ASK SLAM!
By CHRIS NICHOLS -- SLAM! Sports
Hey Chris, great column and advice. Now that Markov's been dealt to the Flyers, is he worth picking up as a 4th or 5th Dman on my team. I've currently got Redden, Niedermayer, Tarnstrom, Smith (IR) and Liles, whom you suggested? I would think that Markov would help out more in categories like PIM and +/-, which I lose out in with guys like Tarnstrom, who's in there for points only.
Thanks, Mike Treadgold
Markov's value definitely rises with the Flyers, if only for his +/- increase. He should have nice PIM totals and if he can somehow find a niche on the first or second power play unit, he'd stand to be a good pickup. He won't likely score anywhere in Tarnstrom's range, but could offset Tarnstrom's bad +/-. Markov had been contributing points lately too, so maybe he can carry that confidence over to Philly. In his first game with the Flyers Tuesday night, Markov logged about 25 minutes of ice time.
For those wondering about Justin Williams going to Carolina, his value should also be helped out. Carolina wants to have more of an emphasis on offense and Williams should have better quality ice time to help deliver just that. We'll have to see who he plays with and go from there though. Williams and Eric Staal definitely give Carolina some nice building blocks for the future.
Hi Chris! Moving up slowly thanks to your advice. In a roto league with most categories. Forwards are fine and with the Philly tandem and Nabokov am being patient. Very short on D and thinking of picking up Hatcher for Gagne? Also considering Thomas for Gagne. Any thoughts?
I'd leave Hatcher alone for now. Maybe a guy like Backman (STL) or Liles (COL) can fill short-term holes.
I always read your articles and you always say to be patient with the star players. However Bertuzzi is beginning to be a real big anchor on my team. With 11 goals for the season on pace for a measly 20 goals!! And, only 7 points in his last 17 games. So while his name still holds high value is there a time to trade a star player and call the season a wash. What about a trade for someone like Sakic or Tkachuk?
Thanks.
Sakic and Tkachuk are fantasy studs, to be sure. However, I'd be patient with Bert. His goal total this year stinks - there is no tip toeing around that fact. He's too good to not get hot though, so I'd ride his slump out.
Hi Chris: Enjoy reading your column and the insight you offer. It has really helped in deciding who to drop or pick up. I'm looking for help in the W, GAA and SV% categories. You think trading Joseph and getting Osgood would make any improvement in those 3 categories? My other goalies are Turco and Roloson (added to my roster recently). And you think it's worth picking up Thomas (my other LW are Nagy and Shanahan) or am I better off taking someone like Samsonov, Hecht, Zherdev?
Thanks! AC
Cujo's stats will be as good as anyone, but his starting job depends on the condition of Dom Hasek's groin. Osgood will be a safer pick and St. Louis has a pretty good team, despite their recent struggles. It all depends on how much you want to gamble. With Turco and Roloson already, you can probably afford to gamble on Cujo if you want.
Samsonov is the best choice from that group for now, although each of the other choices has upside.
Chris: Goalie question: I currently have Lalime, Giguere, Weekes, & Raycroft in a 12 category scoring league (6 offensive, 6 goalie). There are 8 teams. My question is are any of the above worth dropping for Khabibulin, Esche, Salo or Turek? My thought is only Khabibulin is even a consideration. What do you think?
Thanks, Kevin
You could drop Jiggy for any of those four goalies at this point. Khabi has the most upside, but don't discount Esche. If he can get on a roll of any kind, he could carry Philly into the playoffs. If not, another goalie could be brought in via trade if Jeff can't Hackett. Turek has a chance to put together some strong games and Salo has been playing better of late too.
Hey Chris... keep up the good work; I read your articles daily... I have two prospective deals in the works... let me know what you think. I'm in the rebuilding stage, so young guys are good. My Dvorak + Holik for Morozov + Hossa. The second offer looks like this: My Zetterberg for Zherdev and a first round pick. Let me know what you think...
Cheers
To get Marian Hossa, that's a great deal. If it's Marcel Hossa - he's probably still a few years away from being a threat.
The Z for Z deal is pretty even, really. Both guys have a bright future ahead of them, with Zetterberg being a few years ahead in development. If that first round pick ended up being Ovechkin for you, that would be a complete steal.
Hey how's it going? Great advice as always...Somebody just dropped Savard b/c of his injury...should I jump on him? Who should I drop...White, Comrie, Modin, Roberts, or Walker? Also is Jiggy droppable for Turek or is it worth holding onto him a little bit longer?
Thanks a lot. Joe
Drop Modin to grab Savard.
Turek could be worth a look for a few weeks. Dropping Jiggy depends on your other goalies... he's certainly burned many fantasy owners this year and many people are pretty frustrated with him.
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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