Should you play it safe and choose the league leader from last year? (AO for those of you who are a little slow) or should you choose a sleeper that you think will have a breakout season? The decision is always tough, but lucky for all of you, we here at The Prairie Puck have the answers. In a 4 part series, we will highlight who you should watch out for in terms of Rookies this year, Big Threats, Sleepers, and of course, good old Saskatchewan-born players to keep an eye out for:
First, let’s start with the Rookie class of 2008/2009:
1. Steven Stamkos (Drafted 1st overall by TAMPA BAY in 2008)
Obviously the first overall pick is going to generate some buzz. This Markham, Ontario native remained the top prospect throughout last year, and when the Tampa Bay
Lightning were rewarded the 1st overall pick, they did not hesitate to begin to turn their team around from a dismal effort last season. The difference between Crosby’s first year and Stamkos’ first year is that the team is not solely relying on Stamkos for a complete turnaround in one year, as they have aquired a number of players to fill out the roster, including Pittsburgh’s Ryan Malone and veteran Gary Roberts, defenseman Andrej Meszaros, and veteran goaltender Olaf Kolzig (not to mention Vinny and Marty are still around). Stamkos will probably tally 60-70 points this year, and will be a key component to Tampa Bay’s definite playoff birth (yeh…I said it). OVERALL, easily a top 3 selection for the Calder trophy.
2. Fabian Brunnstrom (Signed as a free agent with DALLAS in 2008)
With 5 years on the 18 year old Stamkos, this Swedish sensation adds some offensive punch to a Dallas team who fell short of a Stanley Cup Final birth last season. The way this guy has been hyped, not only do I expect a 100 point effort this season, he will probably need to find the cure for cancer to meet expectations. In all seriousness, Brunnstrom, along with off Season acquisition Sean Avery, this team made some great moves to contend for a Cup, and Brunnstrom offers the potential to replace the franchise player Mike Modano, who (let’s face it), is definitely playing the back 9.
3. Nikita Filatov (Drafted 6th overall with COLUMBUS in 2008)
It’s no secret that Russia produces incredible hockey players on an assembly line. Moscow product Nikita Filatov is no exception. Although a leg injury has haulted his training camp, preseason schedule, and possibly the beginning of the season, this 18 year old kid is going to light it up, and will be an interesting addition to an increasingly competitive division with the revamped Chicago Blackhawks, reigning champion Detroit Red Wings, and the promising futures of Nashville and St. Louis. Expect a 50-60 point performance from Filatov, tallying 20+ goals in 2008.
4. Drew Doughty (Drafted 2nd overall with LOS ANGELES in 2008)
After watching this guy skate in the OHL, and on the World Junior stage, he was by far the best pick for the Los Angeles Kings in 2008. He is an excellent puck handler, a fast skater, and his hockey sense is through the roof. Along with fellow first rounder (and REGINA PATS alumni I may add) Colton Teubert, who the Kings picked 13th overall in 2008, and of course the talented Jack Johnson, the Kings’ D-line looks incredibly promising. Although being up against guys like Filatov, Brunnstrom, and Stamkos for the Calder, the chances of Doughty winning aren’t the greatest, but awards are not what the game is about, so expect to see Drew making a big impact on his team, with 30+ points, and some time on the powerplay in the future.
5. Luke Schenn (Drafted 5th overall with TORONTO in 2008)
It pains me for even suggesting a Maple Leaf as a player to watch in 2008. But if the team needs to go through a turnaround, they must start somewhere, and I suppose Luke Schenn is the answer. It also helps that Mr. Schenn is a product of SASKATOON SASKATCHEWAN!! Hopefully we can include him in the petition to get Jeremy Williams out of Toronto, but I digress. Luke Schenn is an impact defensemen in all senses of the word, and his 300+ penalty minutes in 189 games with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets prove that this kid is mean, and on a team full of pansies, Luke Schenn may be just what the Leafs need.
HONOURABLE MENTION:
1. F Mikael Backlund – CALGARY FLAMES
2. F Jordan Eberle (from REGINA, SK) – EDMONTON OILERS
3. F Angelo Esposito – ATLANTA THRASHERS
4. D Zach Bogosian – ATLANTA THRASHERS
5. G Justin Pogge – TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
So that’s all for rookies to watch in 2008/2009. If your ambitious, it might not be a bad idea to choose one of the first 3 in your fantasy pool. Stay tuned for the top 5 “Sure Bets” for your fantasy picks!
Cheers,
The T-O-P
