The Wire Troll: Christmas Wish List, Part Two
In his younger days, Jose Theodore got wild with the stars; now he stars for the Wild.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are near the NHL Roster Freeze which means for Fantasy owners, it is time to really pay attention because others will not. It never ever fails. What to do in this situation? These are the times that test a man’s soul and then some.
This really fast edition of the Wire Troll brings you two players that you need to find a way to get on your rosters quick. The essential thing with the Troll to keep in mind is that these players are available in most of your leagues. Do a little digging and you will be rewarded. If you just skirt around the first page of the waiver wire, you’re really doing a disservice to yourself.
Jose Theodore, G, Minnesota Wild: Well, well, well, who knew? The strangest thing is that it’s Minnesota where goalies can light it up like there’s no tomorrow. All Theodore has done is make Niklas Backstrom feel so insecure that Backstom has kind of become the 1B as Todd Richards feels Theodore gives his team the best chance to win at the moment. Think of what Theodore has seen in the past few years and not knowing if he’d even get an NHL job this season. The bottom line is he now has a chance and it is the time to scoop him up, given that’s he’s only owned in 15-to-20 per cent of Fantasy leagues. Some are less and some are more. This is a nice way of saying do it while you can.
Matt Taormina, D, New Jersey Devils: Yes, he is injured right now, so his value is zero. But when he does return, everything changes. I have maintained along with DobberHockey’s Jeff Angus and several others that this is the Devils’ No. 1 defenseman on the future. Just be aware that his high ankle sprain may keep him out another month or so as he has stopped skating, but he will likely be back around the All-Star break give or take a bit of time. Taormina’s puck moving skills are above average and his shot is deceptive. He is one of the few Devils that has 50-point talent written all over him. Expect a noticeable kick upward in production from this talented youngster in the second half.
Well, there you have it: the nice short and easy version. Next week we will be decked out in our Christmas best and have an entirely different kind of Wire Troll. Until then, be safe everyone and to all a happy holiday.
