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Young Americans Break out in 2010-2011
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Anaheim Ducks
4-D-Cam Fowler, 12/5/1991, 6-1, 190, Windsor, Ont (came up through USNDTP)
2010-11 stats: 76 GP, 10-30-40, -25, 6 PPG
He put those stats up as an 18 year-old rookie defenseman. His plus/minus could improve, and you figure it will as
he gains experience, but those are impressive offensive totals for a defenseman, period.
Buffalo Sabres
21-RW-Drew Stafford, 10/30/1985, 6-1, 216, Milwaukee, WI
2010-11 stats: 62 GP, 31-21-52, 11 PPG
Finally broke through as a top 6 power forward in his 4th year. If he can match or exceed his 31 goals this year, he
will be a key to Buffalo's success. His goal total is even more impressive considering he missed 20 games due to
injury. Scores in bunches, so there's potential for 40 plus goals and 70 points if he stays healthy. Should flourish
playing with Ville Leino.
42-LW-Nathan Gerbe, 7/24/1987, 5-6, 178, Oxford, MI
2010-11 stats: 64 GP, 16-15-31
All he does is score goals. Gerbe totalled 60 in his final 2 seasons at Boston College, and then put up 30 in his
rookie AHL season. His quickness, mind for the game, and incredible hands make his size a non-factor. If he can
avoid injury, he should be a 25-30 goal scorer.
Carolina Hurricanes
4-D-Jamie McBain, 2/25/1988, 6-2, 200, Edina, MN
2010-11 stats: 76 GP, 7-23-30
Impressive numbers for a rookie blueliner. What he has, high end offensive skills and a big frame, you can't teach.
What he needs to get better at, defensive play, you can. McBain has shown the ability to put up big minutes, and
should see more powerplay time.
Chicago Blackhawks
8-D-Nick Leddy, 3/20/1991, 5-11, 179, Eden Prairie, MN
2010-11 stats: 46 GP, 4-3-7, -3
Not many 19 year-olds make the NHL as defenseman, but Leddy joined Anaheim's Cam Fowler as exceptions to
the rule. Leddy has tremendous wheels, vision and passing skills. The Minnesota-native needs to add strength,
but already shows willingness to initiate contact. As he matures, he will develop into a 3rd or 4th defenseman who
excels on the powerplay.
Dallas Stars
33-D-Alex Goligoski, 7/30/1985, 5-11, 180, Grand Rapids, MN
2010-11 stats: 83 GP, 14-32-46, +20, 7 PPG
“Gogo” wasn’t ever going to be anymore than a 4th or 5th defenseman for the Penguins. The trade to the Stars
vaulted him into being the #1 offensive option for an NHL team, and it looks like opportunity came along at the right
time. As long as he has some forwards to finish what he starts on the rebuilding Stars, Goligoski should be a top
point producer among NHL defenseman for years to come.
Detroit Red Wings
8-C/LW-Justin Abdelkader, 2/25/1987, 6-2, 215, Muskegon, MI
2010-11 stats: 74 GP, 7-12-19, +15
Not all 12 forwards can be offensive superstars, and putting up points will never be Abdelkader’s calling card. But
his size and defensive awareness fit the Red Wings style and he’s blossomed into an excellent checking forward
who can keep opponents off the board.
Montreal Canadiens
67-LW-Max Pacioretty, 6-2, 196, 11/20/1988, New Canaan, CT
2010-11 stats: 37 GP, 14-10-24, 7 PPG
Prior to being the target of the infamous hit by Zdeno Chara, Pacioretty was playing a top 6 role and, as evidenced
by his 7 powerplay goals, excelling. If he fully returns to health, should be a great under the radar fantasy producer
capable of 25 plus goals, 10 plus on the powerplay. Projected to play on the second line with Scott Gomez and Erik
Cole.
4-D-Cam Fowler, 12/5/1991, 6-1, 190, Windsor, Ont (came up through USNDTP)
2010-11 stats: 76 GP, 10-30-40, -25, 6 PPG
He put those stats up as an 18 year-old rookie defenseman. His plus/minus could improve, and you figure it will as
he gains experience, but those are impressive offensive totals for a defenseman, period.
Buffalo Sabres
21-RW-Drew Stafford, 10/30/1985, 6-1, 216, Milwaukee, WI
2010-11 stats: 62 GP, 31-21-52, 11 PPG
Finally broke through as a top 6 power forward in his 4th year. If he can match or exceed his 31 goals this year, he
will be a key to Buffalo's success. His goal total is even more impressive considering he missed 20 games due to
injury. Scores in bunches, so there's potential for 40 plus goals and 70 points if he stays healthy. Should flourish
playing with Ville Leino.
42-LW-Nathan Gerbe, 7/24/1987, 5-6, 178, Oxford, MI
2010-11 stats: 64 GP, 16-15-31
All he does is score goals. Gerbe totalled 60 in his final 2 seasons at Boston College, and then put up 30 in his
rookie AHL season. His quickness, mind for the game, and incredible hands make his size a non-factor. If he can
avoid injury, he should be a 25-30 goal scorer.
Carolina Hurricanes
4-D-Jamie McBain, 2/25/1988, 6-2, 200, Edina, MN
2010-11 stats: 76 GP, 7-23-30
Impressive numbers for a rookie blueliner. What he has, high end offensive skills and a big frame, you can't teach.
What he needs to get better at, defensive play, you can. McBain has shown the ability to put up big minutes, and
should see more powerplay time.
Chicago Blackhawks
8-D-Nick Leddy, 3/20/1991, 5-11, 179, Eden Prairie, MN
2010-11 stats: 46 GP, 4-3-7, -3
Not many 19 year-olds make the NHL as defenseman, but Leddy joined Anaheim's Cam Fowler as exceptions to
the rule. Leddy has tremendous wheels, vision and passing skills. The Minnesota-native needs to add strength,
but already shows willingness to initiate contact. As he matures, he will develop into a 3rd or 4th defenseman who
excels on the powerplay.
Dallas Stars
33-D-Alex Goligoski, 7/30/1985, 5-11, 180, Grand Rapids, MN
2010-11 stats: 83 GP, 14-32-46, +20, 7 PPG
“Gogo” wasn’t ever going to be anymore than a 4th or 5th defenseman for the Penguins. The trade to the Stars
vaulted him into being the #1 offensive option for an NHL team, and it looks like opportunity came along at the right
time. As long as he has some forwards to finish what he starts on the rebuilding Stars, Goligoski should be a top
point producer among NHL defenseman for years to come.
Detroit Red Wings
8-C/LW-Justin Abdelkader, 2/25/1987, 6-2, 215, Muskegon, MI
2010-11 stats: 74 GP, 7-12-19, +15
Not all 12 forwards can be offensive superstars, and putting up points will never be Abdelkader’s calling card. But
his size and defensive awareness fit the Red Wings style and he’s blossomed into an excellent checking forward
who can keep opponents off the board.
Montreal Canadiens
67-LW-Max Pacioretty, 6-2, 196, 11/20/1988, New Canaan, CT
2010-11 stats: 37 GP, 14-10-24, 7 PPG
Prior to being the target of the infamous hit by Zdeno Chara, Pacioretty was playing a top 6 role and, as evidenced
by his 7 powerplay goals, excelling. If he fully returns to health, should be a great under the radar fantasy producer
capable of 25 plus goals, 10 plus on the powerplay. Projected to play on the second line with Scott Gomez and Erik
Cole.