Go For Value, Not For Big Bucks

By now, you may have noticed a disturbing trend that happens to NHL teams each summer. The team that appears to land the biggest fish in the NHL free agent waters turns out to be the biggest loser, if you look back several years (or even a year later). Remember when the Rangers were the lucky winner of the Brad Richards sweepstakes? Is there anyone in Leafland that actually thinks the David Clarkson signing was good for the team? I won't even get into how the Ilya Kovalchuk contract has impaired the Devils' ability to compete for years to come, plus countless other examples of teams handcuffed by massive, long-term deals.

Now apply that same level of thinking to your salary cap team. Sure, you might have landed Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin. But you probably paid full price. Remember that even these elite players are not bulletproof or fallible (remember Crosby's concussion issues and Ovechkin's -35 last season). That is why I believe that spending the big bucks and landing the projected top player will not lead you to a championship. Rather, it's all about ensuring roster balance. It's all about finding the players who will produce at a superior level for a mid-level (or better yet, lower) price. Just like shopping in the real world, savvy shoppers find the bargains by stretching their dollar. The high rollers go bankrupt if they don't have the bank account to back it up. Mikko Koivu, Patrick Marleau, Radim Vrbata, James Wisniewski, and Kari Lehtonen are not considered the NHL's best players at their positions, but I was able to add each of them to my team for a lot less than what I thought it would cost.

As I alluded to in earlier posts, I was able to use this strategy to help me win an auction-style fantasy hockey league this season. Unfortunately, I fell victim to being the big spender at a fantasy baseball draft this season. (Actually, I was unable to show up for the auction draft because of a previous commitment. The person who was to draft in my place also had something more important come up at the last minute. That leads to another tip: Make sure you show up to your auction draft.) The computer autopick was able to draft Miguel Cabrera and Robinson Cano at full price, but my roster was left with major holes, particularly with my pitching staff and my outfielders. After spending the first month of the season in the basement, I have been able to climb up to 6th out of 12 teams thanks to some significant waiver-wire auction bidding. I love having Cabrera and Cano, but I really could have used the depth instead. 

I hope you've enjoyed reading my fantasy hockey tips, which I provide from experience in competing in some serious fantasy hockey leagues. Just think: we're less than three months away from NHL season puck drop, so don't forget to spend a little time planning the direction of your keeper team in between trips to the beach.