From: chim@sfu.ca (Alan Chim)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
Subject: Hockey Poolers!!
Date: 7 Sep 1992 00:37:34 -0500
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

Hi all.

Well, hockey seasons just around the corner, so most of us hockey poolers
are preparing our draft lists, scouting out those last minute sleepers.

I've prepared a master draft list for the plethora of hockey pools I'm
entering, as well I've singled out some sleepers for this year's drafts.
As most of you experienced poolers may now, those sleepers are the guys
that win you pools.  If you're interested in helping me revise or comment
on my draft list, mail me at chim@sfu.ca with the subject line DRAFT LIST
and I'll mail it to you, and welcome feedback.  Here are some sleepers
I'd like to discuss.  Feedback is welcome.

1992-93 Sleepers

#1  Evgeny Davydov  --  Speedy winger with good puck handling skills
and hard accurate shot.  Played well in the playoffs, and should be
able to contribute immediately.  How well he does is contingent on
what line he plays on.  If he plays on one of the top two lines,
take him in your pool.

#2  Alexei Zhamnov  --  Zhamnov is a nifty play-making center with lots
of offensive ability.  The question is if he can center the second-line.
It's doubtful, but if Zhamnov can have a good training camp he may be
able to crack the second line.  If so, definitely take him in your pool.

** I just heard news that Zhamnov has filed suit against the Winnipeg Jets
regarding his contract.  Apparently he is disappointed that future team
mate Teemu Selanne signed a bigger and better contract, and he wants out
of his contract.  We'll have to wait to see if this will blow over, or if
Zhamnov will hold out.  This sort of thing could really affect his play.

#3  Teemu Selanne  --  Highly touted Swedish Right Winger who drives to
the net well.  He should make an imediate impact on the Jets.  Look
for him on the second, or an outside shot at the first line.  If you can
pick him up in the mid-late rounds in your draft, do it.

#4  Martin Rucinsky  --  Originally an Edmonton Oiler First Round Draft
Pick but traded over to Quebec in the Ron Tugnutt deal.  Would have been
taken higher in the draft, had it been thought that Rucinsky would not
been available for a few years.  However, Rucinsky along with fellow
countryman Josef Beranek joined the Oilers after the Canada Cup, even
though they had contracts with a Czech team.  How well Rucinsky does
is contingent on what line he plays on.  If he can crack the top two
lines, especially if they put him with Sakic, I think he will put up
some numbers this year.  If he is on one of the top two lines, especially
if they put him with Sakic, draft him.

#5  Ray Whitney  -- Dimnutive play-making center in the mould of a Cliff
Ronning.  Lots of offensive potential, high-scoring linemate of Pat
Falloon on the Spokane Chiefs.  The question is, can Falloon and Whitney
recreate the magic they displayed on the Chiefs.  Also, had the season
playing in the IHL hurt Whitney?  Whitney did play 2 games last year
totalling 3 assists.

#6  Johann Garpenlov  -- Major sleeper.  Didn't do much in Detroit, but
once he got traded to San Jose, I think he averaged near a point a game.
I think he played with Falloon (correct me if I'm wrong Nelson) and
if the Sharks decide to have a Garpenlov-Whitney-Falloon combo as a first
line, Garpenlov could do well.  I'd take him in my pool if the Sharks
decide to make this move.

#7  Zdeno Ciger  -- Big winger who has a big league shot and put up
some numbers in the Czech leagues, but has yet to do so in the NHL.
Saw limited action last year, but played well near the end of the
season with Alexander Semak.  Depending on the line combos, Ciger could
do well if he's on the top two lines.  Draft him if he is.

#8  Alexander Semak  --  Not too much information on him, other than
he's a center and played well along with Ciger near the end of the season.
If he's one one of the top two lines draft him.


#9 Glen Murray  --  Not much information on him, other than he was a 1991
1st Round Draft pick and played for the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL.  Saw
limited action (5 games) last year but had 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist)
and will be given every opportunity to make the talent-depleted club.
If he can crack the second line, consider drafting him.

#10 Joe Sacco  --  A 1987 fourth round draft choice and could be an
integral cog in the rebuilding process for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He saw action in 17 games last year, and picked up 11 points (7 goals,
4 assists).  If he can make the club, and possibly crack the top two
lines, I'd take a serious look at him.

Other Notables:

Robert Reichel  --  Young talented Czech Center.  Not really given a chance
to play and hasn't reached his full potential.  A trade might be good for
him, but the Flames won't gamble on youth, unless they can get a big center
in return for him.  I think the Flames will rebound this year, and if so
Reichel could really help them if he played up to his full potential.

Keith Primeau  --  Lots of potential in this big youngster.  Scored 100+
points in junior but has yet to show any of this scoring prowress in the
NHL.  Still lots of talent, may not develop this year, but give this
kid some time or a trade and he'll show you what he can do.  The problem
is that Detroit has lots of depth at Center which is Primeau's natural
position.

Petr Nedved  --  This could be the year for young Petr Nedved.  He has
bulked up again, this time to about 180 lbs + and he still must have
some of that scoring ability that helped him on the way to a 100+ point
season in the WHL in his rookie season.  The Canuck doesn't have too
much depth at center, and Nedved will be given every opportunity to
shine.  If Nedved is paired with Bure, WATCH OUT!

Jiri Slegr  --  A MAJOR sleeper.  This guy was the top defenseman in the
World Junior Championships.  He is blessed with a hard accurate shot,
and can quarterback the Canuck's power play.  A major problem is he
can't spell defense, much less play it :-) so his defense is suspect
at best.  However, if he can rack up the points, I'm sure the Canucks
can oversee this minor problem :-)

Scott Niedermayer  -- A "can't miss prospect", if Niedermayer is given
the chance to play, he could be the next Paul Coffey like player.  It
all depends if he can make the big club.

Mike Ricci  -- Quebec does have a lot of depth at center with Sakic and
Sundin, however I suspect that Sundin might be moved to the right wing
and they may have a combination such as  Rucinsky--Sakic--Nolan
                                         Kamensky--Ricci--Sundin
or something to that affect.  Nevertheless, if Ricci plays on one of
the top two lines expect him to put up some numbers this year.

Vyacheslav Kozlov  --  Loads of talent, but had some problems with
injuries last year.  I suspect he'll probably be paired up with fellow
countryman Sergei Fedorov, but how well he does is obviously contingent
on if he makes the team, and what the line-ups will look like.

Scott Lachance  --  New York desperately needs some good solid defensemen
who can provide some offense, and Lachance fits the bill.  Although I
don't think he can put up the numbers like a Niedermayer, or Slegr,
he's a good late round pick in a big pool.

Adrien Plavsic  --  Another good all-round defenseman with offensive
potential.  He's been having some contract problems, but he will play
out his option, so look for an inspired effort from Plavsic to gain
a hefty contract next year.  I'd take Plavsic in the late-round of
a pool if he can crack the defense corps of the Canucks, and if he's
part of the Canucks power play unit.

Rob Pearson  --  Young, abrasive winger with lots of potential.  Consider

Not really SLEEPERS but...

Valeri Zelepukin
Gilbert Dionne
Joe Juneau

I won't comment on these players.  You all basically know them (or should
know them).

I'm sounding like a broken record now, but a lot of these sleepers you'll
have to just wait and see how they do in pre-season, and what the line
combinations turn out.  Basically, if they crack the top two lines, and/or
they play with good players, they'll put up some points and should be
bonafide picks in your pool.  Being on the top two lines usually means
more playing time, and possible power play time which is an added bonus.
However, on the flip side, if the player is stuck on a third or fourth
line, or possibly doesn't make the team, don't pick him :-)  Usually if
a player is on a 3rd or 4th line, he won't see too much ice time and
virtually no power play time, and he may be relegated to a checking
roll which is NOT good  :-)

Any other tips, comments, corrections etc. feel free to post them.  Most
of this information is off the top of my ahead (except for the stats)
so I might have erred.

I hope this can stir up some major comments.

Alan.
chim@sfu.ca
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey