There is still plenty of time between now and the beginning of your fantasy hockey season, but take note of these ten players to avoid in your draft.
RW Johan Franzen - Detroit Red Wings
Franzen missed a decent chunk of games in 2013-14 due to injuries, but was still able to amass 41 points in 54 contests. Taking him for your fantasy team, however, can and will cause quite a bit of frustration. Franzen puts up decent numbers, but he is a very streaky player who is prone to having breakout weeks and letting them turn into month-long slumps.
RW Jarome Iginla - Free Agent
It seems like the guy just doesn't age, as the veteran had a spectacular season in 2013-14. Next year, however, it is unclear if he will be back in Boston or whether he will be playing elsewhere. Iginla will likely play for a contender and finally try to get his name on that elusive Stanley Cup, but no team puts up as lofty plus-minus numbers as Boston. Even if he does return to Beantown, he probably will not be a 30-goal, 30-assist man this year.
D Erik Karlsson - Ottawa Senators
Karlsson is probably the league's best offensive defensemen, making him a valuable asset in fantasy hockey. He is a major liability, however, when it comes to the plus-minus category. Expect his numbers to drop off a little this season if captain Jason Spezza is dealt as rumored.
G Roberto Luongo - Florida Panthers
If you need a goalie, we suggest that you draft one before Luongo is the best option left. He has been a solid goaltender over the course of his career (especially in the regular season), but he is getting up there in age and will be behind a young and inexperienced group of defensemen in Florida this season. Expect his numbers to dip.
C Nathan MacKinnon - Colorado Avalanche
The likely recipient of the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year had one of the best rookie seasons ever, but he may get hit by the dreaded sophomore slump. Also, MacKinnon's Avalanche may have overachieved this past season, finishing with a better record than both the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues. This year, expect them to take a slight step back which could affect MacKinnon's numbers.
RW T.J. Oshie - St. Louis Blues
American-born T.J. Oshie became a household name during the 2014 Sochi Olympics due to his heroics in a shootout against Russia. This will lead to many people drafting him earlier than he should be in fantasy hockey. Do not be one of those people.
LW Daniel Sedin - Vancouver Canucks
Daniel is normally known to be a high goal-scorer thanks to his chemistry with his twin brother, Henrik. This season, however, saw their numbers decrease significantly and the Canucks struggle because of it. The news does not get any better, as Ryan Kesler will likely be playing elsewhere in 2014-15 and Vancouver should not be expected to be a contending team.
C Henrik Sedin - Vancouver Canucks
The other half of arguably hockey's most famous duo is Henrik, who is normally near the top of the NHL in the assist column. Like his brother, 2013-14 was a different story and he struggled to put up as many points as usual. Do not expect a major improvement next season.
C Eric Staal - Carolina Hurricanes
Staal is one of the most talented players in hockey, but he had a slightly below-average year in 2013-14 by his standards. He scored 21 goals and added 40 assists, but he was a minus-13. Do not expect his numbers to be much better this year as the Canes are in somewhat of a rebuilding process and will likely send off star goaltender Cam Ward.
LW Thomas Vanek - Free Agent
After a very good regular season while playing for three different teams, Vanek had an extremely disappointing postseason with the Montreal Canadiens. It is unclear where he will sign next season, but he, like Franzen, can be a very inconsistent and streaky player, which is not always a good thing in fantasy hockey.