which nhl prospects do you think will break out and make an impact this season?

Question

anyone particular in mind? fantasy hockey is coming up..so i figured I'd ask.

Answer 1

Nicklas Backstrom and Erik Johnson.

rac593-absolutely no chance Kane's great but he will never be compared to Crosby.

Answer 2

Well it seems that most of us agree that Toews and Backstrom are great choices and I know they're on my radar screen for my fantasy team.

But being a Red Wing fan I'm really hoping that Jiri Hudler will get the ice time so that he can show his skills. This kid put up 114 points in 46 games as a 14 year old in the Czech under 17 league and averaged close to a point a game in every level has played since. Give him the ice time and he can be a force. Also, Valtteri Flippula showed last year in the playoffs that he has some prodigious skills. In his first year outside his native Finland he had 71 points in 74 games in the AHL, not too shabby for a rookie. I don't think these two are in the class of Toews or Backstrom but I certainly am hoping for it.

Answer 3

1. Nicklas Backstrom, C (Washington)- He won't be paired with Ovechkin to start- that'll be Michael Nylander's role- but the best Swedish forward since Peter Forsberg will still have a world-class finisher on his line in Alexander Semin. However, on the powerplay, you better bet Backstrom- a SEL star at age 18- will be the setup man for Alex the Gr8. No other rookie in his a situation quite like this, making Backstrom the most valuable fantasy prospect in the NHL.

2. Jonathon Toews, C (Chicago)- Simply outstanding on the world stage with Team Canada at the World Championships and at the WJCs, the 3rd overall pick in '06 will find himself on a line with Yanic Perreault and Patrick Kane to start the season. Kane, the first overall pick in '07, displayed instant chemistry with Toews during rookie camp, dominating like men. On the PP, you'll see Kane, Toews, and NHL star Martin Havlat.

3. Peter Mueller, C (Phoenix)- The Phoenix Coyotes have no offensive depth beyond the first line. Enter Mueller, a gifted two-way pivot in the mold of Ron Francis. He's a risky selection in that he'll be relied on to create offense- if he can't find chemistry with his linemates, he won't collect points.

4. Patrick Kane, RW (Chicago)- While it was initially suspected that the 1st overall pick from 2007 would remain in the OHL at least one more year, Blackhawks coach Denis Savard has said the tricky winger is ready for the show. And Savard would know; one of the best one-on-one players ever in the NHL, Kane's game is quite similar to his. Chemistry with aforementioned two-way centre Jonathon Toews is an unexpected surprise that could mean a lot of points for the diminutive winger.

5. Andrei Kostitsyn, RW (Montreal)- A frustratingly inconsistent supertalent since 2003, Kostitsyn finally got out of head coach Bob Gainey's doghouse and onto Montreal's top line. The results were instantaneous: over the stretch, the tenth overall pick four years ago notched 11 points in 22 games. With the departure of Sergei Samsonov, Kostitsyn will have an opportunity to shine over the course of a full season.

Answer 4

I would say Jonathan Toews is the best up and comer. The Johnson twins will be the 2 best on the blue line. Maybe Carey Price will get a few games between the posts as third string. As an Oiler fan, we got a line of prospects who will be some of hockey's future. We got Rob Schremp, Andrew Cogliano, Ryan Omarra, Robert Nilsson, Scott Chorney etc.
They are all solid guys. Here is my top 5.
1.Jonathan Toews
2.Eric Johnson
3.Carey Price
4.Jack Johnson
5.Niklas Backstrom

Answer 5

Of course Like I'm Telling You says Toews but he is a good choice. Maybe I'll be a homer too and say Steve Downie. Nic Backstrom would be a good choice. As would Bobby Ryan as he could end up taking Penner's spot on the Getlaf, Perry "Kid Line". Marc Staal is another guy to keep an eye on but probably worthless in fantasy land.

Answer 6

I really like Nicklas Backstrom of the Caps. He's a highly skilled player and will be given a solid shot at taking on a contributing role with Washington. I'd say the same of Pat Kane in Chicago, but I think Backstrom is better prepared for the NHL game at this point.

On the Hawks, I too like Toews, as Like I'm Telling You pointed out. Another player I really like is Alexander Semin of the Caps. He had 38 goals last year, so he's not sneaking up on the league. However, there wasn't much fanfare around him and only astute observers would automatically consider him for a fantasy roster spot.

Drew Stafford in Buff is the real deal and there is plenty of icetime to be had after the departures of Drury and Briere.

Kris Letang was very impressive in his short stint in Pitt last year. He's going to grow into a big role on defense for the Pens and he's got a cannon, too.

Jiri Hudler and, to a slightly lesser extent, Tomas Kopecky of the Wings. Both skilled guys who went through injury spells last year. This team still needs to generate offense outside of Zetterberg and Datsyuk. Look for the two youngsters to take on more offensive responsibility this season.

Last one is Petr Prucha of the Rangers. He's got the skills, but wasn't given much ice last year. If the team decides to play Avery at the 3rd line center spot, Prucha will likely start the season as a 2nd line winger alongside Drury and Shanahan. That translates to a lot of O-fence.

Ok, last one, really. Last two actually. Ryan Callahan of the Rangers. Showed skill and poise in the stretch run. Decent long shot bet if he gets ice. Doubt that any non-Ranger fans would think to take him.

Another Ranger dark horse is Artem Anisimov. Haven't seen him play, but my friend with the team seems very impressed with the guy. No guarantee he'll stick with the big club, but if he does it means he will have impressed management greatly.

Damn, now you got me thinking about putting a fantasy squad together. Good luck with your team and season.

Answer 7

Jonathan Toews (Blackhawks) especially if he centers Havlat and Ruutu!

Robert Nilsson (Oilers) he IS their star now......maybe ONLY star!

Marc Staal (Rangers). Look at Jordan. Look at Eric. Enough said.

Nicklas Backstrom (Capitals) especially if he centers Ovechkin.

Aaaaah, and my personal favorite.

Andrei Kostitsyn of the Canadians. I think he's ready. He got a taste of the NHL last year and this year, i think he's ready to work full time. I smell Calder........

Answer 8

Jonathan Toews

Answer 9

Im a ranger fan and i think Marc Staal will break out he has been playin well in the ahl and it is time for him to come up and make the same impact his brothers did.

Answer 10

I've said this a lot in the last month or so. Johnathon Toews is the one to watch. I just hope I don't jinx him. He's one hell of a hockey player.

Answer 11

Toews and Kane. Hopefully these two will add some much needed offense into a stagnant Hawks team....