Posted - 09/29/2009 : 17:34:36 Newsflash: Peter Forsberg has a stress fracture in his right foot. Yes, you heard right. Despite the fact that Forsberg played for Sweden's Modo only yesterday, scoring a beautiful top-shelf goal, the oft-injured former NHL star has revealed that he is hurt once again. That's the Forsberg-coaster going down.
The fantasy hockey world has been buzzing since word broke that Peter Forsberg was attempting yet another NHL return and that a decision could be coming any day. Forsberg can only play overseas until Thursday if he wishes to play in the NHL this season, according to IIHF rules. The belief is that Forsberg is interested in hearing from any team that is considered a Stanley Cup contender, which might mean 30 NHL teams think they have a shot at him right now. In reality there are probably only a couple teams that would be willing to take a shot on a player who has only managed to play 165 NHL games since 2002.
We can only assume that there are thousands of fantasy hockey players willing to take a shot on 'Foppa' to help secure glory in the 2009-10 season. So, while I have seen another well-known fantasy hockey prognosticator advise you to stay far, far away from Forsberg it is of my opinion that advice is similar to telling a fat kid not to eat Smarties or Jeremy Roenick not to seek the public eye: it simply isn't going to happen.
Thus begs the question: To Foppa or not to Foppa? And more importantly, which one of you should take the chance and eat the apple?
First off, let me advise any owner in a keeper league to keep far, far away from Peter Forsberg. Single year players could potentially find value in him, but when should the risk be taken?
If your league has already drafted If your league has already drafted, there may be an opportunity for you to take a chance on Forsberg. If it is a deep league of 16-20 teams and forsberg is available on waivers, you may consider picking him up if the player you are dropping also carries considerable risk or there are similar type players available to be picked up if Forsberg fails to deliver.
If your league has not already drafted Again, only in deep leagues should Forsberg be of consideration. If you are hell-bent on taking a shot at him it is imperative that you wait until the late rounds (or last round). Make sure to consider that if he does manage to play 40 or 50 games in the NHL, it likely won't exceed a .75 point-per-game pace and therefore it is key that you aren't leaving a comparible player on the draft board who is less of a health risk.
In conclusion, it is important not to confuse "fantasy hockey" and "fantasy land" as it is certainly more probable that Forsberg's latest comeback attempt will find the same results as so many of his other comeback attempts and leave any fanasy owner who was relying on his contribution crying in his/her Flutie Flakes. While every hockey fan knows about Forsberg's incredible talents it is key to remember that it is most likely you will see more Floppa than Foppa.
Ray Irwin writes for www.SchoolYourPool.com, the most complete fantasy hockey advice website on the internet. Featuring player and prospect rankings and interviews, daily starting goalies, buy low/sell high, injury reports, goalie carousel, and lots more...come on over to www.schoolyourpool.com and Get Educated!
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