|
 This
season is going to be one of some serious rebuilding in the Swamp. The
Devils are going to be even more offensively challenged this season than
they were last year; and that is not good news for poolies. Gomez is gone;
replaced by Dainius Zubris. Martin Brodeur remains the one true constant and
will play a ton as he always does. However, he can’t do it himself. The
Devils should make the playoffs, but just barely, and be done in the first
round.
Fantasy Studs - Many pundits are now indicating that Martin Brodeur
is the 2nd best goalie in the NHL, despite beating Luongo for the Vezina
last season. This season he’ll be relied upon even more as the offensively
starved Devils will not score very often. Regardless is he’s #1 or #2 in the
league, he’s a must have in your pool and should be at least the 2nd
goaltender taken. Patrik Elias comes to camp healthy and likely the only
really legitimate pool force left on the team. He’s the captain and puts
lots of pressure on himself to perform, and he’ll receive lots of minutes.
He may also slide to center, so watch his availability. Brian Gionta is
going to miss Scott Gomez more than anyone else on the club. He’s still
offensively talented, but it will be harder for him to create his own
offence without Gomez. Gionta may find similar magic with Elias, but that
remains to be seen.
Don’t Overrate – Dainius Zubrus is expected to try and replace Scott
Gomez and he’ll fall pretty short. He’s not a natural play-maker nor goal
scorer, and unfortunately for the Devils that’s what they need the most.
Jamie Langenbrunner teases fantasy pool owners consistently with his ability
to drive the net and good hard shot. However he’s becoming an injury risk
(he’s out again) and it really impacts his fantasy value. A few seasons ago,
John Madden appeared poised to become a real two-way fantasy threat; but it
never really materialized. Expect more of the same this season.
Sleepers – Almost by default Paul Martin becomes the Devils best, and only,
legitimate offensive contributor from the blue-line. He’ll assist the team
on the PP, but he’s not naturally gifted so expectations should be tempered.
Zach Parise may end up playing on the first line in an effort to try and
generate offence with Gionta and Elias. He’s most comfortable on the LW,
although has played some center. He’ll get lots of minutes to strut his
stuff, and after a slow start, will likely be involved in the majority of any
offence generated by the team. Travis Zajac showed some flashes of offence
followed by long stretches of offensive drought. He reminds us of a poor
man’s Parise. He’s developing slowly into the team’s second line pivot, but
to be truthful, the team may not be able to wait much longer.
Want to see what we said about all the teams? You'll need to subscribe to the Puckjunkie Predictor,
the definitive fantasy hockey cheatsheet.
Need more convincing?
|
