Keeper Rankings December - Part One

A slight change in the Keeper list for December. This list started off before the season as a resource to gauge trade value for the majority of superstars in the NHL. The idea behind it was number 50 was a player I would not trade for number 49, number 49 was a player I would not trade for 48 all the way to the number one player, a player who I would not trade straight up for any other individual.

I also tried to take the approach of a team in the middle of the pack, a team neither contending or in full rebuild mode. A team that may be a Jarome Iginla away from jumping into the upper echelon and may mortgage a future star like Stamkos for him, but also a team that may decide a deal like that would be counter productive and remain patient and hope Stamkos emerges relatively quickly.

This was my original idea behind the monthly ranking. In November I got away from this and created a list that can be routinely found anywhere else. I am not giving you some statistical based top 350 keeper list that requires no more effort than punching in numbers and allowing excel to calculate the data. I am individually going through each of these players and assessing whether or not I would realistically deal them for their immediate predecessor on the list.

I believe rotisserie is the best way to run a fantasy pool so my thought process is based upon roto categories, but because of the abundance of different categories that differ from pool to pool I am mainly ranking their overall fantasy potential. Do not expect a guy who may score highly in standard yahoo leagues to automatically appear on this list because they dominate in Shots on Goal and PIMs. if your league uses neither category that player may get drafted or traded to you based on poor information. I am looking for players with high end offensive potential and franchise goaltenders.

This list is my perspective, I have been wrong on players before. Agree or disagree, but I approach fantasy hockey like I would poker. I analyze my position and make my decision. Once it has been made I do not look back, I know with my lack of a crystal ball that some decisions will lose, but at the end of the day I know the majority of my decisions will not. When all is said and done and I list all my decisions, the good will far outweigh the bad, and I can live with that.

On to the revamped list for December

50. Nicklas Lidstrom - D – DET
Nobody has fallen harder down this list than Nicklas Lidstrom. I tried to offer the proper amount of respect to the best defenceman of this generation, but I would have no use for a 39 year old defenseman if I was in 10th place in a 20 team league. What is the point of a 70 pt defenseman on a middle of the pack team? To move up to 4th? Do you give up Phil Kessel for a shot at 4th place? I love Lidstrom and would jump all over an opportunity to acquire him if I was a contender, but he hangs on to 50th in this list based on his history, 39 year olds not named Barry Bonds generally are already well into their descent.

49. Jason Pominville – C – BUF
The city of Pominville population Rick Jeaneret are probably not happy with this ranking, but I never thought Pominville would surpass his 68 pt season in 2007 and was shocked with last seasons production. I need convincing and remain open minded if Pominville can match last seasons production.

48. Niklas Backstrom – G – MIN
Backstrom deserves to be on this list and I made sure to assure his debut in December. I know he has talent, I watched him steal a game against the Canadiens at the Phone Booth in October, but playing under Jacques Lemaire tends to exagerrate your statistics and until he has locked down a contract with the Wild going forward and does not cash out at 7M per season to solve the goaltending woes of the Toronto Maple Leafs he will stay put in the high 40s.

47. Mikko Koivu – C – MIN
The younger Koivu enjoyed a monster start to the 2009 season and tailed off. He has just begun to produce again and is a definite contender for breakout player of the year. I am still struggling trying to figure out his ceiling, playing in the Wild’s stifling system just makes it more difficult. That little bit of doubt is enough that I would be hesitant to pull the trigger on those rated ahead of him.

46. Phil Kessel – RW – BOS
The US Sidney Crosby struggled to find his way in the NHL, but in season three he has finally begun to live up to his World Junior hype. A 12 game scoring streak and 19 goals in his last 29 games have him on a 50+ goal pace. A gifted playmaker and scorer, Kessel earned his place on this list, when the 20 year old shows me more consistency he will rocket up this chart.

45. Derrick Brassard – C – CBJ
Brassard leap frogs the player who was drafted directly ahead of him in the 2006 draft. Both have futures that could link them with Superstars in Marc Savard and Rick Nash. They both took different paths to the NHL and Brassard gets the one position nod because I was not exposed to his warts for two seasons before his debut. I have also been impressed with his production in relation to his ice time. This kid is going to be good.

44. Devin Setoguchi – RW- SJS
Is Setoguchi Jonathon Cheechoo 2.0? Glen Murray from 2003? Is he the next great forward? Or is he going to be Jonathon Cheechoo 2009 in 3 years? To many question marks for me. His 27 points earned him this ranking, nothing more.

43. Alexander Semin – LW – WAS
My first instinct on Semin was to rank him much higher, but with his application in the mail for the Marian Havorik All-Stars I don’t think I would deal for him without reservation. Marian Gaborik is not on this list, I know the guy is one of the most talented individuals in the league, but I know that for every 40+ goal season he has I will have to deal with a 18 goal 35 GP season. That has left Semin stains in my mind.

42. Sergei Gonchar – D – PIT
By the time Sergei Gonchar returns this season he will be 35 years old. But I let Sergei Zubov walk from the Northstars in 2004 assuming at 34 his days as an elite QB were on the decline and he responded with 71 pts at 36. With Lidstrom dominating into his late 30s and Chris Chelios’ wink wink new training program allowing him to play into his late 40s, I will not give up on a slick puck moving dman like Gonchar to early again.

41. Anze Kopitar – C – LAK
I am a big fan of Kopitar, I wanted the Habs to draft him in 2005 and boy was I lucky they were not listening to me. The Habs would not be were they are if you swapped Kopitar for Price. When he exploded out of the gate as a 19 year old I was less than surprised, but I have been disappointed waiting for him to reach that next level. He seems to be struggling with that leap. With his strength and defensive awareness increasing yearly and the ridiculous amount of burgeoning talent on the Kings, Kopitar is marked for big things.

40. Steven Stamkos - C - TB
Stamkos has been a disappointment during his rookie year and I really can’t make a strong case outside of tremendous upside potential to justify his ranking. The same argument can be made for Kyle Turris who plummeted off the chart this month. But giving up on first round picks like Stamkos is not a wise move, erring on the side of caution is the right play. The hype around Stamkos placed him in Crosby’s league but I don’t see it. I know he is going to be productive as a pro, but I am not convinced he is guaranteed to be more productive than those ranked 40 and below. Melrose has been adamant that he is not physically strong enough for the NHL, and while I tend to agree this year, two years from now I will most likely be singing a different tune.

39. Brian Campbell – D – CHI
Campbell chased the money out of San Jose this summer and probably cost himself about 15 spots on this list. Chicago is a team on the rise and Campbell will reap the benefits of a maturing Toews and Kane, but I have not been impressed so far this season. The quicker the Chicago wonder twins mature, the faster Campbell ascends up the chart.

38. Andrei Markov – D- MTL
Markov is an elite defenceman and his stock has taken a hit because of the struggling Canadiens PP. For the second year in a row he has exploded out of the gate and has only recently begun to return to his early season form. Markov is a stud, but is just a rung below the truly elite defensemen.

37. Olli Jokinen – C – PHX
The underrated Superstar. Jokinen is a power center in the mold of Mats Sundin and just turned 30 on the weekend. He is just entering his prime and with an emerging cast of superstars in Phoenix, Jokinen is a good bet to be a PPG player for the next 3-4 years with a high end in the 90s. The only reason he is this high is because of the youthful studs below him.

36. Simon Gagne – LW – PHI
Call me cautious. I like Gagne but am wary of his history, his concussions remain a concern for me as well as his inconsistency. He can score, but I will not be fully convinced until he can remain healthy for a full season and produce consecutive PPG seasons

35. Rick Nash – LW – CBJ
Nash has been a victim of his breakout season at 20 years old. After leading the league with 41 goals as a sophomore the bar was raised too quickly for the Jackets star. Doug “I was not a good GM” Maclean lined his pockets with a huge deal and placed a terrible franchise on his 20 year old back. Now other stars have had this type of pressure at the age of 20, but they were fortunate enough to have a competent GM to surround them with the requisite talent to compete. Nash has struggled with the burden and looks to be finally turning the corner. Is it because he belives the Jackets are improving? Or does he have his eyes on UFA status in 2010? Either way, I anticipate 80+ points this year and will be disappointed with anything less.

34. Paul Stastny – C – COL
At only 23 years old with the bloodlines of a Hall of Famer Peter Stastny I can’t believe I have him ranked at 37. But the young talent in the NHL is unbelievable right now. Colorado is in a transition period with Joe Sakic struggling to stay healthy, replacing a legend is never easy and I expect the transition to take it’s toll. Once that transition takes place I look forward to Stastny proving my ranking wrong.

33. Jeff Carter – C – PHI
Jeff Carter has exploded out of the gate and has 12 points in his last 9 games. Since being rumoured to have been included in a deal to Toronto for Tomas Kaberle Carter has scored 29 goals in 42 games, a 50 goal pace. He has reinvigorated the concussion prone Simon Gagne and is banging on the door of stardom.

32. Nicklas Backstrom – C – WAS
You have to wonder if Backstrom is just a slow starter. Two seasons in a row he has struggled through October but I don’t think it is a coincidence that his 2009 production spiked with the Ovechkin explosion. The sky is the limit for this kid as long as he plays with Ovechkin, we might be looking at the best tag team since the Hart Foundation. Now if we can only get Bruce Boudreau a megaphone and a pink jacket.

31. Jonathon Toews – C – CHI
I love this kid, he is going to be a superstar. My question is will he be a fantasy superstar? After watching him this last week my answer is yes. I am old enough to have seen Stevie Y as a rookie and the comparisons are legit. If you own him in a fantasy pool, hold on to him tighter than Plaxico Burress held onto his gun.

In regards to Burress, who A. wears sweat pants to a club and B. thinks a sweat pant elastic waistband can hold a gun? If Sean Avery played in the NFL do you really think what he said would have registered? Sean I am disgusted with what you said, can I pencil you in next week for a meeting? I have three murders, two assaults, a domestic abuse, three steroid suspensions and a guy who drove his car onto a football field trying to run down a kid. On second thought, don't worry about it Sean, just don't do it again.

30. Zach Parise – LW – NJD
I am waiting for somebody to call me out and say I traded Iginla for Parise, but the deal included a first round pick for me as well and could have potentially landed me another star. Unfortunatley it landed me Drew Stafford. I guess my crystal ball was broken during that draft. All that being said, I think we are much closer to the reality of that being a straight up deal than one might think. Parise is a horse and at 24 is still years away from his prime.

29. Marc Andre Fleury – G – PIT
I am not a fan of Fleury, but I am a fan of the team he plays for. Whoever plays goal for the Pens is going to retain a high value, when you are the former number one pick overall it will just increase that value. Fleury struggled to meet the lofty expectations of the number one pick overall and has shown glimpses of greatness (see game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals), but evertime you think he is about to take the next step something occurs to prevent it. Fleury had a ton of momentum going into this season and an injury has allowed Sabourin to step in and quietly shine. I am still not sold on Fleury, but teams make goalies, and Fleury plays on a great one.

28. Ryan Whitney - D - PIT

See 29. Whitney looks to be the future PP QB of the Pens, that is a very good thing. 59 points as a 24 year old, another good thing, 20 pt regression at 25, not a good thing. With Gonchar out for another 3 months, Whitney has an opportunity to quell any doubts about his future fantasy impact. The second half will go along way to help in forcasting his future.

27. Eric Staal – C – CAR
What happened to that guy? Staal has all the tools to be a dominant power center but his 2 season regression and sloth like start this season have given me cause for concern. There aren’t many forwards out there with a 100 pt season on their resume, so spare me the talk of a fluke year. Maybe 2006 was an abberation and he is an 85 pt players, I am not closing that chapter on his career quite yet.

26. Pavel Datysuk – C – DET
Thirty years old, 90 point seasons yearly, yet dropping on this list? There is something unsexy (is that a word?) about a 30 year old fantasy player for some reason. It boggles the mind and here I am committing the sin that I accuse the rest of the fantasy world of. Entering his prime I want to hold true to my stance but I look over the top 25 and do not see one player who I would trade for Datysuk. At least he has his All ugly team card to get over the disappointment.

OT: The Pascal Leclaire All-Stars (ie. All ugly team) so far
Pascal Leclaire, Evgeni Malkin, Pavel Datysuk. I am always taking nominations - www.fantasysensehockey@yahoo.ca

Keeper Rankings - November

Interesting start to the season. Last season's MVP is slumming it with Sean Avery, Alexander Semin all of a sudden has the confidence to call out Sid the Kid, and Ryan Getzlaf grabbed Corey Perry by the nards and dragged him to a monster month.

Crosby still remains number one, but Malkin is knocking on the door of the last two MVPs, Luongo is making his bid for number one and youngster's Patrick Kane, Shea Weber and Derrick Brassard are putting the heat on fantasy stalwart's Joe Thornton and Nik Lidstrom.

And can somebody please send out a search party for Sam Gagner?

1. Sidney Crosby - C - PIT - average start, still number one
2. Alexander Ovechkin - LW - WAS - slow start, so what
3. Evgeni Malkin - C - PIT - creeping up on number two
4. Roberto Luongo - G - VAN - UP - Three straight shutouts
5. Ilya Kovalchuk - LW - ATL - DOWN - Victim of Luongo
6. Jarome Iginla - RW - CGY- UP - Great start at a thin position
7. Dany Heatley - LW - OTT - UP - goal scoring machine up 2
8. Vincent Lecavalier - C - TB - slow start for Vinny Superstar
9. Joe Thornton - C - SJ - DOWN - The "Tin Man' is looking old
10. Dion Phaneuf - D - CGY - Nothing's changed, still a stud
11. Henrik Lundqvist - G - NYR - he is what we thought he was

12. Jason Spezza - C - OTT - soft forward doing just enough

13. Carey Price - G - MTL - only one bad start this season

14. Marian Hossa - RW - DET - UP - returning to 2006-07 form

15. Henrik Zetterberg - C - DET - steady two way self

16. Patrick Kane - RW - CHI - UP - a force at 19 years of age

17. Mike Green - D - WAS - waiting for Ovechkin to heat up?

18. Tomas Vanek - LW - BUF - UP - contract woes behind him?

19. Pavel Datsyuk - C - DET - Slow start, but still at a PPG
20. Evgeni Nabokov - G - SJ - 1o wins show he is still elite
21. Mike Richards - C - PHI - is he about to take the next step?
22. Ryan Whitney - D - PIT - Pit powerplay is waiting for him
23. Eric Staal - C - CAR - was the 100 pt season a fluke?
24. Marc Savard - C - BOS - where did the goals come from?
25. Ryan Getzlaf - C - ANA - could you be any hotter?
26. Dan Boyle - D - SJ - looks to be back to 100% health
27. Nicklas Lidstrom - D - DET - DOWN - age a factor?
28. Sergei Gonchar - D - PIT - oldie but a goodie
29. Olli Jokinen - C - PHX - nice chemistry with Shane Doan
30. MA Fleury - G - PIT - strong start, should move up soon
31. Jason Pominville - C - BUF - slow start pushes him down

32. Jonathon Toews - C - CHI - finally scored last night
33. Andrei Markov - D - MTL - what's wrong with the Habs PP?
34. Alexander Semin - LW - WAS - UP - Sid who? Great start
35. Anze Kopitar - C - LAK - efficient start to the season
36. Paul Stastny - C - COL - stressful replacing a legend
37. Steven Stamkos - C - TB - slow start doesn't hurt his potential
38. Brian Campbell - D - CHI - still among the fantasy elite
39. Marty Turco - G - DAL - DOWN - and I'm free, freeeee falllin
40. Corey Perry - R - ANA - UP - Robin to Getzlaf's Batman
41. Rick Nash - LW - CBJ - still waiting Mr. Nash
42. Zach Parise - LW - NJ - how good would he be with a center?
43. Shea Weber - G - NAS - UP - gushing like Cytheria over this kid!
44. Mikko Koivu - C - MIN - pace has slowed, but off to a great start
45. Nicklas Backstrom - C - WAS - needs to show me more
46. Daniel Briere - C - PHI - strong start even with injury
47. Tomas Kaberle - D - TOR - the silent rock on the Leafs
48. Henrik Sedin - C - VAN - leaving his brother behind
49. Derrick Brassard - C - CBJ - this kid will be in the top 30 soon
50. Kyle Turris - C - PHX - invisible for the last two weeks

dropped: Martin St. Louis, Derek Roy, Martin Brodeur, Nathan Horton, Daniel Sedin, Brent Burns, Sam Gagner

Top 50 NHL Keepers - 50-25 - Oct '08

I have been playing some form of fantasy hockey since the mid 80s. Probably started around the time when I was collecting my Panini sticker books and running around with a Rick Wamsley jersey on. From playoff pools and points pools with the no Gretzky rule, to waiting for my buddy to put in a quarter so I could take a copy of the local paper on Tuesdays and fill out the weekly scores.

With the advent of the internet, hockey pools became more intense and challenging. After a couple of years doing things the old way, one of the members of the pool suggested trying out a keeper league.

I was hooked instantly. The chance to own players for their entirety of their career? Making trades with a view to three years in the future and the development of a minor league system for every team? I'm in! Through trial and error we have tried to make the league as authentic as possible without losing the element of fun. It is fairly intense and if you refuse to put in the research and time, your chances of victory are slim.

It is why most of my postings will most likely have a keeper league slant to them beginning with this post. Seeing as the majority of fantasy hockey enthusiasts prefer others to do the work for them while they take all the glory, I felt I would compile a list of the top 50 keepers in the NHL and update the list monthly.

Installment number one will have a player by player breakdown with my reasoning for the order. The ground rule being trade value. Trade value differs from player to player depending on your positioning in a pool. One may trade Steven Stamkos for Martin Brodeur if they are in first place and need a goaltender to assure a championship. If you are in last place and you had Stamkos, you would not deal him for Martin Brodeur knowing that one has 15-20 years ahead of him and the other as great as he is will be retired in 4 years.

So I am taking the approach that I am the 10th place team in a 20 team league. To far from last and first place, to abandon my Superstars in their prime.

50. Brent Burns - D - Minnesota Wild - 23

The fiftieth spot on the list was hotly contested between Jeff Carter, Zach Parise, Daniel Alfredsson, Mike Ribeiro and Alexander Semin. His position was a major consideration in placing him over the other five players as dominant defensemen are hard to come by in deep keeper leagues. His 43 pt breakthrough last season and "Best Defenseman" performance at the 2008 World Championships clinched his position in the October rankings. Burns is a terrific skater, possess a heavy shot and looks to continue his ascent to franchise defenseman.

49. Sam Gagner - C - Edmonton Oilers - 19

Gagner was the youngest player in the NHL last season and improved every night. A huge second half (close to a 70 pt pace) significantly raised his fantasy profile. One of the reasons the Oilers made a late playoff surge. A small creative player who seems to be a couple of steps ahead of the game. Gagner is wise beyond his years, when he adds some strength to help his explosiveness the sky's the limit.

48. Daniel/Henrik Sedin - LW/C - Vancouver Canucks - 28

The swedish twins are so similar I could not choose between the two so I lumped them together. In all honesty, they made the list because of their NHL commercial from a couple of years ago.

47. Tomas Kaberle - D - Toronto Maple Leafs - 30

Kaberle seems like he has been around forever but is only 30 years old. The powerplay quarterback is a lock for 50+ points and if the Leafs decide to deal him to a team with top offensive talent he could surpass his 67 pt career high. A fantastic transition player with great playmaking ability, Kaberle probably suffers from his reluctance to shoot. An elite level talent buried in a terrible organization.

46. Daniel Briere - RW - Philadelphia Flyers - 30

Although Briere looks like he is 21, Briere has entered his prime at 30. I don't think he will ever return to his lofty totals from his Sabre days, but the speedy crafty winger can return to 80+ points with the return of a concussed Simon Gagne to the fold. A disappointing debut with the Flyers in 2008 leaves Briere with something to prove and a possible ascension up these ranks.

45. Kyle Turris - C - Phoenix Coyotes - 19

A star in the making, Turris and all of his 3 games experience probably represent the frenzy that youth creates in a keeper league. Turris is an explosive forward who possesses a lethal offensive arsenal. The only reason he is on this list is because if somebody offered me Briere/Kaberle etc for Turris I would probably hold on to Turris. When I come across a player with this much Tremendous Upside Potential, I am usually apt to crash and burn with the player then be the guy who traded away a Superstar.

44. Nathan Horton - C/RW - Florida Panthers - 23

Inconsistincies plagued the bruising power forward last season. The skilled sniper with the howitzer suffered through a lean first half of the season and did not live up to the huge off season contract he signed. Tons of room to improve, but he needs to ratchet up his intensity for every game. When he does, he should reach his potential and with multi position eligibility and a lack of elite right wingers, a place in the top 25.

43. Martin Brodeur - G - New Jersey Devils - 36

It takes a player of unbelievable talent to remain on a keeper list as a 36 year old. To remain among the elite goaltenders of the league like Brodeur has for the past 15 years is a testament to his greatness. Because of this I would never underestimate another 4-5 years of this type of production. But the fact that Brodeur could pack it in at anytime after he sets the Wins record pretty much eliminates him from the top 40.

42. Rick Nash - LW - Columbus Blue Jackets - 24

After his 41 goals as a 20 year old, I have found myself wanting more from Nash and receiving less. He finally took a step forward last season when the power forward forced his way to a career high 69 points without the benefit of a legit centerman. Nash still oozes potential and if Brassard can be his Adam Oates then Nash will fly up this chart. I don't like to rank players based on potential linemates, so until he proves he is an 80+ point player he will remain on the lower half of this list.

41. Derek Roy - C - Derek Roy - 25

A monster second half by Roy (100 pt pace) moved Roy up this list. Roy seized the opportunity with the departure of Briere and Drury in 2008. Roy's playmaking ability is enhanced by his great instincts and quick hands. Roy leaves it all on the ice and buried his opportunities in close to the tune of 32 goals. I don't believe he has peaked and believe that Roy will be a catalyst in returning the Sabres to the top of the Eastern Conference.

40. Martin St. Louis - RW - Tampa Bay Lightning - 33

A personal favourite of mine as a 2004 sleeper, if not for the sieve known as Patrick Lalime he would have dragged me to a Fantasy league title. A declining game, an abysmal plus/minus and a brutal stretch run to 2008 has dropped the value of the 5 ft 7in dynamo. May have a couple of very productive seasons left in him and as a RW has increased value. But I could not see myself passing up Toews, Backstrom, Kane etc to acquire him.

39. Nicklas Backstrom - C - Washington Capitals - 21

Suffered through a slow start but exploded after the hiring of Bruce Boudreau to finish right behind Patrick Kane in the 2008 Calder race. Cerebral pivot has outstanding playmaking skills, a creative mind and elite passing skills. With Alexander the Great flanking his left side some monster season's await. I see the top 20 in his future.

38. Brian Campbell - D - Chicago Blackhawks - 29

Can Campbell follow up a career year with the expectations of a monster contract hanging over his head? A slick skating, undersized workhorse with dynamic playmaking abilities invigorated the Sharks after his late season trade. An abilility to change speeds at will he will improve the Hawks transition game and with the young Hawks talent should remain productive. Not sold on his ability to match last season's numbers.

37. Steven Stamkos - C - Tampa Bay Lightning - 18

I am pretty sure that this stock will rise and fall with every hot and cold stretch this season. A future star who could be ten to fifteen spots higher, but I am not sure I would give up the young elite centers of the game who have already established an ability to put up 80+ pts already for a kid who has yet to score an NHL point. There is no doubt the kid could be in the top 10 in the next couple of years and in keeper leagues owners tend to overrate their youth. He has all the tools (explosive shot, gifted vision, great skater and great passing ability), but as of right now, thirty seven feels right.

36. Paul Stastny - C - Colorado Avalanche - 23

Stastny avoided the sophomore jinx and posted 71 pts in only 66 games. Very industrious in finding open ice and a great finisher in close, he maximizes his skill set and exhibits a strong imagination. He has the good fortune to apprentice under future Hall of Famer Joe Sakic and when Joe hangs him up will ascend to the top line. 90+ points is definitely within his reach in 2009.

35. Anze Kopitar - C - Los Angeles Kings - 21

Huge pivot who exhibits creative playmaking skills that contemplate his silky hands and booming shot. Due to his size he can look aloof and once his skating matures, look out. At 21 he has yet to physically mature and when he does he will begin to dominate. Kopitar's 2008 season was remarkably consistent for a 20 year old, this kid's stock is on the rise.

34. Marty Turco - G - Dallas Stars - 33

Slightly under appreciated due to a less than spectacular save percentage and his place on a boring defense team. But the numbers do not lie. Since Turco took over from the Eagle he has produced 5 consecutive 30+ win seasons and a consistent goals against average in the low 2.00 range. The game changing puck handler who employs an unorthodox athletic style, finally got over the playoff hump in 2008. Although at 33, his days among the elite are numbered and he is more likely to decline then improve. A goalie's value is always tied to his team, and as Turco ages the Stars system will become more important.

33. Ryan Getzlaf - C - Anaheim Mighty Ducks - 23

Getzlaf has had an amazing ascent to the upper echelon of NHL centers. For a large man he posseses a startling athletiscism and has great value due to his ability to quarterback a powerplay. A very patient pivot whose potential may be untapped if he loses the reluctance to employ his heavy shot. He has much room for improvement, but due to his rapid rise may take another couple of season to jump to another level.

32. Andrei Markov - D - Montreal Canadiens - 30

One of the catalyst's of the vaunted Canadiens powerplay, Markov and Kovalev make the magic happen. His quickness and ability as a fluid puckmover helps set the habs in motion. He uses his instincts to jump into the rush at the opportune time creating numerous backdoor tap ins. As long as Markov is the quarterback of the Canadiens his fantasy value remains very high. I have a feeling a career season is in the offing.

31. Jonathon Toews - C - Chicago Blackhawks - 20

The third youngest captain in NHL history possesses a great hockey IQ. Great vision, puckhandling ability and supple hands (ask Jeff Frazee) combined with an intense desire to win create a future fantasy monster. His 24 goals in 64 games creates great anticipation for what Toews can accomplish in the future. I expect Toews will soar up this chart in the next couple of years.

30. Marc Andre Fleury - G - Pittsburgh Penguins - 24

A sizzling performance in game five of the Stanley Cup Finals likely increased Fleury's draft position in 2008. Fleury possesses all the elite level skills, he is an extremely quick, ultra aggressive butterfly goaltender who at times lacks mental focus. He also tends to over pursure due to his aggresiveness and drop to his knees prematurely. Fleury has the ability to be the elite goaltender in fantasy and as long as he is on the Penguins will post big numbers. But until he can prove that the improved poise that existed in the last 40 games will exist 100% of the time, he will not move up on this list.

29. Olli Jokinen - C - Phoenix Coyotes - 30

A lacklustre finish that may be explained by Jokinen's part in the Richard Zednik mishap has put a small dent in his fantasy value. An explosive offensive player who carried the Panthers offense for five years has a new home in Phoenix for the 08 season. When he exploits his size and strength his play is reminiscent of a young Mats Sundin. Unfortunately his consistency is not in the same class as the long time Maple Leaf and that keeps Ollie from reaching the upper echelon of the fantasy ranks.

28. Jason Pominville - RW - Buffalo Sabres - 26

Maintains a loftier rank then expected due to the lack of elite right wingers in the NHL today. Pominville plays a feisty, opportunistic game built around strong spacing and the ability to get rid of the puck quickly in scoring zones. With his steady growth and powerplay quarterbacking ability, he possesses the ability to move further up this list.

27. Dan Boyle - D - San Jose Sharks - 32

A freak accident destroyed Boyle's 2008 campaign. An elite powerplay quarterback and passer, Boyle will replace Campbell and maintain a strong transition game for the Sharks. His vision, and the opportunity to continue to play with elite offensive talent, should allow Boyle to return to the form that made him a fantasy force. With the Lightning behind him, it is a good bet that his plus/minus will improve. An elite level defenseman, but a notch below the remaining defensemen due to his age and injury history.

26. Mike Richards - C - Philadelphia Flyers - 23

A feisty player who at times can play on the edge, his competitive streak allows him to fit in perfectly in Philadelphia. While not extremely fast, his ability to see the game and his ability to improvise makes him a dangerous offensive weapon. He is the unquestioned leader on the Flyers and their offensive catalyst. He has just begun to scratch his potential and will continue to improve over the next couple of years.

25. Patrick Kane - RW - Chicago Blackhawks - 19

The reigning rookie of the year managed to crack the top 25 due to his position. Although Kane's ability to control and dangle with the puck allowed him to score an obscene 7 goals in 9 attempts his ranking was affected by his RW eligibility. If he was a center he would be 10 spots lower. Kane has the potential to be a 100 point player, with his explosive skating ability and the maturation of his physical game don't be surprised if it is sooner, rather than later.

Part Two: Numbers 24-1 Next week

Top 50 NHL Keepers - 24-1 - Oct '08

24. Marc Savard - C - Boston Bruins - 31

The 2008 season was another huge season by Savard. The late blooming center was on pace for another 70+ assist season. If you own Savard you will most likely finish in the upper echelon of the assist category yearly. The guy is a magician with the puck, he has extraordinary vision and sees passing lanes where they do not seem to exist. With the talent level improving in Boston, plenty more 90+ point season exist in his future. If anybody can make Michael Ryder a viable fantasy option again, it is Savard.

23. Niklas Lidstrom - D - Detroit Red Wings - 38

The best defenseman of this generation would be in the top 5 if you removed 5 years from his age. With six Norris trophies in the last seven seasons and his sixth 60+ point season in his last eight, Lidstrom continues his elite level production in to his late 30s. He is still a plus/minus machine and one of the most durable fantasy picks of the last decade. The perfect blend of finesse and toughness hangs on to the top 25.

22. Marian Gaborik - RW - Minnesota Wild - 26

Mr. Brittle enters his eighth season of underachievement. Gaborik has unbelievable skills but has never matched the hype of the TUP label. A highly skilled winger with a tremendous burst and laserlike release is always going to have owners shy away because of his inability to stay healthy. With a huge contract on the horizon, expect Gaborik to post a career year, but how will he react to a monster 10 year deal? Be very wary of investing in Mr. Brittle.

21. Thomas Vanek - LW - Buffalo Sabres - 24

Vanek had a down year last year, it was most likely due to his struggle with the huge contract expectations. With the loss of leaders Briere and Drury and the disappearance of Max Afinogenov, Vanek had an unexpected downturn. With fantastic quickness and deadly hands a return to 80+ points is likely. With the Sabres up tempo style Vanek is a good bet to crack 50+ goals in the next couple of years. Definitely on the rise.

20. Ryan Whitney/Sergei Gonchar - D - Pittsburgh Penguins

Whoever quarterbacks the Penguins powerplay is a fantasy monster. Whitney is the future, Gonchar is the present. Is lumping these two together lazy? No, more like I did 85% of the list and then realized I had left Gonchar off because of his injury. This is my creative way of not having to do the whole list over, or agonize over who to drop from 40-50.

19. Evgeni Nabokov - G - San Jose Sharks - 33

The former rookie of the year had a dream season after the departure of Vesa Toskala in 2008. Quick and agile Nabokov should expect a lighter load this season, but I expect this ranking to sink as I do not believe he can repeat last season's numbers. Still an elite goaltender on a team in the upper echelon, but questions about how long he can maintain his prime remain for me.

18. Pavel Datsyuk - C - Detroit Red Wings - 30

A magician with the puck, his vision and array of dazzling moves make him almost unstoppable. When you add his shot and it's laserlike precision, you have a very scary fantasy force. Just entering his prime, Datsyuk registered a career season in 2008 and has not reached his top end potential. I believe Datsyuk has one more gear, but it is just not enough to place him among the absolute elite of the game.

17. Eric Staal - C - Carolina Hurricanes - 24

Was the 100 pt season a fluke? A dominant close to the season in which he averaged over 1.5 PPG would suggest otherwise. A great top gear, the gigantic pivot is a handful down low and when presented with open space, releases a bullet shot that gives goaltenders nightmares. With a little more passion added to his game, Staal can break into the elite centers of the game. Scary to think that this kid has 3-4 years before he reaches his prime.

16. Marian Hossa - RW - Detroit Red Wings - 29

Hossa followed up a monster season in 2007 with a lacklustre effort in his Free Agent season. Hossa has strong instincts and uses change of pace to create openings for his quick release. He is among the elite right wingers of the game, which helps his ranking. Would I trade him straight up for Staal if he was a center? No, but his eligibility on the right wing definitely increases his value.

15. Mike Green - D - Washington Capitals - 23

Effortless skater exploded on the scene last season. Green possesses an elite rushing ability and can change the pace of a game through the back end. Is he on the same level as Dion Phaneuf? It is really irrelevant, because if you add his production from last season and his age, most keeper league owners will ask for the moon for Green. The Ovechkin factor only increases his inflated value. Green may have overshot his actual value, and I would not be surprised to see him fall before he rises once again.

14. Henrik Zetterberg - LW - Detroit Red Wings - 28

Zetterberg's determination was on full display in the Stanley Cup Finals last season, his 5 on 3 performance was the defining performance of the playoffs for me. With superb instincts, speed, finishing ability and vision added to the determination, Zetterberg becomes a very serious fantasy player. Another 90+ point season is in the offing. But I have a feeling that we have seen his offensive ceiling.

13. Carey Price - G - Montreal Canadiens - 21

Just another superstar goaltender spit out by the Canadiens goaltending factory. Price's ascension to the elite of the NHL has been meteoric. An unbelievable 2006 saw him win every award possible in junior, as well as dominate the AHL. Once he forced Huet out of town Price put up one of the greatest statistical seasons by a 20 year old goalie in NHL history. His butterfly style when combined with his lateral quickness leaves very little for NHL shooters to see. A dedication to diet and the gym in the off season increased his fitness level and quickness and resulted in a 30+ lb drop. Poised to be the best goaltender in fantasy within the next 2-3 years.

12. Jason Spezza - C - Ottawa Senators - 25

I despise Jason Spezza, and will never own him in any of my fantasy leagues. Let's say he registers very high on my Patrick Lalime scale. But the guy is extremely productive. An elite playmaker with great vision, Spezza's flashy play and soft demeanor may be a negative in the real NHL, but his elite production in fantasy is not. Spezza is a lock to average over a PPG, and has not reached his potential yet. The problem is wether he will ever unlock his full potential? If so, look out.

11. Henrik Lundqvist - G - NY Rangers - 26

King Henrik has started his NHL career with 3 straight 30+ win seasons and is a three time Vezina trophy finalist. Lundqvist is agile and covers a ton of net due to his flexibility and reflexes. Poised and competitive, Lundqvist possesses all the qualities that are desired in an elite goaltender. He rarely overpursues and the flair for the spectacular make him a favourite among keeper owners and the denizens of the Garden.

10. Dion Phaneuf - D - Calgary Flames - 23

If you own Phaneuf in a keeper league, you are most likely inundated with calls about the availability of the future Norris winner. Tough as nails and just as determined, Phaneuf is still in education mode and when he matures look out. A strong puck handler who possesses an absolute cannon for a shot, Phaneuf should anchor the Flames powerplay for the next 15 years, and if you are fortunate your defense corp as well.

9. Dany Heatley - LW - Ottawa Senators - 27

With two 50 goal/100+ point season on his resume, Heatley is just entering his prime. Has enjoyed a fruitful relationship as Spezza's triggerman. Is adept at finding and creating open space, with a heavy quick release Heatley has become one of the elite snipers in the game. Coming off a tournament MVP in the World Championships, it is going to be interesting to see if Heatley can access one more gear.

8. Vincent Lecavalier - C - Tampa Bay Lightning - 28

Vinny finally reached his TUP in 2007 and made a bid for the best player in the NHL early last year. An classic pivot in the mold of Jean Beliveau, he uses his size to physically challenge defenders and is able to freeze the opposition with his ability to change pace. Major shoulder surgery is a concern, but also may open the door for you to acquire him from a nervous owner.

7. Jarome Iginla - RW - Calgary Flames - 31

The elite right wing in the game, Iginla is your prototypical power forward and is indispensible in a league that counts PIMs. An explosive skater who plays in your face and physically imposes his will on defenders. The deadly sniper has begun to round out his game with the emergence of a patient side that has improved his playmaking ability. Although he is about to enter the tail end of his prime, to acquire him you would have to sell your soul.

6. Joe Thornton - C - San Jose Sharks - 29

Amazing to think that Thornton is only 29. I guess technically Thornton should be below Brad Stuart, Marco Sturm and Wayne Primeau. That deal that would have started a fist fight among friends if it was made in a fantasy keeper league. Thornton is one of those rare players that when somebody is moved to his line waiver wires light up with his winger de jour. Jonathon Cheechoo anyone? Equipped with elite vision, he controls the pace better than any center in the game and the only thing keeping him from number one is motivation or a little anger.

5. Roberto Luongo - G - Vancouver Canucks - 29

After a breakout season in 2007, Luongo was plagued by inconsistencies and a depleted defense core last season. His inability to build off his breakthrough season is cause for concern. His combination of size, quickness, anticipation, lateral movement and technique make him a candidate to dominate any team on any night. With his skill set keeper league owners covet Luongo making him virtually untouchable. With Price and Lundqvist nipping at his toes, Luongo needs to step it up this season or his ranking will suffer.

4. Ilya Kovalchuk - LW - Atlanta Thrashers - 25

Matched in explosiveness and fire by only Alexander the Gr8. A wizard with the puck, Kovalchuk arguably possesses the best finishing ability in the NHL. With the ability to shift gears at will, his one on one bursts are a joy to watch. 40+ goals is almost a guarantee, if the Thrashers can ever surround him with elite level talent to round out his playmaking ability, Kovalchuk will ascend to even greater heights.

3. Evgeni Malkin - C - Pittsburgh Penguins - 22

Malkin grabbed the reigns when Crosby went down last season and rapidly rose to the elite of the fantasy ranks. An outrageous 3rd quarter of the season saw Malkin average 1.71 PPG and lifted him from Crosby's immense shadow. A slick, athletic puckhandler, Malkin has the ability to use his large frame to create space, and with that space to bury his opportunities. A cornerstone for a keeper league franchise who still has the ability to ratchet it up a few more levels.

The top two spots were the easiest positions on this list to chart. But the difficulty came with who deserved the top slot. Choosing between the two was like the Jolie/Pitt twins choosing which breast to feed from, you really can't go wrong.

2. Alexander Ovechkin - LW - Washington Capitals - 23

I have to admit, the passion and exuberance with which Ovechkin plays the game is fun to watch. His unbelievable competitive streak lead Alex the Gr8 to one of the most dynamic seasons of all time. A great sniper with the ability to create from almost nothing, Ovechkin's explosiveness and physical play may wear down his body over time. A dynamic player who may top this list in the coming calendar year, but not in October.

1. Sidney Crosby - C - Pittsburgh Penguins - 21

It is amazing the expectation level placed on Sid the Kid and how quickly people were looking for his replacement. The joy of watching Ovechkin in 2008 lead many to feed off Crosby's faults and annoint a new MVP. But in a keeper league my money is on Crosby. One must not forget that Crosby is two years behind Ovechkin's development, and already has two 100+ point seasons and would have accrued three if not for injury. I got a feeling that Crosby has two to three more gears that we have not seen and within a year will be the undisputed NHL MVP.

Or until November, when everything could change

Top 50 keepers - Part One