Youngsters On The Rise
Which young guns will step up to the next level in 2005-2006?

The NHL Lockout hurt the NHL in general, yet it allowed for the development of some of the game’s best prospects. In deep fantasy hockey leagues, managers are always looking for players that are ready to step up their game and push themselves to the next level. Anyone that knows anything about hockey knows about the 2005 Draft’s #1 selection Sidney Crosby, but what other youngsters are out there that are primed for a great season? Here is a list of 20 players that WILL make an impact this season:

•Maxim Afinogenov, RW, Buffalo Sabres
Afinogenov could have stayed in Russia to play, but instead chose to join the Sabres for 2005-2006. All the weight will be on his and teammate Tim Connolly’s shoulders to reach the playoffs. He has improved his skating and will likely be one of many to benefit from the NHL’s new rules. Expect him to help your team out in the penalty category too.
2004-2005 Stats – Dyn. Moscow (Russia) 36 GP, 13 G, 14 A, 27 P, 91 PIM

•Patrice Bergeron, C/RW,Boston Bruins
Like Afinogenov, Begeron’s offensive ability should thrive in the more wide-open style of play and is a prime candidate for emergence as one of the league’s next star. He has great puck poise and vision. Even though Bergeron is known for his playmaking abilities, he knows how to put the puck in the net. 60 points this season is a reality.
2004-2005 Stats – Providence (AHL) 68 GP, 21 G, 40 A, 61 P, 59 PIM

•Jay Bouwmeester, D, Florida Panthers
Bouwmeester, the Panthers’ #3 pick in the 2003 NHL Draft, has not fully developed, but the Panthers apparently have confidence in him. With the development of Van Ryn and the additions of Joe Niewundyk, Martin Gelinas, and Gary Roberts, Bouwmeester has much more options and ability to improve. This seems like the year he will breakout.
2004-2005 Stats – SA/Chicago (AHL) 82 G, 10 G, 16 A, 26 P, 62 PIM

•Jeff Carter, C, Philadelphia Flyers
Despite never before playing in a NHL game, Jeff Carter has huge expectations in Philadelphia and may play a large role this season. Carter will be a 2nd line forward, but might not play his natural position of center because of the Flyer’s depth at that position. He is definitely a Calder candidate and could put up 50+ points this season.
2004-2005 Stats – S. Ste. Marie (OHL) 55 GP, 34 G, 40 A, 74 P, 40 PIM

•Mike Comrie, RW, Phoenix Coyotes
Not only will Comrie be under the coaching of The Great One, but he also will be playing alongside Mike Johnson, which may not mean much, but on the right side, he’ll have Brett Hull to feed for one-timers. Comrie should rebound nicely after a terrible 2003.
2004-2005 Stats – Farjestads BK (Swe) 10 GP, 1 G, 6 A, 7 P, 10 PIM

•Ray Emery, G, Ottawa Senators
If Hasek does miss time with injury, Ray Emery will need to step in. Emery is now the backup in Ottawa, as Martin Prusek went to Columbus. Who knows what to expect with Hasek this year, so if you are in a league which starts multiple goalies, Emery is a good option.

•Alexander Frolov, LW, Los Angeles Kings
Even without veteran support in 2003-2004, Frolov managed to pile up 48 points in just his second NHL season. Now, with the additions of Jeremy Roenick and Pavol Demitra in Los Angeles, Frolov will shine even more. He is the King’s future and will put up some big numbers this year in both goals and assists.
2004-2005 Stats – CSKA/ Dyn. Moscow (Rus) 48 GP, 22 G, 18, 40 P, 12 PIM

•Mathieu Garon, G, Los Angeles Kings
After years of being second to Jose Theodore in Montreal, Garon, now 27, finally gets his chance to be a Number 1 goaltender. Garon played well in the AHL last season, but it’s now time for him to step on up to the big stage. Will he handle it or won’t he? This may be a risk/reward type pick, but I lean to the result being a reward.
2004-2005 Stats – Manchester (AHL) 52 GP, 34 W, 14 L, 4 T, 8 SO, 2.12 GAA, .927 S%

•Nathan Horton, C/RW, Florida Panthers
Just when Horton was emerging as a star, on a Jan. 11, 2004 game vs. Vancouver, he suffered a torn rotator cuff and biceps tendon, the first major setback in his young career. But, Horton claims that his shoulder is 100 percent and that he’s ready to play. The 20-year-old claims he’s better, stronger, and bigger. Expect to see him put up some big points on Florida’s top line if he remains healthy and is healthy like he says.
2004-2005 Stats – San Antonio (AHL) 21 GP, 5 G, 4 A, 9 P, 21 PIM

•Dmitri Kalinin, D, Buffalo Sabres
Kalinin will get plenty of ice time in Buffalo this year, thanks to the departure of Alexi Zhitnik and will get some veteran leadership from Teppo Numminen, his likely line-mate. in 2003-2004, in just his second NHL season, Kalinin managed to post 10 goals and 24 assists in 74 games, not bad for a 25 year-old.
2004-2005 Stats – Magnitogorsk (Rus) 48 GP, 2 G, 8 A, 10 P, 14 PIM

•Kari Lehtonen, G, Atlanta Thrashers
Even though Lehtonen has only played in 4 NHL games, they’ve all been wins! He has basically been handed the starting job in Atlanta and should be solid after developing his skills in Chicago of the AHL. The addition of Mike Dunahm will also help Lehtonen to mature faster. If for some reason Sidney Crosby doesn’t win the Calder, expect this young man to do so.
2004-2005 Stats – Chicago (AHL) 57 GP, 38 W, 17 L, 2T, 5 SO, 2.27 GAA, .929 S%

•John-Michael Liles, D, Colorado Avalanche
Even though Rob Blake and Patrice Brisebois are also in Colorado, Liles should see plenty of playing time on the power play and is more than fantasy worthy. He had a terrific rookie season with the Avalanche that went under the radar because of how great Andrew Raycroft and Michael Ryder performed, so look for him to improve in 05-06. Expect him to become one of the better offensive defensemen in the game in years to come
2004-2005 Stats – Iserlohn (Ger) 17 GP, 5, G 6 A, 11 P, 24 PIM

•Alexander Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals
He may only be 19 years old, but Ovechkin is read to make an impact in the NHL. The question is whether or not he will be able to carry the offensive load from Day 1 this year on a Washington team that will struggle to score goals. Ovechkin will be on the top line, but can he handle the pressure. If his stats in Russia from 2005 are any indication, one has to believe that the answer is yes.
2004-2005 Stats – Dyn. Moscow (Rus) 37 GP, 13 G, 13 A, 26 P, 32 PIM

•Zach Parise, C, New Jersey Devils
Zach Parise, at the age of 21, is a former North Dakota star and son of former NHLer J.P. Parise. He has excellent playmaking and scoring abilities and was considered to be a steal by the Devils at the 17th pick in the 2003 Draft. Because of the depth at center, Parise’s value goes down, but expect the young and talented Parise to put up at least 30 points this year.
2004-2005 Stats – Albany (AHL) 73 GP, 18 G, 40 A, 58 P, 56 PIM

•Alexander Semin, LW, Washington Capitals
Alexander Semin and Alexander Ovechkin could be a deadly duo for the next decade and beyond in Washington. Semin is under contract, but has not reported to the Caps yet, which is one area of concern. He preformed brilliantly last season and should make an impact once he returns, most likely playing on the second line.
2004-2005 Stats – Lada Togliatti (Rus) 50 GP, 19 G, 11 A, 30 P, 56 PIM

•Eric Staal, C, Carolina Hurricanes
Staal is Mr. Franchise in Carolina. Selected 2nd overall in the 2003 Draft, Staal has been nothing short or spectacular in his rookie NHL season and last season in the AHL. He has progressed faster than anyone would have thought, and he is still only 21! Staal has added 15 pounds of muscle and is now ready to play with the big boys.
2004-2005 Stats – Lowell (AHL) 77 GP, 26 G, 51 A, 77 P, 88 PIM

•Thomas Vanek, LW, Buffalo Sabres
Vanek has had an exceptional pre-season, posting up 5 goals and 3 assists in just 6 games as of October 1st. In Rochester last season, Vanek made a name for himself, posting up 42 goals in his rookie AHL season. “He’s probably the most all-around gifted player I’ve been around,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff told the Buffalo News. He’s a must have in keeper leagues and will provide solid points this season
2004-2005 Stats – Rochester (AHL) 74 GP, 42 G, 26 A, 68 P, 62 PIM

•David Vyborny, C/RW, Columbus Blue Jackets
David Vyborny is coming off an excellent 2003-04 season, in which he scored 22 goals and added 31 assists in 82 games. Playing with Nash on Columbus’s top line means that you are assured points, especially assists. He has amazing skills and, in his 5th year in the NHL, is primed for a breakout year. You can expect 60+ points.
2004-2005 Stats – Sparta Praha (Cze) 51 GP, 12 G, 34 A, 46 P, 10 PIM

•Mattias Weinhandl, RW/LW, New York Islanders
He just may be the ultimate sleeper. If you didn’t follow the Swedish Elite League last year, you’re in for a surprise. Why? Weinhandl was tied for first in goals with 26 and third in points with 46. He is a fantasy must-have and grab him in the middle-to-late rounds. At the age of 25, he very well may end up on the Islander’s top line with Yashin and Satan.
2004-2005 Stats – MoDo Hockey (Swe) 50 GP, 26 G, 20 A, 46 P, 18 PIM

•Nikolai Zherdev, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets
In just over 50 games in his rookie season, Zherdev managed to post 34 points, and there is only room for him to improve. Likely playing aside Todd Marchant in Columbus, Zherdev should have even more success than he did his rookie season. He is a must have in keeper leagues, since there won’t be much time before he finally moves up to the top line with Rick Nash.
2004 – 2005 Stats – CSKA Moscow (Rus) 51 GP, 19 G, 21 A, 40 P, 62 PIM

Questions or comments for Steve? Post them in the Cafe Forums!

Youngsters On The RiseWhich young guns will step up to the next level in 2005-2006?

Related Cafe Articles

Youngsters On The Rise
Which young guns will step up to the next level in 2005-2006?