Carey Price was booed. Phil Kessel was cheered. Denis Grebeshkov pulled a fast one.

When the dust settled on the 2008-09 season, Price, Kessel and Grebeshkov finished with varying degrees of achievement. One of them met expectations. Another exceeded them. And one was overly disappointing.

Grebeshkov was overlooked on the Oilers' blue line as last season kicked off with players like Lubomir Visnovsky, Sheldon Souray and Tom Gilbert casting a big shadow. A lot of people didn't care about Grebeshkov's career-high 18 points in 2007-08 or the fact he was finally starting to hit stride as a pro. But for those few brave souls who took a flier on the Russian defender on Draft Day, they were rewarded with a great sleeper pick as Grebeshkov finished the season as the 30th best scorer among Fantasy defensemen.

For years, the Bruins and hockey analysts waited for Kessel, often lauded as the U.S.'s version of Sidney Crosby, to reach his potential. After battling cancer, Kessel began to regain his form and even posted 19 goals in 2007-08. The '08-09 season provided the opportunity for Kessel to have a breakout performance. He did just that.

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Kessel had six or more goals in each of the first three months and 39 points in his first 37 games. Once again the injury bug caught up to Kessel, but he still posted new career highs in goals (36), assists (24), points (60) and plus-minus (23).

As for Price, perhaps the Patrick Roy comparisons are just too much for any Montreal goalie to handle. The Canadiens have been searching for a franchise netminder since Roy was traded to Colorado during the 1995-96 season. Some of the names to blow through town have been Tomas Vokoun, Jose Theodore, Jocelyn Thibault, Mathieu Garon and Cristobal Huet. Only Theodore remained with the Canadiens for more than a few seasons, but even he couldn't live up to the enormous expectations.

Montreal thought they had a lost cause on their hands until Price put on the pads in '07-08. He unseated Huet in net and posted a 24-12-3 record with 2.56 goals-against-average, .920 save percentage and three shutouts in 41 games. The best news of all was that the 2005 first-round pick (fifth overall) would only be 21 years old when the '08-09 season began.

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While Price did make the All-Star team last season, it was definitely a bust of a campaign as an ankle injury hindered his progress in the second half. He would win one less game in '08-09 than in his rookie season despite the fact he appeared in 11 more contests. After the Canadiens were swept in the first-round of the playoffs by Boston, the Montreal fans rained down a chorus of boos at Price. Still, the Montreal front office is not ready to give up on the youngster.

Every Fantasy season brings us our fair share of surprises and disappointments. It's part of the battle when evaluating talent on Draft Day. While it is not a fine science, we brave the minefields in search of the Kessels and Grebeshkovs while looking to avoid the Prices of the Fantasy Hockey world.

As we inch closer toward opening night, we would like to share with you our list of potential Sleepers, Breakouts and Busts for the 2009-10 season.

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Sleepers

Ville Leino, LW, Detroit
2008-09 stats: 13 games, five goals, four assists, nine points, plus-5, six penalty minutes
Leino was the consolation prize for the Red Wings last summer when they lost out on the Fabian Brunnstrom sweepstakes. They might not have landed the top overseas import, but they got a pretty special player in Leino, who was MVP on the Finnish Elite League in '07-08. Since Detroit always seems to have a plethora of talent, Detroit didn't have to rush Leino to the NHL. They allowed him to mature in the minors, where he had 15 goals and 46 points in 57 games with Grand Rapids of the AHL. When Leino did appear in the NHL, head coach Mike Babcock commented that all the Finnish forward did was score. Detroit is expected to put Leino's talents to good use in '09-10 after losing a few defectors in free agency. Gone are Marian Hossa, Jiri Hudler, Mikael Samuelsson and Tomas Kopecky. They combined for 187 points.
Projected 2009-10 stats: 74 games, 19 goals, 30 assists, 49 points, plus-8, 28 penalty minutes

Jonathan Ericsson, D, Detroit
2008-09 stats: 19 games, one goal, three assists, four points, minus-1, 15 penalty minutes
Detroit is probably the best run organization in hockey, and Ericsson is a testament to that. Ericsson has worked his way from being a 2002 ninth-round pick to one of the Red Wings' prized prospects. He would have played more than 19 games last season had he not dealt with a nagging wrist injury in the minors. Babcock can't say enough about Ericsson's talents, pointing to the fact that he is can't miss prospect since he skates so well for someone who is 6-4, 206 pounds. We saw what Babcock was talking about when Ericsson totaled four goals, eight points and a plus-9 rating in 22 playoff games last season. The Red Wings already have a pretty solid defensive rotation with Nicklas Lidstrom, Brian Rafalski, Brad Stuart and Niklas Kronwall. However, all four of those guys were around in the playoffs and Ericsson still found ways to be disruptive. He likely has a roster spot thanks to Andreas Lilja's lingering concussion.
Projected 2009-10 stats: 75 games, five goals, 22 assists, 27 points, plus-5, 92 penalty minutes

Zach Bogosian, D, Atlanta
2008-09 stats: 47 games, nine goals, 10 assists, 19 points, plus-11, 47 penalty minutes
The 2008 first-round pick (third overall) came on late during his rookie season. He didn't get to play a full season since he broke his leg early in the year, but once Bogosian worked on his conditioning, the hockey came naturally. The 6-2, 200-pound blueliner had no points in his first 11 games, but finished with nine goals and 19 points over his last 36 contests. That's solid production from a defenseman but outstanding numbers from a then 18-year-old blueliner. Atlanta did add Pavel Kubina in the offseason, but Bogosian is still the future in Atlanta. It's not like Kubina's presence is a bad thing either. He is going to help create more scoring chances for Bogosian, and as long as the 19-year-old defenseman is healthy, his numbers should only get better.
Projected 2009-10 stats: 70 games, 14 goals, 20 assists, 34 points, plus-8, 70 penalty minutes

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Jonas Gustavsson, G, Toronto
2008-09 stats: 42 games, record unknown, 1.96 goals-against-average, .932 save percentage, three shutouts (Swedish Elite League)
Better known as "The Monster," Gustavsson was the prize overseas import in this free-agent class. He was coveted by many teams, including the Stars, Sharks and Avalanche, but ultimately signed with Toronto since the Maple Leafs give him the best chance to play and possibly start. Toronto was in the market for goalie depth after Vesa Toskala struggled mightily last season and eventually exited due to injury. The Maple Leafs were not happy with the production from Curtis Joseph, Justin Pogge and Martin Gerber. Toskala, who is entering the final season of his contract, is still technically Toronto's starting goalie, but the Maple Leafs didn't bring Gustavsson in to sit around. They want him to challenge for the starting job after he led Farjestads (SEL) to a league championship last season. Gustavsson recently underwent minor heart surgery after feeling dizzy during an early training camp session, but it's not expected to keep him sidelined when the season opens. Toronto head coach Ron Wilson has gone as far as to call Gustavsson the "best goaltender outside of the NHL" and reaffirmed that "he will play for us this year."
Projected 2009-10 stats: 35 games, 16-13-4, 2.60 GAA, 850 saves, .909 save percentage

Claude Giroux, RW, Philadelphia
2008-09 stats: 42 games, nine goals, 18 assists, 27 points, plus-10, 14 penalty minutes
A lot of attention was focused on Giroux when training camp opened last season. Philadelphia really wanted to see if he could make the jump from junior hockey to the big time. Unfortunately, Giroux struggled in camp and started the year in the AHL. It ended up being a great move for the young forward. He adapted to the pro game in the minors and was more than ready when he got his call to the show. Giroux did his best work down the stretch. He had 16 points (five goals) in his last 21 regular-season games and added five points (two goals) in six playoff contests. There has been some talk of Giroux opening the season as a third-line center, but it would better serve the Flyers and Giroux if the 5-11, 180-pound forward opens the season as a right winger. Philadelphia needs some scorers on the right side of the ice after losing Joffrey Lupul (25 goals) and Mike Knuble (27 goals). Giroux has skated early in training camp on the wing alongside Danny Briere and rookie James vanRiemsdyk. Giroux was a constant 100-point threat as a junior hockey player, so he definitely has some sick offensive skills.
Projected 2009-10 stats: 77 games, 21 goals, 29 assists, 50 points, plus-14, 28 penalty minutes

Other potential sleepers: Columbus C Derick Brassard; Detroit RWs Todd Bertuzzi and Jason Williams; Colorado D Tom Preissing; Buffalo C Tim Connolly; Maple Leafs LW Alexei Ponikarovsky; Boston C Patrice Bergeron; Philadelphia G Ray Emery; N.Y. Rangers C Vaclav Prospal; Blues C Andy McDonald; Hurricanes C Rod Brind'Amour; Calgary LW Rene Bourque; Blues D Erik Johnson; Blues LW Paul Kariya; Montreal C Tomas Plekanec; Canucks RW Steve Bernier; Capitals C Brendan Morrison; Phoenix RWs Peter Mueller and Radim Vrbata; Hurricanes C Matt Cullen; Tampa Bay LW Alex Tanguay; Florida D Ville Koistinen; Predators LW Steve Sullivan; Senators G Pascal Leclaire

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Breakouts

Steven Stamkos, C, Tampa Bay
2008-09 stats: 79 games, 23 goals, 23 assists, 46 points, minus-13, 39 penalty minutes
It's hard to rip a guy that set a Tampa Bay rookie record with 23 goals, breaking the mark of Vincent Lecavalier. However, Stamkos still underachieved in '08-09 after being the No. 1 pick in last year's draft. Stamkos didn't hit his stride until late in the season when coach Rick Tocchet put him on a strict conditioning regimen. Still, that late-season outburst gives us hope that Stamkos is ready to emerge as an elite Fantasy option in '09-10. Stamkos posted 27 points (17 goals) in his final 32 games. He really thrived playing on a line with Martin St. Louis and Ryan Malone. Tocchet is likely to keep the trio together this season, but even if he has to move Stamkos around, we feel the 19-year-old forward is going to deliver the goods.
Projected 2009-10 stats: 82 games, 32 goals, 30 assists, 62 points, minus-8, 46 penalty minutes

Kris Letang, D, Pittsburgh
2008-09 stats: 74 games, 10 goals, 23 assists, 33 points, minus-7, 24 penalty minutes
You could technically count the 2008-09 season as a breakout campaign for Letang, however, much like Stamkos he fell way short of expectations. Letang was expected to be the offensive leader on the blue line when Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney began the season on injured reserve. While he was good, he wasn't outstanding and the Penguins definitely missed their offensive blueliners. Luckily, Letang eventually settled into a rhythm. He really responded to the coaching of Dan Bylsma after he took over for Michel Therrien and the tutoring of Gonchar. Letang finished the season with 14 points (five goals) in his final 19 regular-season games. He also had 13 points (four goals) in 24 playoff games. Talk about great production from a defenseman. Letang is heading into a walk year, so unless he inks a long-term extension any time soon, he has a little extra motivation.
Projected 2009-10 stats: 80 games, 13 goals, 25 assists, 38 points, minus-3, 28 penalty minutes

Drew Doughty, D, Los Angeles
2008-09 stats: 81 games, six goals, 21 assists, 27 points, minus-17, 56 penalty minutes
When Los Angeles invested a first-round pick (second overall) on Doughty in 2008, it was thought of as a selection for the future. Not many 18-year-old blueliners get an immediate call to the NHL, but thanks to the development of the Russian super league (KHL), more and more youngsters are getting the chance to make the jump from junior hockey to the NHL. Not only did Doughty make that jump, he ended up being the Kings' top-logging defenseman. He played in all situations and did pretty well outside of a minus-17 rating. However, his defense is only expected to improve. Fantasy owners are most concerned with Doughty's offensive talents, which are also on the rise. He finished last season with two goals and nine points in his final 21 games. The Kings added a defensive guru in Rob Scuderi this offseason and hope to have Jack Johnson on the ice for a full season. The team's offense was also given a boost with the addition of Ryan Smyth. Los Angeles is a team to watch in the Western Conference and that makes Doughty a breakout candidate.
Projected 2009-10 stats: 82 games, nine goals, 28 assists, 37 points, minus-12, 68 penalty minutes

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T.J. Oshie, C, St. Louis
2008-09 stats: 57 games, 14 goals, 25 assists, 39 points, plus-16, 30 penalty minutes
The Blues have been very patient with Oshie, a 2005 first-round pick. They let the Washington native attend the University of North Dakota for three years before he finally turned pro last season. While Oshie projects long term as a center, St. Louis allowed him to play on the wing at times in '08-09 to help with his transition to the NHL. Unfortunately, it didn't help Oshie become less prone to injury as he missed several weeks last season with a high-ankle sprain. Once he returned to the ice full-time in late December, Oshie showcased the kind of skills that made him a first-round selection. Oshie notched 35 points (12 goals) in his last 45 games and had 15 points (10 assists) in his last 17 contests. He was also named Rookie of the Month for March after posting four goals, nine assists and a plus-6 rating in 14 games. Oshie posted an even or better marker in 48 of 57 games and ranked second on the Blues with a plus-16 rating. Had he produced like that for a full season, he might have won the Calder Trophy (top rookie). The Blues are Western Conference contenders and will only get to the playoffs if their younger talent, like Oshie, continue to improve.
Projected 2009-10 stats: 80 games, 20 goals, 35 assists, 55 points, plus-18, 42 penalty minutes

Antoine Vermette, C, Columbus
2008-09 stats: 79 games, 16 goals, 25 assists, 41 points, minus-7, 50 penalty minutes
Vermette had visions of a 40-goal campaign last season. This coming after he posted career highs in goals (24), assists (29) and points (53) in '07-08. Unfortunately, Vermette fell way short of his expectations. He really struggled, like many Senators, under Craig Hartsburg and only showed slight improvement once Cory Clouston took over behind the bench. He became expendable at the trade deadline, however, and Columbus general manager Scott Howson was more than happy to welcome in the five-year veteran. Howson was in dire need of a second-line center after Derick Brassard suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in December. The change of scenery really benefited Vermette, who had seven goals and 13 points in 17 games with the Blue Jackets. Brassard is finally healthy in 2009-10, but Vermette is expected to keep his role as a second-line center and Columbus showed their commitment to the Quebec native with a five-year extension. Maybe bounce-back candidate is more appropriate for Vermette, but the 60-point threshold is a possibility.
Projected 2009-10 stats: 82 games, 25 goals, 31 assists, 56 points, minus-3, 54 penalty minutes

Other potential breakouts: Dallas LW Fabian Brunnstrom; N.Y. Islanders RW Kyle Okposo; Colorado G Craig Anderson; Boston RW Blake Wheeler; Phoenix C Matthew Lombardi; Edmonton C Sam Gagner; Panthers C Michael Frolik; Penguins D Alex Goligoski; Predators RW Patric Hornqvist; Ottawa C Ryan Shannon; Ottawa LW Nick Foligno; Thrashers C Rich Peverley

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Busts

Zach Parise, LW, New Jersey
2008-09 stats: 82 games, 45 goals, 49 assists, 94 points, plus-30, 24 penalty minutes
We are probably going to take a lot of heat for tabbing Parise as a bust, but with defensive-minded Jacques Lemaire taking over behind the bench in New Jersey, we just don't feel Parise will be able to meet or exceed last year's totals. During his eight-year tenure as Wild head coach, only two players broke 70 points in a season. Brian Rolston was the first to do it in 2005-06 (79) and then Marian Gaborik set a franchise record with 83 points in '07-08. While Lemaire has had a lot of 30-goal scorers in his coaching career -- and we feel Parise will reach that benchmark for a fourth straight season -- the fact remains not many of Lemaire's teams have led the league in scoring. Parise, who was the third-best Fantasy scorer among forwards last season, will likely be drafted in the first round this season. We just aren't sure if he is going to be among the top 10 Fantasy forwards by season's end.
Projected 2009-10 stats: 82 games, 34 goals, 39 assists, 73 points, plus-14, 29 penalty minutes

Nikolai Khabibulin, G, Edmonton
2008-09 stats: 42 games, 25-8-7, 2.33 GAA, .919 save percentage, three shutouts, 1,096 saves (with Chicago)
The Blackhawks initially wanted to run Khabibulin out of town prior to '08-09 since they signed Cristobal Huet in the offseason. The Blackhawks just couldn't find any takers. Chicago eventually changed its tune and were excited to have Khabibulin in town. He became coach Joel Quenneville's preferred goalie when healthy, but injuries were a big reason why Khabibulin appeared in just 42 games. Still, he was outstanding during his walk year and cashed in with a four-year contract from the Oilers. It's interesting Edmonton invested so much time and money into a fragile 36-year-old goalie. The fact remains that Khabibulin hasn't played more than 55 games in four of the last five seasons. Edmonton better be prepared to lean on youngster Jeff Drouin-Deslaurie. Also, while Edmonton has a new coach (Pat Quinn) behind the bench, they still aren't considered top contenders like Chicago. Khabibulin could have some very trying nights. Add to the fact that last year he was also motivated to land one final long-term deal, what is going to push him this season?
Projected 2009-10 stats: 55 games, 26-20-6, 2.57 GAA, .907 save percentage, two shutouts, 1,353 saves

Alexander Edler, D, Vancouver
2008-09 stats: 80 games, 10 goals, 27 points, 37 points, plus-11, 54 penalty minutes
It was a pleasant surprise to see Edler among the top 30 Fantasy defensemen in '08-09. He became a breakout Fantasy player last season as he reached double-digit goals for the first time in his career, as well as posting career highs in assists and points. He became one of the Canucks' top two-way defenders and logged a lot of valuable power-play time. While Edler should be among the Canucks' top-four defensemen in '09-10, we are a little less excited about his outlook after Vancouver added Mathieu Schneider and Christian Ehrhoff late in the offseason. Both players will cut into Edler's point production, especially Schneider, who is a power-play specialist. Don't forget Edler still has to fight for points with holdovers Sami Salo, Kevin Bieksa and Willie Mitchell.
Projected 2009-10 stats: 82 games, 12 goals, 29 assists, 41 points, plus-14, 58 penalty minutes

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Loui Eriksson, LW, Dallas
2008-09 stats: 82 games, 36 goals, 27 assists, 63 points, plus-14, 14 penalty minutes
Eriksson really bailed out the Stars in 2008-09 after Brenden Morrow went down early in the season with a torn ACL. He replaced Morrow as the top-line scoring presence and led Dallas with 36 goals. It was a career campaign for Eriksson, but he really didn't get going until Morrow went down. Morrow is back at 100 percent and ready to return to his spot at left wing on the top line. Also going against Eriksson is the addition of coach Marc Crawford. Is he going to use the Swedish forward in a different role than Dave Tippett? It could be tough for Eriksson to reach 30 goals again.
Projected 2009-10 stats: 82 games, 29 goals, 30 assists, 59 points, plus-8, 32 penalty minutes

Joffrey Lupul, RW, Anaheim
2008-09 stats: 79 games, 25 goals, 25 assists, 50 points, plus-1, 58 penalty minutes (with Philadelphia)
Lupul is back for his second stint in Anaheim. The Ducks made the 6-1, 200-pound forward the seventh pick in the 2002 NHL draft, and Lupul spent two years with Anaheim before being traded to Edmonton in 2006 as part of the deal that brought Chris Pronger to town. And wouldn't you know it, Lupul and Pronger crossed paths again this offseason. This time Pronger was dealt to Philadelphia as Anaheim reacquired Lupul. The 25-year-old forward gives Anaheim another proven scoring threat, however, Lupul is not coming in to carry the team. He might also have to play out of position since Anaheim already has Corey Perry and Teemu Selanne at right wing. Lupul is too good to play below the second line, so he might have to join Bobby Ryan, who is also a natural right winger, on the left side of the ice. Not only does Lupul have to contend for points with those three talents, but Ryan Getzlaf, Saku Koivu, Scott Niedermayer and Ryan Whitney are a few other names that could steal scoring chances. Lupul has admitted to being an inconsistent player and knows he is not being asked to lead the offensive charge.
Projected 2009-10 stats: 80 games, 19 goals, 24 assists, 43 points, even, 50 penalty minutes

Other potential busts: Devils LW Patrik Elias; Canucks LW Alexandre Burrows; Ducks C Saku Koivu; Toronto RW Phil Kessel; Chicago RW Kris Versteeg; St. Louis RW David Backes; Flyers C Jeff Carter; Los Angeles LW Ryan Smyth; Red Wings D Niklas Kronwall; Senators D Filip Kuba

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