The Hockey News Pool Guide... in 2009

It's that time again, everyone. The fantasy guides are starting to filter their way onto magazine racks all around, as there are some people just itching to start doing their homework for the 2009-'10 season.

The first one that I have found on the shelves is the publication from the Hockey News, which seems to me to be a little thicker than last year. It does seem a touch more comprehensive as well, but still has the team-by-team breakdowns, which do give you some idea of what to look for with every NHL team.

The Hockey News are calling for a repeat winner for the Art Ross trophy in Evgeni Malkin, as they prognosticate a 115-point season for the Russian centre. It will be a 40-goal season for him as well. It should come as no surprise to see Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby up at the top of the list as well, calling for 110-point seasons for each of them. If the Hockey News has their way, it could be a high scoring year.

There is one surprise, I think, in the top 10 of their scoring list, seeing newly-signed Ranger, Marian Gaborik, is scheduled to have a 94-point season in the Big Apple. I suppose if he does play in the 74 games that he is forecasted for, he could come close to that total, but I think it's a bold prediction, nevertheless.

In goal, Evgeni Nabokov is forecasted to be the top keeper, according to my points system, as he should finish up with 108 points, ranking him 4th among all players. Both Miikka Kiprusoff and Roberto Luongo end up in the top three again, finishing with 100 points each, which is good for all those Northwest Division fans out there.

Semyon Varlamov and Ray Emery emerge in the top 10 goalies, which might come as a small surprise as individuals, but since they are on Washington and Philadelphia, respectively, they should be able to pull in quite a few points, assuming that they keep their number one jobs.

No big surprises on the blueline, as Mike Green should re-take the crown for top-scoring defender. THN has Green scoring 33 goals and adding 45 assists for a pretty impressive 78 points. That could put him in really good shape as a second or third round pick, depending on how deep your draft is. Andrei Markov and Scott Niedermayer round out the top three with 64 & 63 points, respectively.

The next big question I have is always about the rookie race. Last year, no one really saw Steve Mason, Bobby Ryan or Kris Versteeg really coming... instead the eyes were all focussed on Steven Stamkos. This year, THN focuses on John Tavares, Nikita Filatov, Cody Hodgson and Evander Kane, who are all expected to top 50 points in the coming year. There are also some high expectations for rookie defensemen, Matt Gilroy in the Big Apple and Victor Hedman in Tampa. Both of these players would be in Calder contention with 40+ point seasons under their belts, without a doubt. I think this year's rookie class is something to be excited about.

Also, keep a close eye on Jonas Gustavsson, the free agent signing for the Leafs. THN suggests that he could walk away with 23 wins and 3 shutouts, which puts him in pretty good shape for being a second goalie. The number seems really ambitious, especially since they have Vesa Toskala winning 28 games as well. That's a pretty good playoff spot if it does happen.

There are some numbers in this book that seem a tad lofty, but it does seem to point you in the right direction again. I'm not sure I would follow it to the letter, but I would base some assumptions on it.