Angus' Fantasy Mailbag - May 15/16

[angus]

Any thoughts on STL making a big splash on draft day. I think Stewart, Perron, Halak and Shattenkirk could all be in play. Can Armstrong pull off some more magic?

I could see STL making a move for a goalie to be honest. A vet like RL or Miller. Perhaps packaging up a few assets for a better player. Perron + for Bobby Ryan, maybe?

[Jimmy Splitz]

Ever since the Montreal playoff run, I've thought that Halak might be misplaced in St Louis as I think he's better suited as a volume shot goalie. Would you agree? Does his value increase if he gets moved?

Also, what do you think of Bryzgalov if he gets bought out or moved and put in a different and ideally smaller market.

[newfcollins]

Thanks for doing this.

League in sig. I'll probably have to drop Pavelski in the off season (which hurts). I won this past season, so I'm going to try and focus on getting good low-buy candidates to try and continue that for next year. I tried for Gaborik, but couldn't get a deal done.

Who else would be a good buy-low candidate poised for a bounce-back year in a points only pool?

[NoWayOut]

What do you make of Justin Abdelkader suddenly seeing top six minutes? Do you think he has staying power in that role? I'm not banking a huge breakout offensively, or even a modest one, but in a hits/PIM league I like the numbers he could put up in those categories if he can keep getting the increased TOI. Is it crazy to think that?

In your mind what are the chances Jaskin makes the Blues roster out of camp and sticks all season?

Lastly, what do you think Nik Backstrom's short term prospects are? Do you see him re-signing as the Minny #1? Does he move on? Hazard a guess what kind of coin he might get?

[Hollywood]

Wow! Thanks for doing this! This is by far my favorite thread now!

Waiting for your precious thoughts on Bryzgalov and where you think he will land next year!

[franklin]

Hi Jeff!

Points only keeper league please rank:

M.Paajarvi
J.Bailey
D.Shore
T.Tatar
B.Ritchie
C.Atkinson

Thanks!

[robmyatt]

Where do you see Jonathan Bernier ending up?
I think his days in LA are numbered. He's a UFA, he's requested a trade, and he's proven he has the skills.

[robmyatt]

Keeper league in sig.
Conacher or Brunner? Next year only.

[angus]

Points only non positional.

Brunner vs 2013 Draft class minus Drouin, Mac, Jones, Barkov, Nishushkin

Obviously Brunner for right now, but highest upside?

I'd take him after all of those guys. Brunner would probably be a 10-15 pick (unless I want to win next year only and had a veteran-laden team, then maybe 6-10).

[angus]

What are your thoughts on Craig Smith going forward? 30 team dynasty league with stats including g, a, +/-, hits, blocked shots, takeaways, PP TOI, PK TOI which of these prospects would you move in a 1 for 1 for Smith?

Mark McNeil
Jonas Brodin
Hampus Lindholm
Alex Petrovic
Reilly Smith

Don't worry about the rest of my team, only consider perceived value going forward.

Meh... I like his game but not sure Nashville is the best fit for him. That being said, he has proven he can produce in the NHL. I really like Brodin and Petrovic, and have heard great things about Lindholm. Seems your league favors d-men?

I'd probably move McNeil... but even then I'm not sure.

[angus]

Ever since the Montreal playoff run, I've thought that Halak might be misplaced in St Louis as I think he's better suited as a volume shot goalie. Would you agree? Does his value increase if he gets moved?

Also, what do you think of Bryzgalov if he gets bought out or moved and put in a different and ideally smaller market.

That is an interesting thought and you may very well be right. I'd say his value increases - it takes a certain type of goalie to play behind a defensive team (Osgood was "good" at it).

Bryzgalov - bought out, moved on - his value will go back up. Philly has been a disaster.

[angus]

Thanks for doing this.

League in sig. I'll probably have to drop Pavelski in the off season (which hurts). I won this past season, so I'm going to try and focus on getting good low-buy candidates to try and continue that for next year. I tried for Gaborik, but couldn't get a deal done.

Who else would be a good buy-low candidate poised for a bounce-back year in a points only pool?

A loaded question. Here are a few tips:

Look for players who shot well below their career shooting percentage numbers. A sure sign (not always) for a bounceback.

Look for high PPG numbers from injured players or guys who missed time for whatever reason.

A few players to keep in mind:

Mike Green
Grabovski (huge)
David Booth (can't get any worse, ridiculously bad luck)
D Briere
Kovalchuk
Eberle
Weiss
Eriksson

[angus]

What do you make of Justin Abdelkader suddenly seeing top six minutes? Do you think he has staying power in that role? I'm not banking a huge breakout offensively, or even a modest one, but in a hits/PIM league I like the numbers he could put up in those categories if he can keep getting the increased TOI. Is it crazy to think that?

In your mind what are the chances Jaskin makes the Blues roster out of camp and sticks all season?

Lastly, what do you think Nik Backstrom's short term prospects are? Do you see him re-signing as the Minny #1? Does he move on? Hazard a guess what kind of coin he might get?

He does, yeah. At least with Z and D around. Brings an interesting dimension to that line, and he is quick enough to keep up with them. I could see him hitting 40 points with those guys.

Jaskin.... 30-40%. Lots of competition there.

I think he moves on.... maybe a two year deal for 3 or 4 mill per. Or does he pull a Vokoun and go to a winner?

[angus]

Wow! Thanks for doing this! This is by far my favorite thread now!

Waiting for your precious thoughts on Bryzgalov and where you think he will land next year!

Bought out. Back in Phoenix.

[angus]

Hi Jeff!

Points only keeper league please rank:

M.Paajarvi
J.Bailey
D.Shore
T.Tatar
B.Ritchie
C.Atkinson

Thanks!

Atkinson
Bailey (resurgence has me changing my tune on him)
Shore
Ritchie
Tatar
Paajarvi