Fantasy Hockey: Players on the Rise in 2008-09

Alex Tanguay

Forward, Montreal Canadiens
Age: 28

Never found a role in Calgary, and the result was his lowest point total since 2002. But the table is set for Tanguay in Montreal. The Canadiens forward depth will help, because he thrives as a set-up man and should have a quality finisher at his side regardless of which line they put him on. Expect a return to the 20-goal, 70-point level.
2007-08 stats: 78-18-40-58 (Calgary)

Corey Perry

Forward, Anaheim Ducks
Age: 23

Last year he increased his point total by 10 over 2006-07, despite playing 12 fewer games. Watching him play, you have to believe there's another 10 points there. With a few breaks and couple of hot streaks, he can top 80.
2007-08 stats: 70-29-25-54 (Anaheim)

Mikko Koivu

Forward, Minnesota Wild
Age: 25

Among the players held back by injuries last season, Koivu is the best bet to rebound with a career year. He's already been named Marian Gaborik's centerman. With the forwards corps thinned by the departure of Rolston and Demitra, Koivu will get all the ice time he needs to blow past his previous best of 54 points.
2007-08 stats: 57-11-31-42 (Minnesota)

Alexander Semin

Forward, Washington Capitals
Age: 24

Another guy who should bounce back after a season derailed by injuries. Semin scored 73 points two years ago and looked great in the playoffs last spring. With all the excitement over Ovechkin and Backstrom, he'll be a forgotten man in some pools.
2007-08 stats: 63-26-16-42 (Washington)

Michael Ryder

Forward, Boston Bruins
Age: 28

A reliable scorer with at least 25 goals in three straight seasons, Ryder endured the season from hell last year. It ended with him watching the playoffs from the Canadiens' press box. Then Boston gave him a generous free agent contract. The Bruins will give Ryder every chance to succeed and prove that the they didn't make a mistake. A return to the 50-point level is certainly within reach.
2007-08 stats: 70-14-17-31 (Canadiens)

Mike Cammalleri

Forward, Calgary Flames
Age: 26

Another small centerman for the Flames, Cammalleri is also a proven NHL scorer. Don't expect a return to his career high of 80 points. But assuming coach Mike Keenan doesn't pick him for a whipping boy, a fresh start should see Cammalleri score in the 60s.
2007-08 stats: 63-19-28-47 (Los Angeles)

Jordan Staal

Forward, Pittsburgh Penguins
Age: 20

Last year's sophomore slump doesn't look so surprising when you consider Staal's tender age. Look for him to recover with 40-plus points.
2007-08 stats: 82-12-16-28 (Pittsburgh)

Jason Williams

Forward, Atlanta Thrashers
Age: 28

Last season's potential career year was thwarted by a midseason sports hernia, but doesn't have a history of injuries. Should get a look on Kovalchuk's line. Don't overrate him (like a mad scientist, coach John Anderson will likely spend all year concocting Kovalchuk line combos), but a healthy Willams has a shot at 50 points.
2008-09 stats: 43-13-23-36 (Chicago)

James Sheppard

Forward, Minnesota Wild
Age: 20

A major turnover in Minnesota opens the door for Sheppard. It's unwise to predict a breakthrough for any young player coached by Jacques Lemaire. But Sheppard can score 40 points even on a conservative team.
2007-08 stats: 78-4-15-19 (Minnesota)