cody hodgson – McKeen's Hockey

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire

McKeen's Hockey — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 21:51:45 +0000

It is reality check time. It is no longer early in the season as we approach the quarter point.

If your fantasy team is sucking due to a slow start I got bad news for you, your team just sucks.

The good news is there is still time to do something about it before you go into full on Connor McDavid/Jack Eichel mode. Trade for some sleeper value players and cut bait on those slow starters or injured players.

This week’s Waiver Wire article will help identify who to cut, and who to add.

Cut Bait Candidates.

Tyler Myers, Buffalo

After 18 games, the former Calder Trophy winner has just two points, no goals and is a minus -9. Since winning the Calder, Myers has been in decline and the team is historically bad right now. The risk in dumping Myers is if he is traded to a team like Detroit and suddenly catches fire. Given his contract, it would be difficult for him to be traded during the season and while he may hold some keeper value, if you can move him and find a more reliable option, do so.

Corey Conacher, New York Islanders

Conacher seemed like found money at the start of the season, playing on the top line with John Tavares. Since his early start he has cooled off considerably and now has a total of three points in 13 games. With Conacher being a healthy scratch now it is time to say good bye.

Cody Hodgson, Buffalo

Another Sabre makes this list, and while the whole team could be named Hodgson stands out among the forwards. With a cap hit of $4.25 million you need more than two points and a minus -10 in 18 games to be considered a fantasy option. Unless you need the cap hit to maintain a legal roster as you tank this season, Hodgson offers no value.

Steve Ott, St. Louis

Ott has bounced around on several lines in St. Louis this season but has failed to find any offense. With just two assists in 16 games and no signs of improving it is time to bail on Ott.

Ales Hemsky, Dallas

There was a lot of hype surrounding Hemsky leading into the season as he and Jason Spezza who were dynamite together in Ottawa were both acquired by Dallas in the off-season. Since then, Hemsky has been on a milk carton scoring a pitiful one assist and no goals in 16 games while posting a minus -7 with a $4 million cap hit. Hemsky is going to be a healthy scratch and really has no business being on your fantasy roster.

Players to add

Mike Hoffman, Ottawa 29% Fantrax Owned

Hoffman has scored well in lower levels and now has seven goals in 13 games for the Sens. While his goal total is impressive he only has one assist, but Hoffman seems to have found a full time NHL job on the “kid line” with Curtis Lazar and Michael Stone. While Hoffman was mentioned in a previous waiver wire post, he bears mention again since his value is high and he is widely available.

Peter Holland, Toronto 17% Owned

Holland might be looking at full time duty with the Leafs on a line with Mike Santorelli and Leo Komarov. The trio is seeing a regular shift suggesting they have the Coaches confidence. The line is reliable defensively, provides lots of energy and now Holland has eight points in 17 games. The Leafs may have given up too soon with Joe Colborne but are about to reap the rewards of being patient with Holland. Don’t sleep on this player if he is available in your league.

Ryan Garbutt 29% owned, Antoine Roussel 57% owned - Dallas

The duo of Roussel and Garbutt are a highly effective pair. While they have much higher value in leagues with greasy stat categories like hits, PIM’s and blocked shots, they even have good value in point’s only leagues that are deep enough. The best part about owning them is watching them play. They pass the eye test as they are impossible to not notice on the ice. They are a factor in almost every game and can be a factor on your fantasy roster as well.

Jimmy Hayes, Florida 14% Owned

Jimmy Hayes has been hot of late in Florida scoring three goals and three assists in his last six games and seeing an average of 13 minutes a game of ice time. While Florida is struggling for offense with players like Alex Barkov, and Jonathan Huberdeau not producing, Hayes has been carrying the mail and delivering fantasy stats.

Trevor van Riemsdyk, Chicago 10% Owned

TVR was a surprise player to make the roster, and while his offense has not arrived yet I assure you it is coming. He has won the confidence of management and Coaches and with the trade of Nick Leddy there is opportunity for TVR to see some power play minutes.

MURRAY MAKEOVER

McKeen's Hockey — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 00:18:10 +0000

The Buffalo Sabres hit rock bottom last season finishing dead last with 52 points, 1.83 goals per game, and only a total of 150 goals for. After more front office changes the Sabres seem to be on the right track under new GM Tim Murray.

Murray is a well know talent identifier and is well placed as the GM of a rebuilding team. He wasted little time in his kick start of the rebuild, trading veterans Thomas Vanek, Ryan Miller, Steve Ott, and Matt Moulson for youth and draft picks.

Armed with a bevy of picks, Murray entered the draft and came out with promising prospects Sam Reinhart, Brendan Lemieux, and Eric Cornel to add to an impressive and growing group of prospects including Mikhail Grigorenko, Zemgus Girgensons, Nikita Zadorov, Rasmus Ristolainen, Joel Armia, and Jake McCabe.

Following the draft, Murray added veteran leadership from division rivals Montreal with Habs captain Brian Gionta and defensive defenseman Josh Georges and reacquired sniper Matt Moulson to insulate their developing young players and provide leadership.

As bad as last season was, it could have been much worse if not for the outstanding performance in goal by Miller up until the trade to St. Louis. This season Jhonas Enroth and Michal Neuvirth are expected to split the crease

While a return to contention may still be a ways away, there is a renewed sense of optimism in Buffalo as GM Tim Murray was cheered by fans in attendance at the prospect development camp. For the immediate future however, Buffalo is more likely to be a lottery team than a playoff one with limited fantasy options on their roster.

We have posted the following 2014-15 profiles: Matt Moulson, Cody Hodgson, Tyler Ennis, Drew Stafford, Brian Gionta, Zemgus Girgensons, Marcus Foligno, Chris Stewart, Mikhail Grigorenko, Tyler Myers, Michal Neuvirth,

Finding Value in Fantasy Hockey Drafts

Carl Lemelin — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 14:00:01 +0000

Finding Value in Fantasy Hockey Drafts

My colleague Peter Harling wrote a very helpful article for you fantasy hockey players. As he mentions, league championships are rarely won early in the draft. It is with the mid to late picks that you can make or break your whole season.

Some call them sleepers, but the players you are looking for deeper into your league draft are simply underrated by your peers for a variety of reasons (Peter does a good job of enumerating most of them in his piece). Trying to identify breakout or comeback candidates is never an exact science, but there is a convergence of factors that eventual surprise performers have invariably benefitted from and that you should therefore be prioritizing in your pre-season preparation: a track record for scoring and potential offensive opportunity within their respective organizations.

Here are some of the candidates that I feel present the best later rounds value based on this premise (note that I completely agree with Peter on Ottawa’s Patrick Wiercioch and Washington’s Mikhail Grabovski).

1- Kyle Palmieri (LW-RW), ANA: Has scored goals at every level. Improved from 29 G in 62 GP in his rookie AHL season to 33 G in only 51 GP the following year. Managed to produce a point every 2 games in his rookie NHL season at 22, despite a meager 12:19 TOI (1:21 on the PP). Contrary to popular belief, Teemu Selanne’s recent signing for one more season should enhance Palmieri’s value: 1- he should qualify for two positions, playing RW when Selanne is given the inevitable game off for rest and; 2- he will have a top-line quality winger to play with (as Jacob Silfverberg is expected to play LW on the top line). Impressed in a thrilling first round playoff series (7-3-2-5, +5).

2- Cody Hodgson (C), BUF: The former junior scoring star finally seems to have put his health issues (back pain) behind him after a full 48-game showing in 2013. We may have just seen the tip of the iceberg of Hodgson’s offensive potential at only 23. A full season playing on a line with dynamo Thomas Vanek may grant him the point-a-game status. Only 5 of his 34 points were PP markers last season. Expect a noticeable improvement in that area.

3- Mikkel Boedker (LW), PHO: Still only 23, Boedker has been viewed as a potential breakout player for the past two seasons now, but one element of the equation has been missing: an elite playmaking centerman to play give-and-go with. That piece of the puzzle is now in place with the arrival of Mike Ribeiro, who along with Shane Doan and Boedker will finally complete a legitimate top line in the desert. Boedker has already displayed his smarts, producing 19 assists in 2013 on a mediocre offensive team. Look for Ribeiro’s wizardry to push the young winger’s goal totals to new heights (25-35 range is realistic).

4- Tyson Barrie (D), COL: Junior standout produced well over a point-a-game in his final two seasons in Kelowna. Had a seamless transition to the pro ranks in 2011-12 (49-5-27-32, -1) down in Lake Erie (AHL). Proved his worth as an NHL PP quarterback in 2013 with 5 of 13 points on the man advantage. With Erik Johnson’s complete failure to produce, Barrie will be given the reins at the point on a talented and improving young squad in Denver. Uncanny poise has been the key to his meteoric rise atop the Colorado defensive depth chart.

5- Jaden Schwartz (LW-C), STL: The only reason he was taken as late as 14^th overall is that 2010 was a very deep draft year (look it up). A dominant point producer in college, Schwartz will be playing on one of the two interchangeable top lines in St-Louis. This team is expected to be a Cup contender because of its unmatched overall depth and you can expect this guy to be a big part of this developing powerhouse. A must-get for you keeper-leaguers out there.

6- Matt Frattin (LW), LAK: This guy found twine almost once a game in his final year in college (36 times in 44 GP). Went 4-2-6 in his first 4 games with the Leafs last season, but ultra-conservative coach Randy Carlisle’s strange refusal to use him on the PP (0:34 TOI) made that pace unsustainable for the rest of the year. The natural sniper will get to play on Mike Richards’ left wing and finally get top six minutes and second unit PP time as well. Position scarcity on LW adds bonus value here.

7- Aleksander Barkov (C), FLO: Lead Tappara to a second place finish in the Finnish League as an 18 y/o (53-21-27-48). At 6’ 3”, 209 lbs, definitely the most NHL-ready among the 2013 draft class. Nathan McKinnon was 1^st overall and Jonathan Drouin may well play on a line with Steven Stamkos and Martin St-Louis, but Barkov will step in as a top-line center right away this season. The fact that the Panthers let Stephen Weiss leave via free agency and picked this guy second in the draft instead of Drouin and blue-chip D-man Seth Jones is a testament to their faith in the Finnish prodigy. GM Dave Tallon hasn’t swung and missed on many high draft picks has he?

8- Lubomir Visnovsky (D), NYI: Only veteran comeback candidate on this list at 37. There usually is only one point-man through which most PP units funnel the majority of plays. Last year, that guy was Mark Streit on the Island. Now that he has moved on, Visnovsky inherits the role on a very potent PP (ranked 11^th in 2013). He is only 2 seasons removed from a career-high 68 point season and has now bought into the rebuild in Long Island, signing a two-year extension in March. Strong comeback player-of-the-year candidate.

9- Brendan Smith (D), DET: Even the Wings’ commitment to bringing youngsters along slowly couldn’t keep this guy down in Grand Rapids for too long. Steady gains in decision-making and on-ice discipline had him secure a regular spot in Detroit’s 6-man unit last year. Impressed in the playoffs, gaining Mike Babcock’s confidence with every solid shift. Focused on improving his defense the past couple of seasons. Now that that’s out of the way, his natural offensive instincts (57-10-24-34 in AHL in 2011-12) should kick in as he gets more prominent PP minutes (only 1:09 last year).

ARE THE STARS ALIGNING?

Patrick King — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:52:39 +0000

Tne Land of a Thousand Lakes is being transformed into the Land of Free Agent Spending.

The franchise in Minnesota is coming out of the wild and into the forefront of the hockey community after their big spending spree, inking the top two free agents in Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. It was a major coup for the Wild, whose 12th place finish now appears to be a thing of the past.

Sure, they were 14 points behind the playoff picture cutoff point behind the eventual Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings, but a team with the likes of Parise, Suter, Dany Heatley, Mikko Koivu and Devin Setoguchi is far more prepared for the playoffs than before.

There’s a lot to like about the Wild both as a fan and as a poolie. Parise will likely go early in your draft, as he should, but just as any championship team, the depth of your drafting will provide the blueprint to a league championship.

Heatley’s past two seasons were nothing to write home about, but it’s time to revisit the days when he was an early pick. Heatley could be the biggest benefactor of Parise’s presence in Minnesota. Aside from Parise’s dynamic skill-set, the prodigal son plays a heart-and-soul style which will force everyone around him to match his intensity.

In Heatley, you have the perfect reclamation project who should provide immediate returns. Don’t wait too long before drafting him or any of the previous core in Minnesota.

DID THE SHARKS MISS THEIR OPPORTUNITY?

If the window hasn’t closed on this group, it’s closing quickly. The San Jose Sharks aren’t getting any younger and their most recent playoff failure leaves one wondering if they will ever succeed with this group.

For the sake of your pool, keep this team on your radar. Joe Thornton will put up points in the regular season while the trio of Logan Couture, Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski are about as consistent you will find.

Take advantage of the fact the Sharks are no longer in vogue by taking the reliable point producers this team continues pinning its hopes upon. If nothing else, you know their point production should continue.

RESURGENCE IN WASHINGTON

If you had Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom or Mike Green in your pool last year, we feel your pain. Lick those wounds quickly because the gravy train should be back in D.C. The coaching carousel is over and if there’s one thing we know about new head coach Adam Oates from his playing days, it was his offensive imagination. This now means players like Ovechkin and Backstrom should have the reins taken off and given the green light to do what they do best.

In Green’s instance, injuries cut what was already a disappointing season short. It may be a little too optimistic to think he could return to the player that had consecutive 70-plus point seasons a few years ago, but a 50-point season (should he remain healthy) is not out of the question. The Capitals could use his offensive boost from the blue line and the contract he signed this summer is an indication of management’s confidence in him. Take a chance on him once more and don’t look back.

ARE THE STARS ALIGNING?

If the Kings taught us anything last season, it’s that bold managerial moves and adding proven talent can be a recipe for success. The Dallas Stars had one of the better off-seasons with the acquisitions of Derek Roy and the ageless wonders Ray Whitney and Jaromir Jagr. The Stars have a mish-mash of talent in their top six that is now among the league’s best.

Roy could flourish in a new environment, depending on how he recovers from shoulder surgery. Whitney is one of the league’s quietest stars and Jagr showed he can still contribute. The biggest question is whether the Stars will find chemistry, but there’s no denying these three additions complement the core nicely in Dallas.

Loui Eriksson should be your primary target from the Lone Star state. Whitney is worth the gamble while Jagr and Jamie Benn should improve upon this past season. Alex Goligoski could also return to form with the injection of offence in Dallas.

The Stars and Wild are paper giants heading into the season. Their overall team success is still a question mark, but the depth of talent on each team should pay dividends to your pool. Trust your gut and dial it back to a time when players like Heatley and Whitney were in their primes. These are risks worth taking in 2012-2013.

BREAKOUT CANDIDATES

Brayden Schenn, Philadelphia Flyers

Schenn is a proven point-producer at every level, except the NHL. Injuries derailed his first pro season, but he showed he could make an impact during the playoffs. Given a full bill of health, Schenn should evolve into the physical, offensive torrent many predicted during his junior days. Don’t let him slip through the cracks and make sure you secure him relatively early in your pool.

Charlie Coyle, Minnesota Wild

Coyle walked away from Boston University last season to join the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Saint John Sea Dogs and immediately became one of junior hockey’s top marksmen. Coyle averaged nearly a goal per game in the playoffs, helping the Sea Dogs defend their league title. He will make the jump to pro hockey this season and could have a big rookie campaign with the supporting cast in Minnesota.

Sven Bartschi, Calgary Flames

Had it not been for an agreement between the CHL and the NHL that limited Bartschi to an emergency call-up basis late last season, he likely would have finished the year in Calgary. The Swiss sensation averaged an eye-popping two points per game in the Western Hockey League last season and brought his team to Game 7 of the league final. Bartschi scored three times in five NHL games, as sure a sign as any other that he’s ready to contribute.

Cody Hodgson, Buffalo Sabres

His first full season was successful with 41 points in 83 games between the Canucks and Sabres, but his second season should be even better. Now that he is firmly planted in Buffalo and with the departure of Derek Roy to Dallas, the opportunity has never been better for Hodgson to prove his worth. Look for him to reward the Sabres’ confidence with a potential 60-point season.

Jaden Schwartz, St. Louis Blues

Schwartz is a sleeper whose secret may be out after joining the Blues for seven games down the stretch. What he loses in size, he more than makes up for with his skill and determination. Schwartz had two goals and one assist in seven games and could see his role increase dramatically over the course of the season. He provided offence in every stop during his career and could be ready to take off next season in the NHL.

Patrick King is the Canadian Hockey League columnist for Sportsnet.ca and a contributor to McKeen’s Hockey. He is also writing a book on the Windsor Spitfires

Under the Radar Fantasy All Stars

James Mirtle — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:12:33 +0000

Comeback players, rebound candidates, up-and-coming rookies and sophomores - these are the sorts of fantasy all-stars you want to be taking in your pools. And it just so happens we've assembled an entire roster of them.

The basis for making the "under the radar" fantasy all-star team is that, quite simply, these players will likely fall further than they should in your draft because they are either (a) unproven, (b) playing for poor teams or (c) coming off bad seasons. But those kinds of gambles are exactly what can win your pool (assuming your competitors aren't also holding this list, of course).

FORWARDS

Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado

Big Swede simply got better and better as his rookie season wore on, emerging as a dominant forward at 18 years old late in the year and showing every indication he’ll be a perennial star. There’s always the danger of a sophomore slump but with that comes the upside he continues his great second half and hits 65 points or more.

Mikko Koivu, Minnesota

Still one of the more underrated two-way players in the entire league, Koivu is a 75-point talent stuck in an organization that has always struggled to produce a lot of goals. The additions of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter should help immensely there, shining the spotlight on the man in the middle.

Cody Hodgson, Buffalo

Shipped to the Sabres after not getting the playing time he craved in Vancouver, Hodgson’s debut with his new team wasn’t overwhelmingly impressive. It was, however, good enough that they shipped out Derek Roy to create a hole in the middle, and Hodgson has the talent to put up big numbers with quality wingers.

Eric Staal, Carolina

Granted an odd candidate for an under the radar list, but consider the following: Here’s a player who has had seven consecutive 70-point seasons and was absolutely dominant in the second half last year after having some brutal luck in the early going. Staal will be rejuvenated with brother Jordan in the fold and could get even more offensive help as GM Jim Rutherford continues to add. Bet on a point a game and hope for more - because he’s done it before.

Tomas Plekanec, Montreal

Last season was a disaster for pretty much everyone in Montreal, but the good news there is that there’ll be plenty of rebound candidates on the roster. Plekanec’s going to continue to get big minutes and last year’s 52 points should be the low water mark.

Antoine Vermette, Phoenix

Languished in Columbus (along with many others) but looked reborn upon jumping to the Coyotes and will continue to be a favourite of coach Dave Tippett. Vermette could easily slip to the later rounds but is a safe bet for 45 points and has hit 65 in the past. It’s not like he’ll have much competition for playing time, either.

Mike Ribeiro, Washington

Not really a fan favourite around the league given some of his high profile flops, Ribeiro nonetheless has averaged more than 65 points a season the last four years. The Capitals will also not be nearly as defensive as they were under Dale Hunter, meaning Ribeiro will be freelancing out there with Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green at times.

James Van Riemsdyk, Toronto

Let’s try this again. The man known as 'JVR' is the only player to make this list both last year and this one, but given the injuries, it’s worth giving him a mulligan. Toronto wasn’t very good last season, but they did score plenty of goals and won’t lose a single piece from that cast up front. Van Riemsdyk will also get plenty of opportunities to prove he can centre the top line, and any time with Phil Kessel is 'pucks in net' time.

Kyle Turris, Ottawa

He may not ever be a huge scorer, but he is also in little danger of losing his second line spot and will benefit from playing a full season with the Sens. Turris’s totals of a year ago prorate to 43 points so that’s a good starting point for where he’ll land in a full season. And you always hope for more.

Derek Stepan, NY Rangers

There is a reason Glen Sather considered him an untouchable in summer trade talks: There’s great potential in Stepan, even if he remains far from a household name. Right now, you’re guaranteed at least 45 or 50 points, but you never know when he’ll break out and hit 60 or higher. Hopefully it’s after you’ve picked him.

Mikael Granlund, Minnesota

The first of two wild cards. Granlund is a prospect first and foremost, but on a Wild team hoping to make a huge splash and score far more goals, he could get a first line role. Is he ready for that? Impossible to say for sure, but one of the reasons Zach Parise and Ryan Suter signed on with Minnesota was their prospect depth and Granlund is at the top of that list. Could surprise.

Marcus Foligno, Buffalo

Made a phenomenal jump from junior in having an excellent AHL season and then netted 13 points in 14 NHL games. The Sabres forward lines are crowded and he’s probably stuck in the bottom six, but the team’s brass loves him and will give him plenty of opportunities to succeed. Anywhere from 25 to 55 points is possible so bid accordingly.

Ales Hemsky, Edmonton

A forgotten man given all of the Oilers blossoming young talent, Hemsky could surprise everyone with a big bounce back year if he can just stay healthy. That, of course, is a big if, but he was close to a point a game guy the previous few seasons and should come extra cheap given he had only 36 points while playing through injury. Still not that old, either.

DEFENSEMEN

Alex Goligoski, Dallas

Took a step back last season to just 30 points from 46 the year before but should be the beneficiary of the added firepower Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk added in Derek Roy, Jaromir Jagr and Ray Whitney. Sure, this an old crew, but that’s a good power play crew and Goligoski can get 30-plus points there alone.

Dmitry Kulikov, Florida

No more Jason Garrison with the Panthers should mean a bigger role for young blueliner who everyone continues to wait for a breakout from. The only question is will it come now or will Filip Kuba take a lot of those minutes?

Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Phoenix

Unquestionably a future star, he has the misfortune for playing for the super stingy Coyotes, which may hurt his offensive production for the next few years. Still, if you want to grab the next horse on the blueline in a keeper league, here’s a prime opportunity.

Nikita Nikitin, Columbus

Quietly had a terrific breakout season last year on a terrible team and will be entrusted with top four minutes from the get-go this time around. They’re going to load him up with tough minutes, so don’t expect a good plus-minus figure, but Nikitin is one of the better defencemen in the league that no one has heard about.

Jamie McBain, Carolina

Took a small step back as the ‘Canes struggled mightily out of the gate but has plenty of potential and at 24 will continue to take on more and more of a role. Carolina’s offence should improve with the addition of Jordan Staal alone and at some point McBain will hit that 40-point mark and get on poolies’ radar.

Slava Voynov, Los Angeles

So long Jack Johnson. Voynov’s emergence last season was one of the underrated aspects of the Kings championship, as the young Russian went from the minors to playing a regular role in the top four and chipped in offensively, too. He’s a bit buried behind Drew Doughty, but his totals last season prorate to 30 points and that’s with limited power play time. Trending up.

Brendan Smith, Detroit

It’s always very difficult to project young defencemen who have limited NHL experience, but the Red Wings always seem to do an excellent job of working their rookies in slowly and Smith has been apprenticing for this role for ages. Big time potential here - and there’s a hole to fill with Nick Lidstrom’s retirement - but how soon will we see it?

GOALTENDERS

Braden Holtby, Washington

After a star turn in last year’s playoffs, the Capitals are putting their faith in the rookie this season and indications are he should be able to deliver. While Michal Neuvirth is capable of beating him out for a lot of starts, Holtby has the inside track and could end up starting a lot of games for one of the Eastern Conference’s stronger teams.

James Reimer, Toronto

How dangerously do you like to live? If the Leafs go in with Reimer and Ben Scrivens as their tandem, any number of possibilities could unfold, including Reimer regaining his 2010-11 form and excelling as a No. 1 over a prolonged stretch. He won’t get much help from his defence, so buyer beware. (And if you want to really go nuts, take a flier on Scrivens.)

A long-time member of the McKeen’s Hockey team, James Mirtle covers the NHL for The Globe and Mail and is based in Toronto.

You can read more of his work at globesports.com