This article is part of our Neutral Zone Wrap series.
Neutral Zone Wrap
Evan Berofsky, RotoWire.com
Don't know if you remember but there's this sport and they play it on some sort of frozen water surface (I'm going to call it…'cold stone'?). And the participants use these paddles to push a circular object back and forth. There are also metal enclosures with twine at each end that seem to function as storage for said circular object. Occasionally, loud noises can be heard after the enclosure is breached or when someone gets knocked down. Can't recall the name of this activity but it sounds like a good way to burn calories or a pleasant way to cool off from the summer heat.
If you guessed 'hockey' for the identity of the sport in the last paragraph, then congrats, you're smarter than most Americans. Who can blame one for forgetting about the greatest show on ice, seeing it was 107 days since the last meaningful game? But if you're a serious fantasy owner, then you've probably kept regular tabs during the offseason. In fact, you've most likely already selected your skaters. Whether your roster is complete or if draft day is approaching, then you always should look out for the latest material to help guide your decision-making.
As many blocked hockey out of mind for the summer, there are certain NHLers who become afterthoughts either due to recent poor performance, significant injury, or unexplained disappearance. Most of the players who fit one of these criteria will remain bench fodder but a few
Neutral Zone Wrap
Evan Berofsky, RotoWire.com
Don't know if you remember but there's this sport and they play it on some sort of frozen water surface (I'm going to call it…'cold stone'?). And the participants use these paddles to push a circular object back and forth. There are also metal enclosures with twine at each end that seem to function as storage for said circular object. Occasionally, loud noises can be heard after the enclosure is breached or when someone gets knocked down. Can't recall the name of this activity but it sounds like a good way to burn calories or a pleasant way to cool off from the summer heat.
If you guessed 'hockey' for the identity of the sport in the last paragraph, then congrats, you're smarter than most Americans. Who can blame one for forgetting about the greatest show on ice, seeing it was 107 days since the last meaningful game? But if you're a serious fantasy owner, then you've probably kept regular tabs during the offseason. In fact, you've most likely already selected your skaters. Whether your roster is complete or if draft day is approaching, then you always should look out for the latest material to help guide your decision-making.
As many blocked hockey out of mind for the summer, there are certain NHLers who become afterthoughts either due to recent poor performance, significant injury, or unexplained disappearance. Most of the players who fit one of these criteria will remain bench fodder but a few will either rise to the occasion or at least rekindle their fantasy usefulness. Here are a few to look out for in 2014-15:
(For another take on the subject, check out Jan Levine's Draft Kit column on sleepers as posted on August 17th)
Charlie Coyle/Nino Niederreiter, F, Minnesota
The Wild are renowned as a franchise that stockpile young talent, albeit one where the results don't necessarily match the promise. However, the club has recently experienced a turnaround thanks to their youth. The forward contingent seems to be leading this renaissance, highlighted by a trio of 2010 first-rounders. Mikael Granlund (41 points in 63 last year) qualifies as the leader amongst this group but he's followed closely by Islander castoff Niederreiter (36 in 81) and Massachusetts product Coyle (30 in 70). Besides the obvious offensive skills, the latter two are similar in size (6'2+, 205+) and physicality (combined 283 hits). Oh, and they both play on the right wing. With the strength down the middle, it's not a stretch to expect one of them to break out. Unfortunately, we can't tell you which one so go and grab both of them.
Matt Irwin, D, San Jose
With the exodus of Dan Boyle to Broadway, opportunities have opened up on the back line. Brent Burns will undoubtedly serve as the first D option, provided he isn't required to return up front. And even if he doesn't, there's enough scoring to go around. That's where a guy like Irwin steps in: an undrafted 26-year old who toiled through lower leagues but whose stock is enhanced by a keen attacking sense (20 in 62) and his total lack of shyness when it comes to shooting (averaging over two per outing). Even though the Sharks maintain they're in rebuilding mode, they've managed to retain their veteran forward scoring machine. As long as Irwin remains a key member of the power-play (six PPPs last season) and is committed to both ends of the ice, a minimum expectation of 30 points is reasonable.
Elias Lindholm, F, Carolina
The 2013 5th overall pick may have a lot to live up to but Lindholm has definitely been able to return a sizable chunk of the investment. Straight out of the draft and into the lineup at 18, one wouldn't have expected much from the kid. And while the early returns were sparse (three in his first 17), the Swede slowly climbed the ranks and built confidence to earn a decent haul (14 goals, 18 assists in 79 contests). The preseason report had already penciled in Lindholm as a top-line winger but now that Jordan Staal will be sidelined until December/January, he is being primed to fill in as the Canes' #2 pivot. Regardless of what position he plays, Lindholm should see plenty of chances to improve on his point totals.
Ondrej Pavelec, G, Winnipeg
This is the year. No, really, this one. I mean it. It's like we've heard the same spiel concerning Pavelec the last few seasons but no top-notch goaltending has materialized (3.01 GAA, .901 SV% in 57 last year). What the Czech keeper has going for him are a goalie-friendly head coach entering his first full campaign (Paul Maurice) and an inexperienced backup (Michael Hutchinson). And there's at least some form of blueline continuity in Winnipeg, so you'd expect they could keep the opponent shot total under 40 a night. But as long as your league counts saves and provided the Jets can compete in the tough Central Division, then Pavelec remains more of a fantasy asset than liability.
Tanner Pearson, F, Los Angeles
If you watched the playoffs and followed the Kings' run, then this name should already be familiar. It's just Pearson didn't get to the big leagues until later in the regular season (seven in 25 after 32 in 41 in the AHL) and then turned it up when it mattered (12 in 24 on the way to the Cup). Due to his postseason success, the 2012 draftee is set to remain with linemates Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli on what should be the second line. Even should Pearson not be able to crack either of the man-advantage units, there's enough talent in the tank to push him into the high-40/low-50 point range.
(Honorable mention: Emerson Etem, F, Anaheim; Filip Forsberg, F, Nashville; Nikita Nikitin, D, Edmonton; Anton Stralman, D, Tampa Bay; Alex Tanguay, F, Colorado)
Evan Berofsky enjoys writing. Seriously. When he's not trying to shove hockey miscellany down your throat, he gets his kicks playing tournament Scrabble. If you have anything to say about Evan's work (or need any hot word tips), feel free to contact him ateberofsky@yahoo.comor follow him on Twitter (@evanberofsky).
