Need some help deciding which players would be a good fit for your fantasy roster?
Important: With Q&A running on Mondays and Thursdays this season, please hold your question until late Sunday/ early Monday and late Wednesday/ early Thursday each week.
Why?
Most questions involve free agents in your league and someone who is available on Friday afternoon won’t necessarily be there for the taking on Monday afternoon when the Q&A begins.
I’ll get to as many questions as possible each session and I can be reached at chris.nichols@sportsnet.rogers.com. Please keep the question (singular) brief and you’ll increase your chance of getting in by formatting it exactly like I do in the blog (all caps title, name and hometown, brief question).
And as you know, the live game blogging kicks off on Saturday! Alex Goligoski’s run for the Calder, Norris and Hart will begin… at least that’s what I’ve been telling myself with Sergei Gonchar’s glaring absence from Team Nichols for most of ’08-9. Thank Hemsky for Dion Phaneuf…
Thursday’s fantasy hockey video, presented by Stanley Tools, is also out. This one deals with the importance of line combos and I’ll have a new feature each and every Thursday this season.
FREE AGENT DECISIONS
Jill in Toronto
“Hey Chris,
Love the writing and the insight, and appreciate tireless efforts towards keeping us poolies on top of our game. I just autodrafted in a standard 12 team Roto league and am wondering how best to dive into the free agent pool without belly flopping.
My roster:
C – D. Roy, Ribeiro
LW – Kovalchuk, Morrow
RW – Kovalev, Doan
D – Burns, Kubina, Streit, Rivet
Util – Parise, Hemsky
G – Nabokov, Biron
BN – Horcoff, Higgins, Ray Whitney, Rozsival
Notable FA’s: Bertuzzi, J. Lehtinen, Filppula, Nylander, S. Kostitsyn, Spacek, Rob Blake, Beauchemin, Kuba, and in net Fernandez, Halak, Conklin, Khabi, Mason, LaBarbera, Kolzig, Roloson. I’d particularly like to add a 3rd goalie, and get a little stronger on D. Who would you add/drop? Which goalie has the best roto potential? Thanks so much!”
Chris
Thanks for the kind words Jill. For an auto-drafted team (which is normally death given how horribly fantasy services generally rank their players), that actually doesn’t look too bad at all.
There are a few things that stand out for me in terms of possible moves for you and I also agree that getting stronger on D would be good. Maybe the trade route will be the best way there, although you still have some decent “hidden” values there that may come through ok.
First order of business… I’d personally rather chance Bertuzzi’s PIM potential than to have someone like Whitney or Rozsival on the bench. Bert doesn’t have to be a point-per-game player again to make that move worthwhile.
Grab Rob Blake immediately too, subbing out one of the bench players I mentioned. His potential with Boyle in SJ is looking good and +/- won’t be an issue there like it was in L.A. Blake can take Rivet’s spot on the active roster too.
And since you want a third goalie, I’d start with Conklin to use as a spot starter when Osgood rests. Detroit is just too good and Conklin looked sharp last year in PIT. You’d have to either sacrifice Higgins (good goal/ SOG potential) or Horcoff (should be a point-per-game threat, but centres are always available) to get that done though.
TRADE OVECHKIN?
MuckNGrind from PA
“10tm, H2H standard scoring w/ PIMs
So I got 1st pick and landed Ovechkin and we even started a keeper league this year (just 2 keepers) so I even get to keep him for next year…
I just got the following offer for him and its a doozie
I get: Danny Heatley, Olli Jokinen & Carey Price
for Ovechkin…
Initial reaction would be to take this and be very happy but Ovechkin is Ovechkin…
My other LWs – Avery, Malone, Whitney
Other Cs – Vinny, Briere, Gomez, Sakic
Other Gs – LeClaire, Backstrom & Garon
What would Chris Nichols do? Good to be back!”
Chris
This trade basically comes down to “downgrading” from Ovechkin to Heatley as a keeper next summer in order to bolster your roster for a good run this year. As rich of a trade offer as that is, I just don’t think you can deal Ovechkin as one of your two keepers. I don’t think the upgrade you’d get (your roster is pretty decent now) is necessarily worth it for this year either, even though I think highly of all three players you’d be getting in return.
Maybe I’m crazy… I just would have a hard time pulling the trigger there given the parameters.
FIRST TIMER
Blue and White Puck Bunny
“Hi Chris!
My boyfriend convinced me to join his Fantasy hockey league and he’s the reigning champion so I need your help to beat him at his own game. Any advice you could give me on my team would be awesome.
It’s an 8 team Yahoo head to head league with the standard scoring categories.
C: Ryan Getzlaf, Mike Ribeiro, Jordan Staal (C, LW)
LW: Alex Ovechkin, Sean Avery
RW: Marion Hossa, Alexei Kovalev, Ales Hemsky
D: Dan Boyle, Sergei Zubov, Pavel Kubina, Kris Letang, Braydon Coburn
G: Henrik Lundqvist. Chris Osgood, Ty Conklin
Think I’ve got a shot?
Thanks so much!”
Chris
It’s a good-looking team, but most of them tend to be in eight-team leagues. That can also work to your benefit though, since H2H leagues (small ones especially) tend to feature so many add/drops each day in order to max out the GP limits each week.
You should be set in net and I’d certainly likely keep Conklin all year with Osgood given how many starts Conklin may see. Your bottom-end defencemen may be a little weak given the size of your league, but there’s still potential there. Ovechkin and Hossa are great anchors on the wing too, so just stay on top of this team and potential free agents and there’s no reason why you can’t compete.
Best of luck in your inaugural year and hopefully you can take your boyfriend down at the same time.
WAITING ON SUNDIN
Corey in Montreal
“Hey Chris, Im in a standard 12 man head to head yahoo league and I drafted Mats Sundin in the last round of an 18 round draft. How long should I wait for him before exploring other options? Thanks in advance.”
Chris
Corey, I think in an H2H format where you can actually utilize your bench players (as opposed to roto, where you can only use so many GP) you’d be best served by moving on if you’ve got a decent pool of FA in your league. There’s just no indication of when he’ll come back right now, so it makes it tough to waste a spot on him when you’re actually losing points nightly because of it.
TEAM EVAL
GP in Toronto
“Hi Chris, it feels good to be asking a fantasy hockey question again. I was getting withdrawal symptoms in August. So I had my first draft on Monday night and was just looking for a quick team evaluation heading into the year. It’s a single season, 11 team, Yahoo points league with stat modifiers: G (1), A (1), +/- (0.5), PIM (0.1), PPP (0.5), SHP (1), GWG (1), SOG (0.1), W (1), GA (-0.25), SV (0.05), SHO (2). My roster:
C: Jokinen, Horcoff, Tkachuk, Turris(BN)
W: Ovechkin, Selanne, Rolston, Bertuzzi, Malone(BN), Holmstrom(BN)
D: Niedermayer, Campbell, Visnovsky, Blake, Bogosian(BN)
G: Lundqvist, Leclaire, Bryzgalov(BN)
FA @ C: O’Sullivan, Hecht, Pavelski, Lombardi, Comrie, Kozlov
D: Murphy, Salo, Ohlund, Regehr, Martin, Stuart, Carle, Komisarek, Ranger, Goligoski”
Chris
It’s good to be so close to the start of the season, no doubt.
Your team looks pretty decent overall. Bogosian might be a bit of a stretch given how little PIM count in your league, so I’d imagine he’ll be sacrificed at some point for a hotter free agent. You may want to grab Goligoski now, actually, to see how well he fits in with the Pens PP off the bat this weekend.
FREE AGENT GRAB
Henry in Vancouver
“Missed the live draft ,ended up with some suspect choices but improved through free agency should I make any other moves? HtH, single season, 8team yahoo league G A P +/- PIM PPG PPA SHG SHA
GWG / W GAA S% SHO
C – Spezza, Marleau, Mueller
LW- Heatley, Gagne, Vanek
RW- Sykora, Selanne, Lupul
D – Gonchar, Visnovsky, Pronger, Bouwmeester
G- Luongo, Turco
B – Wideman, J Staal, Ryder, Avery, S Koivu, Sundin, Afiniganov
IR Willimas (soon to be Gonchar)
FA of note: Lucic, Umberger, Stafford, Christensen, Williams, Clowe,
Perron, S Kozlov Garon, K Lehtonen. Thanks”
Chris
Henry, I’d be less likely to hang onto Sundin in a small league and especially in an H2H format where his potentially prolonged absence could really cost you on a nightly basis. I’d be most likely to add a depth winger in his place, but it’ll depend on the early season line combos. Williams is the most likely to help immediately, but Clowe and Lucic have potential if they line up in the right spots. If Umberger carries wing eligibility from last season that’s a good pick too, even if he’s centring the second line in Columbus.
TOKYO SUBWAY
Bob from Japan
“Chris
So I decided to subscribe to your RSS feeds starting this season. I can get RSS feeds on my cell phone, so I’m reading your blog on the morning jam packed rush hour commute. I’m not sure how RSS numbers account for your readership page views, but hopefully there’s some mechanism b/c your knowledge is invaluable even though I don’t directly hit your page (at least not until I get to work). Please keep up the great work and looking forward to the “best….fantasy season….ever”.”
Chris
Thanks Bob. I’m honestly fairly blissfully ignorant in terms of the RSS feeds and how that works in terms of my hits, but the actual page hits (and the new videos viewed) are obviously crucial and are the bottom line for me aside from providing useful content to the site. Every hit is a vote for success.
OH MY GO….NCHAR
Zach in Dallas
“Long time reader, and back2back league champ.
16 teams 14 players per team (6 F, 4 D,1 G) (G=2 A=1 PIM=.5 +/1- =1) No IR
This was supposed to be a “how’d I do” post… until this news. Drafted Gonchar and with no IR, not sure I can hold him for 4-6 months.…
I can go the standard 4D or try to “wing’ it with 3 d until a breakout or a trade opp opens.
FA
D – K. Ballard, J. Johnson, F. Beauchemin, Matt Carle, Staal, Z. Bogosian, A. Goligoski”
Chris
Zach, with no IR it’s pretty tough to hang onto Gonchar for that length of time unless your bench players are really weak and have little chance of cracking your roster. Goligoski is the first one I’d try since he could be in line for a surprisingly good season on the PIT PP.
POST-LANG
Good morning Chris, for FANTASY PUCK PREVIEW: CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS you still have Veteran centre Robert Lang with Chicago who will replace him. Thanks”
Chris
Hmm. Not really sure what you’re referring to since I have no content like that. It’s possible you’re thinking of other content that has been advertised on this site but that was not written by me.
I’ve mentioned the Chicago situation a number of times in recent blogs and a video too. I think that barring a trade, it’ll eventually fall on Patrick Sharp even though they’d prefer to have him on the wing. Kontiola was just sent down.
The bottom line for the Hawks though is that right now that L2 centre spot is still pretty much wide open. There is no official answer. Kontiola or Bolland could fill it at some point, but the Hawks are still figuring out what to do and whatever happens with Khabi and his contract will likely go a long way to determining that end-game.
DRAFT EVALUATION
Chris in Dixie
“Hi Chris –
I am loving the improvements, the content, everything. I just autopicked this team for my 8 team Yahoo standard H2H league. I had the last pick (8) of the first round.
I don’t know what people were thinking but Heatley and Iginla slipped down to me and my 8th and 9th picks. So here is the rest of the team.
C – Getzlaf, Savard, Marleau
R – Iginla, Selanne, Hemsky
L – Heatley, Morrow, Prospal
D – Boyle, Markov, Visnovsky, Timonen, Byfuglien (L)
g – Lundqvist, Ward, Bryzgalov
I am pretty happy with the team. What do you think – any glaring weaknesses?
Thanks for the thoughts.”
Chris
Thanks Chris. It’s shaping up to be another fantastic season.
I would imagine that Lundqvist and Bryzgalov will be your two horses in net, with Ward’s viability dependent upon Carolina’s ability to play better D this season. Given your H2H format, you may or may not keep him around for too long. I hope he has a really good start though because he’s a better goalie than his regular season stats have indicated.
All in all though, it’s a pretty typically strong eight-team league roster. It’s up to you to stay on top of everything to maximize the potential, which I know you will.
KHABI PLAN SHABBY?
R.S. in Ottawa
“16-team, fully standard rotisserie league where 5 keepers are kept under a percentage of the NHL salary cap. My recently drafted team:
C Jokinen, Backstrom
LW Morrow
RW Kovalev
W Cole
F A. Kostitsyn
D Phaneuf, McCabe, JovoCop
G Kipper, Khabi
Bench Lang, R. Blake, Hiller, Harding
FAs: Tkachuk, Vrbata, Shanny, Salo, Ohlund, B. Lee, Poti, Ersberg, Labarbera, Norrena, Roloson, C. Anderson (basically, not a lot out there)
Love my peripherals. Anyhow, since very few goalies were available in our draft (16 teams, after all), my strategy was to build around one strong goalie and surround him with good backups from good teams who will provide spot starts, and focus on picking up quality skaters in the draft. With Khabi possibly going to the Kings or, worse, the minors, I’m somewhat concerned that my strategy may not have been as clever as I had initially hoped. Would you make any moves at this admittedly early juncture?”
Chris
For the time being I’d stand pat, although we’ll hopefully get an answer on Khabi sooner rather than later. That may free up a spot for you.
Hiller and Harding are quality spot starters for you and as much as it’d be great to have a second stud behind Kipper, you’ve gone the more inexpensive route and that could work.
It’s also amazing that Tkachuk and Vrbata are free agents, although maybe not so much since so few wingers are used.
BROWN VS. NASH
Mike
“Hey Chris,
I’m in a keeper league that does a weekly heads up counting Goals, Assists, Points, +/-, Shots, PIMs Hits powerplay points. I had fellow inquiring about Dustin Brown availiblity, but for some reason I feel Brown fantasy worth is good. Who’s value is higher with future considerations Dustin Brown or Rick Nash. Also who is going to be centering Nash?”
Chris
Mike, as much as I like Dustin Brown this one isn’t even close for me. Rick Nash is going to be one of the best power forwards in the NHL and since you count all of the relevant stats for him (a points-only format makes him less valuable), he’s going to be gold in the keeper format for you. Brassard, when healthy, will begin centring him but that won’t necessarily stick for the whole year.
ARNOTT VS. SMYTH
Dan in Montreal
“Hi Chris. Im in a single season standard h2h league and im lookin to get a good reliable third center(first 2 Jokinen, Toews). Im thinkin Jason Arnott, im wondering however, how will Radulovs absense affect him? I would have to trade Ryan Smyth to get him( other lws Zetterberg, Cole, Higgins), who has more upside in your opinion?”
Chris
Dan, in your case you likely don’t need Smyth since you have three potentially solid players on the LW. Radulov in Russia doesn’t help Arnott, but he’ll be fine.
Normally I’d rather have a winger than a centre since centres are easier to find, but in your case – based on what you’ve told me about your roster – having Arnott makes more sense.
POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS?
Hank in Cologne (Germany)
“Hi Chris, I really am relieved to have you and the NHL back on my daily agenda after a long, long summer! I am participating in a h2h 12-team standard league counting G/A/P/+/-/PIM/PPG/PPP/SHP/FW for the skaters and W/L/GAA/ SV%/SHO for the Netminders.
My team is:
C: Gomez, Demitra, Koivu(Mon)
RW: Hossa, Havlat, Gionta
LW: Nash, Vanek, Avery
D: Campbell, Boyle, Souray, Weber
G: Lundquist, Lehtonen, Harding
Possible FA:
C: Tkachuk, Nylander, Mcdonald, Turris, Lang
RW: Ryan, Samuelsson, Guerin
LW:Wolski, Higgins, Whitney
D: not really needed, but Murphy, Johnson
G: Mike Smith, Fernandez
What do you think, any improvement needed? Thanks in advance.”
Chris
It’d good to be on the cusp of another season Hank.
I think Demitra and Koivu are 50/50 for being replaced on your roster given the talent available. Tkachuk’s PIM are always tempting and Nylander’s potential role will determine how valuable a season he has.
Your biggest question will be which RW to grab when Havlat goes down with his next injury, but we can cross that bridge at that time. Hopefully Atlanta’s improved D will help Lehtonen have a decent season too.
DEPTH ON D
Dave
“Hello Champ. In a one year 11 team roto-pool incl pims, how would you rank the following D-men?
Goligoski, Niskanen, Aucoin, Ohlund or Hamrlik? I already have Chara, Nieder, Visny and Zidlicky as my starting D but wouldn’t mind adding a fifth D-man to add some depth. As always: Thanks!”
Chris
The safest choice there is Ohlund Dave, since he’s a good point/ PIM balance. The most interesting pick could be Goligoski, depending on how he fares with a golden opportunity in PIT. Since this is for a bench spot only, I might gamble on Goligoski just for the hell of it.
O’SULLIVAN’S FATE
Steve in Montreal…..Go Bruins Go !
“Hi Chris,i’d like to know if Patrick O’Sullivan will play this year?”
Chris
You must be very popular as a Bruins fan in Montreal Steve. Love it.
I can’t imagine it’ll be too much longer before there’s a resolution to the O’Sullivan situation, but with each passing day it’s got to be tougher and tougher for him to be at the same level as his teammates in terms of being in actual game shape. He’s not helping his fantasy cause with poolies right now, who have to consider other options via FA for the time being.
SUTER OR LETANG?
Supernintendo Chalmers
“Hey Chris, Who would you rather have on D (12-team Yahoo H2H league with G, A, PPP, PIM, +/-, SOG, SHG, GWG): Ryan Suter or Kris Letang? My other D are Burns, Carle (TB) and Weber. Cheers!”
Chris
I’m more interested in Letang because of Pittsburgh’s offensive potential, so he and Goligoski are guys poolies should be grabbing to see how the Pens fare with both Gonchar and Whitney out.
DRAFT EVAL
Chatham ON
“Hello Chris, First email of the new season and wanted to get your opinion on my drafting.
1st year of a roto keeper league (keep 10 at end, possibly up to 12, currently in talks)
Stat Cats are G,A,+/-, PIM, SOG,PPP, W, SV% and SO
my team is listed below with the number of starters at each pos, 82 games max, where should i begin to look to improve, where are my strengths?
3C – Evgeni Malkin, Patrice Bergeron, Joe Pavelski, Dave Bolland
3RW- Patrick Kane, Jonathan Cheechoo, Brian Gionta, Daniel Cleary, Evgeny Artyukhin, Jamie Langenbrunner, Igor Makarov
3LW -Thomas Vanek, Sean Avery, Kristian Huselius, Fabian Brunnstrom, Loui Eriksson
4D – Braydon Coburn, Tobias Enstrom, Matt Niskanen, Johnny Oduya, Alex Goligoski
2G – Chris Osgood, Jose Theodore, Kari Lehtonen, Corey Crawford
Thanks as always. Champ 2 years running”
Chris
So you don’t count GAA? Interesting. Nice to see you back regardless.
Pavelski might be questionable as your third centre, but give him a chance because he could still be in line for a pretty decent year. I think we may see a well-balanced top six attack in San Jose this year.
You’ve got a number of guys with questions. Can Bergeron stay healthy? Will Cheechoo score consistently? Can Gionta bounce back? Will Vanek play like he did late last year? Is Brunnstrom going to be an instant threat? You’ve also got a lot of inexperience on the back end, but with good potential.
I’m not too worried though… you know what you’re doing and can act if you need to make improvements.
TRADE QUICKIE
Jetsfan in Winnipeg
“Chris, quick question regarding a trade possibility. My Malone for his Michalek. I know they are close, but who would win this deal in a standard Yahoo league? Thanks again!”
Chris
Despite Michalek’s potential for a higher point total, I’d rather have Malone because of the PIM factor. I’ve got him on my own keeper league team and love his situation in TB with Stamkos-Vrbata on L2. When Barry Melrose wants to mix things up he can move Malone alongside Lecavalier too, which is great.
WHICH G SHOULD GO?
BigFatGoalie in PA
“Chris, I picked up four goalies in my draft, why don’t ask. Anyway I am in a 10 team h2h with standard scoring with SHO’s .Price is my keeper as far as the others who would be your pick to leave. I would like to pick up Brunnstrom. My other goalies are Thomas, Gerber, and Smith. Thanks.”
Chris
In your situation I’d take a chance on Brunnstrom by dropping Smith. It really comes down to Thomas or Smith and even though I like Smith a lot, TB’s D still has to prove itself. Boston was pretty solid last year and even with Fernandez healthy, Thomas has proven to be really resilient.
ZIDLICKY’S POTENTIAL
“Steve from Calgary,
Hey Chris, I’m in a single season standard league and I’m in the same boat as you with Gonchar. We have 20 teams with 20 player rosters so the draft went pretty deep (slim pickings on the wire). I currently have Kevin Bieksa, Michael Rozsival, Ron Blake, and Brian Lee on my backend (all starting, no D on bench). I was offered a trade for Marek Zidlicky for Drew Stafford. I currently have Jarome Iginla, Teemu Selanne, and Darcy Tucker starting with Stafford on my bench. What are your thoughts? Will Minnesota still have the second best power play in the West this year? Am I putting too much stake in Lee if I keep Stafford (Every year seems to be Staffords break out year)? Thanks.”
Chris
Even though I think Stafford will get the ice time and role needed to succeed, I’d take the deal to bolster your defence with Zidlicky Steve. He’s a potential upgrade on either Rozsival or Lee, depending on how things break for them.
You’ve got a decent LW set, so this should help your team.
BLUE JACKETS’ ROOKIES
Jubert In Memphis
“In a league with categories G A PIM +/- PPP SOG which of these rookie will have the greatest impact this coming season?
Jakub Voracek
Nikita Filatov
Derick Brassard
Thanks!”
Chris
Right now it looks like Brassard since he’s pencilled in to centre Nash. Let’s hope for Brassard’s sake his recent injury is nothing major. Keep an eye on it.
TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE?
John in Calgary
“Hey Chris, first time writing in and also my first time in a H2H pool, single season, 12 Team, Stats are G, A, P, +/-, PIM, PPP, SHP, GWG, W, GAA, SA, SV, SV%, SHO with a deep roster consisting of 2C, 2 LW, 2 RW, 2 W, 1 F, 4 D, 4 Util, 3 G, 5 BN. I’ve read that in H2H pools goaltending is possibly more important than in any other type of pool. I followed your advice by picking my goalies later in our draft and I am unsure if in this format my goaltending is going to cost me or if there’s any other areas I should be worried about in this format.
C – Crosby, J. Carter, Lang, Fisher
LW – Semin, Sharp, Wolski, Brunette, J. Jokinen, (Fedotenko)
RW – Hemsky, PMB, (Laperriere, Lehtonen)
D – Phaneuf, Rafalski, Redden, Visnovsky, Souray (Matt Carle)
G – Biron, Garon, Mike Smith, (Harding)”
Chris
Thanks for writing in John. I’m a bit worried about the goaltending but the potential is still there. I like your D a lot though.
Depending on the quality of FA in your league, I can imagine you’ll swap out Laperriere soon. Jokinen will depend on where he can find a home. Fedotenko is starting the year alongside Crosby, but we’ll see how valuable he can actually be for poolies in the long run. I’m a bit sceptical there, truth be told, although only time will tell.
UPGRADING D
Chuck
“Hi Chris,
At the risk of sounding trite: long-time; first-time.
I’m tired of getting killed by my defensemen stats, and need a trade or pickup. Standard non-keeper league: G,A,SOG,PIM,+/-,PPP,W,L,GAA,SO.
C: Datsyuk, Drury, B Richards
LW: Ovechkin, Hartnall, Elias, Carcillo (Carcillo was a FA pickup…dropped Svatos even though it gives me 4 LWs)
RW: Cheechoo, Doan
D: Wideman, Rozsival, Timonen, Meszaros
G: Lundqvist; Garon; Backstrom
FAs available: Kubina, Whitney (IR), Aucoin, Robidas, Streit. The rest of the top ones are taken. Who’s my best trade bait to get me some help at the blue line? Thanks…you da man.”
Chris
Thanks for reading Chuck. I would actually drop Hartnell (don’t need him on your team) to add Kubina, who will help your team on D when he gets healthy. If you have an open IR slot, I’d also snag Whitney immediately to bolster your second half run. Keep an eye on Streit on the Island too and consider dealing Garon if his value rises since you can get by with Lundqvist/ Backstrom.