Sleeper Watch

Sidney Crosby or Alexander Ovechkin? Alexander Ovechkin or Sidney Crosby? Barring unforeseen injuries to the two rookies who are rejuvenating the NHL, those are the only two questions Calder Trophy voters will be asking when the 2005-06 season draws to a close. If you were able to secure either of these two rising stars for your keeper or dynasty league, congratulations. If you weren’t, there’s probably no way you’ll be able to acquire them for a reasonable price, and will have to look elsewhere for rookie talent. And thanks to the tremendous attention being paid to Crosby and Ovechkin, the rest of this year’s freshman class might be available for less than it should be.

Case in point: Marek Svatos. The 23-year-old right wing, chosen by Colorado with the 227th pick of the 2001 draft, has picked up ten goals and ten assists in his first 21 NHL games to rank third among rookie scorers, yet so far, the media at large hasn’t taken much notice, even in those parts of the continent where journalists acknowledge the existence of hockey.

Yet Svatos, who scored 46 points in 72 games at AHL Hershey last season, deserves some respect for his performance so far. He has been a key player in Colorado’s offense, displaying a deft shooting touch and a knack for finding the puck in the offensive zone, dispelling concerns that his 5′9″ frame would limit his effectiveness at the NHL level. He currently ranks 50th in the league in scoring, and first in game-winning goals with five.

It’s early days yet, of course, but from what we’ve seen so far, it looks like Svatos has the potential to be a solid fantasy contributor for many years to come. If you can pick him up for a cut-rate price while other owners send in trade offer after trade offer for Crosby or Ovechkin, you might wind up ahead of the game.

Related Cafe Articles

• Other articles by Arlo Vander
• Patrice Bergeron by Arlo Vander (posted on 12/14/2005 in Sleepers)
• Michel Ouellet by Ryan Moorman (posted on 01/17/2006 in Sleepers)
• Sleeper of the Week by Ryan Moorman (posted on 12/17/2006 in Sleepers)