Shattenkirk, Kulikov, DelZotto, Franson, A. Larsson

[Gramps]

Can you rank your top three in a points only keeper pool out of: Shattenkirk, Kulikov, DelZotto, Franson, and A. Larsson? Thanks!

[SeaDawg]

Kulikov
Shattenkirk
A. Larsson*
Del Zotto
Franson

*I want to put Larsson higher, but so much depends on who drafts him. If he goes to New Jersey, I don't think he will put up 60 pts. Even Niedermayer and Rafalski didn't put up 60 pts in New Jersey. They topped out somewhere in the 50s, and that is what I think Larsson can/will do if he goes to New Jersey. If he goes to Edmonton or the Islanders, he might eventually get 60 pts.

I really like Kulikov's situation in Florida. The team won't score a ton, but he will consistently get #1 PP time next year with McCabe gone. As the team improves, his numbers will improve.

Shattenkirk, though he is hyped a lot lately, is someone I've always been high on and his situation in Colorado is also perfect. He will get primo minutes and PP time on a team that will score a lot.

I honestly can't choose much between the top 3. I think they all are good for 50-55 pts when they get going, and possibly the odd 60 point season. I don't throw around too many 60 pt predictions for dmen though because each year we are lucky if 3 or 4 in the entire league get 60 or more points. The thing I like about all three of those guys is that they are all so good offensively and all-around, unlike the guy who is #4 on my list in Del Zotto. Del Zotto might have the purest offensive ability of the bunch, but I just worry so much about the rest of his game becoming such a liability that I fear he might not be a consistent NHLer and get the consistent ice-time he needs to flourish.

And although Franson is also a great prospect, he is last on the list because Nashville just has far too many dmen who are better offensively than him.

[Gramps]

Thanks SeaDawg! Quality post, rep to you.

[franklin]

A. Larsson
Kulikov
Shattenkirk


Del Zotto
Franson


Like SeaDawg said, it's not an easy choice between Larsson, Kulikov and Shattenkirk. But I feel that Larsson and Kulikov will eventually find their way and produce more. I think they are better D on both side of the rink and this will eventually translate in more ice time. But it's really close between those 3.

Del Zotto needs to be #4 in the list. Risky but big upside.

I really like Franson though. I hope he will be traded. I want to see what he can do in a team without Weber and Suter.

[TavesSoul]

Kulikov
Shattenkirk
Larsson

MDZ

Franson

Those top three are far and away better, then MDZ, and then a bit down Franson.

[dyzfunctioned]

Well I generally agree with everyone's lists, what Franson does with his limited ice time is damn impressive.

[MT319]

Shattenkirk
Shattenkirk
Shattenkirk

...how the hell is anyone picking Kulikov over this kid when he's gonna be PP QB in Colorado with Stastny and Duchene of all people

[dyzfunctioned]

Shattenkirk
Shattenkirk
Shattenkirk

...how the hell is anyone picking Kulikov over this kid when he's gonna be PP QB in Colorado with Stastny and Duchene of all people

Despite his early season points tear, he did virtually nothing in the AHL at the start of the season and has 1 point in his past 12 games... He was really only impressive over the span of one month.

[fungchen3]

Gramps,

If I had to rank today I would say:

1.) Shattenkirk

2.) Kulikov

3.) Del Zotto

4.) Larsson

5.) Franson

The problem is, this is based on what I know today, which could change in less than a year. For example, which team ends up with Larsson, and what is his role?

Does Franson get traded to make room for someone like Ellis or Blum? Or does Weber leave the Preds and Franson get a larger role to produce?

Are we seeing now what type of player Kulikov will be for good once McCabe is gone in Florida? I will tell you this much: based on raw offensive talent alone, Kulikov is the best of the bunch.

Which player will Shattenkirk ultimately become? The rookie who was putting up sick numbers at a rapid pace, or the kid who has scored 1 in his last 12? Right now it is hard to not list Shatty for what he showed early on. It was impressive.

Del Zotto is the biggest what if. Offensively, he looked great early last year but has since been up and down, mainly down. He has the gifts but appears to be terrible in his own end.

[Bomm Bastic]

Shattenkirk
Shattenkirk
Shattenkirk

...how the hell is anyone picking Kulikov over this kid when he's gonna be PP QB in Colorado with Stastny and Duchene of all people

I think it's more a matter of what he's doing with his opportunity more than anything. Which is to say, not much lately.

That's not to wholly write off Shatts...certainly not. But it's all about who can make the most of their opportunity when given the chance and Kulikov is thoroughly living up to expectations when relied upon.

Franson is another doing much w/ little toi. I think fungchen nailed it, when mentioning the variables that could come into play with this group.

I would even say that Shatts has the best situation, and seems to be floundering a tich. Again, to be expected, perhaps, but I'm just sayin....

[MT319]

Despite his early season points tear, he did virtually nothing in the AHL at the start of the season and has 1 point in his past 12 games... He was really only impressive over the span of one month.

I don't base it on his points tear that' just a flash of what he's capable of...i base it on that last sentance PP QB long terms on what will be one of if not the best offensive team in the league for years to come in Colorado with two elite option in Stastny and Duchene running show both even and PP...you wanna go with Kulikov on the Panthers despite that by all means feel free but Shattenkirk is the easy pick up here in my eyes

[theIceWookie]

Kulikov
Shattenkirk
A. Larsson*
Del Zotto
Franson

*I want to put Larsson higher, but so much depends on who drafts him. If he goes to New Jersey, I don't think he will put up 60 pts. Even Niedermayer and Rafalski didn't put up 60 pts in New Jersey. They topped out somewhere in the 50s, and that is what I think Larsson can/will do if he goes to New Jersey. If he goes to Edmonton or the Islanders, he might eventually get 60 pts.

I really like Kulikov's situation in Florida. The team won't score a ton, but he will consistently get #1 PP time next year with McCabe gone. As the team improves, his numbers will improve.

Shattenkirk, though he is hyped a lot lately, is someone I've always been high on and his situation in Colorado is also perfect. He will get primo minutes and PP time on a team that will score a lot.

I honestly can't choose much between the top 3. I think they all are good for 50-55 pts when they get going, and possibly the odd 60 point season. I don't throw around too many 60 pt predictions for dmen though because each year we are lucky if 3 or 4 in the entire league get 60 or more points. The thing I like about all three of those guys is that they are all so good offensively and all-around, unlike the guy who is #4 on my list in Del Zotto. Del Zotto might have the purest offensive ability of the bunch, but I just worry so much about the rest of his game becoming such a liability that I fear he might not be a consistent NHLer and get the consistent ice-time he needs to flourish.

And although Franson is also a great prospect, he is last on the list because Nashville just has far too many dmen who are better offensively than him.

I agree with SeaDawg here. A lot depends on where Larsson lands. I also think your going to need at least a year or two before he really starts making any impact fantasy wise. Dman do not make fantasy impacts very quick. Doughty is pretty much the only exception.

I also agree with Shattenkirk. He has a beauty situation. Being able to pass to that forward core is a pretty awesome place to be in.

I like Kulikov but I'm concerned with that forward core. Sure he will get a lot of PP time but unless forward gets some forward upgrades, Kulikov is going to be limited for a little bit.

I like Franson but he brings more value in a multi-cat format. He is also limited due the forwards in front of him but its impressive what he has done (which someone else mentioned) so far.

Personally I would put Shattenkirk highest in terms of being the most impactful, then Kulikov, then Larsson. Not a fan of Del Zotto. I just have this hunch he is well on his way to being a MAB type dman. All offense, little defense.

[franklin]

I don't base it on his points tear that' just a flash of what he's capable of...i base it on that last sentance PP QB long terms on what will be one of if not the best offensive team in the league for years to come in Colorado with two elite option in Stastny and Duchene running show both even and PP...you wanna go with Kulikov on the Panthers despite that by all means feel free but Shattenkirk is the easy pick up here in my eyes

Not that I disagree with your choice and point of view. Shattenkirk is a solid prospect. But when we are talking about keeper I tend to give the edge to the best player and not the best situation. Who knows if Colorado will still own Duchene and Stastny in 2-3 years? Who knows if Elliot or Barrie will emerge and challenge Shattenkirk? Who knows if Shattenkirk will be traded? This is why my ranking is showing Kulikov and Larsson before Shattenkirk.

But I would be very happy to own Shattenkirk. And I will not be surprised if Shattenkirk is the best of the bunch in 4-5 years.

[Bomm Bastic]

Shatts is definitely in a beaut of a situation. Best outta all of 'em. I just get really down on a player - maybe to a fault - when they do not take advantage of opportunities when called upon. Del Zotto is a prime example of someone who is numero uno on my shit list, talent aside.

[gordon]

"Kulikov passes to David Booth...who misses high and wide!" "Shattenkirk passes to Duchene (or Stastny, or Stewart) who roofs it upstairs where dad hides the porno mags!"

SHATTENKIRK!!