Dmen Sleeper Picks for 2015-2016

[Clinkers]

Chris Wideman - Ottawa. leading D point getter last year in AHL.

[pmorrow]

Ryan Murray is a good one too potentially. One of these days he'll stop getting hurt. Not a great multicat option, though.

If Madison Bowey makes the Caps that could be a good super-sleeper situation too.

[Pengwin7]

btw - for future reference, it could be clearer what level of sleeper you are curious about?

Are we talking a 25pt D-man that might hike to 40pts?
Are we talking a part-timer (30-40game) guy that might play 82gp and get 25pts?
Are we talking about someone without any NHL games played that might make the team?

"Sleeper" is typically a fantasy draft term - specifically meaning a player who won't be drafted because people haven't taken notice (i.e. "Sleeping") of what he's capable of in the near future.


In the recently formed WHL, we have 24 teams, each with 35 players (25 PRO + 10 Jr). That's 600 players.
I drafted about 6-7 fringe NHL D6/D7 guys in the final 10 rounds that might make the big club incl:

Zach Trotman (BOS) - slated to be Chara's D-partner
Chris Wideman (OTT) - as stated above, last year's AHL D-scoring leader, possible D6 and maybe PP2 for OTT
Christian Folin (MIN) - possible D6 for the Wild
Ben Chiarot (WPG) - edgy D6 that played many minutes with Buff last year
Trevor van Riemsdyk (CHI) - likely D5/D6 for CHI this year, possible Keith partner
Petteri Lindbohm (STL) - smooth STL defender on bottom pair that may be 2nd pairing sooner than later

But I'd say... for any of these guys to really have value as a "sleeper", I'll have to use them for good stats on my team in a league with 600-players.
Very few leagues roster 600 players.

[pmorrow]

I am in different leagues where "sleeper" has a different meaning. I don't mind how people define it in these threads. Even if people disagree whether guys are truly sleepers, it's all indicative of who people think are going to have a better season. Even if it's a little jump from 5 pts to 20, that's going to help someone somewhere.

[ericdaoust]

I'll take more of a multi-cat stance as the offensive side has been covered tons. From my UHL team:

Alex Petrovic
Matt Irwin
Kevan Miller (if he can stay healthy)
Ben Chiarot

[chuckcouples]

Somebody in Vancouver will step up. Edler was given the reins last year and didn't do enough. Bieksa used to get some time on PP2 as well. He's gone.
That's perennially a top 10 PP and last year, they didn't have a good D-man in the group.

Weber? Hamhuis? Corrado?

I was hopeful for Clendening. Ugh.

Don't count out Chris Tanev getting substantial PP time this season. As last season wore on, his PP time kept climbing.

[yougo]

Don't count out Chris Tanev getting substantial PP time this season. As last season wore on, his PP time kept climbing.

Yes, and with Bieksa gone, it might open the door for more minutes..

[petegreg21]

Not sure how much of a sleeper he is anymore, but Tyler Myers should knock out 40 points handy this year.

[Rodgort]

In all drafts I am involved in, no one seems to be taking Patrick Wiercoch (OTT, who knows if I have his name spelt properly haha), so I have been able to snag him very late. He could be good as well

[VincentVega]

Matheson in Florida, if he makes the team has a real chance of 30 points.

[GoNucks]

Corrado yes is a good sleeper for multi cat.

[MarmotKing]

Wow really good stuff here. I'll be sure to update my list with some of the guys here.

[ross10019]

I was about to say I'm surprise nobody mentionned Beaulieu.

He's one Markov injury from PP1 duties. He's already cemented himself as a legitimate top4 D. Odds are he won't be deployed by Therrien as a top 4 D though as Therrien loves Emelin.

But.

Beaulieu is a fixture on the Habs 2nd PP unit. The PP struggled last season and is bound to improve this year. I wouldn't rule out a 30 pts season from Beaulieu. He also has a temper and can give you PIM.

He's also playing GREAT in the pre-season, has matured nicely and now stepping up into a legit (even above average) top 4 dman, at such a young age. Great sleeper for this year.

[Daydream Nation]

Daley has looked very good in Chicago so far. I knew he had good wheels but wow! I don't think the Hawks are going to miss Oduya at all.

[Wotan]

Another one:

#6 Weber.

No, not that one. The other one: YANNICK Weber from Van. Has had a really good strecht last season, solid PP option, right handed shot that could replace Bieksa... Has shown to be capable of running a PP on the Swiss national team, too.