There are three things in life that are certainties -- death, taxes and Marc-Andre Bergeron's injuries. He's coming off back surgery so we're not even sure he's ready for camp. If he is, he'll probably be used as a PP specialist to start and might even be sent packing in a trade. He's a last-round pick, at best, but probably a better waiver pickup. There's just way too much risk for anything else.
Bergeron is as one-dimensional as they come. There's no disputing his talent on the PP; in fact, he could be a veritable maestro there given the opportunity. But when the play turns the other way, he's like a lost puppy standing on a freeway -- lost and scared. The Bolts will use him as a PP specialist, so he does carry some fantasy value. But beware if your league counts plus-minus.
Bergeron is supposed to be an offensive-minded defender but last year he finished with a mediocre 34 points with 13 goals and 21 assists. To this day, Bergeron has also failed to complete a full season with any NHL team, finishing with a career-best 75 games for Edmonton in 2005-06. Considering he plays defense and gives up more goals than he provides based on his minus-7 rating last year, it is possible the Habs defensive-minded approach could look to move him during the year based on the fact they are trying to mold Lars Eller to defense.
An off-season acquisition from Anaheim, Bergeron gives Wild fans a chance to watch the fast skating Canadian deepen a defensive unit that was solid to begin with. His value figures to rise significantly this season due to an immediate ascension towards a top power play unit that also features rising blueliner Brent Burns. At the very least, expect Bergeron to match the 19 points (9G, 10A) that he had in 2008-09 with the Ducks and Islanders.
Bergeron came over near the trade deadline from Edmonton and went on to rack up 21 points in 23 games with the Isles. It’s obvious he’s not going to be on that blistering pace for a full season, but he should still post decent numbers. This was his second consecutive season with double-digit goals, and his booming shot should help him make it three in a row. He should land at or near the low 40-point range
Bergeron finished the season with 15 goals (8 on the power play) and 35 points – not too bad for a defenseman in just his second year. It remains to be seen how the loss of Pronger (and Spacek) will affect him. However, there is a deficit offensively on Edmonton’s blue line, so he’s the main weapon from there as of now – he should hopefully see plenty of power play time.
He's a bit on the small side at 5-foot-9, which at times may hinder him. However, he has huge upside offensively, as proven by his 26 points and +13 rating for the Oilers in the 2003-04 season.
