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On the cusp of the start of another season, we
want to make sure that we not only give you an idea of a
Sleepers Top 10, but also one that includes our
most volatile picks. You know – the ones you will inevitably make thinking a
guy can recapture old glory or live up to old hype – and they almost never
do. What they do do is give you a new source for indigestion. So, without
further ado – here is our “Risky Business”.
Theoren Fleury (RW/C) – Chicago Blackhawks
Latest news flash has Theo re-entering stage #2 of the League’s Substance
Abuse Program – and as a result, he is suspended indefinitely by the League.
Even before this latest news though, Fleury would have made the top spot on
this list, as he is just flat out “a few fries short of a happy meal”. And
this is not to make light of Fleury’s situation in the least bit; substance
abuse is not a funny thing by any stretch. Our point is that the last three
years for Fleury have resembled more of a scene from a horror movie than
real life. Fleury is just as unstable a player as you can select. When he is
on, and focused, he can be an asset, but this latest news should make you
avoid Theo like the plague – hockey is no longer his main priority, and
that’s good news for Fleury the person, but bad news for you the poolie.
Mario Lemieux (C) – Pittsburgh Penguins
Last year Lemieux said he was ready, he said he was healthy, he said that he
wanted to lead Team Canada to an Olympic Gold Medal. Well to quote
Meatloaf…two outta three ain’t bad. This year, Lemieux is saying very
similar things, and says he hasn’t felt this great in recent memory. For you
the fantasy manager, this is a scary proposition. Pens GM
Craig Patrick is hoping for 75 games this year…if he plays even 70
games, Lemieux will win the scoring title in a walk. Just remember that
Lemieux was diagnosed with a chronic hip problem that won’t get ever 100%
better, and it’s just a matter of being able to deal with pain and
discomfort. So what to do, what to do…. Do not make Lemieux your first round
selection, but if you draft high early and on the bottom in the 2nd round –
do not pass him up. The new NHL crackdown on obstruction should make Lemieux
even more dangerous – no matter how many games he plays. Draft him to play
50-55, and hope he plays 70. If he does, oh baby…!
Chris Gratton (C) – Buffalo Sabres
What a weird year for one of the leagues’ classic under-achievers. Horrible
first half, complained about ice-time (and linemates, and the coach), and
then seemed to shut-up, play with more intensity and actually had a very
solid second half. The Buffalo ownership issue won’t help the play of any
Sabres this year, but Gratton is still not a happy camper. He still believes
that he is a #1 center and wants to be treated as such. Problem is, his #1
status was almost a career ago. Avoid him for now, but watch him close – as
he may be a solid UFA pick-up (if your league allows). If he begins to pout
– drop him like a bad habit.
John LeClair (RW) – Philadelphia Flyers
His last 40+ goal season was three neck/back surgeries ago – and LeClair
does not even look close to the dominating power forward that he did in the
90s. But, to be truthful, such is the career cycle for the NHL power
forward. Years of planting yourself in front of the opposition’s net are
bound to take a toll on a guy’s body, and that’s exactly where
John LeClair is in his career. It’s not like he has lost his skills;
it’s more like that he is just not able to get where he needs to be in order
to fill the net. New coach
Ken Hitchcock is a stickler for defensive play, which means less
offensive opportunities that LeClair is used too. Bear that in mind when you
take a “flyer” on this Flyer.
Owen Nolan (RW) – San Jose Sharks
Almost verbatim to our analysis of
John LeClair, Nolan has not been healthy for a few years now, and he’s
not likely to get better until he quits playing. He starts the season with a
sore back, and that’s a serious “red-flag” for all poolies. Nolan’s goal is
to win a Cup, and the Sharks look poised to position themselves during the
regular season to do just that. Nolan will likely be sat more than in past
years as the Sharks try to make sure they are as healthy as they possibly
can be for the playoff stretch. Again, good news for Sharks management, bad
news for you the poolie. Consequently, you need to draft accordingly.
David Legwand (C) – Nashville Predators
Preds management need Legwand to be worthy of the very high draft selection
years ago, and sadly, that just ain’t gonna happen. Legwand is fast and has
some good skill, but he is just unable to take that skill and translate it
into on-ice performance. He continues to make rookie-like mistakes, is
unable to involve his line-mates effectively, and well – has the desire (at
times) that reminds us of
Alexandre Daigle (before this year). Legwand is an average NHL talent
and we are convinced that this is all he will ever be. The Preds are hoping
that this is Legwand’s year, but it is just not in the cards and you
shouldn’t risk a high pick thinking that it will be.
Darcy Tucker (LW) – Toronto Maple Leafs
There were a lot of things that went right for Tucker last year that enabled
him to post career numbers – 24 goals and 59 points; solid line-mates,
quality ice time, creating a lot of shift disruption, planetary alignment,
among the most notable. Tucker is a super-pest and may be the most hated guy
in the NHL nowadays; particularly if you ask
Mike Peca. He’ll get good numbers off the second or third line, but last
year’s stats are just too unlikely to base your draft strategy on. Adjust
accordingly.
Viktor Kozlov (C) – Florida Panthers
In practice, this guy is simply awesome. He is a very strong skater, an
excellent passer and has a very hard and accurate shot. But something
happens to him when he gets to the rink on game day – he just can’t live up
to expectations. Couple that with the problem that Kozlov is beginning to
spend more than his fair share of time on the disabled list, and well – he
becomes the epitome of a risk pick. One final word of caution – the Keenan
factor. Iron Mike hasn’t made up his mind if he likes Kozlov or not – if he
does, he play him until he breaks. If he doesn’t, Keenan will break Kozlov.
All in all – it’s a little bit spooky.
Glen Murray (RW) – Boston Bruins
A big year, and 40+ goals, and we are placing him on the Risky Business list
– our response – you bet. Murray is your classic “good year, not-so-good
year” player and a poolies nightmare if you get him thinking it will change.
That said, its not like he’s brutal – it’s just that he won’t score 40 goals
again…this year. Keep that in mind when you get to him on your draft board
and draft accordingly.
Roman Hamrlik (D) – NY Islanders
Oh how the mighty have fallen. Once billed as the next generation of NHL
defenseman, something weird has happened to Hamrlik, and it’s not good. It’s
not like he’s horrible, it’s just that he is not even coming close to
playing with the same intensity, focus and impact as he was back in his days
with the ‘Ning and Oilers. Hamrlik still has skills and the ability to lead
a team’s PP, but he is now just a shadow of what most thought he could
become. If you expect 50+ points, you will be very disappointed. 30 points
is more realistic with some upside if he re-discovers his confidence and
desire. |
