ASK SLAM!
By CHRIS NICHOLS -- SLAM! Sports
Before we get to the daily emails, let's take a moment to rundown the fantasy analysis of the Sean Burke to Philly trade. All of the final details of that trade should have been worked out by the time you read this column.
Sean Burke's fantasy value instantly takes a jump. He will start games for the next three weeks or until Robert Esche gets healthy - whichever comes first. Once Esche's MCL is healed, he will get more starts than Burke. However, if Burke nails down his starts and Esche struggles upon his return, the door remains open for Burke to gain more starts. Either way, we're in a situation where you want both Philly starters again on your fantasy team. Philly has a tough schedule coming up, but my faith in Ken Hitchcock says add Burke if he's still available in your league.
Mike Comrie's fantasy value certainly rises with a trade to Phoenix. It remains to be seen who he will center, but he'll have some talent on both sides of him in any event. Don't expect the world from Comrie this year though; this is the third team he's been with this season and we don't know how much ice time he'll get. Comrie should return to 65-point status next season.
Jeff Hackett, needless to say, can be dropped. It's truly a shame his career is ending this way, because he had a good chance to be part of a good playoff team this season.
Brian Boucher should be fine in Phoenix. He'll get most of the starts and although he probably won't post multiple consecutive shutouts anytime soon, he will absolutely continue to be a viable fantasy goalie. If Phoenix happens to go through a slump, which every team does at some point, just realize that Boucher's stats will be bad during that stretch because of the slump and not because he stinks as a goalie. His value at next year's draft jumps up by quite a bit.
Hi Chris: I have Kariya, Nash, Nagy and Naslund on LW in a Yahoo rotisserie league and I'm facing problems because there's a maximum number of games I can use for each position. In this situation, would you deal Kariya for Heatley (RW)? I know there's risk on both sides, but how much should I read into Kariya's so-so play and Heatley's bad start? Also, I'm looking to pick up Patrick Marleau who's a free agent in my league but I'd have to drop one of Lecavalier or Ribeiro to do it...is it worth it? Thanks a lot!
Peter, Victoria BC
Given the positional requirements, I'd get Heatley. I think both Kariya and Heatley will have nice finishes.
I'd add Marleau and drop Ribeiro. I know Lecavalier's stats don't look incredible, but he's really come on strong lately and he will also finish in a strong way.
Hi Chris: I read the column everyday and I come to you humbly for your sage advice :) In a keeper league, if you had to choose between one player, who would you rather have: Eric Staal or Alexander Frolov. Also, what are you thoughts on Oleg Kvasha... he's on pace for a 50 point season, eclipsing his career best 38 (two years ago)... but do you think he's peaked? Do you think he can get any better?
Thanks, Anil
Staal and Frolov both have tremendous upside in a fantasy league. I'd personally rather have Staal, but Frolov is going to be an excellent player as well.
Kvasha is a guy who, in my opinion, can produce as many as 65 points in a season under the right circumstances (Playing on a productive top line for the whole season). I think he's more likely to stay in the 40-50 point range though and I would not bank on huge fantasy seasons from him.
Hey Chris. First off, I'd like to say thanks for always responding with your expert advice! I appreciate your work. Here's my question...I'm thinking about proposing this trade: I give Henrik Sedin, Lidstrom and I get Forsberg. I don't have a big C since I lost Lindros, so I'm looking to fill that void. Am I giving too much? Instead of Sedin, I could also offer Bonk or Rolson, and in place of Lidstrom I could give Foote, Ohlund, or Gonchar. Any advice?
Thanks! Michael
Well, you've got to give to get. I would assume you'd have to give up either Lidstrom or Gonchar to get the deal done, but try to get Forsberg without giving up one of those guys and see what happens. If you do the Lidstrom/ Sedin deal, I think that's fair for both sides.
Chris, Who do you feel has more potential, Emery or Prusek? Also, is Raycroft the real deal?
Thanks. Gregg
Honestly, both Emery and Prusek are outstanding goalies. Prusek has the edge now because he has more NHL experience. I absolutely think the Sens will and should trade Lalime near the end of his contract, assuming both Prusek and Emery have enough seasoning at the time to handle the job. I also think that while Lalime has really struggled lately, there is no reason for the Sens to shop for another goalie because Lalime is the best option available.
Raycroft is fine. I need to see a full season, but he's looked solid in every Boston game I've seen this season.
Have a fantasy hockey question? Drop me a line at
chris_nichols@canoemail.com. I do my best to answer all questions within 24 hours, depending on the volume of emails. Please keep the questions short. Your fantasy questions may be answered in our Ask Slam! section.
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