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Posted - 09/09/2009 : 13:03:56
...Or you could call this article "Seven players to consider at draft time" None of them played more than 31 games last season. Some have had big years in the past. A couple are still fairly new to the NHL. The common thread is that all seven of these players missed most (or all) of last season due to injury. Many of them may be neglected by others in your draft or dropped down in the draft order due to their injuries. The ability to spot a gem or two among these seven players- and draft them- could be the edge you need in your pool.
MARIAN GABORIK - RW - New York Rangers
2008-09- 13 goals, 10 assists, 23 points in 17 games.
Missed 65 games with chronic groin problem and hip surgery.
Had his best season in 2007-08 with 42 goals and 41 assists.
Signed by Rangers as a free agent in summer of 2009.
Outlook- Free of coach Jacques Lemaire’s defensive focus in Minnesota, Gaborik could flourish on Broadway.
DANIEL BRIERE - C - Philadelphia
2008-09- 11 goals, 14 assists, 25 points in 29 games.
Missed 53 games with groin and abdominal injuries. Had two operations.
Best season was 2006-07 when he had 32 goals and 63 assists for 95 points with Buffalo.
Outlook- Much is expected of Briere in Philly.Should deliver if he can stay healthy. The key word is "if".
BRENDEN MORROW - LW - Dallas
2008-09- 5 goals, 10 assists in 18 games.
Played 18 games before suffering torn knee ligaments and having season-ending surgery.
Had his best season in 2007-08 with 32 goals, 42 assists for 74 points.
Outlook- Morrow's knee gave him no problems at Canada's Olympic camp. He'll put up the points and be a team leader. An attractive pick in pools where points and penalty minutes count.
SERGEI GONCHAR - D - Pittsburgh
2008-09- 6 goals, 13 assists in 25 games.
Suffered shoulder injury in preseason requiring surgery. Also suffered torn knee ligaments in playoffs.
Had scored 50 or more points eight years in a row prior to 2008-09.
Outlook- Should still rank high among defensemen when picking your fantasy lineup.
PAUL KARIYA - LW - St. Louis
2008-09- 2 goals, 13 assists in 11 games.
Had operations on both his hips. Was almost ready to return in 2009 playoffs had Blues gone further.
Best season was 1995-96 when he had 108 points (including 50 goals).
Outlook- Won't put up the numbers he did with Anaheim but should produce on up-and-coming Blues team.
DERICK BRASSARD - C - Columbus
2008-09- 10 goals, 15 assists in 31 games.
Dislocated shoulder in December and had surgery which ended an impressive rookie season.
Outlook- Recently signed a 4-yr./$13 million contract extension. Said to be healthy and ready for upcoming season. Look for Brassard to pick up where he left off.
ERIC JOHNSON - D - St. Louis
2008-09- missed entire season.
Torn knee ligaments requiring surgery.
Scored 33 points as a rookie in 2007-08 (tied for second among rookie defensemen).
Outlook- Received medical clearance in early August to return to Blues. Should improve on his rookie numbers.
Be sure to visit Fantasy Hockey Journal (www.fantasyhockeyjournal.com)- All your tools for your hockey pools.
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