When Keith Yandle scored his first goal, I am sure he never thought he would see this much money in the National Hockey League. The 5 year, 26.5 million dollar deal cements him moreso because of his fantasy impact in leagues. There is something to be said about how all the dominoes start falling. Some had suggested Phoenix could have traded the All Star defenseman but where could have he gone? Well we never have to answer that.
He was not the only one to sign today as Tomas Kaberle went on to greener pastures with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 3 year, 12.75 million dollar deal was about what we called here early last month for a guy who can move the puck but usually forgets to shoot or hit. The man advantage was clearly where Kaberle has specialized in his career but the physical side has always been lacking. He took a contract now that was almost in line with what his projections are. Sense rarely prevails but in this case there was some.
Then there was the trade of Joe Corvo to the Boston Bruins. Carolina also received a fourth round pick in the move. Corvo only is getting paid 2.25 million for the final year of his contract and Corvo is worth a gamble in fantasy circles as he could be the potential wildcard in these three scenarios. Now Yandle will outpoint the other two but Corvo could get more value considering the circumstances.
The intrigue of a Corvo in Boston, a potentially rejuvenated Kaberle in Carolina, and an almost sure thing with Yandle in Phoenix. Well it is time to take a quick look at all three. First up, let us go with the wildcard, why not.
Joe Corvo from CAR/WSH……..
| Yr | Tm | GP | G | A | P | +/- | PP | SH | GW | S | ATOI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-08 | TOT | 74 | 13 | 35 | 48 | 17 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 167 | 18:39 |
| 2007-08 | OTT | 51 | 6 | 21 | 27 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 111 | 17:41 |
| 2007-08 | CAR | 23 | 7 | 14 | 21 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 56 | 20:46 |
| 2008-09 | CAR | 81 | 14 | 24 | 38 | -1 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 213 | 24:19 |
| 2009-10 | TOT | 52 | 6 | 12 | 18 | -10 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 99 | 23:18 |
| 2009-10 | CAR | 34 | 4 | 8 | 12 | -6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 76 | 25:13 |
| 2009-10 | WSH | 18 | 2 | 4 | 6 | -4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 19:41 |
| 2010-11 | CAR | 82 | 11 | 29 | 40 | -14 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 191 | 24:49 |
| Career | 568 | 79 | 179 | 258 | 25 | 36 | 2 | 18 | 1254 | 21:1 |
Now the 09-10 season has to be considered an abomination considering how hurt Corvo was. He did miss 30 games and did not look the same after being traded to Washington honestly. Yes he is 34 but he is coming to a team that desperately needs someone other than Zdeno Chara to fire the puck with regularity. Boston and Corvo could really be a great fit here. The key will be the cohesiveness that could be developed on the blue line with the scoring forwards for Boston. Training camp really may just give us an idea of what Corvo will do in Boston but keep in mind, we bank on earlier projections more and more these days.
Based on the fact he could play with Zdeno Chara on the man advantage and can fire about 200 shots on net, Corvo could score near 15 goals and be around 30-35 assists which potentially means a 50 point defenseman. If he can rack up 22 or 23 minutes a night instead of near 25, he could even more effective There is just a lot of potential here and for one year, it is the perfect fantasy flyer for fans. If the pick goes south, you probably only wasted a mid round pick but if Corvo hits near his projections, those same fans will be very satisfied.
Next up it is time to take an express look at Tomas Kaberle. He is the one guy that really put the “more is less” philosophy. He looked like he was doing so much otuer there and yet there was little if anything happening. Okay there is no time like the present here.
Tomas Kaberle Quick Peek…..
| Yr | Tm | GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIM | PP | GW | S | ATI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05-06 | TOR | 82 | 9 | 58 | 67 | -1 | 46 | 6 | 2 | 163 | 28:10 |
| 06-07 | TOR | 74 | 11 | 47 | 58 | 3 | 20 | 2 | 1 | 128 | 25:52 |
| 07-08 | TOR | 82 | 8 | 45 | 53 | -8 | 22 | 6 | 1 | 155 | 24:52 |
| 08-09 | TOR | 57 | 4 | 27 | 31 | -8 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 93 | 23:28 |
| 09-10 | TOR | 82 | 7 | 42 | 49 | -16 | 24 | 3 | 1 | 158 | 22:21 |
| 10-11 | TOT | 82 | 4 | 43 | 47 | 4 | 18 | 0 | 1 | 130 | 22:07 |
| 10-11 | TOR | 58 | 3 | 35 | 38 | -2 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 99 | 22:28 |
| 10-11 | BOS | 24 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 21:15 |
| Car | 902 | 84 | 445 | 529 | 31 | 248 | 31 | 16 | 1368 | 23:48 |
There are a myriad of explanations for the Kaberle vanishing act especially for the last part of the regular season and over three rounds of the playoffs. Kaberle did not mesh well in Boston and it was very likely that no matter what he would be replaced. It became more and more frustrating for owners who were probably glad to see that he had signed in Carolina. Immediately he will get a bit more ice time but also he will benefit from a team who airs the puck out so to speak.
When Kaberle shot the puck he was more effective that is no question. He also played a full minute more in Toronto than in Boston last year. He could see 23-25 minutes a night or more in Carolina. That could easily spell out something to the tune near 50 points along with a high power play assist total of 40-45 and even 6-8 goals potentially.
He is a bit more of a sure thing than Corvo but again his draft stock took a hit from playing in Boston. The fit was just not there fantasy hockey fans. It should be better in Carolina though his +/- could be well, yuck.
Last but not least, we finally get to Keith Yandle. It did feel like it took forever but he is the most important centerpiece of the trio and maybe fantasy hockey amongst defensemen as well. He has followed a more logical progression in his NHL career and last year was his breakout fantasy bonanza for owners.
Keith Yandle Snap Shot……
| Yr | Tm | GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIM | PP | SH | GW | S | ATI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06-07 | PHX | 7 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 20:10 |
| 07-08 | PHX | 43 | 5 | 7 | 12 | -12 | 14 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 72 | 14:04 |
| 08-09 | PHX | 69 | 4 | 26 | 30 | -4 | 37 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 118 | 16:37 |
| 09-10 | PHX | 82 | 12 | 29 | 41 | 16 | 45 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 145 | 20:14 |
| 10-11 | PHX | 82 | 11 | 48 | 59 | 12 | 68 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 199 | 24:23 |
| Career | 283 | 32 | 112 | 144 | 12 | 172 | 13 | 0 | 2 | 544 | 19:37 |
Yes you see the breakout and logical order of progression and go okay, 65-70 points next year? Well that may be premature given what Phoenix has in front of him but Yandle is so active that a 60 point year would be close to right. What does he have working against him? Well teams are going to be more focused on stopping Yandle. Also he may have to play more which fits into some theories based on the law of diminishing returns. Can Keith Yandle play 27 or 28 minutes? Yes. Do I think that may limit his effectiveness some? That answer is also yes.
Encouraging for fantasy owners is the progression in shots on goal and penalty minutes as well. The PIMS can be more tempered as literally Yandle is the defensive focus for Phoenix. He has to be on the ice and at the same time, a few extra PIMS could help during the season. It is a strange “Catch 22”. He is probably your first or second defenseman taken in keeper and short term leagues. That is something too obvious to overlook.
Yandle has been very healthy for the past 2+ seasons so his durability cannot be questioned right now either. One has to like his ability to play a bit more physical than his 195 pound frame may suggest. At 6 foor 1, Yandle sees the ice like a taller defenseman and plays the ice like a speedy Center. His stride is amongst the best in the game from the blueline and a reason why he gets drafted so high.
Like we said, expect right around 60 points for Yandle again this year and ride the wave. He is the sure thing out of the three but may be off many boards before you can get to him.
Later on Wednesday, we may just take a look at the curious case of Andrew Ladd and what he could mean for others.
