Defenseman Updates


Keith Ballard, D
It's all about the skating for the Panthers defenseman (6-1-4-5), despite having a four-game point streak snapped against Ottawa. Scored his first goal of the season against the Habs, with a plus-2, and 4 PIM's since the first game of the season where he went scoreless and a minus-3. He has a heavy shot though and should be using it more from the point. A great secondary scoring option in the absence of Bryan McCabe, Ballard's skating and fluidity allow him to make pinching forays off the blueline, something he's been doing with regularity in the last few games. Be weary of McCabe's return, but that may not be for the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, use him for depth while he's contributing.

Kimmo Timonen, D
Had a three-game assist streak halted in a wild 7-6 shootout loss to the visiting San Jose Sharks, although recorded a plus-4 and a minor penalty. The 33-year-old puckrusher is still looking for his first goal of the season, but he's not taking many shots on goal, with only six in six games. It's highly unlikely he reaches close to the double-digit goals production for five of his 10 career NHL seasons. Isn't playing like a front line rearguard and is currently a secondary fantasy option.

Christian Ehrhoff, D
With six points in seven games (7-2-4-6, plus-5, 8 PIMs) the error-prone blueliner last spring has overcome some shoddy defensive efforts improving in both zones to start the season. The addition of Rob Blake (7-0-2-2) and Dan Boyle (7-2-4-6) on the Sharks blueline over the off season shored up the offense. Ehrhoff has taken advantage of the two-plus power play minutes, pinching off the line with zeal, and really utilizing a knack for getting pucks on net. Likely a depth draft pick or waiver wire addition in deep leagues, at the moment, the 26-year-old is worthy of a starting spot on many rosters ? maybe even yours.

Zdeno Chara, D
The hulking rearguard is stuck at two assists for the season (6-0-2-2, minus-3 and 6 PIMs) while struggling to get many shots on goal, 10 shots over six games. It's a combination of forwards playing him tighter and little higher in the zone, and the 6-foot-9, 255-pounder isn't getting many shots through. Similar to Timonen in Philadelphia, Chara will have to find ways to get the puck through the traffic, although there is a lot of offensive punch this season in Boston, and instead of a reliance on offense, Chara may slip back to around the 10-goal, 40-point mark for this season, with an increased focus on being responsible defensively.

Fantasy Mailbag
vesku35

Hey Gus.

I've got David Booth in one of my pools. Every other participant is interested in him and I've got some pretty intriguing offers on the player. Can he sustain his current output? What is your overall projection for him?

Thanks

Hi Vesku35.

Since you didn't mention what type of league this is, I am assuming it's a straight points league.

I like David Booth, especially after he showed his mettle down the stretch last season. I like him as a 20-goal scorer that may contribute about 40-45 points. He could flirt with 50 this season, but he's not THAT dynamic a talent to hit 30 goals.

Keep in mind, his three-goal performance over the first two games gave way for a two-game scoring goose eggs. Balance is key.

If you're getting 'intriguing' offers, it might be worth exploring.

Gus

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mapleleafsforever

I have a similar query regarding Dubinsky. I had a feeling he would have a very good year so but I didn't expect such a ridiculous start! I have him in 2 leagues and I'm very deep at C in both. My question is this:

Do I move him now before his stock falls or is he the real deal? If he is for real I might move Datsyuk in one league or Thornton in the other to beef up my Goaltending.

Hi, mapleleafsforever.

um?noooo, no no no no .. Dubinsky has certainly started off hot, and while it's looking like a distinct breakout campaign, I don't believe he is a player that you want to be building around. He's a support player, and will go through his droughts, although take the points production now and hope for the best.

He would be a secondary scoring option on most rosters, especially if its a straight points league.

If you need goaltending help, perhaps try moving Dubinsky for the best option available. Strike now while he's hot, although I wouldn't under any circumstance move Datsyuk or Thornton for him.

Make sure you shop Dubinsky around. His production could bring you back the same goalie you may have been targeting with Dats or Thornton.

I like Dubinsky for 20-25 goals and 50 points. Others may value him higher and might be willing to give more.

Good luck!

Gus

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Alex

In my fantasy league I have 3 solid goalies, with Backstrom, Miller and Brodeur. With those selections, I had to accept that other positions would be weaker. I offered a guy Backstrom for Vanek. In your opinion is that a fair trade? He has Turco, Vokoun and Toskala.

Thanks

Hi, Alex.

This is a two-part question.

Part 1 - Is it fair value? Is this a point-only pool? No PIM's, no plus/minus?

I wouldn't trade Backstrom - the goalie - for Vanek straight up, so this other GM could snap up the offer quick. Your offer is an overpayment for Vanek.

Part 2 - When making trade offers, make sure there is a need for the other party receiving the offer. From the lineup of goaltenders, once Turco returns to form, and Vokoun and Toskala playing in front of a decent enough defense corp to put up decent secondary numbers, there isn't a real 'need' for Backstrom. Perhaps target another GM with a similar need to jettison an asset for improved goaltending.

Personally, I LOVE Backstrom and wouldn't actually deal him, instead deal Miller. Minny plays teams that have played the night before 20 times this season (tied with San Jose).

Backstrom is a UFA at the end of the season. That translates into some very good vibes for excellent fantasy numbers.

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Alex.

One last question, I would like to know what you expect out of Toews this year. I have him in my lineup as well. I don't want to get impatient cause, I'm confident that especially with the coaching change his numbers may rise. He probably isn't tradeable at this point, should I be patient?

Hi, Alex.

Never make deals from a 'weak' position. Meaning, trading struggling players only brings in diminished assets. The best thing to do is ride out slumps and players not performing to snuff, and hope you drafted well enough that your depth will carry you through until the player returns to form.

As for Toews specifically, the kid is for real, he's a must start in every league, and will eventually break out of this mini-funk.

If you caught the game on Sunday, linemate Patrick Kane tried to set him up at the end to break the goose egg and get the ball rolling. That kind of unselfish gesture is indicative of the mutual respect of both players and they are cornerstones of that franchise.

I wouldn't trade Toews unless I got a Crosby/Ovechkin offer.

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ronguillet

Gus! Great to hear from you again. How've you been, man?

I have a minor question for you. In your opinion, should I pick up Hamhuis or Carle (TB)?.I'm really not sure about this one :S ?..there both in FA in my league.

Ron!

I'm good. Busy busy ?

You couldn't have asked me to form a Grand Unifying Theory in physics? Instead you give me a Hamhuis/Carle question? Dang you, Ron!!

Seriously though, I think that they are both terrible options. Carle is certainly struggling and is a secondary scoring option, and Hamhuis is similar in Nashville.

If I had to choose, I would pick up Hamhuis, only because the Predators are more defensively responsible and his plus/minus should be minimized. Carle isn't a great option.

If you really want to take a calculated risk, pick up Keith Ballard from the Panthers! Excellent option at the moment.

Gus.

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Richard

Hi Gus!

I'm in a head to head league where we count 9 player stats and 5 goalie stats. It's a moderately deep league but off the bat I've been struggling with goalie stats while I`ve been having incredible amounts of offense (mostly assists). Currently my goalies are Turco, Leclaire, and toskola. right now i have a deal on the table with some one that would send Leclaire, Spezza and Rafalski for Joikinen, Scott Neidermeyer, and Brodeur. Is this a fair trade, or am i giving up on my goalies too soon?

the reason spezza and rafalski are being offered is because i already have thornton and campbell as anchors at those positions, so i think i have a little wiggle room?

i have to admit, most of my offense has come from the resurgence of Karyia and Sakic.

Hi, Richard.

Leclaire, Spezza and Rafalski

for

Jokinen, S Niedermayer and Brodeur

That would certainly improve your goaltending situation, but is this really what you want to do with this deal? Shore up goaltending? If most of your production is coming from Kariya and Sakic, perhaps you should look at dealing them instead, while the iron is HOT. (what happens if they dry up scoring-wise?)

Also assuming if you have both Thornton and Spezza in the same league, it's either a shallow league - few GM's or you flat out smashed in your drafting.

From your goaltenders, I think Turco will no doubt improve, and Toskala is a decent secondary option. I'm not a big Leclaire fan, but he's not a bad option.

I would prefer Spezza over Jokinen (barely) and Rafalski over Niedermayer (who is really looking old and haggard lately). It's hard to pass up on Brodeur, considering the goaltending punch it would give you, but I think you're giving up too much in this offer.

Gus

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Pierre

Hey Gus,

what's the deal with Kevin Bieksa? Is a top d man to have or is he destined for another bad season? I figure this guy out, worried that he may be suffering from the Colaiacovo syndrom. What are your thoughts?

thanks

Hi, Pierre.

I wouldn't consider Bieksa as a top defenseman (fantasy wise) partly due to increasing fragility and the fact that despite the goal-scoring surge for the Canucks as of late, Bieksa isn't likely to put up big numbers.

However, having said that, it's not a bad idea to have this guy in your lineup if there is a PIM's category in the fantasy league.

He's a shooter, although it's taking a while to come around, and doesn't mind dropping the gloves once in a while.

Consider him a secondary option at best - although if you're negotiating, talk him up like a first liner

Gus

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TMLShab

Hey Gus,

Coburn or Roszival?

It's a roto league with G, A, +/-, PPP and GWG as the offensive stats.

Also, what kind of years do you see for Rolston and Backstrom? I haven't managed to catch many of either teams' games?Obviously Backstrom will pick it up by sheer osmosis but are there any telltale signs of a sophomore slump? With regards to Rolston, I've found him to be reliable for a solid amount of goals (and PPP) over the last few years, but I haven't been able to judge where he fits in the NJ system, just because there seems to be a bevy of qualified offensive players and compared to his Minnesota days where he was constantly one of the go-to guys.

Hi, TMLShab.

Based on your criteria, Roszival, although it's close. I love Coburn's edge physically, but since there isn't a PIM's category (but a +/- with Flyers shaky goaltending at the moment) I would stick with Roszival.

Rolston is currently hurt, but he was brought back to the Jersey swamps to score goals, something coach Sutter wants/needs the Devils to do more. He wants to open the defensive system up a notch and Rolston's shooting ability is just what the doctor ordered. It also allows Elias to move back to the LW position, where he's more comfortable rather than as a pivot.

Backstrom wasn't playing with Ovechkin over the last few games and is really struggling with the puck. He's been overhandling it, and isn't shooting much, nor generating a lot of shooting opportunities. I am a fan of his creativity (and interviewed him - I HATE accents, they hurt transcription) but I wouldn't expect any major numbers until/unless he's reunited with AO.

Gus

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cherry fan

Hi Gus,

If I were able to trade Joe Sakic for Getzlaf would that be a good trade in your mind? In my mind Getzlaf is young and durable and is bound to get back on track. Sakic on the other hand rebounded very well from last year so far. But we can't overlook his age. You talk about striking when the iron is hot, right now Sakic's hot and Getzlaf is not. What do you think should I try a trade like this one?

thank you

Hi, Cherry Fan.

Yes, I said strike while the iron is hot, and that does apply to Sakic, but more so for the situation in Richard's post.

If the league is a keeper league, make the deal. If it's a single-season league, you may want to sit on it for a while.

I like what Getzlaf is capable of, despite missing last night's Leafs game, but the Ducks are severly struggling at the moment and if you really 'squeeze' that sentiment into your potential trading partner, it could boost your return. Don't get greedy though and judge the interest carefully.

Gus.

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