Deadline Deals

Deadline Deals

Moves I like

Mark Streit to Penguins – The Penguins backline has been enigmatic this season; dangerously offensive, yet often injured. Kris Letang has an undisclosed injury and has been in and out of the lineup all year. Streit could easily replace his veteran presence as the point shot on the blueline, as he has been for so many years with the Flyers, and Islanders before that. I love this pickup by the Pens.

Alex Burrows to Senators – The lifelong Canuck brings a certain feistiness that the Sens are pretty used to (see Chris Neil). He’s a talented player that could easily put the puck in the net with the right teammates. A change of scenery will likely help Burrows to revitalize his career.

Thomas Vanek to Panthers – This is a very underrated pickup for a bubble team trying to make a push into the playoffs. At his best, he’s one the most explosive players in the league. He’s had plenty of postseason experience in the past – typically a rental player for playoff bound teams. He should improve Florida’s offence in a big way.

Moves I don’t

Curtis Lazar to Flames – This might be a low risk move for Calgary but I don’t really see much upside to Lazar’s game. He put up just 1 point in 33 games for the Senators this year so he’s not exactly the sexiest pick. I can’t see him fitting into an already young flames team that relies heavily on their chemistry.

Drew Stafford to Bruins – Every single year Winnipeg ships off one of their productive players around this time. When will the turnaround finally happen? I just don’t like this move because it symbolizes another failed season for the Jets, and I really want them to end this extremely slow rebuild.

Steve Ott to Canadiens – On a team that struggles to score I’m not sure this is the answer…that’s all I have to say about that.

MLB 15-20 Picks


We’re in the last installment of my MLB fantasy picks for this season. Hopefully you’re well into your 2nd round at this point. Pitchers should be a heavy focus at this point in your draft. Once one goes, the rest will quickly follow. 

16. MAX SCHERZER (WSH) P – He almost got 300 strikeouts last season… that is ridiculous. If you can get last year’s Cy Young winner this late into the draft then you’re laughing. 

17. NOAH SYNDERGAARD (NYM) P – Speaking of strikeouts, Noah Syndergaard is no slouch. He’s a top 5 pitcher in the league, and as a Jays fan it pains me to say it…he’s in good standing to win a future Cy Young.

18. MADISON BUMGARNER (SF) P – Although I listed several other pitchers above ahead of him, from a reality (non-fantasy) perspective, there is no one better than MadBum. He is the one pitcher I’d want to start a team around above everyone else. The problem is that you never know what type of team the Giants will field behind him.

19. ROBINSON CANO (SEA) 2B – Whatever was troubling Robby Cano when he first got to Seattle, it is officially behind him. He is Mr. Consistency and puts up an easy 30+ home runs every year which is extremely rare from a 2nd baseman. 

20. JOEY VOTTO (CIN) 1B – Joey was a huge bounceback player last season, and just keeps on leading the league year after year in OBP. If you have that stat in your league then Joey is a no brainer pick.

MLB 11-15 Picks


So you’re either in the 2nd round of your pool, or you have 12 – 14 teams and have to dig deep. Don’t worry, that’s why I’m here…

11. MANNY MACHADO (BAL) 3B, SS – The position versatility is key for Manny. Shortstop has absolutely the biggest dearth of talent and anyone who puts up 37 bombs and 97 rbi should be snagged up relatively quickly. He might not be the sexiest name but he is definitely elite. 

12. MIGUEL CABRERA (DET) 1B – If this was a keeper pool then I’d suggest perhaps going with someone younger, but in a one-year pool: Miggy is a first ballot hall-of-famer, coming off a 38 home run, 108 rbi campaign, while batting for a .316 average. He’s been doing this for well over a dozen years and it’s never a surprise what you see from him.

13. TREA TURNER (WSH) 2B, OF – This is a bit of a riskier pick, considering we’ve only seen him for half a season… but consider this: in 73 games last year he went: .342 avg, 13 hr, 40 rbi, 33 steals. Not a single one of those stats isn’t insane for a kid his age, and with his experience. He could explode to MVP type expectations if he continues last year’s pace – worth the risk in my opinion.

14. CHARLIE BLACKMON (COL) OF – He’s improved every single year he’s been in the majors and has shown no signs of regression. He’s a pretty safe pick and a good value one with your 14th overall choice.

15. COREY SEAGER (LAD) SS – Remember what I said earlier about shortstops… well this is the guy you should have highlighted as he’s the best in the game. He should be taken pretty high simply because of position scarcity.

MLB 6-10 Picks


Chances are if you’re reading this then you don’t have a top 5 pick in your upcoming baseball draft. Not ideal, but there’s such an embarrassment of riches in talent that you don’t have to worry much until the very late rounds of your fantasy draft. Here’s who you should be picking #6 through #10.

6. NOLAN ARENADO (COL) 3B – Yes I’ve already waxed poetic about Kris Bryant, and Josh Donaldson, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any other elite third basemen left. Arenado is a beast and is pretty much guaranteed 35 HR and 110 RBI, at the very least. Don’t let him slip too far into your draft as he’s sure to make a huge impact on whatever squad he ends up on.

7. PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT (ARZ) 1B – A couple of years ago, Goldy would’ve been pushing for 1st overall. He hasn’t really regressed and has kept up his consistent play as the best 1B in the game, so at 7th overall, he is essentially a steal. The only thing that I’m hesitant about is the fact that 1B has the most depth in the league, and if you miss out on Goldy you can find a solid replacement later on.

8. BRYCE HARPER (WSH) OF – Talk about a sleeper pick. Harper is set to bounce back in a huge way after having a relatively down year by his terms. He hasn’t even hit his potential yet, and he took home the NL MVP just 2 years ago. He should explode and should not make it to the 2nd round.

9. ANTHONY RIZZO (CHC) – Make no mistake, Rizzo can mash. He can sometimes be overshadowed by his other talented teammates, and the fact that he plays 1st base can deter from his talent. But he has been incredibly consistent the last few years – you know what you’re getting from him. 

10. CLAYTON KERSHAW (LAD) – Until I’m proven otherwise, Kershaw is still the best regular season pitcher in baseball. When a pitcher gets chosen, he should be the first to go. He’s a strikeout machine and is good for an easy 18-20 wins. 

2017 MLB Fantasy Draft


It’s that time of the year again! Pitchers and Catchers Report in 4 Days and counting, which means spring training is just around the corner and baseball is officially on it’s way back. Which means your mlb fantasy draft is also quickly approaching… so let’s start mock drafting! Here are your top 5 picks:

MIKE TROUT (LAA) OF – Can’t choose anyone but the best player in baseball to go 1st overall. It’s rare that the best player in the game also happens to be the best fantasy player. 

KRIS BRYANT (CHC) 3B, OF – Coming off an MVP, World Series Ring, Blue Jays bias aside… I can’t think of a third baseman I’d rather have. He’s young, and he’s only getting better.

JOSE ALTUVE (HOU) 2B – He steals, he hits, he has power…and there’s not many 2nd basemen out there that can touch him. Position scarcity puts him in my top 3.

MOOKIE BETTS (BOS) OF – Mookie seemingly came out of nowhere to contend for AL MVP late last season, and he probably would’ve won it if Big Papi didn’t have his crazy farewell year. Look for him to improve on last season’s stats.

JOSH DONALDSON (TOR) 3B – Simply put, his last 2 seasons combined have been insane. He hasn’t shown any signs of regression, and should continue to smash, with Bautista continuing to bat after him. 

Super Bowl 51 Recap


28-3…I still can’t get over it. At the half, the Patriots had a statistical 4 percent chance to come back and win. And somehow they did – that is why I love sports. I said it in the week leading up to the Super Bowl, you just can’t rule out Brady & Belichick. But the big question that everyone has is… did the Patriots win this game, or did the Falcons blow it? 

Some questionable decisions were made when the Falcons were leading the charge in the 4th quarter. Specifically, why did they continue to throw it? Matt Ryan dropping back to throw the ball and getting sacked ultimately pushed him out of field goal range. Whereas if they chose to run the ball, like you’re supposed to when you’re leading by that amount, then they wouldn’t have continuously turned it over. It seems that ‘not running’ has delivered the Patriots their last 2 championship titles – Tom Brady is one lucky man but I guess you gotta be good to be lucky.

Brady comes out of this with his NFL Record breaking 5th Super Bowl title. So whatever your thoughts are on the guy, it’s hard to not respect him as the best ever. He truly had an MVP performance in this game: 466 yards and 2 touchdowns. All without his best receiver (Gronk). The scary part is, despite his age he doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. He once joked about playing until he’s 50, and I’m suddenly thinking that wasn’t entirely a joke. 

I’m not a Pats fan per se, but what we are watching right now is a full on sports dynasty; One that will go down in history. So if I can look back on this moment in time and say that I watched the best quarterback ever, and probably the best coach ever, win super bowl after super bowl… then I’m good with that. I’m ready to see another one… so… Lets Go Pats!

NHL 2nd Half Lookahead


As the Nhl’s unofficial 2nd half begins we take a look at where the Canadian teams stand and how they’ve performed so far this season. Compared to this point last year where 0 Canadian teams made the postseason for the first time in about 40 years…I’d say it was a pretty decent review…it’s Report Card Time!

The Ottawa senators have exceeded all expectations so far this season, all while doing so without some notable players: Craig Anderson has played in just 19 games due to personal reasons, Clarke Macarthur never played a game, and their highest paid player Bobby Ryan, has recorded just 19 points. But with all that, the Sens find themselves in 2nd place in the Atlantic Division, threatening for the Division lead. Watch out for the Sensations. 

Our next stop is in Oil town, where the young guns looks like they have arrived… with the added elite play of Cam Talbot, and solid offseason acquisitions that have seemed to have worked out (Lucic, Larsson), Edmonton finds themselves currently tied for 1st in the Pacific Division. The last time the oilers were in a playoff spot this late into the year, it was the 2009 season… it took a long time but it appears the turnaround has finally begun.

Next up… les Habitans. The Habs have cooled off a bit since their great start, but still remain in 1st place in their division and destined for a playoff berth. It’s been a tale of 2 seasons for Montreal, going 17-6-2 in their 1st 25 games, followed by 12-8-5 in their next 25, but it’s worth noting that no Canadian team has dealt with more key injuries. The expectations for this team are high, and their window to win is shrinking.

Leafs nation has to be pleased with what they’ve seen in the first half; Toronto’s kids have been dominating the league this season, exceeding all the expectations from experts to fans alike – who were preparing themselves for another top 5 pick. With Nazem Kadri playing the best hockey of his career, and Freddy Andersen earning every cent of his new contract, the leafs are threatening for a playoff spot… and would be in one if they hadn’t blown several winnable games this season.

Let’s head west to Vancouver, where the Canucks are, believe it or not, just 1 point out of a wild card spot. At one point this season there was a “willie watch” and a desperate cry from ‘nucks nation to start the rebuild. The Canucks have struggled to score this season and that may ultimately be their downfall. But for a team to make the postseason that many expected to finish as a bottom 5 team, they have to get some credit.

The Calgary flames enter the 2nd half clinging onto the last wild card spot, having lost 7 of their last 10 games, and scoring just 4 goals in 3 games on their last Canadian road trip. Unfortunately their big offseason acquisition of Brian Elliott has not panned out exactly as the flames had hoped. But after a 26th place finish last season, Calgary has exceeded some expectations and have shown flashes that they deserve to be where they are in the standings.

Last but not least, the Winnipeg jets, who have struggled all year with their goaltending woes. Hutchinson, Hellebuyck, and now the recently recalled Pavelec have all attempted to right the ship, and have all ostensibly come up short. The Jets have proven they can score goals, but not at the pace they let them into their own net; a minus 11 goal differential can be problematic. The Jets are the only Canadian team with an under .500 record, but like most, are still within striking range of the wild card.

2017 NFL Fantasy Draft 'Lookaheadge'

It’s never too early to look ahead to next season, especially if this fantasy season has been a bust for you. Well, for me it has and that’s why I’m planning ahead for next year. Here’s how it breaks down:


BELL (PIT) – The best running back in the game, who makes a ton of catches as well, hopefully not facing a suspension this season. He’s my number 1 overall pick.

BROWN (PIT) – Enter scene the best wide receiver in the game – who also happens to be on Pittsburgh. Brown is a stud who should go #1 or #2 in most drafts.

ZEKE ELLIOTT (DAL) – A sleeper no longer, Zeke Elliott is one of the best players in the game, playing with the best O-line in the game. Some may choose him over Bell, but he doesn’t catch as much.

DAVID JOHNSON (ARI) – the guy has over 600 yards receiving already – he may finish the season close to 1,000. Oh yah and he can run too. 

JULIO JONES (ATL) – It’s tough to put him above ODB but I just trust Matt Ryan over Eli Manning –either way you can’t go wrong.

ODELL BECKHAM JR (NYG) – Getting a player of this skill level at #6 is pretty amazing. You should be thrilled to end up with the #5 or #6 pick in your pool.

DEMARCO MURRAY (TEN) – He’s back, and no longer will fall into the later rounds. He looks like the D-Mar of old, and on an emerging Titans squad.

AMARI COOPER (OAK) – With Derek Carr becoming one of the elite QB’s in the game, getting his favourite target is essential.

DEANDRE HOPKINS (HOU) – If only he had a quarterback to throw to him, then he would be a top 5 pick.

MIKE EVANS (TB) – Wide Receivers are going fast and furious, and you can’t go wrong going with arguably the most underrated one in the league.

AARON RODGERS (GB) –I hate going with Quarterbacks so early, but you may as well reach for the best fantasy one in the league.

ROB GRONKOWSKI (NE) – If he’s healthy, he is the biggest game changer in the game.

JAY AJAYI (MIA) – the day of Jay has arrived. He should be a 2nd round pick you should be comfortable picking.

DEMARYIUS THOMAS (DEN) – Even without Peyton Manning, the dude still can catch.

TODD GURLEY (LA) – Last year he was a top 5 pick. He’ll drop a bit this year but he should rebound a bit.

JORDAN HOWARD (CHI) -  A full season as the number 1 guy in Chicago should give him 2nd round status without a doubt.

DREW BREES (NO) – Time to go with another QB, and it’s a toss up between Brees or….

TOM BRADY (NE) – No more deflategate issues that he has to deal with. He should be a monster with a full preseason and training camp this time around.

JORDY NELSON (GB) – Rodgers favourite target…and with Randall Cobb’s rapid regression, there’s no questioning this pick.

LAMAR MILLER (HOU) – He should explode next year. He got off to a slow start, unable to find the endzone – but next year should be a fresh start.