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Bryan Berard – Defense – signs with Boston Bruins
In a move that seems destined to brace the team for the loss of
Kyle McLaren, Berard signed on with the Bruins - terms of the deal were
not disclosed. Berard’s career has been a medical and technological miracle
as after being out of hockey for a year, he was fitted with a special
contact lens that allowed him to pass the NHL vision requirement with his
injured eye. Still trying to find his way in terms of regaining his
potential, Berard remains a swift skater and solid rearguard that should
help the Bruins.
Fantasy Impact: The big offensive expectations are not in the cards
anymore for the one time Rookie of the Year. That said, we think there is
some upside to Berard’s game as he learns to compensate for the less than
100% vision in his one eye. He’ll compliment the Bruins defence nicely, if
not, unspectacularly. Look 4 goals and 24 points, with the potential for 30
if he acclimatizes to his surroundings quickly.
Doug Gilmour – Center – resigns with Montreal Canadiens
In a mild surprise, the “Killer” has signed on again to play for the Habs
this coming season. A shadow of his former self, Gilmour has more miles on
his odometer than your brother’s 1972 Datsun. Was very slow after joining
the Habs but had a solid 2nd half with lots of ice time. Was a great leader
for the young players and looked as though he was having fun again in the
playoffs. Bit of a log-jam at the center spot with
Saku Koivu back,
Yanic Perreault,
Joe Juneau and
Jan Bulis. Juneau can be moved to the wing, as can Perreault and Gilmour
for that matter – but all are better in their natural center ice position.
Odd man out could be Bulis. We wonder if Gilmour will be OK playing
potentially on the fourth line.
Fantasy Impact: Do not over-value here, but the Habs get nice Koivu
insurance as every poolie knows Saku will be destined for an extended stay
on the DL sometime this season. 7 goals and 37 points is what we expect.
Theoren Fleury – Winger – signs with Chicago Blackhawks
We thought this was the best fit for the feisty Fluery before, and we see
that he and his agent read our columns. After losing
Tony Amonte, the Blackhawks not only save a little bit of money in
signing Fleury, they potentially get a player that will be more of a
reflection of their head coach
Brian Sutter. This must be considered a bit of a surprise considering
Hawks GM Mike Smith is a big European talent supporter. The big question for
Blackhawks fans and poolies is which Fleury will show up? Haunted by a
troublesome past that has most recently affected his playing present, Fleury
needs to slay his personal demons and re-discover the offensive talent that
he once had when he was a Flame. Sutter’s steadying influence will help. We
also think that despite most pundits thoughts, Fleury will be able to
achieve some level of anonymity in Chi-town. More so than he would have in
Toronto.
Fantasy Impact: If all goes well, and Fleury adapts and focuses on
playing hockey, Hawk fans will love him and he should do well. Expect a
solid 20+ goals and 70+ points if he keeps it together. Risky? Yes, but
that’s how you win pools gang.
Andrew Cassels – Center – signs with Columbus Blue Jackets
After signing with Columbus, Cassels said that of all the teams interested
in him and the money on the table, C-Bus was closest to his family (1 hour
plane ride) after relocating to southern Ontario. Signing a multi year deal
that could be worth over $3 million per season, Cassels stats will reflect
whom he plays with. If its not
Geoff Sanderson and prime PP time, then he won’t get close to his PPG
that he put up last year. And then there is always the injury factor. That
said, he’s the NHL’s prototypical 2nd unit center and should do OK, but not
similar to last year, in offensively challenged Columbus.
Fantasy Impact: Cassels will make the players around him better. We
just wonder who he is going to play with. On the flip side, Vancouver has a
hole to fill, and without a deal, it’s going to be up to the threesome of
Henrik Sedin,
Artem Chubarov and
Harold Druken to assume a much larger offensive role for the Canucks.
Lofty expectations indeed.
Rumor Mill
Byron Dafoe
Reports had the Kings re-examining Lord Byron, who once played in LA, as an
option. Although the Kings picked up the option of
Felix Potvin for this year, they are likely to let him go after next and
Dafoe is a better tender. Be that's as it may, the free agent goalie game of
“musical chairs” has left Dafoe without a seat at this point. Most recently,
his agent said that there were a number of teams interested, but they would
have to make room (trade) in order to accommodate him. Its likely that
Dafoe’s camp will have to rethink the length of contract they were
originally interested in (5 years), to a shorter term. But, this could end
up blowing up in Dafoe’s face. His agent even suggested that Dafoe may not
land anywhere for the first 5-10 games of the season, and then sign. We
think that would be a disaster. Right now Dafoe is looking at the Preds,
Thrashers, Blue Jackets and perhaps Blues that may take a chance with him.
But anywhere other than the Blues will greatly affect his numbers. If you
have him now, just wait it out and hope for the best. If you don’t own him
yet, and you are gonna draft him, just bear in mind that his stock will fall
greatly if the season starts and he has no team. A potential lose/lose for
Lord Byron – big time.
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