As of mid-August, Tucker's still in search of a team as an unrestricted free agent. When healthy, Tucker is a physical player, but he's only played the whole schedule twice in his 14-year NHL career. As a result, he's a high-risk player with limited upside. A healthy Tucker should top out at 40 points, a generous estimate, so gauge his value appropriately if (or when) he latches on with a new team.
Tucker's 16 points (8G, 8A) in 63 games last season marked the low point of his career. Used sparingly last season as a checking-line winger, his best days are clearly behind him as he serves out what will surely be his last season in Colorado - perhaps in the NHL. His declining skill level and tendency to get injured make him a huge fantasy risk. If he can stay healthy, he could post a modest increase in his totals, but don't expect any more than 25-30 points out of him. There are plenty of other wingers you can draft who will get you that same level of production without all the headaches that Tucker brings.
Tucker's hard-nosed style of play appears to have caught up with him in recent years, as he has not played a full 82 games in any of the past six seasons. The high-water mark for Tucker came in 2005-06 when he scored 61 points (28G, 33A), but his numbers have declined steadily since then. He won't play on either of the Avs' top two lines this season, so expect another modest season of around 35-40 points. The Avs added him for his grit and tenacity, not for his fading offensive abilities.
Tucker was among the league leaders in goals last season when he went down with a foot injury that kept him out 24 games. He still finished with 43 points in 54 games, a fine total for a fearless lightweight who plays much bigger. He's a supreme agitator, the kind of guy who's loved by his team and its fans, and hated by the opposition. He delivers on the power play, too, making him a valuable fantasy commodity. A 60-point season is within reach if he can play a full season.
Tucker scored more than 20 goals for the third time in four seasons last year (a career-high 28), and also set a career best in points with 61. He, also, benefited from a lot of PP time; his 36 power play points bested his total from the previous five seasons combined. He’ll turn 32 in the second half, and tends to miss a handful of games every year due to his feisty playing style, but this year’s he’ll probably be teamed with Michael Peca on the most annoying second line (for the opposition, anyway) in the NHL. If the two former rivals mesh well together, another career year for Tucker isn’t out of the question.
Tucker tried to shed his Sideshow Bob reputation last season and for the most part succeeded... until playoff time when he left his brain on the bench and attacked a couple of Flyers. He's like a waterbug with a mean streak and he can be very effective when in control. This season, he'll get a chance to prove himself worthy of top-line time as he is currently penciled in as the team's top left winger. If he can play focused, inspired hockey instead of uncontrolled, chippy shinny, Tucker will be a strong fantasy play.
