Phoenix is a team in flux ever since ownership declared bankruptcy and there is tremendous uncertainty on and off the ice. Any new ownership would be expected to put their own stamp on the management and coaching staff, so it could spell the end for coach Wayne Gretzky who may have been on the last legs of his job anyways.
The forwards for this team are led by captain Shane Doan who is one of the most well-rounded players in the NHL and would need to be bumped in any league that rewards PIMs. Peter Mueller, Matthew Lombardi and Mikkel Boedker are all youngsters on the rise, but this club may just not provide enough nightly offense to warrant full top-6 ownership in most leagues. Whoever is skating on the top line will be more than own-able simply by playing with Doan.
Ed Jovanovski is the bigger name on the blue line, but is a defensive liability and will destroy fantasy owners’ plus/minus (should it be counted in your league). The player that should find success in this system is Keith Yandle who has developed very well in Phoenix. There isn’t much more on this blue line to write home about.
Ilya Bryzgalov provides consistency between the pipes, but should be facing a lot of rubber on a nightly basis. He is one of those netminders that can actually win games on his own and he will likely need to do this on more than a regular occasion. He is backed up by Jason Labarbera who was brought in during the offseason, but former first rounder Al Montoya played well during garbage time late last year that he could find himself in the mix should anyone falter or get injured.
Sleepers:
Martin Hanzal showed signs of the top-end talent that he is last year and Phoenix will absolutely need him to keep improving and fast if they are going to be competitive during games this season. He will be one of those players keeper league owners are stashing on the bench as he irons out his inconsistencies in 2009-10.
Lauri Korpikoski is one of several former first round players that have bounced into Phoenix (either through draft, free agency or in his case, trade). He has all the tools and will be someone the coaching staff expects to provide on-ice leadership and offense. He will likely be a bargain on draft day, and for good reason, but deeper leagues shouldn't forget his name.
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