The popular strategy over the years is to save as much salary as possible with the defensemen. However, if you have enough cheap players producing at the other positions � feel free to have a high-priced defensemen or two. At the end of the day it can feel like having a couple of extra players on your squad. Shots-on-goal are rewarded in the CDM game, giving value for those D-men who fire the puck at the net a lot. Also keep in mind that the top-line defensemen see more ice time than the three skaters up front, with some of top defenders seeing close to 30 minutes of ice time per game. First-line defenders on winning teams often rank among the league leaders in plus-minus. And it never hurts to have a cheap d-man or two who likes to mix it up, and contributes by spending some time in the sin bin if nothing else.

Chris Pronger (STL � 2810) � You would think that after missing nearly all of last year that Pronger would come even cheaper, but remember CDM�s headquarters are in St. Louis and those who rank the salaries there know as much about Pronge�sr talents than anyone. Three years ago Pronger had 47 points and a +21 in just 51 games, so 60-70 points is still a possibility. Pronger�s salary ranks fifth among defensemen, so he should be among the most highly-owned at the position.

Sergei Gonchar (WSH � 3510) � Has amassed 54, 57, 59, and 67 points over the past four years, along with 26 goals in 2001-02. An average of 20.4 goals per season over the past three years which included 21 goals with only 10 assists in 1998-99, which sounds like Pavel Bure numbers much more than a defensemen.

Nicklas Lidstrom (DET � 3490) � You can now call him one of the games all-time greats, amassing no fewer than 57 points over the past eight seasons, including a pair of 70-point campaigns. A lifetime +258 in plus/minus, Lidstrom has never been in the red in that category and last year finished at +40.

Sergei Zubov (DAL � 2740) � One-time 89-point scorer (1993-94 with the Champion Rangers) has averaged a solid 49 points in seven years with the Stars. Usually checks in with a good plus/minus, but is not a given. Only averages about 20 PIM�s per year, which holds down his value.

Ed Jovanovski (VAN � 2610) � Has flirted with the 50-point mark over the past three seasons and has great offensive weapons to set up. Also consistent in penalty minutes and mixes it up to the tune of 100+ annually.

Mathieu Schneider (DET � 2570) � Has developed into a 50-point scorer and his plus/minus could get a boost after a trade to the Wings late last year. He will have to settle for quarterbacking the second unit behind Nicklas Lidstrom, so the upside will be limited.

Wade Redden (OTT � 2560) � Look for 10 goals, 40+ points along with a good plus/minus (+22, +22, and +23 the past three years. What you see will be what you get.

Brian Rafalski (NJ � 2400) � Don�t look for goal scoring or penalty minutes, but does have 171 points and a +90 over his four-year career.

Sandis Ozolinsh (ANH � 2330) � A true offensive defenseman, Oz is good for around 50 points a year � but his defensive liabilities always make him a candidate for a trade.

Tom Poti (NYR � 2080) � Has been a highly-regarded prospect for years, and finally blossomed with a career-high 48 points last year. Like most Rangers, his plus/minus is in the red.

Zdeno Chara (OTT � 2090) � You have to like anyone who goes 6�9� 260, would probably even be a good red-zone target in the NFL. Has always accumulated a lot of PIM�s, but has expanded him game with plus/minus�s of +29 and +30 along with 39 points in 74 games last year.

Dan Boyle (TB � 2010) � The 1000 darling of last year. Those who had him early were contenders, as Boyle kept it up with 53 points in 77 games. If he can repeat that effort he is worth at even double the price.

Derian Hatcher (DET � 2020) � It�s a new locale for the rugged veteran, as the long-time Star is yet another Detroit acquisition. Always good for PIM�s and +/- (+37 last year), his point total could bump up playing alongside Lidstrom and/or Schneider.

Jaroslav Modry (LA � 2000) � Took nearly twice as many shots last year while scoring 13 goals along with 38 points.

Phillippe Boucher (DAL � 1870) � his +28 along made him a nice cheap play last year. Is now also assured of first-line time alongside Zubov.

Martin Skoula (COL � 1800) � Has been a speculative pick over the past couple of years, and has been a mild disappointment. Remember however that he is still only 24 and has been learning OTJ. Even on the second unit, Skoula should improve from the 30-point plateau on the powerful Colorado squad.

Lubomir Visnovsky (LA � 1720) � With Matthieu Schneider gone, should be second among defensemen on the team in scoring, had a 39 point season a few years back.

Nick Boynton (BOS � 1570) � Like Skoula and Brewer, a 24-year old ready for a breakout season � especially with Bryan Berard apparently out of the picture. If nothing else, he will contribute with over 100 PIM�s.

Brad Stuart (SJ � 1500) � Another young gun who missed much of last year, but should be good for about 30 points.

Mike Rathje (SJ � 1540) � About the same production as Stuart, but did not see a lot of power-play time after the first quarter of the season.

Brian Leetch (NYR � 2730) � Before training camp even began, Leetch managed to mess up the same foot that cost him 31 games last year. Consider him if he returns to his old form after he returns. When healthy Leetch is good for 55-60 points to shoots as much as any d-man in the game.

Bryan Berard (FA � 1670) � 38 points last year, but now in limbo after Boston exercised their �walk-away� rights after Berard won in arbitration. Toronto is mentioned as one possibility for Berard, where he starred a few years back.