2013-14: Top 10 Sleepers – Overview
In our position preview articles we outlined our favourite players with sleeper potential in 2013-14. Now we have narrowed that list down to a TEN and ordered them by their probability of success this season. Their listed positions are the positions they are eligible for in YAHOO! Fantasy Leagues.
1) David Perron (EDM) – LW- Probability of Success (A): In the offseason the St. Louis Blues sent Perron to the Edmonton Oilers for Magnus Paajarvi and a 2014 second round pick. Perron has yet to develop into the offensive force the Blues thought they were getting with the 28th overall pick in 2007. He is a great individual talent but only managed 10 goals and 15 assists (25 points) in 48 games last season. Perron joins a youthful Oilers team and brings even more talent to the table. In St. Louis he found himself buried on the depth chart, where in Edmonton he will be in a top-6 role with a lot of skill surrounding him. Perron should be able to set a career high in his first year with the Oilers.
2013-14 Projection: 25 goals, 35 assists = 60 points.
2) Alex Galchenyuk (MTL) – C/LW – Probability of Success (A-): In the last month of the shortened season, Galchenyuk had 12 points in the final 14 games of the season. He will start the season on Montreal’s third-line with Lars Eller and Brendan Gallagher. As the third overall pick in last year’s draft it is clear that the Habs are expecting big things from him. Galchenyuk is one of the best young playmakers in the game and could move his way up into the Habs top-6.
2013-14 Projection: 17 goals, 40 assists = 57 points.
3) Mark Streit (PHI) – D – Probability of Success (A-): The Flyers signed Streit to a four-year, $21 million US deal this offseason after acquiring his right from the Islanders. Streit is a 35-year-old veteran with a booming slapper that bolsters the Flyers D-corp. As an Islander he did not get as much love as he deserved, but he is a near lock for 40 points, with the potential to score 10 goals and 40 assists.
2013-14 Projection: 10 goals, 37 assists = 47 points.
4) Mikkel Boedker (PHX) – LW – Probability of Success (B+): The eighth overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft has been a bust to this point in his career. However when the Coyotes brought in Mike Ribeiro this offseason things started looking up for Boedker. It seems like he has been around forever, but the truth is he is just 23-years-old. The speedy winger will likely see a lot of time alongside the crafty center on the ‘Yotes top-line. Boedker scored seven times and added 19 assists (26 points) in 48 games last season. The 0.542 points-per-game is the highest of his career. He will look to build off of that with Ribeiro in the middle. A jump up to 50-plus points could be in the cards for the young Dane.
2013-14 Projection: 19 goals, 33 assists = 52 points.
5) Adam Henrique (NJ) – C – Probability of Success (B): After a 51 point season in 2011-12, Henrique enters this season under appreciated after a rough lockout shortened season. He was only able to muster 16 points in 42 games, but should be able to bounce back this year. He will likely find himself with some new wingers this year. Henrique will probably land on the second line alongside veteran Jaromir Jagr and the newest Devil Damien Brunner. Henrique signed a six-year deal this offseason which shows the confidence the Devils have in him. After last year he will certainly slip on draft day, so why not take a chance on Henrique.
2013-14 Projection: 25 goals, 25 assists = 50 points.
6) Colin Wilson (NSH) – LW – Probability of Success (B-): Wilson got off to a great start last year. He scored seven goals and adding 12 assists (19 points) in 25 games before being sidelined with a shoulder injury. He underwent successful stabilization surgery on both shoulders in the offseason and was ready for the start of training camp. He will be a part of the top-6 in Nashville this season. Hopefully for the Predators, Wilson can stay healthy this season.
2013-14 Projection: 22 goals, 30 assists = 52 points.
7) Tyson Barrie (COL) – D – Probability of Success (B-): Barrie is an undersized defenseman with a lot of upside. He is a smooth skater with great vision and superb passing. The Avalanche appear to be a team on the rise and a good season from Barrie will help an average blueline. His plus/minus will not be off the charts but he should see 20-plus minutes every night and end up in the mid-30′s in points by season’s end.
2013-14 Projection: 6 goals, 30 assists = 36 points.
8) Jakob Silfverberg (ANA) – LW/RW – Probability of Success (C+): Silfverberg was dealt to Anaheim as a part of the Bobby Ryan trade. He is a well-rounded, two-way player who will eventually be a top-6 forward in the NHL. After posting 10 goals and nine assists (19 points) in 48 games last season, Silfverberg will look to take a step forward this season on a line with Teemu Selanne and Nick Bonino. He should be able to crack 40 points this season.
2013-14 Projection: 21 goals, 21 assists = 42 points.
9) Gustav Nyquist (DET) – C – Probability of Success (C): At the time of his call-up Nyquist was the AHL leader in points with 60 in 58 games. Once at the NHL level, he scored only three times and had three assists in 22 games. However it was in the playoffs when he showcased his exceptional speed and skill. He had five points in 14 games in the post-season but at times Joakim Andersson and Brunner and Nyquist looked like the Red Wings best line. Detroit has a plethora of forwards on their roster and are up against the cap which could land Nyquist in the minor. However, should he stay with the big club, expect a breakout year.
2013-14 Projection: 14 goals, 22 assists = 36 points
10) Cam Atkinson (CBJ) – RW – Probability of Success (C-): Atkinson could end up on the Blue Jackets top-line with Marian Gaborik. If he ends up with Gabo, then his value will definitely rise. Atkinson entered last season as a potential sleeper before an early season injury derailed that possibility. Entering 2013-14 he is healthy and ready for a big year. He is under-sized but makes up for it with his great speed and hard wrister. His fantasy value hinges on where he lands on the Blue Jackets depth-chart.
Editors Note: If you have any questions about players that you think have sleeper potential that were not featured on this list, PLEASE comment below or Tweet us @DailyFaceoff