The New Franchise Players
By Ray Calder , HockeyObserver.com
I did one of these pieces about a year ago and it was popular enough I'll follow it up on a yearly basis.
I think pretty much all of us can agree that names like Crosby, Ovechkin, Getzlaf, and Malkin are considered franchise type talents in both real and Roto Hockey .
Here are 7 names that I've identified that are well on their way to franchise status . If you agree, disagree, or would like to throw another name into the discussion as always I can be reached at hockeyobserver@aol.com . I read every one of your emails and appreciate all the feedback positive or negative .
Anze Kopitar, Kings - At 21 years of age he already has 180 games at the NHL level . His night to night consistency has improved this year, and you're looking at a Marian Hossa type upside as he continues to mature .
Nicklas Backstrom, Capitals - He's overshadowed on his own team by Ovechkin obviously, but I love the checklist . Competitiveness - check, elite passing skills -check, and hockey sense- check . If he was playing in St. Louis or Toronto (that both are in need of a franchise saviour) they'd be talking about him like he's the new Peter Forsberg .
Thomas Vanek, Sabres- Other than a slow start last year where he probably was trying too hard to live up to his new contract , Vanek has been the go to guy on a club that has a number of very skilled players . He has 20 goals already and has established himself in that tier of players right beneath Crosby, Malkin, and Ovechkin .His skating still isn't pretty, but it has improved .
Phil Kessel, Bruins - He's been underrated after failing to break 20 goals in his first 2 NHL seasons .I love everything about his game ....he plays at a very high tempo , is not afraid of the high traffic areas, and has the hands to score 50-55 goals at his peak .
Patrick Kane, Blackhawks - Had a 21 goal rookie season which was very nice . The larger impact is that along with Jonathan Toews, he's made hockey relevant in Chicago .I'd bet he's going to have multiple 40 goal years and lead numerous fantasy teams to championships .
Zach Parise, Devils - The most well rounded player of this group , Parise is just 24 years old and is already nearing 100 goals for his career . A very advanced player with offensive skills as well as the defensive chops to be on the ice protecting a lead late in games .
Peter Mueller, Coyotes - Dynamic offensive player who is in his second NHL season and doesn't turn 21 until the playoffs are ready to start . Has all the attributes to be the next Ryan Getzlaf . A slower start to his second year means you have just a little longer as a buying opportunity in keeper leagues .
A couple of other notes to finish this off ;
1) I only considered forwards for this piece . I may do a goalies or defensemen counterpart at a later date .
2) I know I'll get a ton of questions about Jeff Carter of the Flyers . I regard him more as a guy off to a fast start and probably well on his way to a 40 goal year than someone in the class of the above group . That said he turns 24 on New Years Day 09 and clearly is on his way to establishing a new baseline of productivity after a high of 53 points a season ago .A year ago I liked Mike Richards better and that still applies .
3) Marian Gaborik was in the past article and I still like him as a Franchise type talent . What has gone on this year has no doubt dropped his stock at least in the Fantasy world . He's going to be a tough move in the NHL with the salary cap restricting what a lot of teams can add as far as payroll . I still believe he has top 5 in the entire league skills and there is no way I'd give up on him in Fantasy/Roto . I don't deny that at least to this point his 2008/09 season has been maddening .