October N.H.L Fantasy Hockey Draft 2007

by: Ace's Pick$

When preparing for your fantasy hockey draft, it's always beneficial to know the players that will provide better value than the round in which they are selected.

These players may provide better value for a number of reasons, be it good health, better linemates or just an increase in opportunities.

Numbers Game looks at some of the top sleeper picks heading into this NHL season.

Tim Connolly, C, Buffalo - A concussion limited him to just two regular season games last year and he didn't score any goals in 16 playoff games, but Connolly is immensely talented with the puck and could fill the offensive void created by the departures of Daniel Briere and Chris Drury. He just has to stay healthy.

Brad Boyes, RW, St. Louis - Endured a sophomore slump in Boston (including a 25-game stretch when he scored just one goal) that led to his being traded to St. Louis. If Boyes finds himself on the wing with Paul Kariya, that's a good way to get back on track.

Todd Bertuzzi, LW, Anaheim - Had just 11 points in 15 games last year due to a back injury. The Ducks, however, are providing a strong supporting cast (he could end up on a power forward line with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry) and even if Bertuzzi's offence isn't all the way back to what it was in his Vancouver days, his penalty minute totals help make him a worthwhile sleeper pick in fantasy.

Viktor Kozlov, C/RW, Washington - Has underachieved for his entire career, not living up to his draft status (6th overall in 1993). On the other hand, Kozlov did manage 51 points with the Islanders last year, playing on a team without any game-breaking offensive stars and there has been talk about Kozlov skating with Alexander Ovechkin in Washington. That potential alone makes him worthy of late-round interest.

Todd White, C, Atlanta - Similarly, White could play with Ilya Kovalchuk or Marian Hossa in Atlanta, which would figure to set him up for a career season. He scored 60 points in 2002-2003 with Ottawa and could push that total again now that he's out of Minnesota (where he put up a respectable 84 points in 135 games in two seasons).

Steve Bernier, RW, San Jose - Tremendously talented big man who was sent down to the minors last year, then suffered a broken foot while he was down there, effectively ruining his season. If he keeps up his intensity, he'll be a big asset alongside Patrick Marleau on the Sharks' second line. Was a breakthrough pick last year that didn't quite live up to expectations.

Marc-Andre Bergeron, D, New York Islanders - Oilers fans couldn't get rid of Bergeron fast enough last year, then he put up 21 points in 25 games with the Islanders after the trade. It's unreasonable to expect that kind of production over an entire season, and he's an equal opportunity defender so his plus-minus could pose a problem, but Bergeron should be a productive power play quarterback.

Michel Ouellet, RW, Tampa Bay - He was pretty much an afterthought in Pittsburgh, yet still managed 48 points in 73 games. If he's skating with Brad Richards in Tampa, he could have a big year.

Petr Sykora, C/RW, Pittsburgh - Just in the hope that he ends up on Crosby's wing. It's as good a reason as any to take a sleeper, and it makes every Penguins forward just a little more valuable. Sykora is a proven veteran scorer with a big shot, which makes him worth a look.

Eric Belanger, C, Minnnesota - Two-way centre bounced around last season, playing with three teams, but could find a better offensive opportunity in Minnesota. Not that the Wild play a wide-open game, but Belanger will get to compete for ice time on a scoring line.

Alexei Zhitnik, D, Atlanta - Thrust into an offensive role once he arrived in Atlanta last year, Zhitnik ended the season with 38 points, his most since 1997-1998 and should continue as the Thrashers' power play quarterback again this season.

Ryane Clowe, LW, San Jose - Blue-collar winger showed a surprising touch around the net when put into a scoring role last season. While the 24 year-old doesn't figure to open the season with a scoring unit, last year's performance showed that he could offer more than just hits and fights.

Colby Armstrong, RW, Pittsburgh - A high-energy player who went through a terrible scoring drought last year, Armstrong is slated to start the season on the third line, but he has enough skill and grit to be a fine addition to a scoring line.

Ryan Malone, LW, Pittsburgh - Power forward who has yet to put it all together, but the possibility that Malone could find himself playing with either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin at some point is reason enough to keep an eye on him.

Trent Hunter, RW, New York Islanders - Hard-driving winger who has some soft hands to complement his hitting game, but has back-to-back 35 points season after scoring 51 points in 2003-2004. With the Isles in need of some reliable scoring, Hunter could get a chance to play a more offensive role.

Tuomo Ruutu, LW, Chicago - Physical and talented player who has yet to reach his potential in the NHL, but Ruutu is likely to start the season with rookies Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane and the upgrade in skill for his linemates will help Ruutu start to realize his offensive upside.

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