Fantasy hockey defenseman: Preview
The fantasy hockey world is heating up as the National Hockey League season is set to begin in October. As fantasy leagues continue to develop it is more and more important that you have a game plan heading into your draft. A comprehensive understanding of each position and your goals for them will help put you ahead of the curve.
Defenseman are often thought of as the least important roster position in fantasy hockey, however a plethora of strong defenders can mean the difference between first and last. If selected properly, defence corps can provide the fantasy player with a distinct advantage. Below are a list of a few guys who could help your team to victory.
Upper echelon
Mike Green – Washington Capitals
Selecting Mike Green on defence is a lot like selecting a forward; capable of potting near 80 points you will have to use a first or second round pick on the youngster. Green can rack up the points and scored 31 goals in the 2008-09 season, but he also boasted an impressive plus-39 last year and accumulated 10 power play points (PP) and four game-winning-goals (GW).
Drew Doughty - Los Angeles Kings
Doughty is a generational talent that is highly effective at both ends of the ice. Last year Doughty tallied 59 points, went plus-20 and notched nine PP. Expect him to go third among all defenseman, meaning you will likely be forced to part with a second round pick for his services.
Middle of the road
Tomas Kaberle – Toronto Maple Leafs
Although Kaberle is not as effective as he once was he is still a very solid NHL defender and worth putting on your fantasy team if you are strictly looking for points at the position. Last year Kaberle scored 49 points, 42 of which were assists. However, if you are in a rotisserie league his minus-16 rating, 24 penalty minutes (PIMs) and three PP could be reason enough to leave him for someone else.
Alex Edler – Vancouver Canucks
Like Kaberle, Edler is not going to give you much outside point totals. His zero rating, two PP and 40 PIMs are nothing to write home about. However, he has the ability to get on the score sheet. Last season in 76 games he notched 42 points and will be looking for more, which he should at only 24 years old and on an improved Vancouver side.
Hidden gems
Keith Yandle – Phoenix Coyotes
The 24-year-old Yandle has still yet to hit his stride in the NHL and already he has made a mark. Playing for an improved Phoenix side Yandle put up incredible numbers across the board, garnering 41 points, a rating of plus-16 and five PP. In addition, the youngster has been primed to take over as one of the Coyotes top defenders and will be seeing a great deal of the ice next season.
Michael Del Zotto – New York Rangers
In his rookie season last year Del Zotto tallied 37 points; in his second season in the league he is expect to improve on that number. Moreover, Marc Staal has still not signed with the club and if he is not ready to go by the end of pre-season expect Del Zotto to take over his minutes. However, if you are in a rotisserie league be wary of his minus-20 rating last season, he could really drag you down in the category.
Anton Stralman – Columbus Blue Jackets
Last season with Columbus Stralman seemed to find his stride, putting up 34 points in 73 games in his first full season in the League. At 24 years old Stralman may be the only real puck-moving defenseman the Blue Jackets have and can therefore be expected to see a great deal of ice time. If you are searching for a defender late, Stralman is your guy.
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