My squad - I don't know what to think

[mbr311]

Let me say first and foremost that I haven't had time to compare these picks to our draft kit. I used it heavily in tonight's live draft, but haven't crunched the data. I have no idea about this team though.

Also before I go into my roster...argh this pissed me off so bad. I kept 2 goalies so I wasn't overly worried about grabbing one early. However, there was a major glitch in ESPNs software. At least 6 of the 12 owners could not see ANY goalies and subsequent data. It wasn't until the 6th round (we keep 4 so that's deceptive) that someone suggested to leave the draft and then re-enter. Problem was they said it during the pick right before me. I quickly pre-selected a player (In case I couldn't get back in time). So I jump back in with about 10 seconds left, jump to goalies and Luongo is sitting there. I picked him as my 3rd goalie...too late. Next person took him. Bummer. But I got a very good 3rd one next round

So here we go. Feedback would be greatly appreciated. Scoring format is in my sig. We draft 28 players. We start 11 forwards, 6 defenders, 2 utility players and 2 goalies a night (if possible). I'll list my projected starters then my bench.

F - Malkin
F - Toews
F - St. Louis
F - Callahan (woo-hoo!!!)
F - Mike Richards
F - Elias
F - Andy "Glassman" McDonald
F - Michalek
F - Marchand
F - Plekanec
F - Zajac
D - Suter
D - Edler
D - Kronwell
D - Shattenkirk
D - Ryan Whitney (I'm a sucker for him every year lol)
D - Leddy
U - Hagelin
U - Boedker
G - Lundy
G - Rask
G - Niemi
G - Vokoun
BE (D) - Eric Johnson, Josi, Gilbert
BE (F) - Grabner, Boedker, Craig Smith

Not the flashiest highest scoring team, but I love my goalies and I have a pretty well rounded team (I hope) to win categories like hits, blocks, PIM. Thoughts? I always love the feedback!

[Norm]

Well, you get a pat on the back. Anytime you can field Lundy and Malkin you are in the driver's seat. I agree that you are pretty diverse and do well in blocks and hits. The only weak spot I see is St. Louis who doesn't contribute much in anything besides assists and is obviously coming off a down year. You might shop him for someone with less bling that is more well rounded, or you could hold on and see if he gets back to the scoring pace he had the last few years. Callahan should kill it in your format, provided he stays in the top 6 in NY. A little more grit out of your D would be the only thing I would really ask for. Shouldn't be hard to find on the wire. Without seeing the other teams, I would say you have every reason to believe that you should be very competitive this season.

[jal179]

Epic roster. Agree with the balance.

How many team league? Oops... k 10 team keeper. Curious who your keepers were as often they determine much in the league outcome.

[mbr311]

Thanks for the feedback - much better than I thought it would be but you guys are seeing what I'm seeing so that makes me much more comfortable.

St. Louis - you're right he does absolutely nothing but score. He won't add anything in any other category. There's a guy that is in love with St. Louis and has drafted him every year - I might try to flip him with a weak(ER) defender to get a hold of one of his top d-men.

It's funny right after the draft it starts...people trying to set up trades last night during the live draft lol. It's really too bad I need my top 3 goalies. A guy auto drafted and didn't get a goalie until round 24. He has Bob and Markstrom. His lineup is unreal so he'd do about anything to acquire a goalie. I could probably leverage Niemi for a top forward and d-man but then I lose my grip on goaltending. I think I might have come out with the overall best top 3 but we'll see.

We get to select 4 keepers a year. I think it's a bit much but it is what it is. I kept:
Malkin
Toews
Lundy
Rask

I let go of Pieterangelo and Callahan and I was beating myself up over it. Somehow I get the #1 pick. We start drafting in the 5th round at pick #41 (4 keepers x 10 teams). I grabbed Suter with my first pick and waited on Callahan. I was worried someone might actually catch on to him this year since be was the #5 overall skater under my format last year and was pre-ranked #1 by LWL. I got him in the 9th round. Wow

I'm really worried that I went too well rounded at the expense of raw talent - you both pointed out some weaknesses and I totally agree. I'm bery unhappy with Leddy as my #6 defender. I already have a finesse guy in Ryan Whitney. That was just dumb. I'm trying to get Schenn - somehow he got completely overlooked. In terms of beefing things up I'm going to take the advice on St. Louis I think. I drafted him pretty low, like 11th round or something. I did it because I'm thinking he had his down year and he's still on a line with Stamkos (& Malone I believe). But now I'm going to use him as bait if I can for an elite defender (if someone would even bite).

Thanks again! Keep your observations/thoughts coming!

[Rocketman9]

You have Lundy and Malkin on the same team, you sir, deserve a hero cookie. Great balanced team.