Darren Haydar

Haydar has mastered the AHL game, but has struggled to translate that success into viable NHL production. He's destined for Grand Rapids barring a very impressive training camp or a slew of injuries, but there would be pickup potential here if he somehow found his way to Detroit for a regular spot on the third line.

You think a team looking for a second line winger (like the Thrashers) would be much more excited if they had a guy like Haydar in their system. Haydar racked up an amazing 122 points in 73 AHL games last season -- tops in the league. Even with the offensive display in the "A" he only played four games with the Thrashers last season where he played 8-9 minutes a game and didn't score a point. The big question mark around Haydar is his small frame. There are many concerns that his 5'9, 170 pound body will make it difficult for him to play against big blueliners. Even though Haydar is small by NHL standards there are some open spots on Atlanta's rosters and if the 27 year-old Haydar gets a chance and makes good on it get could have a big year -- which makes him a great sleeper in large leagues.

Haydar could be an excellent sleeper this upcoming season. Most poolies have never heard of him. But if a few things fall right he could put up some big numbers. Last year Haydar was fifth in the AHL with 92 points in 80 games played. He plays right wing and currently the Thrashers don’t have a right winger with offensive skills that would make sense to be playing with Ilya Kovalchuk. If Haydar does line up next to Kovalchuk he could hit the 40 point mark in his rookie season. So why has Haydar only played in two NHL games? He’s only 5-foot-9 and weighs 165 pounds. Consider him a great sleeper in very big leagues. If he starts the season well, you’ll know he can handle the physical side of the NHL game and he could stay on one of the top two lines all season.

AHL sniper (three straight seasons of 20+ goals and 50+ points, despite being limited to just 59 games in '04-'05) will turn 26 soon after the season starts, and is running out of time to get a shot at breaking into the NHL.