Hockey in May: Beyond the NHL.

With most of the North American hockey audience tuned into the playoffs, the IIHF World Hockey Championships have been going on in Moscow.  There are many usual faces, like Eric Staal, Shane Doan, and Marian Gaborik, as well as some lesser-known players. 

Russian League superstar and former Penguin Aleksey Morozov has been tearing up the tournament and is a definite guy to keep an eye on, like Dobber has mentioned before.  He has top line talent but the question remains if there is a team out there that is willing to match what he wants (rumored to be in excess of four million tax free dollars in Russia).  Still, get him in any league you can.  The ultimate boom or bust pick, as he could put up zero to 90 points.

Anton Stralman – defense, Sweden.  He has been an absolute rock for Sweden and has star potential on the NHL.  The Leafs hold his rights and look for him to make a splash very soon.  He may need to bulk up a bit but has NHL level skill and vision already.  Won’t be an unknown for long.

Sergei Zinoviev – forward, Russia.  Zinoviev was hyped as an NHL star but fizzled early in Boston.  He had problems adjusting to the NHL game and his attitude threw off many in the Bruins upper management.  He has been one of the better players in Russia over the past few years and is a very, very creative player.  He is a risk because of his already failed attempt at cracking the NHL, but might get a second chance soon.

Tobias Enstrom – defense, Sweden.  Atlanta is desperate for defensive help and he has a good shot at cracking their top six for next season.  His speedy, tenacious game has garnered comparisons to Buffalo’s Brian Campbell.  Definitely a player to keep an eye on if that comparison rings true.

Lee Stempniak – forward, USA.  Stempniak has already proven to be a solid NHL contributor, but he has taken his game up a few levels at the World’s.  His upside is hard to pinpoint, as many didn’t expect this kind of production right away.  If he can get some solid line mates, Stempniak has a chance to be a valuable fantasy player as early as next season in St. Louis.