It is almost that time of year again, that is right, the fantasy hockey season is upon us. Leagues are starting to get revved up for the the beginning of the season. You may or may not already be getting organized as to who you want to draft, either way, lets chat CBJ players who you may want to give some thought to drafting!
March 10, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) during the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at the Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
I am not the naive kinda guy that is going to tell you to pick a CBJ player first just because they are my team, even though there are two guys who I can think of that could go in the first round of a draft, depending on the circumstances. Nonetheless, I think there are quite a few guys that could be good pick ups and even sleepers that could take your team to the next level.
Looking at the Blue Jackets roster, the two players that I just mentioned that could possibly go in the first round, Marian Gaborik and Sergei Bobrovsky. Not sure what your strategy for fantasy hockey is, but most of the time I don’t choose a goalie in the first round, I may reconsider that this year though, since I had some major goalie issues last year. Considering that, Bobrovsky might actually be my first pick, as long as he is still available.
If you have faith that Gaborik will be returning to the ice next season as the superstar star of old, then again, he wouldn’t be a bad choice for a first round pick, or better yet, a steal in the second round.
Players that would help fill in the gaps on your team; Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Nick Foligno, and Jack Johnson.
Feb 2, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Artem Anisimov (42) skates with the puck during the third period against the Detroit Red Wings at Nationwide Arena. Columbus defeated Detroit 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
If Dubinsky and Anisimov can stay healthy, I think they will be regular point contributors, and could be a good depth center on your team.
Foligno could be a prominent winger for the Blue Jackets, and I think he will really start to find his game and should up his point total drastically next season.
I don’t like to hold more defenseman than needed on my fantasy team, but Johnson should be a defender to consider. He may not be the heart and soul of your fantasy team, but you could argue that he is just that for the Blue Jackets on and off the ice. If character and hard work could earn you points then he would be a shoe in.
I would throw a bunch of stats out there on these players but I know you already know them. Plus this upcoming season is a full 82 games, completely different pace than last years shortened season. Players should feel refreshed after the offseason and will be ready to hit the ice come October.
So there you have it, my quick fantasy hockey guide, Columbus Blue Jackets Edition. Did I leave anyone out? Share your thoughts and strategies going into this years fantasy hockey season!