Follow Colin on Twitter! Follow @ColinDJD With the introduction of Lucas Neilson’s Fantasy blogs, I felt that, similar to last year, it would be interesting to break down a few players from the Calgary Flames who may be of value to keeper leagues, but also for regular pools in terms of their overall yearly production.
If most of you are anything like me, you’ve already started breaking down your 2014-15 selections for your fantasy league(s). The only issue when assessing players from the Flames for individual pools will be the number of different criteria used between groups, so we’ll assume all assessments are made keeping overall production in mind(pts, gp, pp, +/-, hts, sv%, gaa).
Now I know what a lot of you are thinking – Why in the world would I take players from a rebuilding team like Calgary for my pool!?
Well here’s the thing – despite being a rebuilding team, the Flames have several players who are likely to breakout given extra ice time which is likely to be provided, and others who are looking to make an impression in order to gain a new contract or attention from other GMs. Furthermore, the Flames happen to have many youngsters who could be worthy of a later round pick and really surprise!
So, let’s get started.
Forwards
LW – Curtis Glencross
A once loved veteran for the Flames, I expect some positives out of Glencross this season given that he will likely be looking to improve upon last year’s results. Because Glencross plays a physical game, he averages in the mid 70’s in terms of games played outside of last years injury, but can and would be good selection for a larger number of hits.
Curtis typically finds himself in the 45pts range, but with stronger line mates than previous years he could hit 50. Glencross hasn’t been used in too many power play situations over recent years; however being one of few veterans on the team, we could see an increase there. Hartley likes to have a guy park in front of the net and Glencross could help in that regard. I also feel that Curtis has a strong chance of being traded with a very respectable cap hit, so keep that in mind, too.
LW – Sven Baertschi
Still hoping to earn a full time spot, Baertschi could be a solid addition to a keeper league fantasy team. Aside from what his potential holds, the young forward is hoping to take his game to the next level and could be a nice surprise to have on your roster. Coach Bob Hartley is likely going to continue to test the rookie in all areas of the game including time on the PP.
Last year the 21 year old was good for 11pts in 26 games played with Calgary, and 29pts in 41 games with Abbotsford(now Adirondack). The Flames first round selection from 2011 will be looking to earn a top 6 role this year in Calgary and could, as a result, put up some very respectable numbers. He’s due…he really is.
C - Mikael Backlund
Depending on how weak you are down the middle, or how big your league is, Backlund has some upside and potential to his game. After an arguable “breakout… season last year, the 24 year old center is slatted as Calgary’s top line centerman (depending on how things go with Monahan), and as such will have a ton of opportunity to prove himself.
Having now taken part in 246 NHL games, the young centerman is really just starting to show the world of hockey what he has to offer, and if you’re patient, could continue to pay off down the road.
C - Sean Monahan
The big question in terms of immediate impact with Sean will be whether or not he can maintain he production which yielded from last season’s 34pts in 75 games. Given what we’ve seen so far, there is no doubt in my mind that the youngster repeats or likely improves upon last year’s results.
This is one player you should certainly try and pick up despite the fact that he plays for the Flames.
LW/RW - Johnny Gaudreau
One more player that you (must) keep your eye on will be Gaudreau. Whether or not he earns himself a full time spot this year is still up in the air, however watching him play at the Worlds with full grown men in addition to how much he’s stood out at the junior development camps, this guy is ready to make an impact.
Johnny’s biggest challenge, of course, will be his size compared to full time NHLers. That being said, don’t let his small frame fool you; he is incredibly creative with the puck and often skates himself out of problematic situations. I’m sure the NHL will play a toll on his body as the year progresses, if of course he stays up, however this player is very gifted with the puck and will without a doubt put up some serious points.
Defensemen
Dennis Wideman
Need points from your defensemen? Dennis is your guy. He could certainly be good for around 50pts of production throughout 82 games and will likely spend a lot of time on specialty teams. Despite being known for a poor +/- game, Wideman is a solid choice for just about any fantasy league as he brings a ton of offense and isn’t bad in terms of hits, either.
The 31 year old is expected to be one of the Flames top pairing defenders this upcoming season and will get a ton of opportunity to prove his worth. Don’t let last year’s numbers fool you either, despite only playing 46 games due to injury, he still managed 21pts (0.46ppg).
TJ Brodie
Brodie continues to grow as a player and is looking to prove that the Flames brass that he’s someone that they can build around. Brodie is in the final year of his most recent contract extension and will be working his butt off to earn himself a long term contract with Calgary.
Brodie has the potential to rack up a respectable number of points in addition to being safe in terms of +/- stats. Though not an overly physical player who is considered big hitter, Brodie doesn’t take too many penalties and should be given plenty of ice time this upcoming season. Last season he racked up 31pts in 78 games played, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg with this player.
Mark Giordano
As with most of the vets of this team, Giordano will continue to take on an important role with a rebuilding Flames squad as Captain, is likely to see very respectable numbers in terms of his overall production. The 30 year old defenseman put up some filthy numbers last year registering 47pts in 64 games played, despite being injured. He earned a very high level of respect league wide and is really breaking out to be “the guy… on this roster.
Regardless of what type of piece you’re looking for as an addition to your fantasy team, Gio is certainly worth a high level of consideration after last year’s performance. There will be, of course, caution around this player given that some feel he will not repeat last season’s numbers…however I would still confide in this pick, personally.
Honorable mention(s)
Kris Russell & Deryk Engelland
Need a defenseman who will lay out hits or block a ton of shots? Look no further than either of those guys. Kris Russell was 3rd in the league last season in terms of blocked shots and registered 29pts in 68 games played. This player is a solid choice for a later pick if you’re looking to pad some stats.
Deryk Engelland? Really? Yes.
This player I feel will be given a bigger role with this Flames team, and playing with some skilled young players may rack up more points than you’d think. Moreover, if your fantasy league awards points for fights, then you’re solid, as Engelland registered 6 fights last year and will likely reassume the role with Calgary.
Goaltenders
I’ll be frank – it’s not likely a good idea to select a goalie from a rebuilding team who isn’t expected to succeed beyond the bottom five spots in the NHL.
With that being said, the Flames have two goalies right now who could all put up some very respectable numbers, notwithstanding a few too many losses. If you’re crazy enough to take a risk on such a goalie, Jonas Hiller would be my selection as I expect him to take on most of the workload this year with Karri Ramo backing him up.
And don’t get me wrong, Ramo is expected to compete for starting duties himself, but I give the slight edge to Hiller who comes with a lot of experience and is likely looking to prove to the NHL that he is in fact a starting goalie…after the way he was treated in Anaheim.
Hopefully that helps any of you with your potential fantasy league selections. I know most will shy away from picking players from the Calgary Flames, but there are a few who will help short-term that will likely be available in later rounds, and a few who should (definitely) be considered for keeper leagues as the Flames continue to rebuild.
Keep an eye out for Lucas’ next Fantasy blog, as he will continue to provide updates just like these throughout the year!
Thanks for reading!