Don't be the fantasy hockey manager who gets burned by these players. Their point production is on the way down.
The 2009-10 stats for skaters are listed as games played, goals, assists, and total points in 2009-10.
1. Matt Moulson, forward, Islanders
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Age: 26
2009-10: 82-30-18-48
You've got to love it when a minor-league workhorse gets an NHL break and runs with it. Moulson arrived with a reliable track record as an AHL scorer, and the Islanders don't have a lot of other options, so he'll get his chances. But you would have to be a serious optimist to bank on 30 goals again.
2. Mike Knuble, forward, Capitals
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Age: 38
2009-10: 69-29-24-53
A no-nonsense, no-fuss, go-to-the-net kind of guy, Knuble has been a consistently hitting the 30-goal range no matter where he plays. But at his age, he's overdue for a steady decline.
3. Tomas Plekanec, forward, Canadiens
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Age: 27
2009-10: 82-25-45-70
It's a predictable story: forward enjoys career year just in time to boost his free-agent value, signs big contract, and follows up with a disappointing season. Plekanec has been inconsistent since his career began, so he's a prime candidate for that scenario.
4. Jussi Jokinen, forward, Hurricanes
Age: 27
2009-10: 81-30-35-65
Until last year, Jokinen had never scored more than 17 goals or 55 points in a season. There's a major correction on the way, as he returns to his usual form.
5. Vaclav Prospal, forward, Rangers
Age: 35
2009-10: 75-20-38-58
Escape from Tampa and a fresh start in New York led to a great bounce-back season for Prospal. But it's not going to last. He's never been known for his reliability.
6. Tim Connolly, forward, Sabres
Age: 29
2009-10: 73-17-48-65
For the first time since 2006, Connolly played more than 50 games in an NHl season. His history of fragility says he can't do it two years in a row. Bank on a couple of injuries and about 40 points.
7. Craig Anderson, goaltender, Avalanche
Age: 29
2009-10: 38 wins-25 losses-7 OT losses
2.63 goals-against average, .917 save percentage
Until last year, he had never appeared in more than 31 games in a season. So let's assume he's a good goalie who finally got a chance to shine. But he was much better in the first half of the season than the second half, and his numbers will decline in a year when the Avs are expected to take a step backwards.
8. Denis Wideman, defense, Panthers
Age: 27
2009-10: 76-6-24-30
Here's one guy whose 2009-10 numbers reflect something close to his real value. But a lot of fantasy players might overrate Wideman based on the 50 points he scored for the Bruins in 2008-09. He won't climb that high in Florida.
9. Stephane Robidas, defense, Stars
Age: 33
2009-10: 82-10-31-41
Last season was out of whack with his historical value. Robidas usually lands in the 20 to 25-point range, and at his age he's likely to revert to that norm.
10. Alex Burrows, forward, Canucks
Age: 29
2009-10: 82-35-32-67
Burrows is a good player and good linemate for the Sedins. But he comes into the season with a shoulder injury, and will be the most significant casualty if Daniel and Henrik don't maintain last year's torrid pace. His previous high is 51 point sin 2008-09.
