By the time you are reading this you have probably already had your fantasy hockey draft and are anxiously awaiting the start of the NHL season tonight. There are some leagues that will be forming throughout the week for those who run late but if you aren’t happy with your roster, we’ve got your back.
There are plenty of fantasy hockey sleepers in 10 or even 12 team leagues and eDraft has your key to success. These are the players who might fly under the radar for a game or two, but the next Chris Kunitz could be just a click away.
Remember folks, Kunitz was owned in 14% of all leagues until about game six for the Penguins. I know, because I grabbed him early. Then subsequently traded him in a package deal for Claude Giroux who I then traded with Ryan Suter for Steven Stamkos and Drew Doughty....but I digress.
Here are five players that you need to grab while they are still available. They might not win a scoring or Vezina Trophy, but they can be difference makers and add value to a blockbuster trade. My criteria is 65% owned or less in Yahoo or ESPN leagues.
5. Jonathan Bernier, G, Toronto Maple Leafs, 61% owned
Technically I could list both Leaf goaltenders because James Reimer is at 65%. However, Bernier is the real deal and is a total steal despite what an obviously biased Toronto fan base might think. Trust me, Bernier will be above 90% by Christmas.
4. Daniel Alfredsson, RW, Detroit Red Wings, 56% owned
I’m pretty sure Alfie was right around the same percentage at the beginning of last season. He sat on the free agent market while most folks felt he was washed up. In return the former Ottawa captain rewarded the believers with only 26 points in 47 games. A renewed lease on life with a new team that happens to be new division rivals with his old team could provide a much more statistical curtain call for the soon-to-be 41 year old Swede.
3. T.J. Oshie, C, RW, St. Louis Blues, 55% owned
After a breakout season in 2012, Oshie struggled with injuries an posted mediocre stats in 2013 through only 30 games. The hard skating winger/center won’t grab many faceoffs, but will get some hits and should get back on track on the scoring column. The Blues are a team that scores by committee, so don’t plan on Oshie to join the Art Ross race, but he will get goals on the Blues’ first or second line as well as the power play.
2. Bryan Little, C/RW, Winipeg Jets, 63% owned
There won’t be much to cheer about in Winnipeg, but Brian Little will provide some great moments for the Jets’ faithful. Little is a stud in the faceoff circle as the center for the top line. He led Winnipeg in assists and is a value pick with the two positions. Again, don’t expect Little to save your fantasy team, but he can be a welcome addition if you find your roster lacking in certain areas.
1. David Clarkson, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs, 35% owned
I’ll be the first to admit that Toronto overspent for Clarkson by a mile, but guess what? Clarkson won’t cost you a thing in most leagues. The prize addition for the Leafs, Clarkson will be a top six forward and will rack up the goals for the high-scoring Maple Leafs. He might not hit 30 from two years ago, but the rugged power forward will be a force that could remind the nostalgic Air Canada Centre fans of Wendel Clark.