Kukla's Korner Hockey
50 NHL Fantasy Predictions
by Paul on 01/14/13 at 02:12 PM ET
Comments (4)
from Matt Cubeta of NHL.com,
1. Last year I said Datsyuk would reach 100 points. This year I'm saying he won't top 40 points -- 40 points in 48 games is a rate of .83 points-per-game, which would've tied him for 44th in the NHL last season. Between his declining stats, potential for injury and his lack of shots and PIMs, he might not be worth an early draft pick this year. He's also typically a slow starter, and with the condensed season, it could benefit you to pass on him.
2. While Jamie Benn is still waiting on a contract with the Stars, I believe he'll finish as a top-10 fantasy player. With veteran playmakers Jaromir Jagr, Derek Roy and Ray Whitney joining an improved Dallas team, Benn will become elite this year (I truly believe there's a chance he could be a top-5 fantasy player). He has the tools to contribute in all categories.
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Comments
Comment #1 made it totally unnecessary to read Comments 2-49.
To the authors credit, he DID state that it was a fantasy prediction. I wholeheartedly agree.
Posted by dougie on 01/14/13 at 03:19 PM ET
He’s also typically a slow starter, and with the condensed season, it could benefit you to pass on him.
Sure, he’s typically a slow starter, but he’s already played 31 games this season. He should e in mid-season form when the NHL season starts.
Plus, he’ll be starting the season on a line with two other guys who are also in mid-season form. Add to that the fact that he has proven chemistry with Zetterberg and Zetterberg has developed a chemistry with Brunner and I honestly think even if nothing else goes right for the Wings, this line will be a bright spot.
Posted by Garth on 01/14/13 at 03:39 PM ET
What Garth said. No doubt he’s a slow starter, but he’s been playing professional hockey for a couple months now.
Saying he’s roughly a 40 point player this year isn’t crazy at all, considering his attention to the two-way game. But I don’t think it really has anything to do with injury likelihood (where did that come from?) or starting slow.
Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 01/15/13 at 10:28 AM ET
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WOW. Ok, Pavel might not get 40 points but come on!!!The way you read this, is almost to say he is out for retirement. Did the author of the article see what he did in the KHL?I might be a pessimist by nature, but this is a bit of an exaggeration no? Maybe it’s just my bias…
Posted by gowings from MTL on 01/14/13 at 02:21 PM ET