1 Rookie (No waiver wire pick-ups. Waiver draft in January).
Protection players entering the draft: Lecavalier (F), E. Staal (F), Nash (F), Green (D), Fleury (G), Brassard (R)
Players selected (round):
F: Franzen (3rd), Parise (4th), Marleau (5th), Lucic (13th), Naslund (13th), Federov (15th), Clarkson (16th)
D: Bieksa (2nd), Redden (4th), Bouwmeester (6th), Rivet (8th), Niskanen (14th), D. Morris (16th)
G: Price (1st), Theodore (5th)
Cheers”
Chris
Pretty good crop of keepers there John and your rookie has played well too. Franzen might have been a bit of a reach that high, but I guess we’ll see. Marleau has turned into a steal thus far. Not sure I would have taken Clarkson, even for the PIM boost, but that may be a move you can remedy in January if it’s not working out.
Having Price and Fleury in net should be fine in the long run and if you could keep two goalies as keepers I’d actually consider Price over Staal.
Posted at 16:23 ET
TOO MANY YOTES ?
BFG in PA
“In my 10 team 2 player keeper H2H standard scoring w pims. I have three Yotes: Jokinen, Doan, and Carcillo the rest of my squad is Heatley, Backstrom(Wash), Selanne, Plekanec, Huselius, Holmstrom, Bernier, Horcoff, Boyle, R.Blake, Spacek, T. Kaberle, Coburn and G’s Price, Gerber, and Thomas. One team has on the trading block- St.Louis and Toews. Would you offer Doan for either, if so which one or do you think I should drop Carcillo or anyone else from my current squad for any of these fa’s Lang, Modano, Guerin, Drury, Kunitz, R. Malone, Cleary,
Antropov, or Sturm. We play 2 c’s, 2 lw’s, 2rw’s, 2 f’s, 1 util, 4 d a night.
Thanks and nice trade in your league quite a blockbuster.”
Chris
Thanks, although I still have pangs of regret with Kari gone.
I think it’s too early to say goodbye to Carcillo. Even though I expect fewer PIM than last year, he still has a long way to drop and still have good totals there.
As much as I’d love to see you capitalize on Toews’ slow start, it’s just tough to justify dealing away a quality winger like Doan for a centre.
I’d be more tempted to keep an eye on Malone and when he starts to produce he might do you better than having an extra defenceman… so maybe Spacek would go.
Posted at 16:17 ET
AVERY GONE SOFT?
Mike from T.O.
“Hey Chris,
I was so excited to have drafted Avery in a later round.
I had expectations that he would reach 40-50 points and collect 150+ PIM
so far, he’s done little of either…. (aside from 1 strong PIM outing).
I heard about some rule this year that fines/penalizes players who get 3 games misconducts.
Is that the reason for the low PIM?
or has he just gone soft?
Thanks”
Chris
I think it’s way too early to pull the plug on Avery Mike. Dallas is in a funk for whatever reason, but they will come out of it. Avery too. Patience here should be rewarded. He’s got a great line assignment and he’ll get his PIM too.
Posted at 16:14 ET
WHICH D?
Frank “the Riddler” Gorshin, Gotham, NY ??
“Hi Chris
Riddle me this Defence question.
Roto, non-keeper league. Goals (2pts), Assist(1), SHG(1) and GWG(1)
The defencemen I have that concern me are: Schneider and Letang. Schneider is starting pretty slow on an Atlanta team and Letang hasn’t really produced.
Free agent choices are: Zidlicky (coming off the IR on Thurs), Robidas,Erhoff, Rivet, Spacek, Hamrlik, Beauchemin, Ballard, Ohlund, Bieska, Grebeshkov, Coburn, Spacek Federov ?(Doesn’t have D desgination yet on yahoo?)
Whats your top 3 choices? Or Should I be patient?
Please assist !!
Thanks !!!!!!!!!!”
Chris
Although I think that Schneider and Letang will be fine, you’ve got a fairly talented pool of FA. No need to wait, I don’t think, so I’d try Robidas and Ehrhoff for now.
Too bad PIM isn’t a category for you… there are some good choices there for that specifically.
Posted at 16:11 ET
STASTNY OR BACKSTROM?
Justin from Mississauga
“Hey chris, this blog has to be one of the most useful tools in a fantasy hockey belt lol, keep up the amazing work. So I have been offered Backstrom(WSH)/Holik for my Stastny/Y.Weber(farm)/Lisin(farm). This is a h2h salary cap league (75 mill max) with 21 roster size and a 21 size farm team. Scoring cats: G, A, +/-, PIM, PPG, PPA, SHP, GWG, SOG, FW. We start 2c,2lw,2rw,4d,2g.
Other manager can’t drop Holik because he will have to take on 50% of Holiks salary (1.25 mill) and he doesn’t have the cap space, while I can take the 1.25 hit (I have around 7-8mill left). Basically, is Backstrom worth all this trouble over Stastny? Thanks”
Chris
Thanks Justin. I think they’ve each got really special potential, although I’d rather have Backstrom because of the Ovechkin connection for the next decade. I don’t really have a problem with the deal if you’re willing to take on the salary of Holik for now – even if you drop him.
Posted at 16:04 ET
TEAM EVAL
Pete in Mississauga
“Hi Chris,
I need your help with my Yahoo H2H team (G, A, +/-, PIM, PPP, SOG, W, GAA, SV%, SHO) as I’m currently dead last. Team is:
C – Horcoff, Briere, Lecavalier
LW – Bertuzzi, Avery, Carcillo
RW – Selanne, Doan, Setoguchi
D – Phaneuf, Boyle, Timonen
G – Khabi, Huet, Leclaire, Conklin
Waiver – McDonald (STL), Kesler, Bergeron, Versteeg, Modano, White, Little, Fedorov, Robidas, Pavelski, Suter, Stamkos, Filatov
Any changes you would suggest? Thanks!”
Chris
Pete, to get a quick jump-start you could try subbing out Horcoff/ McDonald, even though I think Horcoff will be fine. Keep an eye on Fedorov’s F/D designation too. Other than that, I’d actually pretty much stand pat for now.
Posted at 15:59 ET
THE STAMKOS DILEMMA
Sloppy Joe in Ottawa
“Hi Chris,
I’ve got Stamkos in one of my pools this year. I drafted him late and expected a slow start, but not quite this slow. His lack of quality ice time in particular is really concerning me, although it’s nice to see his shot totals going up a bit.
I’m willing to keep holding on to him if you think this is the Nicklas Backstrom situation all over again — that is, once the coach smartens up and the ice time comes, so will the points. But the key issue is, can Stamkos hit the 60+ point plateau this year? Because, otherwise, I’m not sure he’s all that valuable in my pool, which is pretty shallow.
League info: H2H; 10 managers; G, A, +/-, PPP, PIM, SOG, W, GAA, SV%, and SO; daily roster adjustments, unlimited moves/trades. My roster:
C: Savard, Ribeiro, Sakic, Stamkos
LW: Parise, Avery, Carcillo
RW: Hossa, Pominville, Sykora
D: Chara, Coburn, Zidlicky, Roszival
G: Brodeur, Fleury, Thomas
Notable FAs: Macdonald, Holmstrom, Erat, and Nylander, plus treat-of-the-weekers like Kotalik and Miettinen.
Cheers.”
Chris
The lack of ice time for Stamkos to this point has been RIDICULOUS. That said, it’s apparently going to change asap. McDonald is off to a crazy-good start and would make due for now and in all likelihood, he could match whatever Stamkos was going to do anyway.
Like I said though, Stamkos should see more ice time soon and he will produce. A guy like him, when hot, can often draw much more interest via trade in pools than someone like McDonald. Food for thought, anyway.
Posted at 15:55 ET
ADD SUNDIN?
Garry
“Understand Sundin is going to start training over the next few weeks for a Dec 2008 – Jan 2009 return. Is now the time to grab him? Thanks!”
Chris
If you can afford to have him on your bench given that timeline of a return likely being a month away at the earliest, then sure. I have little doubt that Sundin will produce at his normal level within a fairly short time, so it’s up to each fantasy GM to decide if tying up that bench spot is worth the hassle in the meantime. In some cases it will be (more likely roto) and in others maybe not (H2H, unless your team is already really solid and you’re planning for the second half/ playoffs).
Posted at 15:51 ET
HELP!
Nelson from Nunavut
“Chris,
My season started out pretty good but I’ve quickly fallen to 8th place in my 9 team league and am currently over 30 points behind the leader. Points-only with G (1), A (1), PIM (.25), PPP (.5), SHP (1), GWG (.5) and no position requirements. Here is my roster and any help you could offer would be very much appreciated:
Vincent Lacavalier
Henrik Zetterberg
Simon Gagne
Brendan Morrow
Dion Phaneuf
Daniel Sedin
Corey Perry
Andrei Kostitsyn
Sean Avery
Daniel Carcillo
Chris Pronger
Scott Niedermayer
Some available FA’s are: Milan Michalek, Setoguchi, Afinogenov, Lang, Holmstrom, Miettinen, Erat, Antropov, Zherdev, Burrows, Latendresse, Wolski, and of course Mats Sundin who is in the news again.
Should I switch out any of the under-achievers or continue to remain patient? I’m not too sure what to do. Thank you.”
Chris
Your team is, in many ways, the poster child for underachieving players. I really wouldn’t be too worried overall Nelson because you’ve got a pretty solid roster top to bottom. Guys like Avery and Carcillo have less worth in these leagues because a PIM is only worth a ¼ point, but those 10-minute misconducts can add up pretty quickly.
I’d stand pat for another few weeks though and see where you’re at then. Some of your starts should be pulling their weight by then, I’d imagine.
Posted at 15:44 ET
PATIENCE… SHE IS A VIRTUE
Greg in BC
“Hi Chris,
Great to see you back at it with the blog additions this year! Always good to drop by over a cup of coffee each morning!
8 team roto league without SOG, FO.
I have Toews and Getzlaf and wonder how long I should be hanging on to them? Many good FA including Kessel, Holmstrom, Smyth, Huselius, McDonald, Kessler.
Is this a case of patience being a virtue?”
Chris
In an eight-team league there’s no doubt a lot of good talent on the FA wire Greg. That said, Toews and Getzlaf should be among the better centres/ forwards this year so I would absolutely sit tight. They’re just too good to have mediocre stats like this for much longer.
Posted at 15:42 ET
TIME TO CUT BAIT?
Eric in Delaware
“Chris,
I’m in a no-game-limit, daily roster setting H2H league (8 keepers) that features G,A,+/-,PIM,PPP,SHP and SOG as offensive categories. I’ve got Peter Mueller, Dennis Wideman and Erik Cole on my roster not doing nearly enough. I probably won’t cut bait on Mueller just due to potential, but I was counting on Wideman and Cole to do a lot more. How long should I be holding on to guys like these? I’ve already missed out on Kessel and Ehrhoff holding these two; at what point do I bail out and look at a Kotalik, Setoguchi, Smyth, or Versteeg, or a Hamrlik or Robidas?”
Chris
Eric, a guy like Wideman has lost at least some value because Bergeron is more or less taking his point on the PP now that he’s healthy. I’d give Robidas a try, at least until Zubov is back.
As much as Cole will turn it around, go with Smyth because they’re similar anyway and Smyth’s line is smoking hot.
Posted at 15:37 ET
WHICH THREE?
DC
“Hey Chris, thanks for the live blog action, its such a great help.
One year points pool with the following stats: Goals, Assists, +/-, PPP, SHG all worth 1, with GWG worth 2.
Which three (out of the following names) do you think you’d rather have on board for the long haul this season?
R. Smyth, S. Fedorov, Setoguchi, Arnott, Dubinsky, Pavelski, Brunnstrom.
Thanks again!”
Chris
The three safer bets are Arnott and Smyth. Fedorov’s worth goes up if he’s gotten the D/F designation, but that hasn’t happened in all leagues yet.
For a third choice, despite the early comparative numbers with a few of those guys, I’d likely chance Brunnstrom. There are some other decent choices there with good line combos too… but I just like what I’ve seen so far.
Posted at 15:32 ET
ZUBOV’S INJURY
Linda in Hamilton
“Hey Chris. Big fan. I took Zubov in my pool and was wondering if I should trade him or hold onto him. Some of my remaining selections are D Wideman, M Schneider, Ron Hainsey and N Kronwall. Do you know anything on when Zubov is returning or should I select one of the above? Thanks Chris and keep up your great work.”
Chris
Thanks. Assuming this is for a bench slot anyway, I’d rather have Zubov long term. We should know more on his condition in the next few weeks, which will give us an idea of a possible return date. If you need a guy right now, I’d rather have Schneider for the whole year. if this is a limited moves thing though, I’d sit tough if you can afford it.
Posted at 15:30 ET
WHO TO DROP FOR JOVOCOP?
James in Dallas
“Hey Chris, I was hoping to leave your inbox unscathed but need your counsel after a series of panic drops by fellow fantasy owners.
C: Getzlaf, Jokinen, Sakic and Horcoff
LW: Zetterberg, Avery, Carcillo, Bertuzzi
RW: Kane, Doan, Sykora
D: Boyle, Visnovsky, R. Blake, S. Weber
G: Luongo and Bryzgalov
The three panic moves added Ed Jovanovski, Andy McDonald and Mike Ribeiro to the free agent pool. My team is jam packed with power forwards and must wonder if Avery-Carcillo-Bertuzzi is almost overkill for PIM. Ribeiro had a fantastic year but I agree with your thoughts on his weak peripherals, while Andy McDonald is intriguing in a league that counts FW.
Jovocop, to me, might be the biggest “steal” even if his slow start is disturbing. Would you drop Blake, Weber or even Bertuzzi for Jovocop’s attractive mix of PIMs and points (even if his injury prone ways are rather unattractive)? Or would I be better off with one of those under-the-radar forwards?”
Chris
Even though I think Horcoff might have more longer term upside this season James, I’d be tempted to boot him for McDonald since it seems like the league is shallow enough to recover someone similar down the road.
I would not give up on Avery/ Carcillo yet, despite slow starts. There is plenty of time for PIM and I would absolutely want to keep them both. For you to add Jovo it really comes down to dropping Bertuzzi, likely. I’m torn there, but Jovo is a safer bet in the long run. He started slowly last year, but he’ll come around. I just like the way Bert has looked so far… tough call. Go with the position you need more. Dropping Blake is a possibility too, although I think his numbers will improve as well.
Posted at 15:24 ET
WHAT TO DO?
Alex, Ottawa
“Hey Chris,
We’re in a 1-year league where we must keep 12 F, 6 D, 2 G and we count only points (and SO, W for goalies). The only way to pick up & drop players is in odd-numbered trades. I have the chance to trade a forward (J. Carter, Gionta or A. McDonald – which would you do?) for Andrei Markov. I would then drop either Wideman, N. Kronwall or B. McCabe (advice? :)], and pick up either Cogliano, S. Kozlov, Vermette, Knuble, Legwand, Penner, Holmstrom, Setoguchi or Vik. Kozlov (hmm…).
Would you go through with the deal, or would you stand pat and wait a few more games to see how guys do before making a move? And if you would do the deal, which players would you be adding/dropping/trading? Thanks a bunch!”
Chris
Assuming you’re not penalized by a limited amount of moves, I’d deal Gionta to get Markov. Then I’d drop Wideman (toss up with him or Kronwall) and add a safety guy like Holmstrom. He may not have the upside of some of those players, but he’s always going to play with studs and he’ll get your 55 or so points by year’s end for sure, barring injury.
Posted at 15:19 ET
TRADE OFFER
Shane in Edmonton
“Hey Chris, wondering what you think of this offer in my 8-team points-only pool(2g 1a). Horcoff and Langkow for my Bernier and MacDonald. I want to go through but I don’t like that I’m getting 2 C’s in return for a C and a RW, where we start 4 of each position every day. Thanks as usual for your great help.”
Chris
I kind of agree with you here Shane. As much as the guys you’re getting will likely out-point the guys you’d be giving up, an eight-team league that counts LW-C-RW means centres are really easy to come by. Sounds like you’d best be served by standing pat there.
Posted at 15:17 ET
ADD AULD?
Loyal Reader
“Hello Chis,
In a 12 Team Y! H2H draft. With Gerbers play so far, do you think the door is open for Auld. I’m really happy with my team so far but my only weaknees is really in net. We can only start 2 goalies each night and I have Kipper, Ellis and Budaj. Is it worth dropping a guy like Kuba for Auld or do you think I’d be alright with the tending I’ve got. Categories for goaltenders are W, L, GAA, SV Regards,”
Chris
I wouldn’t drop a producing d-man like Kuba to get a guy who may or may not get more starts than the average back-up. Gerber’s stats will pick up when the team plays well and the three goalie you’ve got now have more of a chance at starting regularly.
Posted at 15:12 ET
TRADE THOUGHTS
MEP
“Chris,
H2H -no pims or shots
Have an offer on the table. What do you think?
My
Briere
Sykora
Biron
for
Tanguay
Sharp
Kiprusoff”
Chris
I think you’d upgrade your goaltending there, but a guy like Sharp has a little less value without his SOG. It also helps Tanguay though.
I’m fine either either side, so it really comes down to a slight offensive boost with the Briere side vs. a slight goaltending bump with the Kipper side.
Posted at 15:07 ET
FIRST MARLEAU, NOW WHO?
Pete from San Antonio
“Dear Chris,
Glad I picked up Marleau on your advice! Now reviewing my D-men. I have Lidstrom, Niedermayer, Chara, Weber, Hainsey and Coburn. Would you consider switching out one or both of those last two for these FAs? Looking for all scoring categories and PIMs for single-season league.
Vlasic, Ballard, Hamrlik, Keith, Spacek, Havelid, Numminen (I like to have at least one old Jet on my team!), Boynton.”
Chris
So now I have to deliver a four-point night with every pick? No pressure. Actually though, I’d stand pat. I like that D corps you’ve got and long term there’s no one on the FA list I’d rather have.
Posted at 15:04 ET
PICK ONE
Wayner
“Hey Chris!!!
Who do you like better for a H2H league with no penalties?
Miettinen (playing with Koivu)
Sykora (seems to be getting lost in Pits)
Brunnstrum (playing with the big boys)
Thanks a ton”
Chris
Short term: Miettinen.
Longer term I’d go with either Brunnstrom or Sykora because they’ve got more offensive upside and since I generally like to think longer term anyway, I’d give Brunnstrom a try. He has really impressed me to date, on the whole.
Posted at 15:00 ET
MALKIN OR PHANEUF?
Kelly in Calgary
“Hi Chris
I’m off to a brutal start. I finished first last year, and am now in last place in an 11 GM League. We can keep 5 players each year (6 keepers if you finish inthe top 5). Our league stats are: G, A, PIM, +/-, PPP, SHP, GWG, Shots, Faceoff’s; Goalie Stats: Wins, GAA, Sv%, Saves.
My team is:
C – Spezza, Backstrom, Marleau
LW – Zetterberg, Gagne, Avery
RW – Gaborik, Satan, Franzen (C)
D – Phaneuf, Campbell, Visnovsky, Blake
G – Price, Turco
Bench – Langkow, Selanne, Fedorov
I’ve been offered Malkin for Phaneuf and my 4th round pick next season. Phaneuf has been an untradeable player for me in the past, but I haven’t been offered a guy like Malkin before.
Because I can only keep 5 or 6 players each year, adding Malkin could make a guy like Spezza or
Backstrom tradeable for another high end D-man (ie. Lidstrom, Chara) to try to replace some of what I would lose with Phaneuf gone. What do you think?”
Chris
Malkin is a special talent and we’ve yet to even see his best production Kelly. That said, you’re in a league with the LW-C-RW designations and that makes centres less valuable. I’d rather have Phaneuf, personally. I may be in the minority, but I think he’s more valuable in those sorts of keeper leagues.