We do not like to bestow this honor on this guy but statistically he is the #1 fantasy defensemen out there. Here is a video.
Not much respect for our #1 guy I understand. However, he does put up points like no one’s business and for a defenseman, that means a lot. Now to get to our list. We take just the top 25 so as to add controversy. There will be people left off that maybe should not be. There will also be no protecting of any innocent parties here.
The Program’s 2nd annual Top 25 Defenseman List……
1. Mike Green, WSH (Age: 24)
’09-‘10 Stats: 75 GP, 19 G, 57 A, 76 PTS, +39, 54 PIM
Note: Green’s goals did drop off BUT he did have 57 assists and 10 PPG’s which is something important to keep an eye on. Yes he is a glorified Sandis Ozolinsh but with that Washington offense, he should be the first defenseman taken off any board.
2. Nicklas Lidstrom, DET (Age: 40)
’09-‘10 Stats: 78 GP, 9 G, 40 A, 49 PTS, +22, 24 PIM
Note: You know what you’re getting with Mr. Lidstrom. Even in an off year, he had 49 points last year. Expect 50 or more this year and another potential Norris nod. if this is his last year, he will go out in a blaze of glory especially with an improved team on the man advantage.
3. Duncan Keith, CHI (Age: 27)
’09-‘10 Stats: 82 GP, 14 G, 55 A, 69 PTS, +21, 51 PIM
Note: Keith exceeded all expectations in 09-10, potentially bombing out with 69 points. There are concerns that the 3 PPG’s can be cause for alarm but Keith produces assists and a nice plus/minus. That is attractive to fantasy owners. This list like I said will generate controversy as to where we have some ranked.
4. Andrei Markov, MTL (Age: 31)
’09-‘10 Stats: 45 GP, 6 G, 28 A, 34 PTS, +11, 32 PIM
Note: Markov’s shot clearly got better until a late season knee injury. The Habs will be better off this year with a healthy Markov from the beginning. If he stays healthy, he could top 60 points and rack up some nice numbers on the man advantage. That is a place fantasy owners always like to go looking for bonus ways to take advantage of the competition.
5. Drew Doughty (Age: 20)
’09-‘10 Stats: 82 GP, 16 G, 43 A, 59 PTS, +20, 54 PIM
Note: I have to be honest and expect Doughty to stay about the same production wise this season. That will disappoint some owners who see him going NUTSO again. I do not but at the same time, his production should make fans content. 35-40 points on the man advantage should do the trick.
6. Dan Boyle, SJS (Age: 33)
’09-‘10 Stats: 76 GP, 15 G, 43 A, 58 PTS, +6, 70 PIM
Note: Boyle is very consistent on a game-to-game basis. 57 points two years ago and 58 last year. That should give you a pretty good idea of what he will do this year. That type of consistency is rare in fantasy leagues for defensemen, especially keepers.
7. Zdeno Chara, BOS (Age: 33)
’09-‘10 Stats: 80 GP, 7 G, 37 A, 44 PTS, +19, 87 PIM
Note: It is understood that he had a down year but his +/- and PIMS are usually very easy to take on most fantasy teams. If you count hits as well in your leagues and blocked shots, that is an added bonus. Expect a bit of an uptick this season…maybe even a career high in points.
8. Chris Pronger, PHI (Age: 35)
’09-‘10 Stats: 82 GP, 10 G, 45 A, 55 PTS, +22, 79 PIM
Note: Pronger is in a nice setup. He can rack up assists and good PIM totals in Philly which makes it a great investment for fantasy owners over at least the next two or three seasons. He may go earlier in drafts just on name recognition alone. Definitely a solid return on investment.
9. Tobias Enstrom , ATL (Age: 25)
’09-‘10 Stats: 82 GP, 6 G, 44 A, 50 PTS, -5, 30 PIM
Note: One of our first real “reaches” in a sense here. Enstrom is on a better team that he was last season honestly. I do like the way Enstrom plays even if his two way game is not all the way there yet. The Thrashers coaching staff has improved and I feel his 50 point season is not a fluke. It may even improve slightly which may mean a few more PPG’s. Those are always nice.
10. Tomas Kaberle, TOR (Age: 32)
’09-‘10 Stats: 82 GP, 7 G, 42 A, 49 PTS, -16, 24 PIM
Note: Kaberle seemed almost unhappy last year for the first time in Toronto. It may not have been said publicly but it was there. I just seem to think he gets traded and cranks out a 55 point season somewhere else or gets traded at the deadline and gets hot. Either way, Kaberle will do better this year than last and really he should be on your fantasy radar.
Now for the skinny of 11-25….short, sweet, and to the point!
11. Mark Streit (NYI) — On a team where scoring is a premium, he may come close to leading the Isles again.
12. Sergei Gonchar (OTT) — May be a bit old but will still produce some points.
13. Lubomir Visnovsky (ANA) — Someone in duckland has to get points from the blueline….right????
14. Tyler Myers (BUF) — Last year was no fluke….expect abot the same fantasy fans.
15. Shea Weber (NSH) — I like Weber as a player, expect solid contributions from him this year.
16. Erik Johnson (STL) — I see a nice spike in production this year for the talented d-man.
17. Andy Greene (NJ) — Do not sleep on Greene, if he gets the minutes, he will get the points.
18. Ian White (CGY) — Not as good as Phaneuf of old..but good fantasy producer for the Flames.
19. Dion Phaneuf (TOR) — He cannot be any worse than last year….Really!
20. Filip Kuba (OTT) — Healthy…he is a much better player. Expect 40 pts..30 on the PP.
21. Pavel Kubina (TBL) — Could really benefit from playing in Tampa again.
22. JM Liles (COL) — I still think he gets traded to a better place where he can produce.
23. Paul Martin (PIT) — Not a big impact but big enough to make the Top 25.
24. Zach Bogosian (ATL) — He is going to really surprise this year. may even break out!!!!
25. Jason Demers (SJ) — Another surprise but with Rob Blake gone, Demers could really benefit in the land of Sharks.
Coming next week, we unload with Right Wingers, expect a scream and lots of debate. If you would like give us your Top 25 and we will kindly spotlight on Sunday’s episode of The Program. The season is getting closer and so is fantasy hockey season and we will be plenty ready for all of your questions, comments, and more. Bring the heat!!!!
Sincerely,
Chris Wassel
Director Of The Program
