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So the biggest non-surprise came down just a little while ago as Teemu Selanne signed on for another year and four million dollars to stay with the Anaheim Ducks. Think about it, Selanne had 80 points in only 73 games last year on a team who literally was bruised and battered most of the year. At the tender age of 41, he produces like an elite fantasy threat still. That speaks volumes as to his true impact not only on the Ducks but especially for fantasy owners.
The uncertainty is over as Selanne’s draft value goes up markedly. Honestly he could go as high as the second or third round if you base everything off of last year’s numbers. Even if you do not, Selanne just has too much in the tank. He is one of those unique players that is “in shape” 12 months out of the year. If you think we are kidding, just watch his compete level. This is where watching the game comes in handy. People know what Teemu Selanne brings to the table and in the last 20 games of the season, Selanne had 24 points in his last 20 games for the Ducks or 17 points in 13 games of your fantasy playoffs. That is beyond solid production.
Obviously there will be some negative impacts from the return of Selanne.
DIMINISHING RETURNS:
- 1. Bobby Ryan
- 2. Brandon McMillan
- 3. Kyle Palmieri
Technically there are others who will hurt a hair due to Selanne’s return but these are probably a bit more noticeable. Now to look at who may be on Easy Street in the 2011-12 season for Anaheim.
EASY STREET:
- 1. Saku Koivu
- 2. Lubomir Visnovsky
- 3. Corey Perry
Funny that we say Perry who nearly had 100 points last year but it is true that Selanne helped his fantasy value more than any player. Corey Perry’s quest to score 50 goals literally got a huge boost because of the space that Selanne helps create especially on the man advantage. People fear Selanne heavily. The first PP unit will be even more devastating this year than last because the chemistry from the end of last year will be aided by healthier bodies. Anaheim was worn down as they meshed. Just imagine them in sync and fully 100%? It is a sobering reality for goalies in the NHL.
Lubomir Visnovsky really benefits even bigger than Perry because of the fact that on the man advantage, Visnovsky excels at getting those assists that would not be there if Selanne had retired. Visnovsky’s production would have probably gone down about 10 points or so. There is an almost inverse relationship as Bobby Ryan will be on the second power play unit so his production on the man advantage will go down about 10 points. It is funny how that works. Saku Koivu gets the biggest bump as he would be a fringe third line player at this juncture without Selanne. Koivu is probably a 25-30 point guy at best without and a 45 point guy with.
Also, the younger guys will not get the chance to fulfill some more key roles with the team but all in all, there are worse things. Another year learning from a guy like Selanne will benefit the youngsters in the long term. So it would likely offset the short term losses for some of these guys.
Needless to say, the Selanne return makes many fantasy hockey GM’s ecstatic. It pumps up most frontline values and makes the Anaheim Ducks a potential divisional contender not to mention the good for the league.
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Draft Value: Selanne could go as high as the late second or third round in leagues. More than likely he goes in the third or fourth round this year. Projection probably about 75-80 points again. Enjoy the ride!
