Tallinder was in and out of the press box last season with the Devils, so a change of scenery was warranted. He returns to the Sabres after three seasons abroad and will be looked upon to provide leadership in an organization loaded with prospects on the blue line. His four points in 25 games last season are indicative of the limit to his offensive game, so there's little in the way of fantasy value to be found here.
The veteran defender missed the majority of last season with injuries stemming from a blood clot found in his leg, but returned for the final three games of the Stanley Cup Finals. Expect Tallinder to fill primarily a defensive role again and chip in with around 20 points after posting six in 39 games.
Tallinder wasn't alone as a New Jersey player with a disappointing season. A free-agent signee in the summer of 2010, Tallinder was expected to make more of an impact than the 16 points he contributed to the team's offense. However, he was used in every possible situation and will be relied upon to be one of the team's workhorses. When seeking offense for your blue line, Tallinder is better left alone in favor of players with more upside.
Tallinder was one of several free agent defensemen brought in by New Jersey and likely won't light up the scoresheet. He posted 20 points with Buffalo last season enters a Devils' system that has not been kind to defensemen in terms of production. He'll be relied upon to shut down the opposition and could approach 20-25 points and should only be considered in the deepest of leagues.
Last season, Tallinder found a comfortable role on the Sabres’ top defensive line with fellow blueliner Toni Lydman. Although he continues to be a solid presence for the Sabres on defense, Tallinder's play hasn't translated well into the fantasy world. In 2008-09 the defenseman had only 12 points and was minus-2 on the season.
Tallinder totaled 18 points (1G, 17A), 48 penalty minutes and a plus-5 rating in 2007-08. He's solid in his own zone and a dependable pro, but his contributions don't make much of a dent in a fantasy lineup.
Tallinder missed 35 games in 2006-07 due to a broken arm and a high ankle sprain. He contributed 14 points (4G, 10A) and a plus-19 rating in 47 contests. Like many of his teammates, Tallinder should post a weaker plus/minus rating in 2007-08 as the Sabres' win total is likely to decrease. He's not much of a scorer, nor does he rack up a lot of penalty minutes, making Tallinder more valuable to the Sabres than to your fantasy team.
Tallinder is developing into a pretty good defenseman, especially on the offensive end. His 21 points in 82 games is not overwhelming, but the eight points he scored in Buffalo's 14 playoff games show some good potential. He could get 30-40 points next season as he continues to develop as long as coach Lindy Ruff gives him the opportunity.
Tallinder was part of an embarrasing overseas sex-related incident while the NHL was on lockout. Even though that's starting to move past him, it's still a concern now that he's able to play again. On the good side, Tallinder has more all-around potential than as a strict scoring defenseman. He appeared in 72 games in 2003-04, collecting one goal and nine assists. He'll likely have a secured role this season as the team's fourth, fifth or sixth defenseman, and should finish in the 10-15 point range.
Tallinder has more all-around potential than as a strict scoring defenseman. He appeared in 72 games in 2003-04, collecting one goal and nine assists. He'll likely have a secured role this season as the team's fourth, fifth or sixth defenseman, and should finish in the 10-15 point range.
