The fantasy hockey season is up and running, and there are definitely some surprise players this year. That is great news for fantasy owners that had a rough time with the draft this season. Help is on the way with these great waiver wire pick-ups.
Radim Vrbata – Right Wing – Vancouver Canucks
When Vancouver signed him in the offseason everyone looked at the Canucks plan to put him with the Sedin twins, and said wow. It looked like a great fit, and by the way, it has been a great fit in the first few games. He is a gritty forward that is willing to work hard and provide opportunities for the Sedins. The upside is definitely here, and the opportunity for power play time will also bolster his point totals. If he is available he would be worth making space for.
TJ Brodie – Defense – Calgary Flames
Fresh off a new long term contract in Calgary. Brodie is already racking up points. He has seven points in the first eight games. His three goals and four assists is a lot more than expected based off his previous point production. I do not think this is a flash in the pan early season start. His numbers may slow a bit, but I expect him to be a top quality defensive point producer. It is amazing to see a young player come to the forefront, and thrive in a new system. I do not feel like he is a risk at all.
Darcy Kuemper – Goalie – Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild goalie has had a very slow start to the season. I do not mean on the ice, but in the fact that they have only played four games to this point. The fact is they are red hot. A key reason for this is the play of Darcy Kuemper. He has an amazing 0.67 goals against average and a staggering .972 save percentage. If that was not impressive enough he started the season with a modest two shutouts. He is on fire, and looks to have solidified the starting spot in the Wild net. Pick him up if you can. Still may share time between the pipes, but when he is in the net he will get you points. It sure helps that he plays on a solid defensive team.
Tanner Pearson – Left Wing – Los Angeles Kings
Tanner may have been drafted in your league, but he is still available in many. It might be a good idea to snatch him up if available. The young forward is on fire, along with the rest of his team. In the first six games Pearson posted seven points. He has 5 goals, 2 assists, and is a +7. Pretty heavty numbers to start the season. He is young, and will definitely have his struggles throughout this season, but it looks as though he will continue the success he had in last year’s playoffs. Worth the risk if he is still available. It looks like the Kings cannot do anything wrong.
Frederick Andersen – Goalie – Anaheim Ducks
Andersen is, and was available in many pools because he was expected to share time or back-up young prospect John Gibson in net. Gibson has now been sent down to the American Hockey League, which opens the doors for Andersen. It is time for him to shine. He has played in all six of the Ducks first games, and has posted six straight wins. He has posted a 1.32 goals against average, and a .951 save percentage. He also posted an impressive shutout against the St. Louis Blues. He has been snatched up in many leagues, but if available get him! You will not be disappointed.
As always enjoy your hockey pool/fantasy hockey league, and good luck!
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.