If you’re like me, a big event like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Festivus, birthdays, NHL opening weekend or any large get together will leave a plethora of leftovers in the fridge. Sure my waistline would appreciate it more if I didn’t raid the cornucopia of deliciousness at all hours of the day and night, but who can resist?
The same can be said of the fantasy hockey talent pool. You will invariably be disappointed with someone on your roster that may have gotten off to a slow start. Relax Champ, there have only been two games played.
Henrik Lundqvist isn’t going to carry that bulbous 4.75 GAA and .876 save percentage all year. Jonathan Quick isn’t giving up five goals a game and Sidney Crosby isn’t going to score 24 points all season ( one assist in two games played).
Players that haven’t solidified a roster spot, fringe players if you will, could be in danger of getting tossed back into the free agent pool though. That eighth round draft pick on Johnny Boychuk might look a little foolish when 40-year old Jaromir Jagr is only owned in 53% of all Yahoo leagues.
Will the ageless Czech sniper turn Dallas into the Double J Ranch or is his opening night scoring spree just a mirage? If you have some room on your roster, Jagr is a smart pick up early in the season. Last year Jagr started out with a bang before fading later in the season. At his age, there is an inevitable groin pull in his future. Snag him now while he’s free (and healthy).
In addition to Jagr, here are my top ten free agents that could be available in your league. These are guys that are typically available at a 65% or less ownership level (based on Yahoo leagues).
10. Alex Kovalev, RW-Florida(0% owned)-Same rules apply as Jagr. Get him while he is healthy and motivated. He has a knack for disappointing fantasy owners.
9. Dave Bolland, C-Chicago(5%)-Bolland will get you face-offs, shorthanded goals and hits. With Chicago’s early goal-scoring blitz, Bolland has already scored twice.
8. Josh Harding, G-Columbus(35%)-Harding pitched a shutout in his 2013 debut and always gets some action with oft-injured Nik Backstrom in Minnesota
7. Chris Stewart, RW-St. Louis(45%)-Contract year could be a bounce back year for the rugged St, Louis winger.
6. Ben Scrivens, G-Toronto(3%)-Surprise starter in Toronto has been told that the hot hand gets the start for the Maple Leafs. Low risk, high reward.
5. Derek Roy, C-Dallas(23%)-Roy is a faceoff machine. Once the chemistry between Jagr and Eriksson is there, Roy’s numbers could explode.
4. Cody Hodgson, C,RW-Buffalo(24%)-Buffalo’s top prospect is on their top line with Vanek and Pomminville. Could be a real nice sleeper.
3. Sergei Bobrovsky, G-Columbus(34%)-Columbus has an underrated defense and the Russian “Bobcat” will be getting the bulk of the action for the Blue Jackets.
2. Jose Theodore, G-Florida(41%)-Hard to believe that he still gets no respect after an amazing season last year.
1. Jaromir Jagr, RW-Dallas(53%)-As I mentioned above, get Jagr early and ride him til he gets hurt, or trade him while his value is high.