Horcoff, 37, appeared in 59 games with Anaheim this past season, and the number could’ve been much higher had he not been suspended for 20 games for violating the NHL’s drug policy on performance enhancing substances. Spending more time as a winger as he gets older, Horcoff brings some leadership to the table, but his declining skill set and most recent suspension may result in teams hesitating to commit to the unrestricted free agent. He’s a depth player and won’t be counted on as a significant contributor going forward.
The veteran winger came to Dallas last season after spending all 12 years of his career in Edmonton. Horcoff was brought in to be a veteran leader on a team full of young talent. He isn't without utility now, but he averaged less than a shot per game last year and only potted seven goals. And he's likely slotted into a fourth-line role at this point in his career. That makes it tough to rely on Horcoff in any fantasy format. He'll get you a few points here and there, and a handful of penalty minutes, but that's all.
Horcoff will likely begin the year as the Stars' third center after being acquired in the offseason to shore up the team's depth at pivot. His days of contributing much on the offensive end of things appear to be well behind him, particularly with his expected role on the third line. But if Rich Peverley shifts to a wing and he manages to emerge as the second-line center, Horcoff will offer some moderate fantasy upside.
At 34 years of age, Horcoff's best years are behind him. He did manage to stay healthy last season, missing just one game, but he also only managed 13 goals and was a minus-23. He is slated to begin this season as the third-line center, but his time with the organization is quickly coming to an end as they acquire more and more talent. Thirty points are likely his ceiling for 2012-13.
Horcoff had a year to forget last season, tallying only nine goals in 47 games and missing the last month of the season with a broken ankle. Horcoff is still the Oilers' No. 1 center, which tells you all you need to know about why the team drafted Ryan Nugent-Hopkins first overall in this year's draft. Horcoff will have talented players in Taylor Hall and Ales Hemsky on his flanks, but one has to wonder if sooner or later the Oilers may find a more gifted offensive skater to anchor the top line.
Horcoff had a thoroughly disappointing season in 2009-10, potting only 13 goals and adding 23 assists, his worst numbers since 2002. He's never been much of a goal-scoring threat as his career high is only 22 tallies, but setting up his teammates often made him usable in some leagues. Horcoff was re-signed to a huge contract in 2008, so he is not going anywhere, but may find himself on a checking line if his numbers don't pick up.
Like most of the Oilers last season, Horcoff scored a disappointing 17 goals. He has the ability to score more but is no more than bottom wing for your fantasy team.
Horcoff averaged close to a point per game with 21 goals and 29 assists. Not considered an elite fantasy center, Horcoff should treat his owners well as a second or third option in the middle. Playing with Alex Hemsky and or Eric Cole should certainly add to his offensive capabilities.
Horcoff's play and point total declined from his lofty 73 points in 2005-06. Then again, so did just about every other player on Edmonton's roster. However, Horcoff will again center the first line, so he'll be flanked by Ales Hemsky and Dustin Penner. By default, he should be able to pick up some points. We're not expecting a return to the 70-point range, but 50 is definitely realistic with a chance at 60 should Penner improve on his freshman campaign.
Horcoff had improved his point totals in every season, and last year proved no different. When all was said and done, he posted career-highs in just about every offensive category: goals (22), assists (51), points (73), power play points (24), shorthanded points (6) - even shots and game-winning goals. He’ll no longer slip under the radar of opposing teams’ radar due to the breakout season, but if he’s upped his production in each subsequent season of his career, why stop now?
Solid, two-way player for Edmonton. May not be able to light the lamp too often, but can chip in some decent points as evidenced by his 40 points for the Oilers in the 2003-04 season. Has improved his point total in every NHL season.
