LEAFS FANTASY TALK: The fun about fantasy blogging is that you can select a team with many questions and just fire away. Since I just got off the phone with my cousin from Toronto, I feel like talking Maple Leafs. Here is the question of the day: Was adding more offensive weapons good for the team, but bad for fantasy owners? In this case, probably not, since most of the Leaf's offense will run through their projected top line of Phil Kessel, Tyler Bozak, and Joffrey Lupul. With the emergence of Nazem Kadri and the acquisition of free agent David Clarkson, the Leafs can roll out two balanced scoring lines, which in theory can dilute the offense such as in St. Louis. But, make no mistake about it- Head coach Randy Carlyle will ride his top guns, so if I would venture a guess on who to target in the late rounds as a solid sleeper, I would say Bozak. After securing a long-term extension, his chemistry with Kessel will be taken to new heights after the team has shown confidence in him.
BLUM TO THE WILD: After not receiving a qualifying offer by the Nashville Predators, defenseman Jonathan Blum signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Minnesota Wild. Watch this kid. The 24-year old has plenty of untapped offense in his arsenal, but had a tough time rising up a crowded defensive depth chart with Nashville, which became that much better with the drafting of future star Seth Jones. He now enters a situation in Minnesota, where he will get a legit opportunity to earn a spot on the team in training camp. Ex-Predator defensemen with offensive upside have flourished on their new teams before. Just ask Cody Franson in Toronto..
DAILY PRIME- JULY 13, 2013: LEAFS FANTASY TALK; WILD DEEP SLEEPER- ... primepucks.comSat 7/13/13 6:50 AM