This article is part of our Neutral Zone Wrap series.
Neutral Zone Wrap
Evan Berofsky, RotoWire.com
Last time, we looked at surprises who will continue to thrive; this week's crop fell down the hole and frankly won't be climbing out. They may be expected to regain their form but it won't happen this season, unless management arranges a coaching change, a trade out of town, or a miracle.
No one who has missed significant time due to injury will be included since that would serve as a convenient excuse for the initial drought. Also, no goalies are mentioned as the pickings are slim and the remaining examples are either assumed to be in a terrible situation (Ben Scrivens, check) or likely to be given several chances for redemption (here's looking at you, Mike Smith):
(Stats as of Monday December 29th)
Cody Hodgson and Chris Stewart, F, Buffalo
Trying to distinguish which forward in this duo is more disappointing is like picking a favorite disease. Once high and mighty first liners, they have descended into oblivion. Perhaps the bigger failure would be Hodgson, if we only compared current numbers (six points in 35 games) to recent success (44 in 72 last season). Stewart has at least come on of late (five in six) but that only draws attention to the preceding awfulness (four in 29). Both are still in their 20s, so their careers are definitely salvageable. Although they continue to work in tandem with added minutes, you'd be better off avoiding them (and almost any Sabre,
Neutral Zone Wrap
Evan Berofsky, RotoWire.com
Last time, we looked at surprises who will continue to thrive; this week's crop fell down the hole and frankly won't be climbing out. They may be expected to regain their form but it won't happen this season, unless management arranges a coaching change, a trade out of town, or a miracle.
No one who has missed significant time due to injury will be included since that would serve as a convenient excuse for the initial drought. Also, no goalies are mentioned as the pickings are slim and the remaining examples are either assumed to be in a terrible situation (Ben Scrivens, check) or likely to be given several chances for redemption (here's looking at you, Mike Smith):
(Stats as of Monday December 29th)
Cody Hodgson and Chris Stewart, F, Buffalo
Trying to distinguish which forward in this duo is more disappointing is like picking a favorite disease. Once high and mighty first liners, they have descended into oblivion. Perhaps the bigger failure would be Hodgson, if we only compared current numbers (six points in 35 games) to recent success (44 in 72 last season). Stewart has at least come on of late (five in six) but that only draws attention to the preceding awfulness (four in 29). Both are still in their 20s, so their careers are definitely salvageable. Although they continue to work in tandem with added minutes, you'd be better off avoiding them (and almost any Sabre, for that matter).
Olli Jokinen, F, Nashville
When the Preds purchased three veteran centers in July, many believed this to be a risky proposition. At the same time, this uncertainty could somewhat be justified by the low total payout (at just over $4.5 million). The 'centerpiece' in this arrangement was Jokinen, who came off a respectable year in Winnipeg (43 in 82). The expectation was for the Finn to anchor one of the two middle lines. The reality is his baffling offensive ineptitude (two goals and NO assists in 33), which has facilitated a move to the wing. It's a wonder how Jokinen has been able to remain among the top nine, although his job security could be in jeopardy seeing how Derek Roy (one of the other two summer signings) was recently demoted.
Vincent Lecavalier, F, Philadelphia
Thanks to buyout payments, Lecavalier will earn a combined $10.8 million in salary this season. That wouldn't sound too outrageous if the former Tampa star posted elite-level stats but he's obviously not doing so (nine in 21 doesn't even come close). As long as they keep the 34-year old at center, his opportunities will be limited thanks to promising pivots Sean Couturier (18 in 35) and Scott Laughton (five in 19 after 11 in 13 in Adirondack). But it's not as though his chances will significantly increase (past the 13 or so minutes and the second power-play duty) should they opt to switch Lecavalier to the left side.
Matt Niskanen, D, Washington
One would expect a lot from someone who inked a seven-year, $40.5 million deal. The Caps assumed likewise, envisioning Niskanen as a power-play pointman who could build on his Pittsburgh performance (46 in 81 including 15 PPPs, plus-33) and solidify their blueline. And while he hasn't been a complete bust (12 in 35, including five PPPs), the eighth-year pro has struggled far too often (scoreless in seven, two in 13). With John Carlson and Mike Green assuming the premium positions and Dmitry Orlov (still sidelined after offseason wrist surgery) waiting to pounce, Niskanen will be hard-pressed to reach half of his 2013-14 haul.
Nail Yakupov, F, Edmonton
Everyone surely remembers the 'Fail for Nail' campaign back in 2012. Now in his third season, it seems Yakupov is the one who is letting down the Oilers and fantasy owners alike (eight in 36). He may claim to be in prime physical shape but the mental side is apparently where the breakdown begins. Even if we ignore the attacks on his perceived character flaws, there's got to be a way for a #1 pick with immense talent to produce at a higher rate (nothing in nine). The Yak has been moved all over the lineup in an attempt to find his sweet spot but a complete reset may be in order. Whether that means a trip to the AHL or another NHL destination, he's not worth your time in the coming months.
((Dis)Honorable mention: Jay Bouwmeester, D, St. Louis; Ales Hemsky, F, Dallas; Milan Michalek, F, Ottawa; Brendan Smith, D, Detroit; Travis Zajac, F, New Jersey)
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Back to the regular format next week. Until then, have a safe and happy New Year. And for heaven's sake, do yourself a favor and watch the World Junior Hockey Championship (GO CANADA!!!). You'll thank me later.
