Salo delivered 17 points in 71 games with the Bolts last year, but the sun is setting on his career and he doesn't project as anything more than a number six or seven veteran leader on the back end - if he signs in the NHL at all.
Salo is one of the Bolts' best shutdown defenders, but he also helps the power play. An odd combination to say the least, but it worked for the Bolts last year. He'll turn 39 just before camp opens, so it's not like his numbers are going to go up. At this stage of his career, he's more help to the Bolts on the ice than to you in the fantasy arena.
What are the odds Salo doesn't get hurt this year? Whatever they are, we're not laying money on it. He's an elegant player who has never actually played a full season. When he's on the ice, he'll help stabilize a D that was, in a word, horrific last year. And perhaps skating with Eric Brewer will reduce his injury risk. Don't count on more than 20-25 points with zero power-play output -- the Bolts will count on other guys who'll fill that role. And you should, too.
The 2010-11 campaign was another season ravaged by injury for Salo. The Fragile Finn didn't make his season debut until mid-February, totaling seven points (3 G, 4 A) in 27 games. Despite his injury-riddled past, the Canucks opted to bring Salo back for another go-around by re-signing him to a one-year deal this summer. The injury risk will always be there with Salo, but he does head into 2011-12 healthy and should play a big role for the Canucks as a top-four defenseman.
When he wasn’t battling injuries in 2009-10, Salo was a decent fantasy contributor, finishing with 28 points (9 G, 19 A) and a plus-14 rating in 68 games. Unfortunately, Salo already appears destined to spend time in the press box next season. The Fragile Finn suffered a torn Achilles while playing floor hockey this offseason. He’s expected to miss three-to-five months with the injury, putting his status for the start of the regular season in serious doubt. He’ll be a nice play when healthy, but don’t draft Salo unless you’re prepared to deal with the countless bumps and bruises.
Different player to avoid, same story. Like Pavol Demitra, Salo has had trouble staying on the ice. Dubbed the "Fragile Finn" for his propensity to pick up bumps and bruises, Salo has missed 79 games over the course of the past four seasons. Salo is a solid source of offensive production from the blue line when he's on the ice, but that's a risk you shouldn't take. His inability to stay healthy likely played a large role in the Canucks' decision to revamp their blue-line depth this summer.
A quality scorer on the backend for the three past seasons, Salo is a player to avoid for one reason only - his health. In his nine-year NHL career, Salo has never managed to appear in all 82 games. This trend worsened the past three seasons as Salo has played in only 189 of 246 games. If he stays healthy for the entire season, Salo could approach 40 points. Let some one else take the risk.
A booming shot from the point, a knack for scoring game-winning goals and tendency to get hurt a couple of times a season - this defines Salo. It would be interesting to see what he could do if healthy for a full season, but owners should be aware that he will find some injury time and be prepared to plug in some depth defensemen when that time arises.
With the departure of Ed Jovanovski, its Salo's turn to shine. This season should put Salo in the spotlight offensively and the powerplay will feature his powerful slapshot. He is poised to challenge career highs in all categories and will be a solid addition to defenseman-required and deeper fantasy leagues.
Salo has decent skills offensively, highlighted by one of the league's hardest shots. Since he has the tools, much is expected of the gentle giant. However, he usually disappoints many as he has yet to top 30 points in a season. Draft him for 30, and hope this is the year he puts it all together on the stat sheets.
