Well…well…today we take a quick look at 4 LW’s that you may not expect to be top 10 material…but in time you may just see them in the top 10 before too long. So without further adieu, away we go.
#1 — Chris Kunitz (LW) Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks did lose Niedermayer and Selanne but Kunitz is a presence…a big boy who can bang and score with the most deft of hands. He may start out slowly this season but expect him to get going as the season wears on. Sixty points last season was the tip of the iceberg and with 3 goals in the first five games…Kunitz is well on his way to a point a game season…easily.
#2 — Ryan Clowe (LW) San Jose Sharks
This may be more of a stretch but hey……gotta take some shots in the barrel here. He had a respectable 34 points in 58 games last season and has 2 goals in just 3 games already. The kid has a hard slapper and good hands in front of the net. At 225 pounds, he is another big boy who is not afraid to bang in front for that garbage goal. Did I mention those 78 PIMS? He could easily be a 100 PIM guy as well which is a nice little bonus in most fantasy leagues. Playing with Thornton and company on the Power Play won’t hurt his numbers…that’s for sure!
#3 — Wojtek Wolski (LW) — Colorado Avalanche
50 points in 76 games for a rookie with a questionable past is not too shabby at all if you ask me. Granted he only has 1 goal in 3 games so far but it is early and he is playing with Stastny…that in itself makes him a bona fide threat to score lots of points in bunches. 200 pounds is a solid size for a player like him who plays with an edge. He has the potential with a PP guys like Svatos, Smyth, and Sakic to be awfully special. He will be a surprise worth snatching if you can get him via waivers.
#4 — Rick Nash (LW) — Columbus Blue Jackets
I can hear it now…he’s not a sleeper!!! But yes indeed many had expected him to have another so-so season like last year. Well I disagree heavily!! With 4 points in 2 games already…Nash has the look of the old Nash. and that is scary for any opposing goaltender who is unfortunate enough to have to face him. Rick is a 215 pound monster who can hawk around the net and yet has just enough speed to breakaway and score with the best of them. Either way he will be a Top 10 LW this year…..no doubt about it.
Granted I went with a safe choice for the last one but next week we are going to take a look at the not quite top 10 RW’s….till then…enjoy the hockey!!!!
