Bryan McCabe

McCabe's second season playing for the Panthers was quite a success. He generated eight goals and 35 helpers from the blue line, ranking 17th among defenseman in points. Consider him for your fantasy team as a solid, yet unspectacular rearguard.

Even if you were one of the many that was hoping to get 50 points out of him last season, there’s little doubt McCabe’s 15-24—39 was worth what you paid for him after the Toronto debacle. Similarly, he shouldn’t break your fantasy budget this season, but there’s still plenty of upside. The Panthers are still relying heavilty on the veteran for offense from the point, and he can expect all of the 4:44 of average power-play time he got last season with an up-and-coming offensive squad.

McCabe is certainly a bounceback candidate after a disappointing 23 points in 54 games with Toronto last season. There's absolutely no doubt a change of scenery will help him, but how much will his numbers rebound? Consider that the Panthers are desperate for offensive contributions from the blue line — specifically on the power play, a McCabe specialty. Fifty points could prove to be a reasonable expectation.

McCabe is a great fantasy defender and a nightmare on the ice. His one-timer is outstanding and he isn't shy when it comes to pinching in from the blue line when he smells some offense. But his defense is atrocious -- his 104 giveaways last season were the second-worst in the NHL -- and he takes way too many undisciplined penalties. But those kinds of "bad" things only count in horseshoes and hand grenades, and how many of THOSE things do you ever find in fantasy? Get him, use him, enjoy the ride.

McCabe’s huge first half, mostly fueled by power play production, put him among the fantasy blueline elite. He set career highs in goals (19) and assists (49), with two-thirds of that production (13 goals / 32 assist) coming with the man advantage, as well as chipping in with his usual 100+ penalty minutes. His plus-minus slipped to minus-1, but that reflects the Leafs’ struggles at even strength as a whole more than McCabe’s own defensive issues. Perhaps more than any other player in the NHL, McCabe’s fantasy value this season will depend on how often the refs are blowing their whistles; if there’s a league-wide reduction in penalties, McCabe will feel it.

The spotlight of increased expectation is on McCabe who put in a career year in 2003-04. He's tough and very mobile, and has a shot that always seems to find its way to the net. At the same time, he can lose his head on occasion and can look really, really bad for games at a time. Still, he's a great fantasy defender who will likely pot you 50 or more points (including lots on the power play), high shot totals, decent penalty minutes and perhaps, a few votes for a Norris trophy one of these years. He's entering his prime and we think there are only good things to come for Mr. McCabe.