Greetings all! First off, sorry I could not get to the fantasy draw yesterday, I was struck down with a nasty bout of the flu and could hardly get out of bed.
However, it gave me plenty of time to think about the upcoming season.
We are going to evaluate a pair of defenseman today in Slava Voynov and Robyn Regehr, both of whom were integral to the backend for the Kings this year despite not having the best of years.
First though, the results are in and I'll be messaging those who were selected during the random draw! I'd like to thank everyone who showed interest in doing our fantasy challenge this year. If you didn't get chosen I highly recommend playing our own on site fantasy game, in which you can sign up for right here.
Now to the evals.
Robyn Regehr #44 Age: 34 Contract Status: 3.0MM AAV through 2014-15
Stats:
His season
Regehr was serviceable as a bottom pairing defenseman in many regards this season. Although his possession numbers leave a lot to be desired, he wasn't all that bad. The veteran defenseman is getting paid a decent amount though for what he brings to the table, and when you look at how the Kings had to part with Willie Mitchell due to money it can make you wonder if it was all worth it. Regehr put up 13 points, which were his best totals since 2010. He was also a +6 which again were his best totals since 2010. When the playoffs hit Regehr was forced out of the lineup by the healthy return of Matt Greene, whom the Kings had been trying to get in the lineup for the majority of the season. He was last on the team amongst defenseman in corsi relative and corsi for, while not facing a significant amount of QoC. The decision to pull him in the playoffs after the Sharks series made too much sense from a risk standpoint.
Moving Forward:
Regehr faces the same role next season, as the Kings are expected to turn Brayden McNabb loose to earn a spot on the team. With seven defenseman on the roster it's more than likely Regehr plays the role of a 6-7 to fill in when struggles and injuries arise. For what the Kings are paying him is that the ideal role? I'd say no, but it is what it is.
As far as his season went, he was average. Maybe a little bit below average when you look at his corsi and compare it to the rest of the team.
Final Grade: C-
Slava Voynov #26 Age: 24 Contract Status: 4.166 AAV through 2018-19
His Season:
Voynov had a really up and down year. He developed so quickly from the player he was two years ago to now though it is still impressive how good he is. He had trouble driving the play as much this year when he was asked to do so, but all in all he was fairly serviceable. At times he looked as though he lacked confidence and certainty with his decisions on the puck, but still often came up with strong plays.
His point totals continue to rise from the years past (Although his pace from last year would have easily surpassed this year), but his goals and power play contributions were both down. Also, his possession stats were down a little from last year, but part of that may have to do with the regression of Willie Mitchell. When you look at his alarmingly low shooting percentage, which was a solid 2.8% on the season, you have to wonder if it was just bad luck this year when it came to putting the puck in the net.
It's hard to be overly upset with the year Voynov had when you consider last year was his first TRUE 82-game season. He also participated for Russia in the Olympics, which was an experience unique to this season. That along with a complete 82 game season and a long playoff run may have contributed to some of his tired and sloppy play at times. He is a developing talent, still at the age of 24, and this season screamed growing pains. Voynov was asked to do more with the puck due to expectation and due to circumstance with his aging partner. As expected there were times when he looked great being the mail carrier, and other times when he looked...well...not so great. A good growth season for Voynov overall and next year will be even more important.
Moving Forward:
Voynov has to grow from this last season. He is still relatively young, and the Kings are likely expecting a step forward from the talented defenseman. At 24, and signed until 2018-19, Voynov has plenty of time to even out his game still. If he can find a way to be more confident on the puck and drive the play, the Kings are going to have one of the most legitimate one-two punches in the NHL with Doughty-Voynov. His point totals were still solid, and as long as Voynov can hang around the 30-40 area there isn't much complaining a person can do. He makes his fair share of mistakes, but as long as the young Russian steps forward from them it should be fine.
Hard to be completely unsatisfied. He struggled, but for what he brings to the table for 20+ minutes a night when he is on is incredibly important.
Final Grade: B-
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