NHL Thursday: DraftStreet Value Plays Under $9k

by landsharkhockey Last Updated 2012-01-12 17:02:44

Finding value picks on Draftstreet can be a real challenge, as they stay on top of current player values better than other sites. This makes fielding a stacked roster nearly impossible. If you want to add some elite forwards to your game, you need to fill that Flex position and a couple other slots with bargain players. While these guys won’t carry the load, if you place them right, you can squeeze out a few points on the cheap. Here are a handful of players priced under 9k to squeeze in when you’re up against the cap:

CENTER

Bryan Little (WPG) – $8.9k / 2.6 FPPG

Little is the midst of a rocky season. Just when he got rolling in mid December, he went down with a foot injury. He just returned this week and is back centering captain Ladd and Blake Wheeler. Little is a former 30 goal scorer who can get back to that level again this year if he can remain healthy. Expect a jump in his salary soon.

Cody Hodgson (VAN) – $8.2k / 2.19 FPPG

Everyone in Vancouver knows it’s a matter of time before this kid emerges as a top tier center. Like Jordan Staal in Pittsburgh, he’s been trapped behind two studs in front of him early in his career (Kesler / Sedin). The Canuck coaching staff has found it hard to limit his playing time recently, as been producing at a high clip with 5 points in his last 5 games. As his playing time increases, you should expect more of this from the rookie.

LEFT WING

Vinny Prospal (CBS) – $7.6k / 2.47 FPPG

Prospal is a guy to keep an eye on over the next couple months. With the Jackets already looking ahead to next year, his name will emerge as we approach the trade deadline, given his free agent status. The Jackets will likely look to showcase him, giving him every opportunity to pad those stats. Lately, he’s been a decent fantasy option, including a two point night against Anaheim on Sunday.

Carl Hagelin (NYR) – $7.9k / 2.56 FPPG

Hagelin continues to ride shotgun with Brad Richards when he’s on the ice for the first place Rangers. He continues to meet/exceed expectations in his rookie campaign.

Viktor Stalberg (CHI) – $8.7k / 2.52 FPPG

The injury to Patrick Sharp opened a hole on the line with Toews and Kane. Enter sophomore Viktor Stalberg. The time spent on the top unit netted him a hat trick on Tuesday night. Look for more of this business over the next few weeks if he can retain his position with the big guys. Hat tricks tend to help guys stick.

Tuomo Ruutu (CAR) – $7.9k / 2.38 FPPG

The Hurricanes have been cut off at the knees with Skinner’s concussion and Staal’s funk. Ruutu has stepped up to take on the goal scoring role in Carolina. He has 14 on the season, putting him on pace to match his career high in that category.

RIGHT WING

Brian Gionta (MON) – $6.3k / 2.14 FPPG

Let us not forget that Gionta once put up 48 goals in a season. Since then, he’s topped 20 each year and often flirts with 30. He just returned from a month long stint on the IR, causing his salary to plummet down to bargain bin range. He’s slowly getting back up to speed with the Canadiens and has the potential to help your squad at a very cheap price in the short term.

Benn Ferriero (SJ) – $6.4k / 2.12 FPPG

Ferriero continues to make the most of his opportunity in his call up for the Sharks. After riding shotgun to Thornton and Marleau, he’s recently shifted over to play with Couture and Clowe. He netted another goal in his last game against Minnesota on Tuesday. If he can earn some more minutes, he could rack up more in the scoring department. Another low-priced find worth sticking in the Flex spot.

Kyle Okposo (NYI) – $8.1k / 1.95 FPPG

Yes, Okposo still shows less than 2 FPPG, but that doesn’t take into consideration the tale of two quarters. He was absolutely dismal in the first quarter of the season, and was demoted to fourth line duties. The last few weeks have been a different story altogether. He has 3 goals and 6 points over his last 6 games and is starting to resemble the power forward the Isles have always dreamed he would become.

My NHL Roster on Draftstreet Tonight

My choice in net comes down to Howard (DET) and Crawford (CHI). Crawford faces the struggling Wild, but has been shaky all season. His only win in January was against the toothless Blue Jackets. Howard will cost me an extra 3k, but he gets to face the Coyotes at home. Phoenix has scored 1 or fewer goals in 3 of their last 4 games. I like his chances tonight.

Teams to target for tonight:

• NY Rangers vs Ottawa. The Sens have been part of some very high scoring affairs lately and are one of the worst defensive teams in the league.
• Philadelphia vs NY Isles. The Islanders continue the goalie carousel, calling up Kevin Poulin for the slaughter.
• Boston vs Montreal. – Price is having a subpar season and the Bruins are unstoppable.
• Tampa Bay vs Carolina – The Bolts are winning games, but goals have been coming in bunches. Carolina doesn’t put up much of a fight defensively

I’ll be squeezing several of my value picks into my squad for tonight. I’ll also be rostering my standard favorites up front with Giroux, Stamkos, and St. Louis tying up my big money spots.