Nicklas Backstrom Still Worth a First Round Pick?
Nicklas Backstrom is definitely one of the more talented players in hockey. Two seasons ago, the Galve, Sweden native potted 33 goals and 101 points under a defense-free, run-and-gun system. He mainly pivoted Alex Ovechkin, and at times, also Alexander Semin. He looked like an unstoppable fantasy hockey commodity, worthy of a first round pick.
However, with a demotion to the second line, or “second first line” as coach Bruce Boudreau affectionately referred to it, Backstrom may not be close to worth a first round pick. While he is practicing alongside Alexander Semin and not Ovechkin (downgrade), Boudreau convinced the Washington media that he intends on rolling out two strong lines. From Capitals Insider:
“I don’t like the words ‘putting him down’ [on the second line], Boudreau said. “Nick is a No. 1 center. We’re trying to make two really good forward lines instead of loading up on one line. We’re trying to find those top six guys.”
While at DailyFaceoff.com we love when teams share the love, we remain skeptical on this current switch for a few reasons. And yes, Backstrom is a ‘No.1 center’, so play him there Boods!
Last season, Backstrom produced his lowest assists and points totals of his entire career. Don’t get me wrong 47 assists are nice but when you see a player like Alex Tanguay in the same range, well, the price paid was way too high. In fact, a guaranteed first liner like Mikko Koivu is bound to post similar totals and can be had about 10 rounds later.
We understand Boudreau plans to tweak his system for a third consecutive season to become a hybrid of his way-too-offensive system and overly cautious deployment of last season. Again, perhaps overly skeptical, I would prefer to see this newfangled system in place before investing in ti. If it is anything like last season, then count me among the few who run away from taking Backstrom in the first round. Evgeni Malkin and Pavel Datysuk sound much more reliable of picks, even if they are somewhat of a reach in standard mixed leagues.
Backstrom is certainly talented. As a former fourth overall pick, Why would anyone question this? What I do have to question is how much playing time he will get next to Ovechkin. If Marcus Johansson is the puck distributer to The Great 8 then the price tag is really not worth it. In fact, I’ve taken the liberty of adding the latter, second-generation Cap in most of my leagues as a wildcard. Those of you brave souls who took Backstrom before training camp: make sure you grab Johansson as a handcuff; your season could depend on it.
Take Backstrom at your own risk, fantasy owners. You only get one chance to score with that crucial first rounder.