Before running down the list I�ll have to explain my criteria. Offensive players are ranked according to a combination of scoring, +/- and penalty minutes. Goalies tend to be top-heavy on my rankings since there are only 30 NHL starting goalies, as opposed to 90 first-line skaters. That makes goalies, especially the 12-15 of those on winning teams � very valuable commodities. So here we go with the roll-call�

1. Jaromir Jagr (WSH) � Not the slam dunk of recent years, as JJ dropped from his 1.5/point per game perch to just another point a game scorer for much of last season (79 points in 69 games to be exact). If completely healthy, he should regain the scoring throne.

2. Curtis Joseph (DET) � Dom Hasek put up a 41-15-8 record with a 2.17 GAA last year. Even with a coaching transition and Steve Yzerman missing half the year, I expect Cujo to approach Dom�s numbers.

3. Peter Forsberg (COL) � In case you have any doubts on whether he can regain his old form, 27 points in 20 playoff games (where scoring is hard to come by) should answer that. When you equate +/- into the equation, Peter could very well be #1.

4. Jarome Iginla (CGY) � Some do not expect a repeat of last year�s 96 point campaign, but keep in mind JI is still only 25. Jarome also isn�t afraid to mix it up, compiling 77 PIM�s. One stat that Iginla will be hard pressed to repeat is his +27 with the so-so Flames team around him.

5. Patrick Roy (COL) � Led the world with 9 shutouts and a 1.94 GAA, along with a .925 save pct. Even if he slips some from that lofty perch, expect an improvement from last year�s 32-23-8 record.

6. Martin Brodeur (NJ) � Was between the pipes for a league-leading 73 games, posting a 38-26-9 record with a 2.15 GAA/.906 save pct. Jersey�s defense traditionally does not allow a lot of shots, keeping Marty fresh most nights.

7. Markus Naslund (VAN) � Back-to-back 40 goal season, and last year also added 50 assists and a +22 to the cause. As is the case with Iginla, I am not convinced he can keep the +/- going.

8. Todd Bertuzzi (VAN) � If you�re league includes PIM�s you may even want to elevate Bertuzzi above Naslund, since Todd has 329 PIM�s over the past three seasons, along with a +21 and 85 points in 72 games. The point total was an increase of 30 from 2000-�01. For that reason I rank Naslund higher, since his scoring has a better long-term track record. Also should Markus get hurt, it would really affect Todd.

9. Roman Cechmanek (PHI) � Flyers finally traded Brian Boucher in the off-season, which should clear Cechmanek from further competition. Has compiled save pct�s of .921 the past two seasons, along with GAA�s of 2.01 and 2.05. Throw in defensive-minded coach Ken Hitchcock into the equation and you have a bonifide Vezina-candidate for �02-�03.

10. Joe Sakic (COL) � Huge drop from �00-�01�s MVP #�s, from 118 points and a +45 to 79 and a +12. Also was in the point per game realm in the playoffs, netting 19 points in 21 contests. Split the difference for this year, with 90 point potential do go along with what should be at least a +20.

11. Mario Lemieux (PIT) � Recently reported to be in �tip-top� shape, that�s because no one has checked him in four months. You know that will change once live bullets are fired. Top end projections have Mario playing 60-65 games. Still should be a force when he does play, averaging 1.77 pts per game as recently as his comeback year of two years ago. Excellent player if you�re league has daily transactions.

12. Evgeni Nabokov (SJ) � There isn�t much to like in a solid goalie (37-24-5/2.29//918) for a contending club. The downside is he�s only a slump away from losing time to very capable backup Mikko Kiprusoff.

13. Jose Theodore (MTL) � His .931 save pct. And 2.11 GAA is nothing short of eye-popping. I need more convincing on the team around him though.

14. Pavel Bure (NYR) � This sports Mark McGwire/Sammy Sosa when it comes to goal scoring, tallying 117 goals between �99-�00 and �00-�01. After only scoring 34 in 68 contests last year, returning to the 50+ level is very possible playing for the offensive-minded Rangers. On the downside, NYR players have not been the greatest in +/- in recent years.

15. Keith Tkachuk (STL) � Barring injury, you cannot possibly go wrong with this classic power-winger. You can look for a point a game, a +20, along with 100+ penalty minutes. Very safe pick.

16. Brendan Shanahan (DET) � Statistically a mirror image of Tkachuk. 40 goals, 40 assists, penalty minutes, and a great +/-.

17. Joe Thornton (BOS) � For reasons unknown to me, Team Canada continues to snub Joe from Olympic and other international competitions. That should stop very soon as Thornton makes his final thrust into hockey superstardom. Look for over a point a game, along with 100+ penalty minutes.

18. Olaf Kolzig (WSH) � Has run hot-and-cold recently, and last year�s 2.79 GAA raises some concern. But appearing in 216 games, while recording 109 wins over the past three years still bodes well. Olaf will not be losing his gig anytime soon.

19. Alexei Kovalev (PIT) � Seems to have been around forever, but is still listed at 29 years old. In case you have any doubts on his ability, he tallied six goals in a two-game period last year. Expect 40+ tallies.

20. Alexei Yashin (NYI) � Look for lots of scoring but not necessarily a great +/-.

21. Jason Allison (LA) � Dropoff due to holdout/adjustment period w/new team. Dropped from 36 goals in �00-�01 to 19 last year, but still had 55 halpers. Look for 85-90 points this year.

22. Mats Sundin (TOR) � The best improvement fantasy-wise in recent years for Mats is increasing his PIM�s from 46 to 74 to 94. The rest of his game remains consistent in regards to points (73/74/80) as well as +/- (+16/+15/+6). No reason to expect a dropoff anytime soon.

23. Mike Modano (DAL) � Great news, Hitchcock no longer coaches the Stars!!!! That should give Mike a chance to increase his ice-time, along with his point-a-game scoring and favorable +/-.

24. Jeremy Roenick (PHI) � Bad news, Hitchcock now coaches the Flyers. The point total (67 in 75 games) may drop slightly, but JR could very well duplicate last years +32. Roenick is usally also good for 100 PIM�s a year.

25. Peter Bondra (WSH) � If you like goals, here is your guy. 84 scores over the past two seasons � including 39 on the power play. Loss of Adam Oates hurts a little, Jagr�s presence does not. Peter�s also getting chippier, with the PIM�s increasing from 30 to 60 to 80.

26. Eric Lindros (NYR) � You may want to elevate Lindros if electing to gamble on him actually staying halfway healthy again. But you know that next concussion is coming, count on it.

27. Theo Fleury (CHI) � Actually lands in a nice situation with the Blackhawks, and is still capable in scoring in bunches. You don�t want to wish for a repeat of last year�s 216 PIM�s however. Anything approaching that again and the league is going to order Fleury to get physcological help.

28. Ed Belfour (TOR) � Speaking of ticking time-bombs. Eddie is eager to prove that Dallas made a mistake in getting rid of him. Even though Eddie will get regular risk, he should benefit from offensive support and be good for 25-30 wins with the Leafs.

29. Brent Johnson (STL) � Much maligned (as most recent Blue netminders tend to be), but was still good for 34 wins and a 2.18 GAA. Downside is that Brent will have to yield playing time to Fred Brathwaite when he has his annual one-to-two month hot streak.

30. Marty Turco (DAL) � Don�t be scared off by the lack of experience, as Marty has been well groomed the past two seasons, appearing a 57 games while compiling a sparkling 28-12-3 record. That comes along with GAA�s of 1.90 and 2.09, and save pct�s of .925 and .921.

31. Tommy Salo (EDM) � Oilers workhorse has appeared in 212 games over the past three years, compiling a 93-81-35 record along with GAA�s of 2.33, 2.46, and 2.22 and save pct�s of .914. .904, and .913. Good pick if more interested in quantity while sacrificing some quality.

32. Milan Hejduk (COL) � Forget about last year�s disappointing 44 points in 62 games along with an even 0 rating. The fact that he�s 26 and scored 79 points with a +32 in �00-�01 in �00-�01 and will be playing with the likes of Sakic and Forsberg is all you need to know.

33. Nikolai Khabibulin (TB) � If you like guys standing on their heads, Nik is for you as he compiled a 2.30 GAA and .920 save pct. � along with 7 shutouts. Downside was that Nik tired late for the lowly Lightning, compiling a 24-32-10 slate. His value could skyrocket if team around him improves more.

34. Zigmund Palffy (LA) � Is awesome when healthy, and that�s a big if. Had 89 points and a +22 in 73 games in �00-�01 before slipping to 59 in 63 games last year. His pairing with Jason Allison should be good in the long-term.

35. Sergei Fedorov (DET) � Dirty web site design secret � always drop the name of tennis hottie Anna Kournikova whenever possible � it ensures increased web hits. Fantasy hockey followers have kind of felt over the years that Fedorov underachieves a little like his old flame Anna (her play on the tennis court, when she gets bounced out of the first round of every tournament � that is. However Federov will be counted on more with Steve Yzerman on the shelf on the season so he could bump up his usual 70-point effort, along with his usual +20 or so. 19 playoff points in 23 games points should also give some idea of his potential as an undisputed #1 centerman.

36. Simon Gagne (PHI) � Was absolutely sensational at times last year, potting 66 points in 79 contests. More impressive has been his development in the +/- department, improving from +11 to +24 to +31. At age 22, this future looks great.

37. Pavol Demitra (STL) � Downgraded in many drafts last year simply for having an injury-plagued reputation over the years, Pavol responded by compiling 78 points along with a +13, while more importantly, playing all 82 games. Also added 11 points in 10 playoff contests.

38. Doug Weight (STL) � The linemate of Demitra and Weight should be listed at least this high, even thought last years #�s (49 points in 61 games, +20) were a slight disappointment compared to his last year in Edmonton (90 points, +12). Very capable of returning to the 90-point plateau while perhaps even improving the +/-.

39. Patrik Elias (NJ) � An MVP candidate in �00-�01, when he collected 96 points along with an amazing +45, then dropped badly to 61 points and a +4. Still only 26, so 80 points and a +20 are reasonable expectations.

40. Paul Kariya (ANH) � One of the National League�s biggest disappointments last year, only compiling 57 points to go along with a -15. Paul does get new linemates this year with veteran Adam Oates, along with former Devil Petr Sykora. If you�re in a weird league (like CDM) that awards shots on goal, then Paul�s value improves immensely � he perennially leads the universe in that department.

41. Bill Guerin (DAL) � Back-to-back 40 goal campaigns, though he dropped from 85 points two years ago to 66 last year. His pairing with Mike Modano should be a good one, and will help his +/- (-1 last year.)

42. Glen Murray (BOS) � Yet another component of the blockbuster Bruins/Kings trade, and took advantage with 41 goals and 71 points playing all 82 games. As long as he gets first-line time he should remain a sniper, do not expect a repeat of last year�s +31.

43. Alex Tanguay (COL) � Much like linemate Milan Hejduk, Tanguay�s disappointing �01-�02 #�s (48 points, 70 games, +8) should be wiped out while concentrating on the stats from two years ago (77 points, +35). Doesn�t turn 23 until July, so you get an idea of the future upside.

44. Sean Burke (PHX) � As well as Nikolai Khabibulin has played with TB, Phoenix has not rued the day they elected not to buckle to Nik�s contract demands as this veteran has been nothing short of solid the past two seasons, following up �00-�01�s 25-22-13/2.27/.922 effort with a 33-21-6 slate last year, with a 2.29 GAA and another stellar save pct. of .920. There is concern with the Coyotes acquiring Brian Boucher, who is sure to spell the veteran Burke on a regular basis.

45. Dan Cloutier (VAN) � Was decent but not spectacular in getting his initial shot with a quality team last year, compiling 31-22-5 mark with a 2.43 GAA and .901 save pct. The most impressive number with Dan was his seven shutouts. Backup Peter Skudra should provide some resistance, but not a huge danger to steal the job. Biggest concern is that Vancouver is one of several teams who probably wouldn�t mind the chance to upgrade their goaltending during the season and acquire someone capable of �getting them to the next level� come playoff time. And I will make the first of several warnings about Byron DaFoe still lurking about as an unrestricted free agent.

46. Patrick Lalime (OTT) � Decent but not great during the regular campaign going 27-24-8, with a 2.48 GAA and a .903 save pct., but did have seven shutouts while fending off pesky backup Jami Hurme. However, Lalime solidified his #1 position for the foreseeable future during the playoffs racking up four shutouts in twelve games, along with a 1.39 GAA and .946 save pct.

47. Felix Potvin (LA) � Was between the pipes in 71 games, compiling a 31-27-8 record with six shutouts, while lowering his GAA to 2.31 (from 2.83 and 2.62 in previous seasons) along with a .907 save pct. His MO is to excel in the season�s second-half.

48. Roman Turek (CGY) � For the first two months was a bonifide Vezina candidate before regressing back into the Roman Turek St. Louis fans had come to know and love � finishing 30-28-11/2.53/.908. Fortunately, Roman took advantage of his hot streak to sign a fat new contract, so his job is safe � a middle tier goaltender.

49. Radek Bonk (OTT) � I like my line combinations, and Bonk/Hossa/Arvedson are one of the leagues� best. Racked up 70 points playing all 82 games, but his +/- dropped from +27 to +3 � split the difference and expect somewhere between a +10 and +15.

50. Ryan Smyth (EDM) � Speaking of great lines, Smyth/Mike Comrie/Anson Carter was emerging into another great one until Smyth busted up his ankle in Mid-November. Still managed 50 points in 61 games with a +7.

51. Rob Blake (COL) � It may seem a bit early to grab a D-man, but with Chris Pronger out half the season Blake becomes #1 at the position with a bullet. Last year had 56 points in 75 games, 59 in 67 contests year before that. Blake also adds some PIM�s and last years +16 should be even better playing for one of the league�s premier teams, especially considering D-men are capable of compiling insane +/- totals.

52. Martin Straka (PIT) � Missed most of last year with a broken leg, but scored 95 points along with a +19 two years ago. Don�t forget about him.

53. Robert Lang (WSH) � Simply a great career move signing on the dotted line with the Caps, as Lang is now reunited with Jaromir Jagr. Compiled 80 points with a +20 teamed up with Jagr in �00-�01, and was still decent with 50 points in 62 games and a +9 last year.

54. Mark Recchi (PHL) � On the disappointing side, with only 64 points and a +5 compared to 91 and a +20 two years ago. Look for Recchi to rebound a little towards the �99-�00.

55. Craig Conroy (CGY) � Improved from 32 points two years ago to 75 last year, with a +24 to boot. Think someone named Iginla had something to do with that. This is the one player who simply cannot afford to be clipped from a #1 line.

56. Brendan Morrison (VAN) � Another beneficiary of being on a premier line, as he has Bertuzzi and Naslund for linemates, which he capitalized to the tune of 67 points along with a +18. Needless to say, losing the first line gig would be a real bummer to his stats.

57. Marian Hossa (OTT) � Slight slippage in points (75 to 66) as well as +/- +19 to +11. Still only 23 so the upside is there.

58. Daniel Alfredsson (OTT) � A point a game man over his seven year career, collecting 71 in 78 games last year, as for once he had health on his side.

59. Owen Nolan (SJ) � A fantasy God just three years ago when he scored 84 points along with 110 PIM�s � Nolan was still good for 66 with 93 PIM�s and a +7 last year.

60. Sergei Samsonov (BOS) � Really came on playing alongside Thornton, with 70 points and a +21 in 72 contests. Seems to have been along forever, but is still only 25.

61. Eric Daze (CHI) � Has steadily snuck up on the big boys, and last year was his best yet with 38 goals and 70 points. The +/- has also improved from �16 two years ago to +17 last year.

62. Sergei Gonchar (WSH) � Fast becoming a perennial Selke award finalist, with 54, 57, and 59 ponts the past three years. Of some concern is dropping from a +26 in �99-�00 to -1 last year. Still, bringing up the puck to Jags and Lang will always be good for tallies on the scoresheet.

63. Saku Koivu (MTL) � If you believe in people coming back from cancer stronger than ever (see Lance Armstrong), then Koivu may be a good play. 10 points in 12 playoff contests should bode well for this year. There have been other injuries that have derailed Koivu in previous years though.

64. Mike Comrie (EDM) � Emerged big-time with 60 points playing all 82 games, along with a +16 and 79 PIM�s. Don�t think he can repeat the +/- but is just a pup at 22 years of age.

Steve Sullivan (CHI) � One of the better waiver-wire pick-ups in league history, Sully has 200 points over the past three years, along with a +23 last year. Also good for about 60 PIM�s. Helps in the assists department more than goals.

66. Jocelyn Thibault (CHI) � 33-23-9 with 6 shutouts, a 2.49 GAA and a .902 save pct., but Hawks upper brass are not completely sold on him. Don�t be surprised to see Chicago get into the fray for DaFoe.

67. Johan Hedberg (PIT) � Team still seams happy with him despite a 25-34-7 slate (6 shutouts), with a subpar 2.75 GAA. 66 games proves he�s the Pen�s bellcow though.

68. Steve Shields (BOS) � A fantastic opportunity for journeyman to start with team that had the Eastern Conference�s best record last year. GAA�s of 2.56, 2.48, and 2.67 over the past three years not much to write home about. Shields and current backup John Grahame should provide for one of the National League�s best goaltending battles this coming seasons.

69. Tony Amonte (PHX) � Escapes Chicago to join Phoenix, coming off a 52-point campaign (66 games) with a +11 and 67 PIM�s. Averaged over a point a game as recently as �99-�00.

70. Shane Doan (PHX) � Dissapointing 49 points in 81 games last year after 63 in 76 contests the year before. His new pairing with Amonte should bode well though.

71. Jeff O�Neill (CAR) � Team goes to the Cup Finals and I don�t rank any of their players until now??? Actually, Jeff has been quite consistent coming off seasons of 63, 67, and 64 points. The downside is he�s also coming off -9, -18, and -5. Is age 26 this year, so he should peak.

72. Chris Drury (COL) � Slumped from 65 points in 71 games two years ago to 46 last year. You would also expect much better +/- #�s from someone playing the Colorado system (+8, +6, and +1 the past three years). If he was indeed only 12 when he pitched in the Little League World Series (that was only 1989), that would make him 26 this year.

73. Alexander Mogilny (TOR) � Veteran has been up-and-down for most of his career, collected 57 points in 66 games last year with a +1. Too much of a wallflower though, only 8 PIM�s on the campaign.

74. Teemu Selanne (SJ) � How the mighty have fallen. From 107 points back in �98-�99 to just 54 (and a �11) playing every contest last year. Still has the potential to at least pile up 65-70 points.

75. Magnus Arvedson (OTT) � The third cog in Ottawa�s top line. Known as a �two-way� player netting a +23 and +27 the past two years, but with only 39 points in 74 games, an improvement just to 60 would make him a huge sleeper.

76. Vincent LeCavalier (TB) - -25, -26, and -18. No those are not the winning scores of the Greater Milwaukee Open the last three years, that is Vinny�s three most recent +/- readings. Worse, his points have dropped from 67 to 51 to 37 in 76 games in �01-�02. However, the former #1 overall pick is still only 22 and Tampa finally seems to be developing a team around him, so don�t be surprised if Vinny becomes a top-30 player this year.

77. Martin Biron (BUF) � Notice Marty is the first Sabre mentioned, that�s because the financially strapped team figures to struggle this season. On the plus side, Marty was 31-28-10 (71 games) with a 2.22/.915 in his first season filling the formable shows of one Dominic Hasek.

78. Miroslav Satan (BUF) � OK, maybe there are two Sabres remotely worth having. 73 points playing all 82 games last year, more impressive are his readings of +16, +5, and +14 over the past three campaigns.

79. Nicklas Lidstrom (DET) � Hockey News recently named Nick the NHL's best player - pretty high praise. And coming off point totals of 73, 71, and 59 make him the best scoring defenseman on the lot. However PIM�s are not part of his game accumulating only 18, 18, and 20 during that same span. You would also expect much better than a +3 playing for the Wings, which pales dramatically to partner Chris Chelios� +40.

80. Adam Oates (ANH) � Look elsewhere if looking for goals, he only has 42 the past three seasons. However, the 40-year old has amazingly led the league in assists the past two seasons. Don�t be surprised if the future HOF�er does it again playing alongside Kariya.

81. Mark Parrish (NYI) � Exploded last October before fading along with his Islander teammates. Still 30 goals and 60 was still a bargain for those who chose him late. Great option if looking for goals.

82. Brian Leetch (NYR) � If looking for points from the blueline, Leetch�s your man � although he dropped to 55 from an amazing 79 in �00-�01. On the plus side (literally), he managed a +14 after being a minus machine in recent years.

83. Marian Gaborik (MN) � One of league�s rising stars getting 67 points in 78 games, and that only getting about 17 minute of ice time per night. And an even zero in the +/- department is not bad for a second-year expansion outfit. Marian�s only 20 so there could be some bumps in the road but not a bad play this year as I have a feeling the Wild will sneak into the playoffs.

84. Ron Francis (CAR) � Another 200,000+ mile vehicle that just keeps rolling, collecting 77 points in 80 games last year, then adding 16 more in 23 playoff contests. Ron gets all the power-play time he wants, is how he got 42 of those points. Also improved from -15 to +4, but penalty minutes are next to nothing. Turns 40 in March which is the big negative as Canes will eventually look to get younger.

85. Jere Lehtinen (DAL) � Great prospect if looking for +/-, finished at +27 even with Dallas as a whole having an off-season. Don�t expect much upside on the scoresheet, but an even marginal improvement from last years 49 (73 games) would be sufficient.

86. Chris Osgood (NYI) � Much maligned goalie had an incredible first month, then tailed off but still finished 32-25-6 with a 2.50/.910. Expect a dropoff in workload as prospect Rick DiPietro is waiting in the wings (and I don't mean Osgood's former team).

87. Mike Dunham (NSH) � Dropped off from 2.28/.923 two years ago to 2.61/.906 last year. If the Nashville �Pretenders� can ever put a playoff caliber team around him his stock would go up.

88. Chris Chelios (DET) � An incredible +40, following up on a +48 in �99-�00. Add 39 points and 126 PIM�s and even at age 40, you still have a top-ten fantasy rearguard.

89. Dany Heatley (ATL) � Fantastic rookie year, getting 67 points playing the entire slate. A bad +/- of -19 had to expected playing for one of the leagues lower-tier teams. Only 56 PIM�s but that could go up, Dany collected 74 PIM in 39 collegiate games two years ago.

90. Arturs Irbe (CAR) � Archie�s #�s were decent when he played (20-19-11/2.54/.902), problem is backup Kevin Weekes has deserved the chance to at least 30 games.

91. Alexei Zhamnov (CHI) � Another solid performer for the Hawks with 67 points in 77 contests, along with a +8.

92. Brian Rafalski (NJ) � If you�re looking for +/- from the blueline, Brian�s fits the bill coming off seasons of +21, +36, and +15, and is also good for about 50 points. Do not expect anything from the PIM department.

93. Pierre Turgeon (DAL) � Was every bit the disappointment people thought he would be in Dallas, with only 47 points and a -4 in 66 games. Just two years ago he was a +30 with 66 points in 52 contests. Barring a trade temper your expectations.

94. Mike Richter (NYR) � Look elsewhere for low GAA�s as Richter is coming off seasons of 2.95, 3.28, and 2.87. However, he�s still good for 60 starts and will provide wins should the Rangers have a winning season for once.

95. Steven Reinprecht (COL) � The next Avalanche player on the rise??? Unlike many of his teammates he did have a nice +/- checking in at +14 last year, along with 46 points in 67 games.

96. Ilya Kovalchuk (ATL) � Good pick if looking for goals, as the 18-year old collected 29 last year along with 22 assists in 65 games. Like Heatley, he will kill you in +/- (-19). Still one of the league�s true rising stars.

97. Ed Jovanovski (VAN) � Finally making his final ascent as one of the leagues top rearguards, scoring 48 points and 102 PIM�s while logging 25 minutes per night. If he could just get above the sunny side of zero in +/- (-3, -1, -7 the previous three years) he would be the complete package.

98. Scott Gomez (NJ) � Another reason you take goalies early, so you can speculate on middle to late-round picks such as this. Dropped from 70 points three years ago to 48 last year thanks mainly to line problems. Also dropped from a +14 to a -4 during that span. Still only 22 years of age and is not exactly playing on a bad team, so expect him to eventually bounce back.

99. Ray Whitney (CLM) � Good news, he�s his teams leading scorer (61 in 67 games). Bad news, it�s with the BlueJackets, which also netted him a -22. Also only had 12 PIM�s last year.

100. Justin Williams (PHI) � At 21, may still be a year away from making a real impact � but appears to be on the right track collecting 40 points in 75 games along with a +11.

101. Scott Neidermayer (NJ) � Good for 40 points a year and has been double-digits on the plus side each of the past four seasons.

102. Chris Pronger (STL) � Not only did he have his ACL repaired but also had major wrist surgery as well. So far reports have his rehabilition on schedule, which would put his return date sometime in January. If you believe half a season of Pronger is worth it, then consider him late.

103. Steve Yzerman (DET) � Like Pronger, will miss half the season in the aftermath of knee surgery. Was not bad playing on one leg last year with 48 points in 52 games along with a +11. Also capped a gutty post-season by collecting 23 points in 23 games.

104. Jiri Dopita (EDM) � Euro League lifer was on everyone�s sleeper list going into last year after being signed with the Flyers, but unfortunately wasted no time getting hurt. Was decent when he came back, with 27 points in 52 games along with a +9. Now with Edmonton, he qualifies as a solid second-line player.

105. Richard Zednik (MTL) � Is slated for first-line duty, and got 44 points playing every game last year � then really exploded for eight points in four playoff games until this hit darn near killed him.

106. Mike York (EDM) � Was must have playing alongside Fleury and Lindros early last year until things tailed off badly, then was dealt to Edmonton in yet another Blueshirt revamping. Is still only 24, but don�t expect big-time #�s again unless he somehow winds up on the first line.

107. Oleg Tverdovsky (NJ) � Tailed off badly from 51 and 53 point seasons with the Ducks, only compiling 32 pts. last year. Moving on to Jersey, he should be in on more scoring as well as getting on the sunny side of +/-.

108. Bryon DaFoe (FA) � Have to rank him somewhere, he�ll show up somewhere for someone � unless he decides to play in Europe. This season�s true wild card.

So there it is, those are just the top 108 players. There are currently over 700 players on NHL rosters � no doubt many players who were not close to cracking this list will emerge due to attrition and opportunity and shine this year. So if you feel that you didn�t get everything you wanted on draft day don�t fret. Keep an eye on the waiver wire since circumstances change in hockey like no other sport.