Fantasy Hockey: Defensemen

At this point in the season, it has become apparent that this season entails the emergence of a new generation of fantasy-elite blue liners. Many youngsters are taking over as franchise defensemen for NHL teams and several of them are helpful in fantasy, such as P.K. Subban, Erik Karlsson, John Carlson, and a few others. For those of you lucky enough to draft Dustin Byfuglien hoping to get solid points and PIM have been rewarded countless times over with a point-per-game pace as well as 28 PIM, 10 PPP and 76 shots. He has been the best defenseman in fantasy so far and continues at a torrid pace, with RW eligibility to boot. Here's who caught my eye this week:

Kevin Shattenkirk, COL

With the burst of offense from the Avalanche lately, Shattenkirk has found himself on the top PP unit and has posted 2 goals, 2 assists and 3 PPP in the last 7 days. He's a talented player but he won't keep it up, however it might be worth riding out the hot streak if you need some defensive depth in deeper leagues.

Theo Peckham, EDM

Although not an offensive threat, he has posted a decent 2 points in the last 14 days but his 43 PIM in that span is unparalleled. He's purely a 1-stat threat but if you need some PIMs without killing your +/- then try him out.

Cam Fowler, ANH

Only owned in 5% of leagues, this future star has 5 assists in the last 14 days, 2 of them coming on the powerplay. He isn't worth owning yet but if Visnovsky goes down to injury, Fowler jumps up onto the first PP unit with the likes of Getzlaf, Perry, Selanne, and Ryan. Keep an eye on the situation in Anaheim.

Buy Low

Shea Weber, NSH

It's rare that someone so talented struggles so much, but he has a measley 7 points to go with a -7 and he's actually being dropped in a lot of leagues. If he's dropped: pick him up! Make an offer to his frustrated owner who'll likely give him to you for cheap. In his last 2 seasons he's averaged 48 points and will pick it up, especially if Ryan Suter can stay healthy.

Sell High

Steve Montador, BUF

He's benefitted from playing alongside Jordan Leopold, but his offensive kick will die down as he has never surpassed 23 points before. He remains a good option for PIM but his +14 will likely fall as well because he's surpassed a +4 only once in his career. He should be a consistent 3 or 4 d-man but nothing like the pace he's put up so far.

Email of the Week

I was offered:

Gaborik, Kesler, Callahan, and Howard for my

Getzlaf, Kovalchuk, Tavares, and Gustavsson

Originally I thought no way but I need goaltending. What do you think?

Keeper League

The keeper league component makes this trade offer a "must reject." If it was a 1 year deal and you really needed a a goalie it's a possibility, but Getzlaf and Kovalchuk are elite and Tavares may be on their level in a year or two. Gaborik is great but he's an injury risk and Kesler and Callahan are average fantasy players. Howard is enticing but it's not worth the offense that you're giving up. I'd try to maneuver this a little bit and try to keep Getzlaf and Kovy out of the deal.

Until next week. Appreciate the comments and keep the emails coming!