The fact that Langkow even played four games last season was a miracle and a true act of perseverance. After all, the veteran center had been sidelined for more than a year after taking a slap shot from former teammate Ian White that resulted in a broken bone in Langkow’s neck and put his career in jeopardy. But all signs point to the 34-year-old being available at the start of the season, which will give the Flames a boost at the important center position.
Langkow was struck in the back of the neck by a puck during a game in March and lied motionless on the ice for 10 minutes. Afterwards, he downplayed the injury, but he didn't return to the ice for the remainder of the season. Fast forward to July, and Langkow still was feeling complications from the injury some 100 days later. It was Langkow's injury that prompted the Flames to go out and sign Olli Jokinen and install him as their first line center. But with Matt Stajan onboard, it's also possible that even if fully healthy, Langkow won't be anything more than a third line center on a two-line team. We're two full seasons removed from when Langkow was 60+ points player, and he doesn't appear to be close to returning to his former glory.
Langkow had been a big offensive threat for the Flames coming out of the lockout, scoring 59, 77 and 65 points in the three seasons following and topping 30 goals twice. However, Langkow was relegated to more of a defensive role last season and his numbers suffered considerably, scoring 21 goals, 49 points and a plus-1. He's no longer skating with Jarome Iginla, and will likely have trouble getting to 50 points again as a result.
Langkow has been an extremely solid center over the last few years, although his output dropped 12 points last season. That may have been a result of not playing with Jarome Iginla anymore, but Langkow is still a decent fantasy player. He has hit the 30-goal plateau the last two seasons, and is worth a later-round pick.
Another player skating under most people's radars, Langkow's 59 points in 2005-06 were dismissed as just a result of playing on the same line as Jarome Iginla. Well, Langkow proved his doubters wrong last season, scoring 33 goals and 44 assists and turning Calgary's second line into a scoring force. His plus-23 was also second-best on the team. The center is too good to be a true sleeper, but you should be able to get him for cheaper than most stars.
Langkow a had career season in 2005-06,ending the season with 19 points in his last 19 games. However, a demotion to the second line seems to be on the horizon for Langkow, which means no more Jarome Iginla. Langkow has recorded 50 points in each of his first three seasons, so he could be the real deal, but Calgary's second and third lines scored very little last season.
Langkow has scored over 50 points for five straight seasons and 2005/06 should be no different. As the top centerman on the Flames depth chart he is penciled in to play with Jarome Iginla. Both Langkow and Iginla are great two-way players and should be fun to watch. Langkow is also very durable and should be a good fantasy pick, try snatching him in the higher rounds.
