Every year there are a few duds in the nhl who just kill fantasy gms. The only good thing about that is next year they probably wont be picked as high and still have potential to help your team. Last year saw quite a few players suffer a setback or down season. Micheal Grabner, Mike Green, Lubomir Visnovsky, Cam Ward, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan, Jonas Hiller, Pk Subban, Matt Duchene, Alexander Semin, and the biggest disappointment of all, perennial 100 point all star Alex Ovechkin sputters along with the rest of the caps en route to a 65 point performance. There are even more players who could, and probably should be mentioned as letdowns from a fantasy perspective last year. But when all is said and done, these players will be drafted lower than usual next year and you could look like a genius for picking up a player on a bounce back year. Now, on to the Top Five Bounce Back Candidates for Next Year.
Last year Ovechkin once again shocked the hockey world, except this time it was for all the wrong reasons. His struggles have been well noted, he only had 65 points last year, hell in 2007 he had 65 goals. And thats what makes Ovie #1 on this list. He’s a player with 65 goal, 120 point potential, who could end up falling to the second round in some drafts. He will once again have a healthy Mike Green and Nicklas Backstrom to get him the puck, and under Adam Oates he should get more freedom to play his high tempo free wheeling style of hockey. How well he plays is directly related to what style of game Adam Oates wants to play, so keep an eye out for any word from Oates about what he will do with Ovie, if he says he’s gonna allow Ovie to be Ovie then get him, if not, then buyer beware as he doesn’t adapt well to a defense first system.
2. Mike Green
Another bounce back candidate from the caps, Mike Green is an incredibly gifted offensive defenseman. If he and Ovie can get back on track, look for both to see huge increases in points. This minute munching defenseman has had injury issues and his defensive effort is often questioned, but if he can shore up his defensive game and still be that great puck moving defenseman that got Ovie to 65 goals in 2007, then watch out. He along with Erik Karlsson, and Kris Letang are the only defenseman who currently appear to be able to keep up a point per game pace throughout the whole season. Meaning a 70-80 point range. All this is dependent on what kind of system Oates wishes to employ, so keep a close eye on what unfolds in Washington leading up to the draft.
3. Matt Duchene
The former 3rd overall pick showed promise when he exploded onto the scene in his sophomore campaign, recording 67 points and making fantasy gms wonder what he would be capable of the next year. Well, it wasn’t quite what they expected as injuries slowed him and he only amassed 28 points in 58 games. Not exactly superstar numbers. But with the free agent addition of P-A Parenteau and the progression of Gabriel Landeskog, along with trade acquisition Steve Downie, Duchene could finally have a supporting cast to help him achieve those numbers we previously believed possible. The Avalanche as a team will only get better thanks to their youth and good prospects, so expect Duchene to pick up his game this upcoming season and reach the 70-80 point range.
This Austrian speedster has yet to put up more than 55 points in a season, but he does have one 30 goal season to his credit. He may have disappointed many last year by scoring just 32 points, but with the absence of Parenteau look for Grabner to step up on that top line with Taveres and Moulson. Playing on this line should give the sniper a chance to one again hit 30 goals, along with a 60-70 point range next year.
5. Corey Perry
Corey Perry had a tremendous season two years ago, making a late season push for the rocket Richard trophy and finishing with his first 50 goal campaign, adding 48 assists. He followed that up with a disappointing season by his standards, although scoring 37 goals, he finished with just 60 points. Remember 5 years ago when the Bruce Boudreau coached Capitols stormed their way into the playoffs with a high flying offensive game? Well, look for that to once again happen, this time with his new team, The Anaheim Ducks, and look for Corey Perry to be the biggest benefactor of it. He has 100 point potential, and with Ryan Getzlaf on his line, anything is possible. Look for the Ducks to have a big season next year, as the whole team bounces back and bounces right into the playoff race.
Honorable mentions.
1. Cam Ward-New additions, a new coach, and a talented goalie. He could be the driving force that gets Carolina into the playoffs
2. Jonas Hiller-Last year was a bad year for the whole team, under new coach Bruce Boudreau the Ducks will challenge for a playoff spot, and Hiller will return to his normal 92ish save percentage along the way
3 Pk Subban-Again, a new coach changes everything. New Gm Bergevin brings new look and feel to Montreal, if Markov can stay healthy watch out for great pp numbers, along with tons of pims
Steer Clear of
1. Lubomir Visnovsky-Aging offensive d-man sputtered last year in Anaheim, now plays for the Isles, a team who wont be as good offensively, or defensively.
2. Alex Semin-If he can even find work in the nhl, be careful as his attitude and effort are often questioned. No doubt about the talent, just doubts about everything else
