Editor's note: Our Ross Devonport and Michael Hurcomb read, write and
analyze everything Fantasy Hockey on a daily basis for CBSSports.com.
They agree and disagree on a variety of subjects on a weekly basis and
will share their opinions on Fantasy-relevant topics each week.
With the trade deadline looming March 4, which player(s) could
benefit from a new home?
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Ross Devonport
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Michael Hurcomb
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I think from a Fantasy perspective, any goalie splitting time (see
Chicago, Florida, Boston, when Manny Fernandez is healthy) would certainly benefit from a
move, but many of the teams utilizing the tandem system are
playing well right now and aren't likely to make a change.
Instead, I'll go with the popular answer out there at the moment
-- Vincent Lecavalier. Tampa is
just a poorly-run team, and Lecavalier is just too good to be
stuck in a situation like that. Hopefully he'll find himself on a
contender before the deadline.
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Two names come to mind -- Jason Spezza
and Mathieu Schneider. Spezza is
one of many players that have struggled in 2008-09 under the
guidance of first-year coach Craig Hartsburg, but the veteran
forward also has issues with his general manager, Bryan Murray. If
Ottawa can find a taker for his seven-year, $49 million contract,
Spezza is as good as gone. Schneider has had an ugly time in
Atlanta (eight points, minus-17 rating) and really needs to be on
a contender to get back to his All-Star form. Some team should
make a pitch for Schneider's hard shot and the veteran defenseman
should jump at the opportunity.
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Project the Fantasy value for Brendan Shanahan ...
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Ross Devonport
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Michael Hurcomb
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This is a tough one, because there isn't really room for him on
the top six right now. However, the third line in New Jersey could
be a solid one if Shanahan ends up playing alongside the likes of Brian Rolston and Bobby Holik.
Plus, you know Shanahan will get plenty of power play chances.
While it will take him a couple of weeks to get up to speed, I can
see Shanahan contributing with 25-plus points before the regular
season comes to a close.
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Shanahan is going to turn 40 on Jan. 23 and isn't anywhere near
what he used to be. The Devils are getting one heck of a veteran
presence, but his offensive contributions could be limited.
Shanahan broke down physically in the second half of 2007-08 with
the Rangers and hasn't played a game this season. He is going to
need time to condition his body, and then what? He is likely going
to help an ailing New Jersey power play, but he isn't going to see
a lot of top-six time. I would be shocked if Shanahan breaks 20
points.
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Will Brian Elliott turn into
another Steve Mason or Carey Price?
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Ross Devonport
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Michael Hurcomb
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If Elliott does somehow produce numbers like those two, he will
become a legend in Ottawa, as that town has been looking for a
reliable starting goaltender for what seems like forever. I just
can't see it happening though. He was a ninth-round pick for a
reason, and the Senators are by far the worst offensive team in
the league, which is an amazing stat when you consider the three
studs they have up front. Elliott, if he managed to stay up, will
be nothing more than a low-end No. 3 Fantasy option at best.
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With the sinking ship that is the Senators, it makes sense for
Ottawa to let Elliott finish the season as the starting goalie.
Despite being a ninth-round pick, he has been deemed the goalie of
the future. When is there ever going to be a better time then now
to see if that's true? Not many rookie goalies have great success
out of the gate like Mason and Price, but if you are looking for a
second-half sleeper, then Elliott should be on your Fantasy radar.
The wins might be scarce, but a respectable GAA and save
percentage is realistic.
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Which players do you see leading the league in penalty minutes?
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Ross Devonport
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Michael Hurcomb
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Chris Neil has to be a leading contender for this honor,
as the frustration factor is just going to keep building if the
Senators continue to play like they have been. I would like Shane O'Brien, the current leader, but he doesn't pick up
enough fighting majors and he can't keep this pace up. I do like Arron Asham, though. For a 5-11 guy, he likes to throw it down
and agitation seems to be his best skill, as he only has seven
points on the year.
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Daniel Carcillo has toned it down a bit after racking up
a league high 324 penalty minutes last season. He has shaved off
some ill-advised penalties, but he is still going to rank in the
top five for PIM at season's end. I think Zack Stortini and Jared Boll
have a good chance to compete for the crown of the NHL's top tough
guy, and Eric Godard is another
heavyweight to keep tabs on. Some second-half Fantasy sleepers are Georges Laraque (if he ever gets healthy), Brandon Prust, Andre Deveaux and Tim Jackman.
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Do you agree with Ross or Michael? Send your thoughts to DMFantasyPucks@cbs.com
and we'll post the best responses. Be sure to put Attn: Fantasy
Faceoff in the subject field. Include your full name, hometown and
state.