Fantasy hockey preview: Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes tend to follow disappointing years with outstanding seasons and because 2009-10 was so disappointing experts are picking the Canes to bounce back in 2010-11. Every season, on paper the club looks lacklustre, however they seem to get the job done, leaving most prognosticators to place them in the post-season at year’s end.
In fantasy terms the Canes are full of mid-round potential. The vast majority of Canes players are not worth a first or second round pick, however if scouted correctly can act as steals in deep drafts.
Forwards
Upfront Carolina is deep, but in need of more first line talent. Eric Staal is consistently a first or second round pick in most fantasy drafts and even though he missed 12 games last year can be expected to go in the same range. Staal contributed 29 goals and 70 points last season with a rating of plus-four, but perhaps his most important statistics are his 68 penalty minutes (PIMs), 13 power play points (PP) and five game-winning-goals (GW). This type of production across the board in only 70 games can make a healthy Staal a real threat in rotisserie pools.
The Canes have two sleepers in Jussi Jokinen and youngster Brandon Sutter. Jokinen managed an impressive 30 goals last season to go along with 60 points and 10 PP. Meanwhile, in only 72 games Sutter slotted 21 goals and 40 points along with three GW. Heading into his second full season in the League the 21-year-old could be a real steal late in the draft.
Defence
At the back end the Canes are thin of draft eligible talent. Their most promising blue-liner is Joni Pitkanen, who was limited to 71 games last year with an injury. In a shortened season the offensive defenceman managed 46 points, making him a handy player to have in points pools. However, in rotisserie pools his rating of minus-11, one PP and one GW do not make him worth of an early selection.
Nevertheless, the real sleeper for the Hurricanes is 22-year-old Jamie McBain. McBain enjoyed a short 14 game stint with the club last season, in which the youngster managed 10 points, a rating of plus-six, one PP and one GW. If McBain is able to acclimatize to a full season in the League he could be worth a late round pick in a deep draft or an even higher selection in keeper leagues.
Goaltending
The Hurricanes still have what many believe is the best young goaltender in the League. At 26 years old Cam Ward still has a great deal of growing to do between the pipes, but has a difficult time staying healthy. In 2009-10 he was limited to 47 starts after suffering an injury. If he stays healthy expect Ward to suit up for around 70 games and put up close to 35 wins. Moreover, because of his injury woes Ward may slip in the draft and could be worth risking a mid-round pick on if you are in need of a starting goalie.
Carolina has essentially put all their eggs in one basket with Ward, as Justin Peters is their only signed back-up. If anything is to go wrong with Ward one can expect the Canes to pull a goalie off the free agent market.
The Hurricanes are not a Mecca of first line talent, but they can offer significant depth players. It seems as though every year someone breaks out in Carolina and keeping an eye on the club could be worth it if you are trying to pick up a hot hand.
Tags: