Fortified By Youth

The NHL has become a young man’s game. The looming effect of a potential salary cap decrease has caused a paradigm shift, where players on entry level contracts are significantly more valuable than their veteran, and generally higher paid counter-parts.

With the passing of each season the NHL rank and file is injected with a continual stream of talented youth, pushing higher paid veteran players to the NHL fringe. In the 2008-09 season, 8 of the first 10 picks from the 2008 entry draft combined for a total of 439 NHL man games. The 2009 draft crop is seemingly just as promising, with a host of kids on the verge of locking up NHL jobs at the ripe age of 18 or 19.

For fantasy hockey enthusiasts, identifying the next generation of players is not just for keeper league owners anymore. Staying at the top of the heap in your pool will require an in-depth knowledge of the young up-and-comers, as well the ability to not only project their future potential, but their immediate impact on their respective NHL teams.

Follow us as we outline some of the top young freshmen and sophomore talent to grace the NHL, and hopefully your fantasy lineups.

• John Tavares

• Position: C
• Shoots: Left
• 6’0 195lbs
• DOB: Sept 20, 1990

I realize that you would have to be living under one heck of a boulder to not know who John Tavares is, but please excuse the overstatement. Johnny T has had Islander fans salivating since locking up the #1 overall pick for the 2009 entry draft. While Islander GM Garth Snow would not tip his hand heading into the draft, Tavares was the consensus fan favourite.

A pure sniper, with underrated play making ability, Tavares is a game breaker, plain and simple. Expect him to be the cornerstone of an improved Islander power play featuring Mark Streit. Our odds on favourite to win the Calder trophy, even on the sad-sack Islanders.

Projection: 27G -- 25A -- 50PIM

• Victor Hedman

• Position: D
• Shoots: Left
• 6’6 220lbs
• DOB: Dec 18, 1990

Comparisons to Chris Pronger are often bandied about when discussing Victor Hedman The MODO import has already honed his craft playing against men in the Swedish Elite League, and is arguably the most NHL ready prospect of the ’09 draft class.

A giant defender with tremendous mobility for his size; uses his body effectively but is not overtly physical; owns a cannon for a shot and is a deft powerplay quarterback; adept defensively, especially given his age; contains opponents with his immense wingspan, mobility and anticipation.

The Lightning went out of their way to ensure a smooth transition into the NHL for Hedman, acquiring fellow countryman Mattias Ohlund. The veteran defender will likely serve as a Hedman’s partner and a mentor. The big Swede will get every opportunity to succeed in Tampa, who need everything he can give them. Look for Hedman to QB the top powerplay unit, which features the likes of Lecavalier, Tanguay, and St. Louis.

Projection: 9G -- 22A -- 42PIMs

• Peter Regin

• Position: C
• Shoots: Left
• 6’2 198lbs
• DOB: Apr 16, 1986

Peter Regin has flown under the radar as far as prospects are concerned. The 23 year old Dane was drafted 87th overall (3rd round) by the Senators in 2004, and has toiled in the SEL with Timra. Regin has done nothing but impress since crossing the pond.

A highly skilled center who makes things happen when he’s on the on the ice; excellent skater with great composure; has a high hockey IQ to go along with his natural physical abilities, which enables him to play in a checking or offensive role.

Regin has enjoyed an outstanding training camp and Ottawa GM Bryan Murray has penciled him in as the second line pivot between Alexei Kovalev and Mike Fisher.

Projection: 16G -- 38A -- 26PIMs

• Michael Frolik

• Position: LW
• Shoots: Left
• 6’1 194lbs
• DOB: Sept 20, 1990

Frolik burst on to the scene in 2008 as a 20 year for the Panthers, eventually forcing his way into their top 6 with his tenacious play, and top-shelf skill set. In 79 regular season games, Frolik managed an impressive 21 goals and 25 assists on a less than impressive team.

The talented Czech is good skater with effective top end, but lacks elite acceleration; gifted stick-handler, boasting slick moves and exemplary patience with the puck; not a pure sniper, but owns a great nose for the net; excels at finding open seams and capitalizing on his opportunities; a versatile forward who can effectively play all forward positions.

Frolik has overcome his consistency issues of years past and now displays a high end work ethic. Panther Coach Peter DeBoer loves this player and what he brings to the table. He will be fully entrenched in the Panther’s top 6 and we expect a big bump in production in 09/10.

Prediction: 31G -- 38A -- 42PIMs

• Viktor Stalberg

• Position: LW
• Shoots: Left
• 6’3 210lbs
• DOB: Jan 17, 1986

University of Vermont alumni, Viktor “The Swedish Rocket” Stalberg, is quickly turning heads in his first pro training camp. Stalberg finished off his college career as a Hobey Baker finalist, registering 24 goals and 22 assists for the Catamounts.

Owner of devestaing skating ability, Stalberg can simply fly; explodes into top speed in a matter of steps; wreaks havoc on the forecheck, causing turnovers as a result of his incredible quickness and long reach; exploits his ample frame along the boards, effectively controlling the puck along the wall; more scorer than play-maker, Stalberg uses his size and speed to drive towards the net; not afraid to go to the dirty zones to score goals; good wrist shot with quick and elusive release.

Stalberg’s intriguing mix of speed and size should land the freshman winger a permanent spot on the Leafs’ third line to start the year – after that, who knows.

Prediction: 16G -- 21A -- 48PIMs

• Zach Bogosian

• Position: D
• Shoots: Right
• 6’2 197lbs
• DOB: Jul 15, 1990

As one of the youngest player in the NHL, the 3rd overall pick from the 2008 entry draft made a seamless transition into the NHL last season. Bogosian unfortunately sustained a fractured fibula causing him to miss almost half the season, yet still managed to post a phenomenal 9 goals, 19 points, and a +11 rating on a grim Atlanta squad .

A dynamic defenseman that can beat you with skill, smarts or brawn; aggressive player who refuses to back down from any physical challenge; a highly cerebral player with excellent on-ice vision; already a proficient power play QB with a heavy accurate shot.

Bogosian will be the benefactor of revamped and motivated Thrasher squad. The 19 year old is the real deal and a must start in your fantasy lineup.

Projection: 20G -- 35A -- 120PIMs

• Drew Doughty

• Position: D
• Shoots: Right
• 6’1 219lbs
• DOB: Dec 8, 1989

Doughty enjoyed a whirlwind year in 2008; selected 2nd overall by the Kings in the ’08 draft, Doughty quickly earned a job with the big club and became an integral part of the Kings defense corps as an 18 year old. The young rearguard took his game to the international stage with an impressive showing at the World Championships for Canada during the off-season .

Elite offensive defenseman with a dizzying array of weapons; a fluid skater with a great change of pace and a high top end; effortlessly hauls the puck up the ice utilizing incredible vision to generate plays; displays poise beyond his years while manning the point on the powerplay; boasts a canon shot with pin-point accuracy from the point; exhibits exceptional escapability against the forecheck, quickly turning the puck back up the ice in transition.

Much like Bogosian, Doughty’s age is irrelevant; he’s a top end talent who will take the next step this year on a bolstered King’s team.

Projection: 14G -- 38A -- 60PIMs

• Erik Karlsson

• Position: D
• Shoots: Right
• 5’11 170lbs
• DOB: May 31, 1990

The 15th overall pick from the 2008 entry draft experienced a massive ascension up the rankings before being selected by the Senators.

Beautifully mobile defender, accentuated by smooth skating stride; tremendous poise with the puck; owns a huge shot which he has a tendency to overuse; needs to learn that you cannot shoot the puck through opposition shin pads; despite smallish frame is an adequate defender due to his speed and active stick, but as with all young defenders needs to continually improve in this area.

The Senators have never had a defenseman with the dynamic offensive ability Karlsson possesses. He is all but guaranteed a spot on the roster. He should receive a plethora of opportunities, especially on the PP. Overall an exciting and promising player, worthy of being in your lineup.

Projection: 11G -- 33A -- 28PIMs

• James Neal

• Position: LW
• Shoots: Left
• 6’2 210lbs
• DOB: Sept 3, 1987

Neal enjoyed a terrific rookie season scoring 24 goals in 77 games with Dallas, bringing with him some extra punch to the the Star’s roster.

Lunch bucket player, with high end skill set; loves to bang and crash, generating opportunities from the resulting chaos; a pitbull on the ice, with never-say-die work ethic; fearlessly drives the net; displays sniper like shooting abilities, and a soft set of hands.

Neal looks to build upon last year, and might find himself on a pseudo first line consisting of fellow young gun Loui Eriksson and Brad Richards. If that trio sticks they could really make some noise, from a fantasy perspective.
Projection: 32G -- 42A -- 80PIMs

• Artem Anisimov

• Position: C
• Shoots: Left
• 6’3 187lbs
• DOB: May 24, 1988

The departure of Scott Gomez has opened up another spot down the middle and the talented pivot is looking to fill it. Anisimov had a fantastic sophomore campaign in the AHL, posting 37 goals and 81 points in 80 games for the Wolfpack. The power center now looks ready to take the leap to the big show.

Big bodied center with good speed and agility for his size; an excellent player-maker with soft hands and superb vision; plays on both sides of the puck and works hard at the defensive side of the game; owns a hard wrist shot with quick release.

The Rangers love Anisimov’s game and he’s a lock to make the team in 2009. He may not have a permanent spot in the top 6 but will likely see spot duty as the coach inevitably changes up lines, or injuries occur.

Projection: 13G -- 25A -- 42PIMs