|
| Bouwmeester has big night | Monday 10/6, 9:36 PM CT |
|
Jay Bouwmeester had a goal and two power-play assists in the Panthers trashing of the Islanders by the score of 6-0 on Monday night.
Our View: No one is quite sure where this free agent to be will play in 2009, but Bouwmeester figures to make his fantasy owners mighty happy this season while playing for the Panthers as he figures to be a tremendous source of points from the blue line. |
|
|
| DiPietro finally in game action | Monday 10/6, 9:34 PM CT |
|
Rick DiPietro stopped only 28 of 34 shots as he and his mates fell 6-0 to the Panthers on Monday night.
Our View: DiPietro certainly looked fairly brutal, but the good news is that he was finally able to see some game action after off-season concerns about both his knee and his hip. He will continue to play his way into shape and has all the makings of being a solid second keeper. |
|
|
| Vokoun posts shutout | Monday 10/6, 9:32 PM CT |
|
Tomas Vokoun stopped every one of the 28 shots thrown his way on Monday night in the Panthers 6-0 beat down of the Islanders.
Our View: Vokoun led the league is saves last season (2,033) and is an extremely stable option to count on as a goalie one after the "big names" are off the board given that he has averaged 32 victories a season over the past four years. |
|
|
| Olesz seriously injures player | Monday 10/6, 9:09 PM CT |
|
Rostislav Olesz received a 5-minute major for checking from behind along with a game misconduct after he slammed Islanders defensemen Chris Lee into the boards, according to the Associated Press. As a result of the hit, Lee was taken off the ice on a stretcher.
Our View: First off we hope that Lee is OK after a nasty scene in Florida. Second, Olesz will almost certainly end up with some form of a suspension for the hit as all boarding majors are reviewed by the league. |
|
|
| Alzner, Bourque sent to AHL | Monday 10/6, 6:44 PM CT |
|
Karl Alzner and Chris Bourque were demoted on Monday while the club waived forward Quintin Laing, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Alzner, the fifth pick in last year's NHL Entry draft, will continue his development in the AHL though the team is still counting on him contributing on the blue line at some point this season, so keep him on your watch list. |
|
|
| Wiikman sent to AHL | Monday 10/6, 6:39 PM CT |
|
Goalie Miika Wiikman has been assigned to Hartford of the AHL, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Wiikman was merely on the roster as a depth option with the team playing in Europe, but now that the team is back in North America he will be returned to the AHL where he went 21-8-3 with a 2.30 GAA last season. |
|
|
| Hollweg suspended for boadring | Monday 10/6, 6:31 PM CT |
|
Tough guy Ryan Hollweg has been suspended for the first two games of the regular season after receiving a boarding major in the preseason following two such offenses last season resulting in an automatic suspension, according to TSN.
Our View: Hollweg's only value is in the PIM category, he had 96 in 70 games last season, so his loss shouldn't be too heartbreaking to overcome. |
|
|
| Schenn officially makes team | Monday 10/6, 6:28 PM CT |
|
In the worst kept secret in Toronto, Luke Schenn has been named to the Maple Leafs final roster, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Schenn, the clubs first selection in the 2008 Entry Draft, will most likely be in an out of the lineup this season as he is probably in line to join Team Canada for the World Junior Championships, leaving his fantasy value relatively low. |
|
|
| LaCouture inks deal with Carolina | Monday 10/6, 3:47 PM CT |
|
Dan Lacouture has inked a one-year deal with Carolina Monday, according to the AP. The deal will pay LaCouture $475,000 on the NHL level or $50,000 on the AHL level, with a guarantee of at least $75,000 during the 2008-09 season.
Our View: The 31-year-old vet reported to camp in great physical shape, but Carolina is deep at forward, and his ice time looks to be limited. He only scored 18 goals over 326 career games in the NHL. |
|
|
| Bell waived by Toronto | Monday 10/6, 3:15 PM CT |
|
Mark Bell has been waived by Toronto, according to TSN.
Our View: The 25-year-old has reportedly stopped drinking and was looking for a fresh start, but was on the roster bubble with the club, and was not going to hold much fantasy value while working on a lower line. He could be assigned to the AHL if he clears waivers. |
|
|
| Hodson sent back to juniors | Monday 10/6, 3:11 PM CT |
|
As expected, Cody Hodgson has been sent back to the juniors by the Canucks, according to TSN.
Our View: The 18-year-old first-round pick (10th overall) inked a three-year entry-level contract with Vancouver, but needs time to develop his skills before he can make an impact. |
|
|
| Krajicek dealt to Tampa Bay | Monday 10/6, 3:06 PM CT |
|
Lukas Krajicek and Juraj Simek have been dealt by the Canucks to the Lightning in exchange for Michael Ouellet and Shane O'Brien, according to TSN.
Our View: The 25-year-old defenseman will be trying to bounce back from shoulder surgery that ended his 2007 campaign after only 39 games played. He could see more playing time in Tampa Bay, but still won't likely be fantasy worthy. |
|
|
| Ouellet dealt to Vancouver | Monday 10/6, 2:59 PM CT |
|
Michel Ouellet and Shane O'Brien have been traded from Tampa Bay to Vancouver in exchange for forward Juraj Simek and defenseman Lukas Krajicek, according to TSN.
Our View: Ouellet contributed 17 goals and 19 assists over 64 games with Tampa Bay last season, but will begin the 2008 campaign in the AHL as property of the Canucks. |
|
|
| O'Brien traded to Canucks | Monday 10/6, 2:54 PM CT |
|
Tampa Bay traded Shane O'Brien to the Canucks in exchange for Lukas Krajicek, according to TSN.
Our View: The 25-year-old O'Brien racked up 21 points over 77 games with the Lightning in 2007 and is a solid defenseman, but his fantasy value shall remain low with the Canucks. |
|
|
| Whitney makes preseason debut | Monday 10/6, 1:26 PM CT |
|
Ray Whitney made his preseason debut Sunday after missing most of training camp while nursing an injury, according to the AP.
Our View: This is good news as Whitney is a key member of Carolina's top line with Eric Staal. Whitney has 30-goal and 80-point potential if he can stay intact over the full season. |
|
|
| Williams placed on IR | Monday 10/6, 1:21 PM CT |
|
Justin Williams has been placed on the IR, according to the AP. He sustained a torn Achilles' tendon in mid-September.
Our View: This is a tough loss for Carolina, as Williams was slated to work on the first-line with Eric Staal. |
|
|
| Walker out six weeks | Monday 10/6, 1:18 PM CT |
|
Scott Walker will be out for six weeks after undergoing surgery Monday morning to repair a torn ligament in his left hand, according to the AP.
Our View: The 35-year-old forward only scored 14 goals and 18 assists last season over 58 games, but held some fantasy value with 115 penalty minutes. Four of his goals were game-winners. |
|
|
| Sobotka nursing injury | Monday 10/6, 12:05 PM CT |
|
Vladimir Sobotka is nursing a sore groin, according to the Boston Herald.
Our View: The team does not believe it is necessary to place him on the IR, but was previously in jeopardy of not making the final roster. |
|
|
| Ward expected to be fine | Monday 10/6, 12:01 PM CT |
|
Aaron Ward has been nursing a bruised kneecap when struck by a shot Saturday, but is expected to be fine, according to the Boston Herald.
Our View: Ward is a solid veteran defenseman, but only scored 13 points last season, and only merits fantasy consideration in deeper leagues. |
|
|
| Lehtinen expected to be ready | Monday 10/6, 11:56 AM CT |
|
Jere Lehtinen is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, according to the Dallas Morning News. He has been recovering from a groin injury.
Our View: He was limited to only 37 points over 48 games last season due to injuries, but could once again top 25 goals in 2008 if he remains intact. |
|
|
| Mancari assigned to AHL | Monday 10/6, 11:08 AM CT |
|
Mark Mancari has cleared waivers with the Sabres and has been assigned to AHL Portland, according to the Buffalo News.
Our View: He displayed favorable shooting skills during the preseason, and should see time with the Sabres at some point during the season, but should be ignored in standard leagues for the time being. |
|
|
| Darche clears waivers with Buffalo | Monday 10/6, 11:04 AM CT |
|
Mathieu Darche cleared waivers with Buffalo Sunday, and was sent to AHL Portland, according to the Buffalo News.
Our View: The 31-year-old was unable to nail down a roster spot at forward, and will hold no fantasy value if called up at some point during the season. |
|
|
| Ruutu healing at slow pace | Monday 10/6, 10:57 AM CT |
|
Tuomo Ruutu's groin injury is healing at a slow pace, and he has missed most of training camp as a result, according to the Raleigh News-Observer. He said, "I never had a problem going out there too late but I have had problems going too early or working too hard when I'm not supposed to. I didn't want to go out, tweak it again and go back to square one."
Our View: Ruutu was able to get on the ice for a short workout Sunday morning, hours before the Canes' final preseason game against the Predators. He was skating well and blasting shots. Ruutu has a chance to be ready for the season opener, but will remain a risky fantasy prospect.
|
|
|
| Lacouture on roster bubble | Monday 10/6, 10:52 AM CT |
|
Dan Lacouture is reportedly on the bubble to make Carolina's roster, according to the Raleigh News-Observer.
Our View: The 31-year-old came to training camp in strong physical condition and fared well on the ice, but Carolina is deep at forward, and may not be awarded one of the final spots. He has played more than 300 NHL games with five different teams. |
|
|
| Irmen reassigned | Monday 10/6, 10:46 AM CT |
|
Danny Irmen has been reassigned to AHL Houston, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: The 24-year-old center wouldn't have much of a role if he made Minnesota's roster, and will benefit more favorably by spending another season in the minors to further develop his skills. |
|
|
| Umberger expected to practice Tues. | Monday 10/6, 10:16 AM CT |
|
R.J. Umberger is still expected to practice Tuesday, according to the Columbus Dispatch. He is recovering from a bruised hand.
Our View: Umberger should be good to go for the start of the regular season. If healthy, he will challenge rookie Derick Brassard for the spot at center on the first-line. Umberger will begin the year on the second-line. |
|
|
| Matvichuk released by Columbus | Monday 10/6, 10:11 AM CT |
|
Richard Matvichuk has been released by the Blue Jackets, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Our View: The 35-year-old was a training camp invitee. He still hopes to catch on with another NHL club. |
|
|
| Thornton fully practices | Monday 10/6, 10:08 AM CT |
|
Joe Thornton, who is recovering from a minor groin injury, fully practiced Sunday, according to the Mercury News.
Our View: He just needed some time to rest, and feels strong again. He should be good to go for the start of the regular season later in the week. |
|
|
| Skrastins dealing with neck injury | Monday 10/6, 9:18 AM CT |
|
Karlis Skrastins is dealing with a neck injury, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
Our View: He is not expected to suit up for the Panthers' preseason finale tonight against the Islanders. As a fantasy defenseman, he holds no value. |
|
|
| Fedorov likely to be waived | Monday 10/6, 9:13 AM CT |
|
Fedor Fedorov is likely to be waived by the Devils, according to the NY Post.
Our View: There was no room for him to contribute behind a crowded group of forwards, such as Patrik Elias, Brian Rolston, Brian Gionta, Zach Parise, Travis Zajac, and Jamie Langenbrunner. He will likely be sent overseas to work on his skills. |
|
|
| Bergfors assigned to Lowell | Monday 10/6, 9:08 AM CT |
|
Nicklas Bergfors has been assigned to Lowell by the Devils, according to the NY Post. Matt Corrente, Matt Halischuk, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, Pascal Rheaume and Scott Clemmensen were all assigned to Lowell as well.
Our View: None of these players look to merit fantasy attention if promoted by New Jersey at some point during the season. |
|
|
| Salmela nails down roster spot | Monday 10/6, 9:05 AM CT |
|
Ansi Salmela has nailed down a roster spot with the Devils, according to the NY Post.
Our View: The 23-year-old had 16 goals and 16 assists over 56 games with Tappara of the Finnish League last season, but may not see enough ice time with New Jersey in 2008 to merit fantasy consideration. |
|
|
| Vrana makes Devils' roster | Monday 10/6, 9:01 AM CT |
|
Petr Vrana has made the Devils' roster, according to the NY Post.
Our View: The rookie racked up 20 goals and 41 assists over 80 games in the minors last season, and could make a favorable impact if he sees enough playing time. |
|
|
| Pogge sent down, among others | Monday 10/6, 8:54 AM CT |
|
Justin Pogge has been sent down to the AHL by the Leafs, according to the Toronto Star. Robbie Earl, Jamie Sifers, and Kyle Rogers were demoted to the minors as well.
Our View: None of the listed players were viewed as ready to contribute to the Leafs, and will hold no fantasy value if promoted during the season. |
|
|
| Bell on the bubble | Monday 10/6, 8:50 AM CT |
|
Mark Bell is on the bubble to make the Leafs' roster, according to the Toronto Star.
Our View: The 28-year-old has reportedly stopped drinking and is looking for a fresh start, but may not challenge 20 goals again while working on a lower line if he makes the club. Bell scored a career-best 25 goals with Chicago back in 2005. |
|
|
| Pouliot expected to make roster | Monday 10/6, 8:29 AM CT |
|
Benoit Pouliot is expected to make Minnesota's final roster, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View: The 22-year-old forward looks to nail down the fourth-line spot at center, but may not be productive enough to be fantasy worthy. He has two goals and an assist over 14 career games with the Wolves so far. |
|
|
| Stone clears waivers | Monday 10/6, 7:56 AM CT |
|
Ryan Stone has cleared waivers with Pittsburgh and will be assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Our View: Stone only appeared in six games with the Penguins in 2007, and will hold no fantasy value if promoted at some point this season. |
|
|
| Abdelkader cut | Monday 10/6, 7:11 AM CT |
|
Justin Abdelkader was trimmed from Detroit's roster, according to the Detroit Free Press. Cory Emmerton, Jan Mursak, and Mattias Ritola were cut as well.
Our View: All of the listed players will be assigned to Grand Rapids, and were not deemed ready to make an impact with Detroit. |
|
|
| Holmstrom returns to the ice | Monday 10/6, 7:07 AM CT |
|
Tomas Holmstrom returned to the ice in Sunday's preseason finale, according to the Detroit Free Press. He had been nursing a sore left knee.
Our View: Holmstrom should be good to go for the start of the regular season, and should challenge 25 goals. |
|
Crushing hits. Explosive separation. Hail Mary bombs to streaking receivers. For that and fantasy analysis for all things football turn to Owners Edge NFL every week on your way to the championship.
A 95 mph heater. A perfectly executed hit and run. A blast into the sky. At Owners Edge MLB, we break down every conceivable fantasy angle from the simple to the complex to quench your fantasy thirst.
Outlet passes. Jumpers from downtown. Alley-oops leading to thunderous jams that bring the crowd to their feet are all part of the NBA experience leading to our analysis of the hardwood at Owners Edge NBA.
The hush at the tee box is followed by the sweat sound of metal on ball as someone in the gallery yells out 'you da man!' At Owners Edge PGA we bring refinement, analysis and passion to the sport of golf.
The smell of burning rubber. The thrill of unmitigated speed coming out of the turn. The visceral exhilaration of a pile up. At Owners Edge NASCAR we make the pit stop so you don't have to on race day.