Keeper league GMs are constantly keeping an eye out for players being called up from their respective farm teams, hoping they will take advantage of an injury and get an opportunity to play top 6 minutes and PP time. The majority of these players are rookies and sophomores looking to get more than a cup of coffee and secure a regular spot on the roster.
Rookies
Evander Kane Atl – LW 1st Rd (4th overall) 2009 draft
2009-10: 51GP 11-8-19, +3 45PIM 0PPP 103SOG
Just past the halfway point of the season, the 4th overall pick from the past draft finds himself tied for 8th in rookie scoring. This is quite impressive for an 18 year old who is seeing 3rd line duties and essentially no powerplay time.
Evander Kane has earned himself an NHL roster spot and his points have come in spurts just like his team. Look for Kane to finish with 10-12 points in his last 30 games of the season, with the majority of them being goals. His development is ahead of schedule and he should become an 85 point player who will provide 100+ PIMs in the future.
Keep a close eye on Evander Kane in your keeper pools as many GMs get frustrated with top 5 picks that do not produce immediately. Evander Kane is only 18; it might be 4-5 years before he becomes valuable. If an owner sours on him, pounce on the opportunity to pick him up.
Peter Regin Ott – C 3rd Rd (87th overall) 2004 draft
2009-10: 48GP 8-11-19, +8 10PIM 5PPP 85SOG
It was three weeks ago that I mentioned Regin as a good short-term pickup with the injuries to Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson. In those nine games, Peter Regin put up seven points. Not bad for a player who is owned in 2% of yahoo pools.
Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson have now returned to the lineup and the scoring has been spread out over three lines. Peter Regin is still on a line with Alex Kovalev and Ryan Shannon who provided the bulk of the scoring for the Sens during the beginning of their current seven game winning streak. Peter Regin and Ryan Shannon have failed to register a point the last few games and if this continues the line could be broken up and Alex Kovalev could be moved onto the Mike Fisher line. Regin is a streaky scorer who is still seeing #1 powerplay time but his value has most likely disappeared with a healthy Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson.
Niclas Bergfors NJ – RW 1st Rd (23rd overall) 2005 draft
2009-10: 51GP 13-14-27, -5 10PIM 13PPP 129SOG
After an amazing start to the season, Niclas Bergfors has gone pointless in his last 10 games. Once a player in the running for the Calder, Niclas Bergfors will need to have a big second half to get himself back into the running.
His value revolved around playing on a line with Travis Zajac and Zach Parise. With Patrik Elias on the IR and the team struggling to score, the top line has been stacked. That has left Niclas Bergfors playing on a line with Brian Rolston and Dean McAmmond and seeing 2nd powerplay time. Niclas Bergfors’ value is low at the moment and once Patrik Elias returns the scoring will be spread out and Niclas Bergfors should see top line minutes again. Now is the time to trade for Niclas Bergfors, especially in keepers.
Sophomores
Alex Goligoski Pit – D 2ndRd (61st overall) 2004 draft
2008-09: 45GP 6-14-20, +5 16PIM 8PPP 61SOG
2009-10: 43GP 6-17-23, +4 18PIM 9PPP 62SOG
Alex Goligoski started the season with 13 points in 15 games. Since than he has missed 11 games to injury and has recorded 10 points in 28 games. His most recent injury is undisclosed and he is listed as day to day. What can we expect from this highly touted D prospect?
Alex Goligoski’s fantasy value stems from the fact he is an offensive D and plays on the Penguins. Like all offensive D, the majority of points come on the powerplay. Just a week ago the Pens powerplay was surprisingly ranked last in the NHL and recently has moved up to 26th. The powerplay is starting to click and so should Alex Goligoski, as he is ahead of Kris Letang on the depth chart and is seeing #1 powerplay time. Look for 18-20 points in the last 28 games.
Jakub Voracek Clb – RW 1st Rd (7th overall) 2007 draft
2008-09: 80GP 9-29-38, +11 44PIM 4PPP 101SOG
2009-10: 54GP 8-20-28, -14 14PIM 8PPP 101SOG
Jakub Voracek is what many would refer to as the complete package when it comes to skill and size. An explosive skater, Jakub Voracek has a very good shot but prefers using his great vision to set up his line mates. He is also strong on the defensive side of the rink which is a big reason the youngster is seeing time in the top 6 unlike other skilled players like Nikita Filatov.
Jakub Voracek has spent the majority of the season on a line with Derick Brassard and R.J. Umberger. He started off the season well with eight points in his first 10 games. Recently, the 2nd line has been demoted to 3rd line minutes and as a result Jabuk Voracek has one point in his last five games. The last two games Derick Brassard has been the team’s best player and this should result in the line getting more ice time. Don’t expect too much from Jakub Voracek this season as the Blue Jackets have hit a wall and don’t look like they will be a playoff contender. Next season Jakub Voracek will be relied on more heavily for scoring and makes a great buy-low candidate.
Wayne Simmonds LA – RW 2nd Rd (61st overall) 2007 draft
2008-09: 82GP 9-14-23, -8 73PIM 5PPP 127SOG
2009-10: 48GP 12-18-30, +16 64PIM 0PPP 85SOG
Back in November Wayne Simmonds was on pace to hit the 35 point mark and pitch in 50 PIMs. A big reason for his good start was the fact he was seeing time on the hottest line in the NHL at the time. Since then he has been bounced between the 1st and 3rd line; recently he was promoted to the top line.
The top line still features Anze Kopitar but has Brad Richardson on the left wing instead of Ryan Smyth. Wayne Simmonds is now on pace for 50 points, 100+ PIMs and has put himself on the fantasy radar in all roto leagues. The only weakness is his inability to post powerplay points as the team is not using him on either powerplay. If he continues to score, Wayne Simmonds should see powerplay time before the end of the season. He is still only owned in 21% of yahoo pools, grab him if you need help on the RW.