Is this it for Chimera? The 39-year-old was drafted in the fifth round of the 1997 draft (the same year Connor McDavid was born) and has recorded 186 goals and 415 points in 1,107 NHL games. It's clear he's not the consistent contributor of the past, though, as Chimera finished with just 13 points in 74 games between the Ducks and Islanders last season. No matter where he lands, no fantasy owner should be scrambling for his services.
A prototypical bottom-six player for more than a decade, Chimera looks like he's still capable of offering up 30-plus points from the third line even as he enters his age-38 campaign. His combination of physicality and complementary scoring ability has led to reliably high hit totals and two straight 20-goal seasons in his late 30s, and there’s no sign that his role is set to change. Most fantasy leagues won't have much use for a player who’s never come close to sniffing 50 points in his career, but those in deep formats where Chimera’s hits count will appreciate his contributions.
The first day of free agency proved to be a big one for the Islanders, as the expected losses of UFA’s (and long-time veterans of the team) Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen left them without their top-line wingers. The Islanders acted quickly, signing Chimera and Andrew Ladd with expectations of filling the void. Though Chimera is not expected to match the 53-point output from Nielsen, the 37-year old veteran is a highly versatile winger who is coming off his second career 20-goal campaign with the Capitals. Goals and points are great and all, but there’s much more to Chimera’s game as he continues to excel at killing penalties and is a force in the offensive zone as a ferocious forechecker – tools that, of course, make him more valuable in real life than in fantasy circles. Still, look for Chimera to find a home playing on the second or third line as he joins a squad a bit thin on natural wingers.
Along with his usual success on the power play, Chimera’s 2013-2014 season as a whole was a bright spot for the Capitals. A late bloomer, Chimera had a career year at age 34, tallying 15 goals and 42 points in 82 games. What makes Chimera’s campaign more remarkable was that he was doing all this playing on the team’s third line with Joel Ward and Eric Fehr, operating as a center early in the season despite being a winger by trade. While Chimera was a feel-good story for the Caps last year, given his age and the fact that his production was well above his career norms, it’s likely he won’t be able to repeat that offensive production moving forward. However, his dynamic chemistry with his linemates should at least keep speedy winger useful for the Caps in a supporting role this season.
Chimera is still an important role player for Washington. He played in 47 games last season, with 14 points from 11 assists and three goals. He also had 92 shots on goal, good for only 135th in the league but solid number for a checking line regular. Fantasy wise he remains valuable only in leagues that reward shots.
One of last seasons huge surprises, Chimera posted a career-high 20 goals and 39 total points last season. Expecting the veteran winger to duplicate those numbers might be a bit of a feat, but he'll give the Caps energy on the checking line with the odd goal to boot. He fired 205 shots on goal last season, numbers that certainly aided his scoring totals. Those in deeper leagues will want to consider Chimera in the final rounds of their drafts, especially in leagues that reward shots.
Chimera joined the Caps in 2010 and has provided a spark to their third line. He put up some very valuable numbers this past season that proved to be much needed secondary scoring. Helpful as those points are to the Caps, he will not be valuable on draft day as 36 points is his career high.
Chimera was acquired via trade in December last season for Milan Jurcina and Chris Clark. He fit in well, bringing experience and grit to a young team. He proved to be valuable and tallied seven goals including one in the playoffs. Chimera should be more valuable during his first full season in Washington after getting acclimated with his new squad, and he could prove to be an asset to fantasy teams in deeper leagues.
Chimera played in only 49 games last season due to a groin injury, and the Blue Jackets' improved depth could cost the third line grinder his job.
Chimera got about his usual production (14 goals, 31 points, 98 PIMs) and should be a fixture on the Blue Jackets' top checking line again this season.
Third line grinder set a career high with 36 points in '06-'07, which is about his ceiling.
Chimera set career highs with 17 goals, 30 points and 95 PIMs in '05-'06, and a modest improvement is certainly possible.
