Sleeper 2011-12
 

Simply put, who do you think is more likely to surprise and/or exceed expectations next season?

Yemelin because no one really knows what to expect from him. And Darche, because...

Gomez.

Eller

Travis Moen.

He should play most of the year in a bottom 6 role that better suits him and will continue to be a good asset on the PK. He'll also probably get some minutes on the '3rd scoring line' which should include Eller and Kostitsyn, and I think that line could really wear down opponents.

Eller will finish the year as our first center.

Gomez, because I'm expecting waiver fodder.

He can't be that bad...right?


...right?


...r-right?


:cry:

Yannick Weber :yo:

I wouldn't qualify Moen as a sleeper because I think his role on the team and expectations are pretty much set...


****I FINALLY HAVE THE POLL READY SO PLEASE VOTE!!!!

I feel like DD will get 50 pts. Just a feelin'

I concur.

I actually have 3 guys that I can't really set appart as I think they'll all exceed their expected roles on the team:

Weber
Engqvist
Palushaj

**** THE POLL IS FINALLY READY SO PLEASE VOTE!!!!

Eller isn't a sleeper for me, I know he'll be awesome. I voted emelin.

Ah, I posted before I saw the poll. Thought we were talking about guys on the team in general rather than the young'uns.

From the list provided there are a few that I expect to meet my expectations (Eller, Desharnais, Weber), so as a sleeper I'd go with Engqvist. Especially if we don't sign or trade for another center between now and October.

Actually, the higher they are on the poll (save for Budaj and White), the more I feel they'll have an impact... White already fills a definite need... Budaj on the other hand is a backup goalie so is sure to have impact, but if Price was to get injured or struggle, he could surprise and carry the team on his shoulder...

Also, I do agree about Eller!

First pick: I expect a 20 goals season for MaxPac.. but if he stays healthy and continues to play like he did last season, he could easily reach 30. Not much of a sleeper pick because he has shown so many great things last season but for me, he will have to start all over again.

Second pick: Lars Eller. He started showing good thing at the end of the season. I have a feeling he's gonna have a breakout season and kick Gomez out of this team after next season and take the 2nd center spot.

Third pick: Yannick, le jeune, Weber. I expect a 75+ games and he just keeps getting better and better.


HM: DD and Emelin.

I just hope at least 1 of them gets a breakout season.

He was my vote too... There's something about what he brings that makes me think he can be a younger version of what Radek Bonk was for us a few years back.

We'll see!

I actually think the Alaskan Mexican will have a very decent season but, unfortunately, the bar has been set too high for him to be considered in this Poll...
:naughty:

Personally, I don't think DD and Eller should be sleepers.
I expect both of them to play on the 3rd with AK, and imo, could become a very key line for us. So, I wouldn't consider them sleepers.

I pick Weber because most probably already view him as the 7th D. They will put Emelin in front despite not having seen him play a game. So, when I look at that, I think he'll end up being the popular sleeper.
I expect Weber to be big for us this year. I think this kid will be a very good hockey player. I peg him as a top4, and I'm truly hoping management don't screw up with him. I don't want them to trade him away unless we're getting something of significant value in return.
If Gauthier ships him away because Weber goes to see him to ask about what his future here is (like we did with O'Byrne), I'll be royally pissed.

Budaj...he will prove he is a worthy backup....and considering all the hate when the habs signed him...

I see somebody voted for Blunden... Interesting pick up, I think. I actually had him on my radar as I feel big guys with his set of skills (though nothing to gush about) are always good to have in your system. Also, big guys tend to come into their own closer to their mid twenties...

Could prove to be a good acquisition!

On another note, I'm puzzled by the lack of Love for Palushaj... I personally think he could thrive if/when injuries occur in our top 9.

Avtsin.

Last year was a learning experience.

He's had the summer to think about it, build on it and focus on this year.

I think he's the most talented player the Canadiens have had in many, many years.

If he puts it all together, we'll have our much sought after superstar. No question.

He'll see a few games next season and show a glimpse of what's to come.

Yeah... I'm very excited about him as well, but I just don't see him making the jump this year...

Then again, Conboy is probably not expected to play with the big club either, but, in his case, I feel he would fill a need. Avtsin would have to seriously impress to get a shot at the Big Club IMO...

Willsie has a bit of a Darche quality...

One or both of Eller and Desharnais are going to have a fantastic season and take over as 2nd center.

To me either Eller or Diaz.

Eller could be a 50 point guy or Diaz could make the team.

Gotta go with Engqvist, I guess. I thought he transitioned to the North American game better than most expected, and I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a long look in camp. Diaz and Avtsin make interesting options as well. If Weber makes the team "full time", that would exceed my expectations, so he's up there, too. Yemelin gets a lot of attention here, but I could see him surprising fans of other teams, and they might consider him a super sleeper depending on what he accomplishes next year. I don't consider Eller to be a "sleeper", since so many have been promising that he's the real deal and saying he was ready to be a regular contributor since before last season even started.