Fantasy hockey: Centre preview
With the National Hockey League season fast approaching fantasy leagues will be completing their drafts throughout the course of the month. Heading into a draft it is important to understand all the players available and when you want to take them.
Centre, next to goaltending, is the most important position on any fantasy roster. Responsible for accumulating points in every category your fantasy centre needs to be an all-around effective player. Most will be willing to part with a first or second round pick for an elite centre but some may be forced to choose one late. Below is a list of a couple players you will hopefully be able to get your hands on.
Upper echelon
Let us assume that anyone with a pick in the top three will be selecting either Sidney Crosby or Henrik Sedin, therefore below are couple bona-fide first round picks besides those two superstars.
Nicklas Backstrom – Washington Capitals
Backstrom has improved every year since he entered the League and looks to be poised for superstardom. The youngster racked up 33 goals and 101 points last season, while going plus-37 and notching an impressive 11 power play points (PP). Backstrom is a lock to go in the top five.
Evgeni Malkin – Pittsburgh Penguins
Malkin’s numbers dropped last year, but only because he was limited to 67 games. In a shortened season the Russian superstar still managed 28 goals and 77 points while gathering 100 penalty minutes (PIMs) and getting an astounding 13 PP. Because of an off year you may be able to get him in the eighth or ninth spot.
Middle of the pack
Jeff Carter – Philadelphia Flyers
Last season Carter played in 74 games because of an injury and finished with 61 points. However, 2010-11 promises to be a better year for the Ontario native as the Flyers looked poised to finish in the top three. Nevertheless, even with a mediocre season by his standards Carter was still able to pot 33 goals while putting together 11PP and six game-winning-goals (GW). If Carter slips to the fourth or fifth round snatch him up.
Derek Roy – Buffalo Sabres
Roy is as consistent as they come in fantasy leagues. Often overlooked because of his lack of notoriety he is good for roughly 25-30 goals and 70 points every year. Moreover, he plays the power play and managed 6 GW last season. Roy should be available in the mid-rounds.
Hidden gems
Mike Fisher – Ottawa Senators
Mike Fisher had a breakout year last season with the Sens but should still fly under the radar in this year’s fantasy drafts. Fisher is able to accumulate strong numbers in almost every category that matters. He notched 25 goals last season, while going a plus-1, accumulating 10 PP and six GW. Fisher should be around late and is a great addition.
David Krecji – Boston Bruins
At 24 Krecji still has some growing to do before he is a star at the NHL level, nevertheless he is still capable of putting up points on an improved Boston squad. The Bruins are prepared to give Krecji first line minutes this season, which should elevate his point totals. Boston is a sounds defensive squad and Krecji will certainly not be a liability on your fantasy roster.
Andy McDonald– St. Louis Blues
Last season the Blue took a step back and so did McDonald. That slip up should force him to drop in the fantasy rankings. However, the Ontario native is very effective when healthy and with the Blues expected to bounce back this season he could be a great late round pick.
Tags: