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Ultimate Fantasy Pool Guide 2008-09
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
Influx of new faces again on Broadway
The Rangers will sport a vastly different look in 2008-09. Up front, the team will rely even more on the center threesome of Scott Gomez, Chris Drury and Brandon Dubinsky, all three about to embark on their second seasons on Broadway. The arrival of Nikolai Zherdev, Dan Fritsche, and Markus Naslund will boost the second and third lines, while young wingers Nigel Dawes and Ryan Callahan will be given greater responsibilities. The losses of Jaromir Jagr, Sean Avery and Martin Straka as well as the unlikely return of Brendan Shanahan will allow the youth to step up. Another beneficiary of the mass exodus on the wings is Czech Petr Prucha, who found himself in the press box for most of the playoffs last spring. Still, Prucha is only 26 and capable of lighting…
THESE GUYS WAIT FOR CAP SPACE
Jeff Finger signed a four-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Fourteen million dollars – or $3.5 million per season – for a guy who will be a third-pairing defenseman. Hey, you can’t blame Finger. It’s good work if you can get it. Unfortunately for other serviceable role players out there, holding out for big contracts might force early retirement. The majority of the players remaining are ones in the Finger mold: guys who will add stability in lesser roles. However, there are still some unrestricted free agents left who poolies will covet. The most prominent of this group (as of July 10) is 39-year-old future Hall of Famer Joe Sakic. If he decides to continue playing, it’ll surely be with Colorado, where we have his projected scoring totals at 78 points. Other UFAs…
SOMETHING TO PROVE
As much as NHL players want us to believe they go on the ice every single game with the same drive and effort as their other PA brethren, the fact is some people have a little more motivation than others. A great fantasy owner will base their picks on trends leading to future performance. Jason Blake was signed to a five-year, $20-million deal based on his 40-goal 2006-07 campaign. Mike Richards was signed to a 12-year, $69-million contract with 40-goals seasons ahead on his path, not in the rear-view mirror. An important group of players to focus on when choosing your team are those who will become unrestricted free agents in 2009. Players such as Henrik Zetterberg and Marian Hossa fit the bill, but will surely be early pool picks anyway. Here…
ULTIMATE GUIDE GOALIES
It’s safe to say goaltending is better than ever in the NHL. Scoring is again down and remarkable saves are up. Nine of the goalies you see in this section of 60 are new this year, representing a turnover of 15 percent. The starting job is secure for the vast majority of the 30 teams and you’ll see that reflected in the projections. THREE-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE Detailed three-year statistics from the NHL, minor pros, major juniors, college and Europe. Bold denotes NHL season and career totals. Lea, league; GP, games played; W, wins; L, losses; T, ties; SO, shutouts; SP, save percentage; GAA, goals-against average; SO/Appearance, shutouts per appearance. CAREER STATS NHL career totals in games, wins, losses, ties, shutouts, save percentage and goals-against average LOGO NHL shield denotes unrestricted free agent as of mid-July VITAL STATS Age as…
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