Sleeper D's for 2012-2013

[digitalmonkey]

Interesting. Can you elaborate a bit?

I haven't watched the Oil much over the past couple, but I seem to remember Gilbert ONLY having offensive potential, with terrible defensive presence.

He did put up three consecutive seasons with 30+ points, has scored 13 goals and has hit 45 points in a relatively young career. His last two years have seen a serious decline, but it is hard to gauge the offensive prowess of a guy on the last place team.

He was playing monster minutes in Minny (mistake IMO), especially on the PP so they must see something in his offensive game.

Still, his leash will be short. There are sadly very few options on the wire

Gilbert has always played a lot of minutes. He's one of those players that we always expect more offense from but, the fact is, he's only scored 33 goals in over 400 NHL games. Over his career he has averaged 33 points per 82 games. If we take away his 45-point year, (0.55 PPG) which seems like an anomaly now, he averages 30 points per 82 games. I think 30-33 points is the high point for Gilbert. He's getting great mileage out of one 45-point season. Gilbert was tied for 16th among Dmen in 08-09.

Here are the scoring stats for defensemen in 2008-09:

http://espn.go.com/nhl/statistics/pl...ion/defensemen

Even Cam Barker had 40 points in 08-09!

Here are the scoring stats for defensemen in 2011-12:

http://espn.go.com/nhl/statistics/pl...ion/defensemen

If Gilbert had matched his career rate of 33 points last season he would have been tied for 31st in scoring for defensemen. There are some quality offensive defensemen that didn't get 45 points last season. I think it would be more accurate in assessing Tom Gilbert's potential if the 45-point season was ignored.

Gilbert does many things well, but nothing he does really stands out. He's not a PPQB and, with Ryan Whitney's (<<<sleeper) injury problems, has had plenty of opportunity to assume the role. I've watched him play with the Oilers quite a bit and he just doesn't look like one of those guys who likes having the puck. He's the opposite of poised.

Also, Gilbert will turn 30 before the NHL All-Star game...not exactly old, but not an age to expect a big increase in production.

As for Minnesota's other options...call me crazy but I think Nate Prosser has the potential to surprise offensively.

[loco man]

Gilbert has always played a lot of minutes. He's one of those players that we always expect more offense from but, the fact is, he's only scored 33 goals in over 400 NHL games. Over his career he has averaged 33 points per 82 games. If we take away his 45-point year, (0.55 PPG) which seems like an anomaly now, he averages 30 points per 82 games. I think 30-33 points is the high point for Gilbert. He's getting great mileage out of one 45-point season. Gilbert was tied for 16th among Dmen in 08-09.

Here are the scoring stats for defensemen in 2008-09:

http://espn.go.com/nhl/statistics/pl...ion/defensemen

Even Cam Barker had 40 points in 08-09!

Here are the scoring stats for defensemen in 2011-12:

http://espn.go.com/nhl/statistics/pl...ion/defensemen

If Gilbert had matched his career rate of 33 points last season he would have been tied for 31st in scoring for defensemen. There are some quality offensive defensemen that didn't get 45 points last season. I think it would be more accurate in assessing Tom Gilbert's potential if the 45-point season was ignored.

Gilbert does many things well, but nothing he does really stands out. He's not a PPQB and, with Ryan Whitney's (<<<sleeper) injury problems, has had plenty of opportunity to assume the role. I've watched him play with the Oilers quite a bit and he just doesn't look like one of those guys who likes having the puck. He's the opposite of poised.

Also, Gilbert will turn 30 before the NHL All-Star game...not exactly old, but not an age to expect a big increase in production.

As for Minnesota's other options...call me crazy but I think Nate Prosser has the potential to surprise offensively.

Good points. Not what i was hoping to hear, but I appreciate it none the less.

I like Prosser too

[Excelsior]

I'll add Nikita Nikitin. He's not on a lot of people's radar but I like his game.

[wendelclark17]

Gragnani could be due for a good year in Vancouver if he re-signs and manages to get some time on the PP unit. He has good offensive instincts and could reoplace Salo who is an UFA.

[STONE.]

Not sure about it, but I'm holding out hopes that J-bo will find himself closer to his Florida production than the last few Flames years with a new staff in place.

Tom Gilbert occupied much of the Minny PP down the stretch, and they're paying him like they expect him to contribute -- I know he was discussed above, but that paycheck is gonna give him every opportunity.

What about Quincey in Detroit if Lidstrom steps aside? Depends on the Suter rumours.

I think Gragnani is a decent call if Salo hangs 'em up.

Sbisa's second half was pretty solid -- some nice streaks. That's with very little PP time. If Visnovsky leaves...and Schultz doesn't sign there, he could really benefit.

Whomever Tbay brings in...or Hedman...or Barberio if he makes the cut.

Is Josi still considered under-the-radar? He'll have a shot to thrive if/when Suter goes.

[letangerang58]

Nikitin. He played on line 1 over JJ and Wiz and he is better defensively than both of them. He also didn't go more than 4 games without a point (excluding his games in STL) this season until he played through an injury late in the season. He was 11th in PPG amoung defensemen before his injury that he played through (excluding his games in STL).

[kenzle1r]

How about Marco Scandella? He's locked in MIN's top 6 next year and has shown offensive ability at the last junior and AHL levels. Could be in for a nice season.

Braydon McNabb from BUF is another one I'm keeping my eye on. I have him as a prospect in one of my leagues and I think he could be quite good. May not get a full-time load next year but sure seems ready to make the jump.

Eric Gudbranson - in just his 2nd year he's not really someone that people would consider to fly under the radar but I'm expecting this kid to make a pretty significant jump this upcoming year.

And finally Erik Gustafsson. I like his upside and with Timonen and Pronger aging I'm assuming PHI will address their eventual departures via UFA but if they don't than I could see Gustafsson giving an opportunity to showcase his offensive talents.

There are several "flyers" out there but these are a few of the guys I'm keeping an eye on in deeper leagus.

[loco man]

How about Marco Scandella? He's locked in MIN's top 6 next year and has shown offensive ability at the last junior and AHL levels. Could be in for a nice season.

A lot depends on Spurgeon's health. If healthy, I think he gets top minutes on the PP.

Scandella was playing with Gilbert on the top PP to end the year, so if Spurgeon can't go, Scandella could be in for a very nice year indeed.

[Dakkster]

Gragnani sucks balls defensively and that's why he won't get enough opportunity to produce.

[3rtpaper]

Kulikov - guy was lights out prior to getting hurt
Bogosian - Steadily improving - he has some people he is behind but don't expect that to last
Despres - I would be shocked if he doesn't make Pittsburgh top 6 next year and will be with Letang or on the 2nd PP (could be replaced by Morrow if Morrow makes the jump but I would bet on Despres)
Fowler - Has all the offensive talent you could ask for

[His Dudeness]

Orlov. 19 points in 60 GP in 2011/12 including a stretch in early 2012 where he put up points in a number of consecutive games. Depends a lot on which d are back (Green, Wideman etc) but I could see a nice point increase for him.

[wendelclark17]

Orlov. 19 points in 60 GP in 2011/12 including a stretch in early 2012 where he put up points in a number of consecutive games. Depends a lot on which d are back (Green, Wideman etc) but I could see a nice point increase for him.

Yep if both Wideman and Green are gone (dont see that happening but you never know, I do think one is gone) than Orlov will take a huge step forward.

[trader11]

If Joe Morrow can have a good (or better) camp again this year he'll have a good shot at making the Pens. He looked great with Letang on the PP and already has decent size. He might force them to make room for him and Depres.

[letangerang58]

How about Marco Scandella? He's locked in MIN's top 6 next year and has shown offensive ability at the last junior and AHL levels. Could be in for a nice season.

Braydon McNabb from BUF is another one I'm keeping my eye on. I have him as a prospect in one of my leagues and I think he could be quite good. May not get a full-time load next year but sure seems ready to make the jump.

Eric Gudbranson - in just his 2nd year he's not really someone that people would consider to fly under the radar but I'm expecting this kid to make a pretty significant jump this upcoming year.

And finally Erik Gustafsson. I like his upside and with Timonen and Pronger aging I'm assuming PHI will address their eventual departures via UFA but if they don't than I could see Gustafsson giving an opportunity to showcase his offensive talents.

There are several "flyers" out there but these are a few of the guys I'm keeping an eye on in deeper leagus.

I agree on Gustafsson. I think he could make the team next season if the Flyers don't add to many free agent Dmen. He looked pretty good in the Pens Flyers series.

[lobo1969]

I'm looking at Voynov in LA if he hasn't been mentioned already. LA has finally found some reliable offense and if their PP picks up then Voynov could benefit.