Fantasy hockey preview: Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild missed the play-offs for the second season in a row in 2009-10 as the club struggled to adapt to their new coach’s offensive system. The Wild were unable to score on a regular basis last year and look to be facing the same problems in 2010-11.
Most experts have the Wild hovering around eighth spot, but eventually missing the post-season.
Despite their lack of post-season support the Wild do provide the fantasy player with several options at each position. Although most of these player are not top-level talent, the Wild are full of strong contributors that usually fly under the radar.
Forward
The Wild has a number of forwards that are draft eligible and should go anywhere after the third round. The only exception is centre Mikko Koivu. Koivu is not a first-round pick in any fantasy league, however he can be a great contributor when selected in the
second or third round. Koivu managed 22 goals and 71 points last season while earning 50 penalty minutes (PIMs) and eight power-play goals (PP). Expect Koivu to register similar numbers in 2010-11.
The Wild’s Martin Havlat is a player with plenty of fantasy potential, but a poor season in 2009-10 should drop him down the draft rankings. Havlat is a dangerous pick early in the draft, however he is capable of big things offensively and if still available
in the third or fourth round, he could be a steal.
The ultimate steal on Minnesota’s roster this season is Pierre-Marc Bouchard. The 26-year-old only appeared in one game last season, but is capable of strong offensive numbers. When playing a full season Bouchard can put up over 60 points and a plus rating.
Expect the now healthy winger to feature prominently on the club’s first line.
Another great mid-round selection is the always underrated Andrew Brunette. Brunette registered 61 points last year, which included 25 goals. The veteran is incredibly consistent and in a bad year is still good for over 50 points.
Defence
At the back end the Wild also have a couple options, with a rare surplus of offensive defenders on the roster.
Brent Burns is likely to be the first Wild defenseman taken in the draft. The 25-year-old is already heading into his sixth National Hockey League season and is capable of big offensive numbers when healthy. Burns has struggled with injuries over the past two
seasons, but is said to be healthy and ready to go.
Unfortunately, like most of the Wild defenders he is not great in rotisserie pools, as he has posted a minus rating for two straight seasons.
Another often underrated Minnesota defender is Marek Zidlicky. Having spent his entire career with the Nashville Predators and the Wild, Zidlicky is often not included among talented offensive defenseman. Nevertheless, the 33-year-old is more than capable
at the offensive end, posting over 40 points last season for the fifth time in his career.
A sleeper worth watching is Cam Barker. The Chicago Blackhawks traded Barker to the Wild last season in order to dump cap. The 24-year-old saw 70 games last year and managed 21 points. However, expect his role to increase next season as he starts his first
full season with the organization.
Goaltending
The Wild has a great goaltending tandem in Niklas Backstrom and Josh Harding. Look for Backstrom to get 60 or more starts next season, after coming off of a 26-win campaign. Harding was awared 22 starts last season and is a legitimate back-up selection if you
are searching for a third goalie.
Both net-minders are incredibly skilled, but their numbers will be indicative of the Wild’s season. If you do not have confidence in the Wild’s ability to make the post-season, Backstrom should not be your first selection in goal.
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