Fantasy hockey: Impact rookies

September 30, 7:55 PMBoston Fantasy Sports ExaminerMark Fuery

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The Islanders are hoping John Tavares can match the impact
made by recent top picks.

Every season there are a few NHL rookies who burst onto the scene with little-to-no hype, especially in fantasy leagues. Sure, there are players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin who are expected to make an immediate impact, but most fly under the radar on draft day.

When the NHL returned from the infamous lockout in 2005 Crosby was being called the next big star, and justifiably so. However, while the hype surrounded the start of what would most likely be a stellar career for “Sid the Kid,” the top pick in the previous draft flew in under the radar and made an immediate impact.

This less-heralded young stud was Alexander Ovechkin.

In the first few days of the season, fantasy managers were running to the free agent list to pick up Ovechkin. Those who did most likely found themselves near the top of the standings.

Of course, players like Ovechkin are a rare breed. There is no one like him out there this year (or most other years), but there are still some rookies that can make an immediate impact.

Here are a few youngsters who can make an immediate impact:

John Tavares, C, NY Islanders: Tavares is this year’s Crosby, as he is the most hyped and most talented prospect. Don’t get it wrong though, he is not quite as good as Crosby.

At least not yet. He has the potential to be one of the elite players in the league for years to come, but this year the expectations should be somewhat conservative from a fantasy standpoint.

He is a playmaker, no doubt about that. From day one Tavares will be able to light the lamp, which gives him immediate fantasy value. Add that to the extensive playing time he will get with the Islanders and you have a formula for a big year.

The problem with Tavares comes on the defensive end. He is no slouch in his own end, but his defensive game isn’t as developed as his offense. This could prove problematic in fantasy hockey because of the poor supporting cast, which will result in a terrible plus/minus rating.

He is actually being drafted very high in most leagues (63rd in ESPN leagues), which makes him a risky pick. If you can take the hit on plus/minus he may be worth looking at, but at that draft position he is a huge risk.

The bottom line is Tavares is unproven, yet he is being taken over veteran stars like Daniel Alfredsson, Patrick Marleau and Thomas Vanek, just to name a few. I like the safe pick, but if you want to gamble Tavares could end up paying off.

Jonas Gustavsson, G, Toronto: “The Monster” will finally get his shot in the NHL after being one of the top goaltenders in his native Sweden.

Last season, while playing for Farjestads BK, Gustavsson posted a 1.96 goals against average and a .932 save percentage. When playoff time came around his goals against fell to 1.03 with five shutouts in 13 games, leading Farjestads to a championship.

Now Gustavsson will try to make the transition to the NHL. The only obstacle standing between him and the number one spot is Vesa Toskala, who won’t be able to hold off Gustavsson for long. There is bound to be an adjustment period, but in the end Gustavsson can give you great value considering what you would have to pay for him.

Go ahead and take “The Monster” for your third goalie, you may end up with a gem for the second half of the season.

Nikita Filatov, LW, Columbus: Filatov was the sixth overall pick in the 2008 Entry Draft and the top ranked European skater.

Last season, the then 18-year-old Filatov had 32 points in 39 games with the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL, while also playing seven games with Columbus. In his short stint with the Jackets, Filatov scored four goals, including his first career hat trick.

This season he is expected to be in Columbus all season and will have ample opportunities to show his offensive talents. He is available in most leagues and is worth keeping an eye on. If he plays well early he is certainly someone to pick up.

Ville Leino, LW, Detroit: The former Finnish league Player of the Year had an impressive first year in North American Hockey last season. While playing in Grand Rapids he had 46 points in 57 games, and was even more impressive when he got the call to Detroit. In 13 games with the Wings, Leino had five goals and four assists, despite having limited playing time.

This season Leino will have an expanded role as he is expected to have an opportunity to be one of the scorers the team can rely upon now that Marian Hossa has moved on to Chicago.

The opportunity is there for Leino as he will start the season on the second line alongside Johan Franzen, which will give him an opportunity to pile up the assists.

If he is available in your league, pick him up now. He has the potential to be an impact player immediately.

Victor Hedman, D, Tampa Bay: The Lightning’s 2009 first round pick (second overall) will immediately jump in and play on the team’s top defensive unit. That is impressive, even if it is the Lightning.

Hedman has all of the tools to become a great offensive defenseman, which will make him a valuable fantasy commodity for years to come.

Hedman has above average puck handling skills and speed, and also has a good shot. All of these tools point to him making an immediate impact on the offensive end, including on the power play.

He is also strong defensively, but is not the thumper that you would expect him to be with his 6’6, 220 frame. He is not soft by any means, but he isn’t a Zdeno Chara either.

Despite his two-way ability, he most likely won’t have a great plus/minus rating because of his supporting cast. He shouldn’t be a liability, but he won’t give you the boost that you would like from a defenseman.

Hedman would make a good third of fourth defenseman in any format, if you can get him, do it!
 

Detroit Fantasy Sports Examiner Deni Martin also has some sound advice, check out his fantasy take on the Red Wings.