Talbot - any upside/value?

[His Dudeness]

Dobber guide puts him at 25 points this year (in my deep keeper that would, if combined with a good +/-, makes him a borderline deep depth option) and gives him an upside of 58 points. A couple of other fantasy pool guides I've seen have him anywhere from a low of 23 to 37 point this year. He clearly had a miserable year last year. But something about him intrigues me. He's still pretty young (25 or 26 I think) and cheap this year (just over $1 million I think), he sometimes pops up on the Malkin line (so I've read) and he was the game 7 hero when the Penguins won the cup.

I'd like to hear from people who watch the Penguins regularly whether they have anything to add about his skill level, whether he's in the Penguins' future plans, whether he has any fantasy value in a deep keeper, etc. He's a guy I'd consider picking up (and would probably drop Parenteau if I did - although it would suck if I did that and Dobber's prediction about Parenteau comes through!). Thanks

[His Dudeness]

No responses - I guess I'm not that surprised... I read this as people not being that interested in Talbot, which kind of answers my question anyway!

[netwolf]

Injuries derailed him last year, and for the most part, it was a lost year for him. He was back to normal by the time the playoffs rolled around, and was one of the Pens' better forwards then.

Max is a 3rd liner that elevates his play in the post season. Regular season, he's probably good for anywhere between 20-30 points. In the past, he's also been bumped up to play wing with Malkin, but that's mostly so he can take draws and handle the defensive responsibilities, not necessarily because of his offensive ability.