Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Sleeper Picks for the 2006/'07 Season

As much as he was part of the despised American Junior team, Phil Kessel remains a sleeper to make the Bruins squad and excel there. The Hockey News didn't rank him in their pool book, but if he can jump on the line with Bergeron and Boyes, Kessel could be a 70-point player. Watch him in camp.

It might be a recycling sort of year for the Detroit Red Wings as they boast a few names that have cycled around in the past, maybe not quite making big names for themselves, but you know their names. Danny Markov and Krystofer Kolanos both signed in Detroit in the off-season. Markov only had 11 points last year, but he has seen good years in season's past. If he can stay healthy on a Detroit power play, he'll be a good defenseman. Kolanos is a kid who has had quite a few chances, but has yet to produce with any of his NHL teams. He does find himself on a depleted Wings team, which might give him the opportunity and ice-time he might need to excel... if he can make it through camp.

Remember this name... Alexander Radulov. Radulov was an absolute phenom last year in the Quebec Major Junior league. How does a 50-game point streak float your boat? It would do me fine. The Hockey News says 54... I would be betting over 70.

Crosby... Malkin... not bad for the top two centres. You don't think their wingers won't cash in on this? An underrated Hockey News player, in my opinion, is Mark Recchi. They have him posted at 50 points, but let's face it... the wonderkids will increase production. Rocket science? Hardly.

If you're going to go by the list of players who played last season, here's a name you won't find on there: Alexander Semin. Semin played the last couple seasons in Europe, but will come back to a warmer climate in Washington as the ever-on-fire Ovechkin could be his linemate.

Technorati Tags




No comments: