It is funny when a teenager shops they look for the most expensive item in the shop to buy. After paying the 1000% markup on the sweatshop produced product they spend the next 2 months telling others how extremely expensive their purchase is. Some adults never grow out of this and continue to show off their Iphones, Porsches and $40 water bottle from Lululemon.Most adults switch to the other extreme and go from bragging about the cost of products to bragging how cheap they picked up their latest bargain. Bragging about cheap acquisitions in fantasy goes hand in hand with the game.
In fantasy hockey it is imperative to pick bargains off the waiver wire if you want to win a championship. Maybe it takes an extra hour scouring the bargain racks at Winners to find the hidden gems, but once found, you have just acquired an asset as valuable as the $90 Lululemon pants at a fraction of the cost.
Let's go looking through the bargain racks, I will try to let you know wether to pass on, or take advantage of a bargain.
Mason Raymond - LW - Vancouver Canucks
Raymond is slightly undersized at 6'0" and 190 lbs but possesses lightning speed and great dangling abilities. He is dangerous on the powerplay and with up to 3 minutes of time and exposure with the struggling swedes could enjoy a breakout season. He lacks physical strength which could ultimately derail a breakout, but he is definitely worth a cheap pickup.
Andy Greene - D - New Jersey Devils
A disappointing 2008 has left Greene with very little hype entering this season. Although his PP time is not in line with Paul Martin's his offensive anticipation, skating and passing skills are offensive in nature and with 6 PT in his first 6 games is a solid bargain acquisition. Adding a 35-40 PT d-man in a deep league could be a huge acquisition at this point in the season.
Mike Knuble - RW - Philadelphia Flyers
Knuble is 36 years old, has never been one of the sexier fantasy picks but with the lack of elite level right wingers available is a must add bargain. He has exploded in his last 4 games for 5 goals and playing on the upper two lines on Philly with an abundance of power play time he could enjoy a solid season. At this price he is a definite bargain.
Milan Lucic - LW - Boston Bruins
Lucic was the darling of the first round of the playoffs last season and has exploded in the last week for 5 points in 4 games. In a keeper league he is a must add as his blend of toughness and scoring ability has Bruins fans envisioning the return of Cam Neely. High praise, but 75% of Neely would make this a monster bargain.
Mike Smith - G - Tampa Bay Lightning
Smith has capitalized on his first real starting opportunity in Tampa Bay. The wins are not there, but a 2.12 GAA and a .942 SV% have been an early season fantasy surprise. It was hard to get a read on Smith's real talent as he played in the offensive stifling Dallas Stars system, in a keeper league he is a definite bargain add and stash. For this season, I think the Lightning are destined to miss the playoffs, but with only Kolzig pushing him Smith will probably get a huge workload. Definite bargain.
Clarke MacArthur - LW - Buffalo Sabres
MacArthur has finally received his NHL opportunity and his personal performance has mimicked the fast start of the Sabres. He has strong offensive instincts, and may fight his way on to the upper two lines with continued production. His potential has been tabbed as a third liner but with the second line in reach in Buffalo may be worth an add.
Sergei Zubov - D - Dallas Stars
If somebody has not had the vision to add this guy and stash him, go get him right now. He is still an elite level offensive producer, as for all you Stephane Robidas owners.....well, it was fun while it lasted.
Mike Van Ryn - D - Toronto Maple Leafs
Van Ryn is very underrated and because of an injury prone 2008 has flown under many fantasy radars. With two 37 point campaigns under his belt already and the possibility of being used as Kaberle's triggerman, Van Ryn could become a very valuable 3rd-4th d-man and a strong bargain.
Alex Ponikoravsky - LW - Toronto Maple Leafs
A member of the giant twin underachievers in Toronto the past 4 seasons, Ponikoravsky has put up 7 points in his last 5 games and 18 points over his last 21 games dating back to last season. Ponikoravsky has never produced with the Big Swede beside him and has a tendency for streaky play, a tendency his twin Borat also shares. He is receiving big PP minutes, but even though the Leafs are underrated with little talent surrounding him and a team that has committed to defense, don't expect this production to continue. No bargain to be had here.
Tim Thomas - G - Boston Bruins
With back to back shutouts in the last week he has most likely been scooped up in most fantasy leagues, but Thomas overpursues, is inconsistent will not keep up this performance. With a possible tandem in the wings with Fernandez (and don't kid yourself, the Bruins are not going to staple 4.5M goalie to the bench) and super prospect Tuuka Rask on the farm he is a short term shot in the arm. As for his lofty perch in the rankings right now, highly doubtful he maintains it.
Aaron Voros - RW - NY Rangers
Everybody come to their senses yet?
No comments:
Post a Comment