Alberts once again played the role of depth defenseman for the Canucks last season, managing just one point while appearing in 24 of 48 games. At 6-4 and 218, and with a mean streak, Alberts can still offer a physical presence and grit for the Canucks’ defensive unit, but his depth role and limited offensive skill set don’t offer much from a fantasy perspective.
Like the previous two seasons, Alberts provided depth for the Canucks’ defensive unit during the 2011-12 season. The hukling (6-5, 218) blueliner appeared in 44 games, finishing with three points, 40 penalty minutes and 91 hits. At 31, we’ve pretty much seen everything Alberts has to offer and he’s set to play a low-scoring depth role once again for Vancouver’s blueline in 2012-13.
Alberts spent the 2010-11 season serving as a depth defenseman for the Canucks. The 30-year-old blueliner finished with seven points (1 G, 6 A) in 42 games, while routinely watching game from the press box as a healthy scratch. He signed a two-year extension with Vancouver this summer and will serve a similar role going forward.
Alberts disappointed after coming over to the Canucks before the trade deadline, finishing with just two points (1 G, 1 A) in 16 games. His inconsistent play pushed him to the edge of the Canucks� defensive rotation, which is where he�ll likely find himself again to start the 2010-11 campaign.
Alberts signed a two-year, $2.1 million contract with Carolina in July 2009. At 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, he’s in position to help out the ‘Canes by providing size and depth on the blue line. Still, there won’t be nearly enough offensive opportunities for Alberts to make a fantasy impact in 2009-10.
Alberts returns healthy after missing 47 games last year because of head and neck injuries. His spot among the B’s group of six defensemen might be challenged by the likes of Matt Lashoff and Matt Hunwick, but he's not really on the fantasy radar anyway, with virtually no upside on offense and not quite the PIM you look for in an enforcer.
Alberts won't help you much from a fantasy perspective. He's a defenseman who has taken just 71 shots and scored one goal in two seasons with Boston. He ranked third on the team in hits (156) and blocked shots (112) last season. Being a defensive-minded blueliner is his strength and he'll be pretty much that when the puck drops, though it is possible he could see a few extra power-play minutes.
Alberts will make his mark this season as a bone-crunching, teeth-rattling pulverizer but not a fantasy star. Sure, he'll get consistent time in the third pairing in Boston but he shouldn't be on your team's roster.
Alberts stock is on the rise and while he has a slim chance to break camp with the big club, his career with the Bruins really should wait another season.
