Fantasy hockey preview: Right wing
With fantasy leagues starting up around North American and the world in anticipation of the upcoming 2010-11 National Hockey League season, it is important to be prepared before draft day. Whether you are in a rotisserie, head-to-head or points league, knowing the ins and outs of each position is important when putting together a winning squad.
Right wing has forever been a corner stone of the fantasy hockey line-up. Relied on to score goals and get points, the right winger’s purpose, more than anything, is to help raise the overall totals of your fantasy club.
Upper echelon
These are the players who are expected to go in the first round. If you are willing to part with a first round pick you could have these guys on your fantasy roster.
Patrick Kane – Chicago Blackhawks
Despite the fact that Martin St. Louis had more points as a right winger than Patrick Kane he is still your best bet at the position. Kane registered 30 goals on his way to an 88-point performance. In addition, he also went a plus-16 and managed nine power play (PP) points. Moreover, he is only 21 years old and continues to get better every year, expect 2010-11 to be no different.
Corey Perry – Anaheim Ducks
At 24 years old Perry is able to do it all and would be an amazing addition to any fantasy team, however he is most effective in rotisserie leagues. Perry notched 27 goals and 76 points last season while managing a plus/minus of zero on a poor defensive club. Moreover, Perry tallied six PP and most impressively recorded 111 penalty minutes (PIMs). If you are looking for an all-round right winger Perry is your man.
Middle of the road
These are your solid point producer; they are unlikely to lead your team in scoring, but can be very effective when picked up in the fifth or sixth round.
Mikael Samuelsson – Vancouver Canucks
Last season Samuelsson had a breakout year. He may have only recorded 53 points but his numbers across the board are what make him extremely valuable. The Swedish born winger managed 30 goals last season while going a plus-10 and notching seven PP. In addition, Samuelsson is expected to start on the top line with the Sedin twins, which should go a long way in inflating his numbers.
Martin Havlat – Minnesota Wild
Last season Havlat had an off year and therefore he is likely to drop as low as the fifth round. Nevertheless, he is still capable of scoring lots of points and if chosen late could be a steal. In 2009-10 Havlat struggled with only 18 goals and 54 points on the offensively challenged Wild. However, a year earlier Havlat recorded 29 goals and 77 points, and if he can return to form he will be a solid addition to any roster.
Hidden gems
These are players that you will find in the later round, but are either poised for breakout years or for one reason or another are flying under the radar.
Jakub Voracek – Columbus Blue Jackets
Because of Rick Nash it would be unlikely if Voracek was to get any first-line time next season. However, he is an incredibly skilled youngster who is poised to build on a productive season in 2009-10. Last year with the Jackets he tallied 16 goals and 50 points, while earning four PP. At only 21 years old he could be a major steal.
Patric Hornqvist – Nashville Predators
Hornqvist surprised the Predators organization last year, coming out of nowhere to lead the team in scoring. The 23-year-old Swede managed 30 goals and 52 points while going plus-18 with 10 PP. Needless-to-say if Hornqvist is around past the sixth round he is a brilliant pick.
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