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.
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