ROOS LETS LOOSE POLL: Future Production from Older Skaters

[RizzeeDizzee]

It’s time for another Roos Lets Loose poll/tournament, and once again I’m sticking with a crystal ball theme. This time I’m asking you to decide which currently age 30+ player(s) will still be as productive (or at least pretty close) in March 2024 (i.e., five years from now) as they are currently. So basically, vote for players you think will still be in the same or similar production echelon as they are now once it’s March 2024. You can vote for multiple players, so choose any and all who you think will still be as good (or close to as good) as they are now once five years has past. And there’s also a “None of the above” option if you think all of these players will not be as good (or close to as good) as they are now come March 2024.

What do I mean when I say “or close to as good”? I’d say within 10-15% above or below what they’re scoring now. So if someone is a 100 point player you can vote for him even if you think by 2024 he’ll be closer to an 85-90 point player. Also, if you prefer, you can wait until Wednesday to vote, as that way you can first read my associated column before casting your ballot(s). There I’ll write a blurb about each player, and provide his contract information as well as current scoring pace, plus post a table about how age 35+ skaters have performed since the 2000-01 season. Just some useful food for thought. Or of course by all means fee free to vote now.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Next week is my mailbag column, and I could still use more questions to answer. So shoot me your fantasy hockey question either as a private message on these forums or by emailing the question to [email protected] with “Roos Mailbag” as the subject line.

[Eskimo Brother]

Crosby and Backstrom were the only two that get my vote. This came down mainly to style of play, and how I feel the wear and tear is affecting them. Backstrom would be my guy of the group if I had to pick one, and Marchand was right on the cusp here.

[gooding74]

Crosby and Backstrom were the only two that get my vote. This came down mainly to style of play, and how I feel the wear and tear is affecting them. Backstrom would be my guy of the group if I had to pick one, and Marchand was right on the cusp here.

I'd agree about Crosby and Backstrom. I also ticked Marchand because he's hit his prime in his late 20s. Also picked Kane because he's barely 30 and looks like he could keep this up for awhile.

Byfuglien: the most obvious hard no of the group IMO. He's already 33 and is clearly starting to wear down as a result of his physical style of play. I could see signs of it last season, and he may get into less than half of his team's games this season.

[metaldude26]

I'd agree about Crosby and Backstrom. I also ticked Marchand because he's hit his prime in his late 20s. Also picked Kane because he's barely 30 and looks like he could keep this up for awhile.

Byfuglien: the most obvious hard no of the group IMO. He's already 33 and is clearly starting to wear down as a result of his physical style of play. I could see signs of it last season, and he may get into less than half of his team's games this season.

I'm curious to see what shakes out for Byfuglien next season on what should be a more depleted Jets blue line. Minutes have been falling the past couple of seasons, but they are probably losing one of Myers or Trouba, which could require more from the big man nightly. Not sure he is up to the challenge.

[RizzeeDizzee]

Byfuglien: the most obvious hard no of the group IMO. He's already 33 and is clearly starting to wear down as a result of his physical style of play. I could see signs of it last season, and he may get into less than half of his team's games this season.

I wrestled with including Buff, but I figured all his time missed might actually give him fresher legs come 5 years from now. But yes, there is a risk he simply breaks down, especially with his larger frame. I'm also curious how votes will turn out for Malkin, who has similar issues although is in better shape and likely plays a style that could translate into continued scoring throughout his 30s.

[metaldude26]

Tossed Ovy some love because I'm just not ruling him out at this point.

[lucafen4]

Crosby IMO - is the closest to a lock on this list.

Also took Backstrom & Kessel - due to style of play. Mike Gartner anyone?

Ovie - dude's a freak. He'll find a way to keep going. Still productive & maintaining current production are two different things. In 5 years I can see Ovie still putting up 30g & 55+pts.

P. Kane, some young talent kicking around him right now - that will help keep his production up. not to mention, he's not the most physical player, which helps as well.

[PenguinHunter]

Backstrom, Grioux and Crosby got my vote.

Giroux is a perimeter player and plays well on PP... I could see him being as productive in 5 years.

[Axeman33]

I went with Crosby, Backstrom and Yandle. Yandle is a guy who never misses a game (I probably just jinxed him) and no one ever thinks about him and his sneaky production.

[RizzeeDizzee]

I'm not surprised to see the Ovi love - heck, look at the Selanne numbers in his late 30s for comparison.......

[rufio.85]

Crosby and Backstrom were the only two that get my vote. This came down mainly to style of play, and how I feel the wear and tear is affecting them. Backstrom would be my guy of the group if I had to pick one, and Marchand was right on the cusp here.

Voted for the exact same 2.
They've also been historically productive on the PP which is crucial.

[martinc84]

Crosby IMO - is the closest to a lock on this list.

Also took Backstrom & Kessel - due to style of play. Mike Gartner anyone?

Ovie - dude's a freak. He'll find a way to keep going. Still productive & maintaining current production are two different things. In 5 years I can see Ovie still putting up 30g & 55+pts.

P. Kane, some young talent kicking around him right now - that will help keep his production up. not to mention, he's not the most physical player, which helps as well.

Couldn't agree more with you on this, except I didn't chose Kessel, he'll become more like a 55-60 pts player with age. I added Bergeron and marchand because I feel they'll do more magic for years to come and it pains me to say that because I hate Marchand and the Bs (Habs fan).

[lucafen4]

Couldn't agree more with you on this, except I didn't chose Kessel, he'll become more like a 55-60 pts player with age. I added Bergeron and marchand because I feel they'll do more magic for years to come and it pains me to say that because I hate Marchand and the Bs (Habs fan).

Marchand I can probably get behind a bit, although he does play a physical game, even if it isn't hitting,he grinds. I can't see Bergy though, just too many injuries. Lots of miles on that body - surgeries, rehab. name it.

[The Bottlenecker]

My choices, in order of most likely to least likely, are:
Crosby
Kane
Backstrom
Ovechkin
Marchand