ASK SLAM!
By CHRIS NICHOLS -- SLAM! Sports
Hi Chris: Thanks for all your advice through the year. I'm in a keeper league (G, A, +/-, but not PIM), and I'm trying to solidify my protection list for next year. I currently have Satan slated as one of my forwards to be carried into year. However, I've been offered Nagy. Which do you think is a better forward to have for next season? There's also a remote chance that I might be able to change it to either Datsyuk or Lang. What are your thoughts on them over Satan? Last question...do you think Anson Carter's short term goal production go up in L.A.? Thanks for your time.
I guess it would depend on how long you want to be in the keeper league. Both Datsyuk and Nagy are better long-term prospects than Lang, but you can't argue with what Lang has done this season and playing in Detroit keeps his fantasy value really high. I actually like all three of those guys over Satan.
Nagy will get you more goals and Datsyuk more assists; Lang is monstrous this season and his number one center role in Detroit is very nice for the next few seasons. So in a nutshell: Lang is the choice for the next three years and Datsyuk (Assists) or Nagy (Goals) are the choices if you want to think long term.
Carter is the definition of inconsistency and he'll do the opposite of whatever I say.
Chris: You are the fantasy hockey King. However, I have a question regarding real hockey. I work with this fish stick (Isles fan). He believes that all of the Islanders defenseman are better than Bryan McCabe (bitter that they traded him I guess). Hammer, Jonsson, Niinimaa, and especially Aucoin. I say that McCabe not only has more points, but he is tougher (better checker, Hammer has lost it) and a better fighter. Jonsson is a concussion waiting to happen and he is not tough. Aucoin is good, but I would rather have McCabe. Also, he feels that +/- is the best tool for measuring a player. I say that is not that good because it doesn't measure who you play against (top line of other team), how much you play shorthanded and power play time. Please help us end this debate.
Thanks, Dave
PS I have Rangers season tickets. Is there hope with any of the prospects? I like Rachunek and the Giroux (Ottawa guy).
I doubt this will end the debate, but here's my two cents worth.
McCabe is playing better now than any Islanders defenseman, period. He is having a whale of a season and is a great all-around player. Aucoin comes close, but I think McCabe has been more consistent.
+/- Certainly has its place, but it's not without its flaws. For instance: Dany Heatley is a fairly responsible defensive player, but he plays for a mediocre team right now. His +/- compared with teammate Ilya Kovalchuk realistically demonstrates that Heatley is a ton better defensively than Kovy. However, is Heatley any worse than a good two-way forward from Ottawa or Detroit or Philly? No. Those guys are just in a better situation.
As far as any prospect in the Rangers system, some will have to pan out. I've read great things about Tyutin and he'll have to step up to fill part of the void left by Leetch's departure.
Hey Chris: Now that Bert is out I need to replace my RW. I have been offered a trade for Steve Sullivan for Kim Johnsson. I have Gonchar as another D man. Johnsson has been a stud of late but may cool down. I also have Bure on RW now. My problem would be finding another D man. Slegr is available on the wire. What do you think?
Cheers, Alex
If you can grab Slegr, that should work out for you. Also keep John-Michael Liles from Colorado in mind as a replacement.
My Jagr and A. Markov for his Nash, Brunette and Chara. G, A, SHG, GWG are all one point each. 20 team league starting 3 C, 6 W and 4 D. I potentially have a W spot open for Brunette as it appears that Hemsky is going to be a healthy scratch going forward (?), and seeing as how it's a 20 team league there isn't too much help on the waiver wire. Thoughts? Thanks.
Greg
Nash will score more than Jagr, but obviously the overall points are lacking for the Columbus youngster. Chara is great, but if PIM's and +/- aren't counted in your league then he's not as attractive - but still obviously very nice. You lose on the forward end of the deal, but gain a bit in D. It just depends on the makeup of your overall team and where you need help.
Hi Chris: I'm in a keeper league I'm in 5th place out of 12 my starters are 9F, 4D, 1G , Modano, Kariya, O'Neill, Satan, Briere, Yzerman, Langkow, Modin, Kvasha, Niedermayer, Redden, Kim Johnsson, Ric Jackman, Brodeur. I'm only 8 pts outta 3rd overall my def and goalie are my strong suit. I have lost O'Neill and Fedotenko is in for him. Now we are collecting playoff players as well for the playoffs and our trading deadline approaches. I have been offered by the 4th place team Shanahan, Morrison and Kaberle (tor) + a 04 1st Rnd pick for Satan, O'Neill and Briere. Is this a good deal for me? Good work as always Chris.
Scott Lanning
I'd decline that deal. Morrison's value goes down with Bert out. Kaberle's value goes with Leetch in TO. Plus, you're giving up a potentially valuable draft pick. Shanny is getting older and I'd be more and more hesitant about him being a keeper, depending on how many you keep each season. I'd hang onto Satan and O'Neill - assuming they're keepers for you - because they could each be shipped out of town this summer and have their value rise. With only 12 teams and 14 active players per roster, I'm guessing there are some decent free agents available that could help you push for the stretch run.
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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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