Fanball Fantasy Hockey News - Newsbreakers

Hansen sent down by Canucks

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:50:54 CST

The News
Jannik Hansen has been sent down to the AHL by the Canucks, according to the Vancouver Sun.

Our View
He has not been performing well as of late, and was sent down to the minors to sharpen his skills.

Leafs acquire May

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:09:16 CST

The News
Toronto has acquired Brad May from Anaheim in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2010 draft, according to the Associated Press.

Our View
May will be returning home as he was born in Toronto, but his fantasy stock does not look to improve.

Lidstrom headed to All-Star game

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:56:18 CST

The News
Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom was selected as one of the reserve defenseman for the Western Conference in the All-Star game, according to NHL.com. Joining him on the blue line will be Sheldon Souray, Dan Boyle and Shea Weber.

Our View
Lidstrom is 38 years old, but remains one of the best defenseman in the game, and one of the greatest in NHL history. He has five goals and 22 points on the year, with a +17 and 12 PIM.

Luongo an All-Star

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:54:11 CST

The News
Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo was named to the All-Star team for the Western Conference, according to NHL.com.

Our View
Luongo has numbers similar to that of Nikals Backstrom, who was selected with him. Luongo has just 11 wins, but carries a .928 save percentage, 2.17 GAA and five shutouts in 19 starts.

Kulemin sent down

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:51:28 CST

The News
Sun Media reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs have sent Nikolai Kulemin down to the AHL.

Our View
Kulemin is a rookie who had performed decently, with seven goals and seven assists, but he also had just eight PIM and was a -5, so fantasy owners should not be missing him.

Backstrom named an All-Star

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:49:46 CST

The News
Minnesota goalie Niklas Backstrom was named to the NHL's Western Conference All-Star team, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Our View
Backstrom has had an excellent season, with 19 wins, a save percentage of .929 and a GAA of 2.14, which includes five shutouts.

Dupuis injured

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:25:59 CST

The News
Pascal Dupuis suffered a lower-body injury during Tuesday's game against the Thrashers, according to the Associated Press.

Our View
His status for Thursday's game at Nashville is yet to be determined. Dupuis chipped in nine goals and three assists so far.

Fedotenko injures hand

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:21:52 CST

The News
Ruslan Fedotenko suffered a hand injury while fighting with Atlanta's Colby Armstrong Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.

Our View
He may have broken a bone in his right hand and is slated for X-rays. Fedotenko has fared very well with the Penguins this season as he contributed 11 goals and 10 assists over 39 battles.

Filatov recalled by Blue Jackets

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:17:59 CST

The News
Nikita Filatov has been recalled by the Blue Jackets one day after sending him down to AHL Syracuse, according to the Associated Press.

Our View
The 18-year-old prized rookie netted one goal on two shots in his previous four-game stint with Columbus, and is worth a look as a flier in deeper leagues in case he sticks with the club.

Brodeur remains on pace

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:57:04 CST

The News
GM Lou Lamoriello indicated Martin Brodeur is on pace to return in late-February, according to the Star-Ledger. He is rehabbing from biceps surgery.

Our View
The Devils play 13 games in March, and close out the regular season with six games in April. The elite goalie should remain stashed on fantasy rosters, and will be back in time to provide a boost during the stretch run of the season.