Don’t you hate it when you’re searching through the free agent wire in your fantasy league, only to have slim pickings? I went through this earlier this week when I was trying to get my team to rise out of the cellar. I usually give the players I draft the first month of the season to prove their worth before I drop them unless they were injured. The fortunate thing is, I did not have any injuries. The bad news, is that I’m in last place. Some of it was due to my own negligence such as owning four fantasy football teams and worrying about those more. But now I have a little time on my hands and I can handle what’s on my fantasy plate. Here’s a list of the best players available in the free agent world, along with the percentage of Yahoo! Fantasy teams own that player.
Note: Players owned on 60% or fewer teams were considered.
Center:
Ryan Kesler, Vancouver (5-8-13, 53% Owned)
Kesler is one of the hottest players on his team. With 5 goals the first month of the season, he’s shown that he can find the net as he is tied for third in goals and is second in points on the Canucks. He’s also valuable on special teams as he as six power play points.
Honorable Mention:
Mike Fisher, Ottawa (5-6-11, +3, 3PPG, 2GWG, 22% Owned)
Brendan Morrison, Washington (4-6-10, +6, 6 PIM, 2 PPG, 15% Owned)
Wayne Simmonds
Right Wing:
David Clarkson, New Jersey (3-6-9, 40% Owned)
Clarkson started off hot, but midway through October he went through a five game goal-less drought. Clarkson ended that drought last week. Don’t be afraid to pick him up. I strongly believe he will warm up or get hot before he becomes ice cold. His 20 penalty minutes are worth using if you need someone to raise your team penalty minutes.
Honorable Mention:
Nathan Horton, Florida (3-7-10, 20 PIM, 55% Owned)
Wayne Simmonds, Los Angeles (4-4-8, +9, 9 PIM, 5% Owned)
Left Wing:
James van Riemsdyk, Philadelphia (2-11-13, +6, 3 PPA, 27% Owned)
While he may only have two goals this young season, #2 overall pick in the 2007 draft James van Riemsdyk has made an impact through the assist for the Flyers. You have to take notice of someone that has more points than games played, as the Flyers have played only 10 games. He leads the team in assists and is third in plus-minus. If you’re in need of assists because your defensemen aren’t coming through, I recommend his as only 1 in 4 teams own him. Unfortunately in my fantasy league, Chris picked him up Monday afternoon.
Honorable Mention:
Matt Moulson, New York Islanders (6-5-11, 6 PIM, 3 PPA, 45% Owned)
Jarkko Ruutu, Ottawa (4-3-7, 27 PIM, 6% Owned)
Defense:
Jason Demers, San Jose (0-10-10, +7, 4 PPA, 32% Owned)
Rookie Demers has been producing on the blue line for a solid Sharks team. While he haven’t scored a goal this season, his team-leading plus-minus rating is worth taking note of. Look for him to see increased playing time from coach Todd Mclellan.
Ryan Suter, Nashville (2-5-7 8 PIM, 2 PPA, 59% Owned)
I had several defensemen to consider picking. But Suter was the best out of a good bunch along with Demers. Suter is an experienced player who is in the top-five on his team in points and penalty minutes. He also has three power play points in 13 games this season.
Honorable Mention:
Jaroslav Spacek, Montreal (1-4-5, +6, 14 PIM, 49% Owned)
Roman Hamerlik, Montreal (4-2-6, +6, 12 PIM. 22% Owned)
Goalie:
Ondrej Pavelec, Atlanta (5 W, 2.75 GAA, .921 SV%, 42% Owned)
Just like everyone else before the season, I didn’t have much faith in the Thrashers. But they got off to a good start in the first month of the season, and that’s what they need. In goal, Pavelec has solidified his #1 spot over Johan Hedberg. He’s owned in 2 out of every 5 leagues, so chances are he’s available for you.
Honorable Mention:
Jaroslav Halak, Montreal (5 W, 2.85 GAA, .893 SV%, 39% Owned)
Dwayne Roloson, New York Islanders (4 W, 2.70 GAA, .914 SV%, 34% Owned)
