Back in the day, “sleeper” was a truly accurate term in hockey pools. Players could come from what was thought to be nowhere to earn a spot on the team and make a splash for fantasy leaguers. They didn’t really come from nowhere, of course. There just wasn’t the landslide of media coverage and exposure to fans that we have now.
Twitter alone has completely changed the game. Not only do tweets provide us with instant practice and game updates from the likes of @ian_mendes and @sportsnetmurph, but we can receive the uncensored and randomly hilarious thoughts of players like Paul Bissonnette of the Phoenix Coyotes (@BizNasty2point0) as he pontificates on everything from his teammates, a Saturday night date or even the homeless. It’s a wonderful, wonderful world. Actually, last night he tweeted on Oliver Ekman-Larsson; who was already slated to be in today’s blog. He called his young teammate a stud and said he makes hockey look easier than minute rice.
We can also virtually search for and receive more information on our cell phone in a matter of minutes than even the most studious fantasy geeks could assemble with a summer of research years ago.
Sleeper isn’t really a term that necessarily applies to today’s fantasy game, although it’s still the best way to get across the message of finding hidden value guys. That’s what we’re doing here today: writing about players for various stages of your fantasy draft – regardless of how big or small your pool is – who are trending upward. Bottom line. They’re either new on the scene or are good candidates to improve on last year’s performance for whatever reason.
Honestly, my hope – if you read this blog even periodically – is that you already know why every single guy on this list is mentioned today. We have this year’s picks divided into various sections, so have a gander and see which players might be a good fit for your fantasy situation. Remember that sleepers aren’t just the throwaway picks late in the draft on which you can gamble; they also involve getting great deals on players who will be slotted later than they should be on the draft list. Snag a third round level talent in the fifth round and a fourth round star in the seventh and you’ll enter the campaign with a little extra ammo to begin your quest for a fantasy title.
YOUNG GUNS: Oozing potential with a legit chance to help you this year
Tyler Ennis, F, Buffalo Sabres: Management sees him having the ability to earn a top six slot this year after a late-season showing of 3-6-9 in 10 GP with the Sabres, a good playoff series and AHL rookie of the year honours.
Erik Karlsson, D, Ottawa Senators: We got a taste of his incredible offensive potential toward the end of last season and he’s going to be a special one. The injury to Filip Kuba should all but guarantee Karlsson the PP1 point beside Sergei Gonchar.
John Carlson, D, Washington Capitals: The Caps normally run four forwards and Mike Green on PP1, so Carlson should get PP2 duties with plenty of other chances for points with this insanely offensive powerhouse. Maybe Carlson’s presence will inspire Bruce Boudreau to use two D at the point of PP1 though?
P.K. Subban, D, Montreal Canadiens: Aside from his clear skill-set, there’s just something about this kid that screams, “I’m going to be a star!”
Mikael Backlund, F, Calgary Flames: With Daymond Langkow’s health being measured week-to-week now, Backlund is ready to show he can be an offensive contributor.
Nazem Kadri, F, Toronto Maple Leafs: Google “Kadri” and “Toronto media” and your computer will explode. You know this kid can help this team this season. Kris Versteeg and Colby Armstrong are the early candidates to be on his wings.
Nikita Filatov, F, Columbus Blue Jackets: A hard summer of training was just the beginning of his redemption attempt in this organization.
Jamie McBain, D, Carolina Hurricanes: The returns of Anton Babchuk and Joe Corvo with Joni Pitkanen already there clouds McBain’s immediate point potential, but this kid really showed something at the end of last season.
Eric Tangradi, F, Pittsburgh Penguins: One of several candidates to earn a top six role with the big boys; be it on the right or left side. Already seems like a natural fit in the dressing room and his skating has improved too.
Zach Boychuk, F, Carolina Hurricanes: Now we’ll see a full season of the 14th overall pick from 2008; hopefully with a top six role immediately.
Colin Wilson, F, Nashville Predators: Wilson’s ability to play centre and the wing, combined with his talent and Nashville’s relatively weak offence, should provide the CT-born forward plenty of opportunities for success this year.
SWING BATTER, BATTER: Swing for the fences on these ’10-11 longer shots
Jeff Skinner, F, Carolina Hurricanes: The seventh overall pick from this summer’s draft has a legitimate shot to become the team’s third line centre this year, although a wing position isn’t out of the question either. He has high-end offensive potential and while that is more likely to be realized down the line; never close the book on talent rising up the ranks more quickly than anticipated. He is drawing RAVE reviews early on, although he and most Canes struggled in last night’s preseason opener.
Marcus Johansson, F, Washington Capitals: Veteran Tomas Fleischmann, a converted winger, begins the competition for the L2 C slot in the lead. Don’t discount the rapidly rising stock of Johansson though and remember the L2 C role means centring Alexander Semin much of the time.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D, Phoenix Coyotes: The Coyotes would likely only keep him around right off the bat if he were going to play a significant role with the power play. The kid has star-like offensive skills and sooner or later that PP1 job will be his.
Cam Fowler, D, Anaheim Ducks: Were he to make the roster, Fowler could become the second best offensive option on D this season behind Lubomir Visnovsky. The two were actually paired up for last night’s preseason tilt. This kid has mad skills and it’s only a matter of time before he becomes an NHL success story.
Magnus Paajarvi, F, Edmonton Oilers: Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle are wonderful, but don’t forget about the other dynamic member of the team’s big three youngsters.
John Moore, D, Columbus Blue Jackets: Eventually, Moore will be a great source for Columbus power play points. How soon that day will come remains to be seen, but he has a chance to make it this year. Anton Stralman and Fedor Tyutin are currently the top PP options for this team. Kris Russell’s early-camp knee sprain could help Moore’s chances.
Mats Zuccarello, F, New York Rangers: If this diminutive forward competes hard and shows those dazzling skills at camp, there is no reason why he can’t make this team and contribute offensively.
Alexandre Giroux, F, Edmonton Oilers: 29-year old AHL scoring beast is trying to earn a shot in the NHL.
Mike Testwuide, F, Philadelphia Flyers: The Flyers have a lot of fluidity in the line-up in terms of who can play where, so if he can make the roster out of camp then anything’s possible for this college signee.
Cam MacIntyre, F, San Jose Sharks: He’s initially looking for a third or fourth line role in SJ, which would only suit deep league fantasy owners. An injury down the line could open up a spot in the top six, although he’s fighting the injury bug himself early on and that’s not helping his chances.
Robin Lehner, G, Ottawa Senators: Assuming Pascal Leclaire follows his normal injury pattern, it’ll either be Mike Brodeur or Lehner called up to mind the twine with Brian Elliott. Lehner is this team’s future in net either way. He stopped all 24 shots he faced in preseason action last night.
Kyle Turris, F, Phoenix Coyotes: This third overall pick from 2007 is flying under the radar heading into ’10-11. After a year of seasoning in the AHL (24-39-63 in 76 GP) during which he also bulked up, Turris could play his way onto the team be a surprise source of points.
Jacob Markstrom, G, Florida Panthers: This blue chipper is slated to begin the year in the AHL, but it’s tough to keep talent like this from rising to the top. He stopped all 17 shots he faced in his half-game of action last night against the Canes.
Jonathan Bernier, G, Los Angeles Kings: Due respect to Jonathan Quick for carrying that massive workload last year, but Bernier is going to snatch the No. 1 role at some point (maybe this year, maybe not) on a Kings team on the way up.
DOUBLE TROUBLE: They may double last year’s point totals
Patrik Berglund, F, St. Louis Blues (’09-10: 13-13-26 in 71 GP): This Swedish forward should be in line for a noticeable increase in last year’s 13:30 ATOI and should see a steadier top six role.
Tyler Bozak, F, Toronto Maple Leafs (’09-10: 8-19-27 in 37 GP): Beginning the year healthy and as Phil Kessel’s likely centre should help the Regina native thrive.
Niklas Kronwall, D, Detroit Red Wings (’09-10: 7-15-22 in 48 GP): The Wings in general are going to rebound strongly and a healthy Kronwall should be a good 40+point candidate.
Milan Lucic, F, Boston Bruins (’09-10: 9-11-20 in 50 GP): Assuming he can stay healthy, there’s no reason why this rugged winger can’t top his career high of 42 points in a scoring line role.
David Jones, F, Colorado Avalanche (’09-10: 10-6-16 in 23 GP): Jones may begin the year in an L3 W slot, but even that should see him surpass his knee injury-shortened campaign totals of last season.
Viktor Stalberg, F, Chicago Blackhawks (’09-10: 9-5-14 in 40 GP): A move to the Windy City on a team that lost several key components should work perfectly for the 6-3 winger, who should earn a scoring line role.
Ville Leino, F, Philadelphia Flyers (’09-10: 6-5-11 in 55 GP): Was the playoff run that saw the 26-old winger notch 7-14-21 in only 19 starts on a line with Danny Briere and Scott Hartnell what we can expect in the coming regular season?
Evander Kane, F, Atlanta Thrashers (’09-10: 14-12-26 in 66 GP): He was mostly L3 last year, but this time around he’ll be top six and he has that first year under his belt.
Paul Martin, D, Pittsburgh Penguins (’09-10: 2-9-11 in 22 GP): Topping last year’s injury-shortened campaign should be a piece of cake; especially in his new locale. Alex Goligoski, Kris Letang and he will battle it out for PP1 duties.
STARS ALIGNING: Known commodities with a low draft placement
Johan Franzen, F, Detroit Red Wings: He only played 27 games last year and this star power forward is now healthy and due for a career season.
Ales Hemsky, F, Edmonton Oilers: Limited to just 22 starts in ’09-10, Hemsky will be slotted much further down in your fantasy service’s rankings than he should be for a likely point-per-game player.
Teemu Selanne, F, Anaheim Ducks: The 40-year old could match his age in goals and with only 54 GP last year, he’ll be a steal for you.
Dion Phaneuf, D, Toronto Maple Leafs: He finished in a 12-way tie for 227th in points last year, so standard league owners should be able to snatch this PIM/ point/ SOG source in a good spot.
Marian Hossa, F, Chicago Blackhawks: He’ll be starting this year healthy and should be a constant source of points, +/- and SOG. With only 57 GP last year, you can likely snag him a few rounds later than he should really be going.
Olli Jokinen, F, Calgary Flames: Scoff if you want. I believe in the guy. Take away his prior expectations and project his standard league contributions (points, PIM and SOG) with even a modest improvement this season over last and his bottom line will help many owners. The 6-3 pivot is back at his Florida playing weight of 210 pounds too, 10 pounds up over his past few years.
Simon Gagne, F, Philadelphia Flyers: Don’t overpay for him, but if he’s available later than he should be based on a low 58-GP total from last year then we know his goal-scoring upside.
David Booth, F, Florida Panthers: This guy only started 28 GP thanks to concussion issues and in standard leagues he has the potential to be the steal of the draft. SOG is his real bonus in addition to decent points in a guaranteed top six role.
LEFTOVER, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Fill out your roster with a few of these gents
Chris Kunitz, F, Pittsburgh Penguins: Healthy and ready to rock alongside Sidney Crosby, Kunitz should be a good second or third LW option in standard leagues with his point/ PIM combo.
Dustin Byfuglien, F/D, Atlanta Thrashers: Potentially moving to defence this year, his pending dual-eligibility will increase his versatility for poolies.
Dennis Seidenberg, D, Boston Bruins: His post-trade stats (2-7-9 and +9 in 17 GP) with his new team were impressive and he should be an all-around bargain for how late you’ll snatch him. Bonus points if your league counts blocked shots.
Cam Barker, D, Minnesota Wild: Will attempt to wrestle second D slot on PP1 away from Brent Burns, but Barker should easily pass last year’s 21-point total regardless.
Jakub Voracek, F, Columbus Blue Jackets: Finished up last year with 22 points in 23 GP, has a top six role locked down and hopefully is right on the cusp of realizing his vast potential.
Jordan Staal, F, Pittsburgh Penguins: Starting off the season injured, but think longer term this year with him as the L2 C and Evgeni Malkin on his wing.
Peter Mueller, F, Colorado Avalanche: Insanely productive after the trade from Phoenix (9-11-20 in 15 GP) on a line with Matt Duchene and Milan Hejduk.
Brandon Sutter, F, Carolina Hurricanes: Second line centre for the Canes should see a bump up in his offensive numbers. At the age of 21, he’s already noted as having perhaps the best hockey sense on the team. Naturally, he also carries the legendary Sutter work ethic.
James van Riemsdyk, F, Philadelphia Flyers: He gave us a glimpse of his greatness last year and it’s up to him to make his second time around more productive. He heads into this season stronger and quicker than his rookie campaign.
Kurtis Foster, D, Edmonton Oilers: There may not have been a more productive PP threat last year that received less attention than this guy.
Matt Beleskey, F, Anaheim Ducks: Mentioned in camp as a possibility for the Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry line with Bobby Ryan moving to centre L2; with Teemu Selanne and maybe Jason Blake.
Eric Fehr, F, Washington Capitals: The kid can score goals, so he has to take advantage of less checking pressure than the top threats on his team will face. He’s been playing on L3 with Jason Chimera and Mathieu Perreault so far.
Alex Tanguay, F, Calgary Flames: Last year was an unmitigated disaster and there’s only one way to go once you’ve hit rock bottom. For all of his problems last year, he never did receive the consistent top six wing slot that he’ll surely get this year in Calgary. Beginning the season with Jarome Iginla and Olli Jokinen and the line has been building momentum.
Nikolai Zherdev, F, Philadelphia Flyers: Having spent last season in the KHL, Zherdev will be buried so far down on your draft list that he should easily be a good value when you pick him late.
Jiri Hudler, F, Detroit Red Wings: See Zherdev, although keep in mind that Hudler will be L3 W for the Wings to begin the year with Mike Modano and Danny Cleary projected to be on his line.
Blake Wheeler, F, Boston Bruins: Worked harder on the physical execution and mental approach to shooting over the summer. With different skates, even his balance has apparently been noticeably better in camp.
Kevin Westgarth, F, Los Angeles Kings: In a really deep league and you’re always looking out for fresh enforcer talent to stockpile PIM? With Raitis Ivanans signing with Calgary, Westgarth should have an L4 W slot in the NHL this year after three seasons with Manchester.
Bryan Bickell, F, Chicago Blackhawks: Has looked good with Patrick Kane in camp and could have the inside track on assuming physical winger duties on L1. Igor Makarov could also play his way into a good spot with this team.
Shawn Horcoff, F, Edmonton Oilers: Mention his name within city limits and the reaction may be akin to giving someone a diagnosis of the Bubonic Plague. Brush that aside. He has retooled his routine headed into this season and has been working with Taylor Hall since camp opened. Horcoff is a strong bet to significantly improve on last year’s 36 points, which will make him a really inexpensive (in poolie terms, not money the Oil are doling out) depth option down the middle.