NHL Thursday: DraftStreet Top 10 Forwards Under $10k

by landsharkhockey Last Updated 2012-03-29 20:21:46

10 spots. $100k to spend. Simple math tells you that on average, you need to spend 10k per player to make cap. Of course, goaltenders chew up a little extra (you’ll rarely find a decent option under 20k), so right away, you’re behind. On average, a decent forward will run you 11k or more, which leaves you scrambling to break even. Since you have no choice but to settle for a few options below the 10k line, I’m here to help. So, with just over 1 week left in the regular season, I’ll deliver fresh to you the top 10 forwards on Draftstreet under 10k.

1. David Perron (STL-LW)
I cannot quite explain why Perron’s salary continues to linger under the 10k threshold. In fact, his salary has dropped by about 15% over the past week. Yet, he continues to quietly produce for the league leading Blues. He has 3 goals in his last 5 games and 8 points in 10. His playing time has waned a bit, as the Blues tend to roll their lines more than most clubs; however, he’s still a steady producer at a good price on Draftstreet.

2. Patrick Elias (NJ-LW)
The veteran winger has run dry for the past three games, which may explain the sudden dip in his DS value; however, we’re still talking about a 70 point player this season, who happens to be closing in on 900 career points. One bad week isn’t enough to scare me off of this sniper. The next three games for New Jersey are against non-playoff teams. Look for a big rebound week from Elias.

3. Teddy Purcell (TB-RW)
Purcell has the honor of manning the right wing with two of the top goal scoring threats in the NHL. Since joining up with Stamkos and St. Louis, Purcell has racked up 27 points in 20 games. He has already set career bests in goals and points this season and will continue to pad those numbers in the final week of play.

4. Logan Couture (SJ-C)
Since topping 30 goals back on March 13th, Couture has gone 8 games without a tally. That probably explains the sudden freefall in his Draftstreet cap hit. He has, however, continue to add assists. The sophomore center has 60 points on the year, and will be counted on to push the Sharks into the playoffs. He’s being used as a fourth forward on the power play these days, giving him extra opportunity to add to his goal totals.

5. Bryan Little (WPG-C)
The offense in Winnepeg has slowed down from the silly pace they were on in early March, but Little continues to contribute at a steady pace. He has 4 goals in his last 5 games, while averaging about 3 shots a game. He’s been leading the Jets forwards in ice time, meaning he will continue to get his chances.

6. Tyler Ennis (BUF-LW)
Ennis is part of the hottest line in the NHL outside of Pittsburgh. He’s worked a considerable amount of magic alone side Foligno and Stafford in recent games. He has put up multiple points in 5 of the last 7 games for Buffalo, making him a game breaker on most nights.

7. Rick Nash (COB -LW)
With the drama of the trade deadline behind him, and the promise of better things to come this summer, Rick Nash has gotten back to putting points on the board. He has 3 goals and 3 assists for the Jackets over the past 5 games. His shot totals have been incredible, averaging about 7 for the last week.

8. Jaromir Jagr (PHI-RW)
It’s not surprisingly that Jagr’s pace has slowed as the season has worn on. After all, he is a 40-year old man at this point; however, he’s back on the top line with Giroux and Hartnell. Historically, Jagr is a beast in the playoffs and tends to finish the year on fire as he heads for the postseason. Look for a late burst in points as he starts to consider bookending his career with Cup ring to match the one he captured in his rookie season.

9. Patrice Bergeron (BOS-C)
The Bruins cooled off in March, but are showing signs that they’re somewhat interested in defending that Stanley Cup banner next month. Look for Bergeron to lead the charge to that end. His point total this season is the best he’s managed since the 2006-07 season.

10. Ray Emery (CHI-G)
So, there is one acceptable goalie that can be found in this price range. The first problem is that he just got injured. The second is that Crawford will get most of the action heading into the playoffs. However, if he heals in time, he’s likely to get one last start to relieve Crawford before the playoff grind gets underway. Keep an eye on that and you can save a heap on cap with Emery as your goalie choice.

LandSharkHockey’s DraftStreet NHL Roster: Mar 29, 2012

Just 7 games on the schedule for tonight, with a few potential blowouts to consider:

PHI @ TOR — The Leafs have been eliminated and are a deflated bunch, while the Flyers have found their game. Bryzgalov is hurt, so Bobrovsky will get the start. His meager salary of $14.7k makes him an obvious choice in net tonight. Also consider stacking Flyers on offense, as the Leafs seem incapable of keeping the puck out of their net.

PIT @ NYI — The Islanders embarrassed the Pens on Tuesday on Pittsburgh ice. Expect the league’s most potent offense to strike back tonight. Could get ugly.

FLA @ MIN — The Panthers haven’t made the playoffs in a decade and are within a sniff of ending that streak. They’ve lost just 1 game in the last 10 in regulation and get a matchup with the offensively inept Wild.

Here’s my lineup for GPP tonight, going heavy on PA teams, and sprinkling in some of my under 10 options: