News:Anton Babchuk will not play Monday against the Coyotes.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk has played in each of the team's last two games, but he'll watch Monday as a healthy scratch.
News:Anton Babchuk scored his first point of the season Friday as the Flames fell to the Blues, 5-2.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk made the most of his first game back from a shoulder injury, notching an assist and four shots on goal. If he produces like this, he has a decent shot at the sixth defenseman spot, but it is only one game. He's shown flashes of scoring potential in the past, but has struggled with consistency in Calgary.
News:Anton Babchuk (shoulder) was activated from IR on Friday.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk has been working himself back from a shoulder injury he suffered in the KHL before the lockout ended. It sounds like he's ready to roll, so perhaps he'll see his first action of the season Saturday against Vancouver.
News:Anton Babchuk (shoulder) has been cleared for contact. "This Monday, before we left for Detroit, he skated his first contact practice," Flames GM Jay Feaster said Wednesday. "He'll have another contact practice and I'd imagine by the end of the week the doctors will say that the shoulder is good to go and he'll be cleared."
Analysis: Just before the lockout ended, Anton Babchuk suffered a shoulder injury while playing in the KHL. He's been skating with the team the past couple of weeks, and is working to get himself back into game-shape. It sounds like Babchuk will be ready to go soon.
News:Anton Babchuk (shoulder) should be cleared for contact this week, according to the Calgary Sun.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk has been out for a few weeks with his shoulder injury but appears to be nearing a return. However, Calgary basically has four defensemen competing for the final two starting spots, so Babchuk may not see much playing time when he returns. He may be used as trade bait as well, as his contract is high for someone who has not played all that many games since coming to Calgary.
News:Anton Babchuk (shoulder) practiced Thursday and is nearing a return from his injury, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk injured his shoulder playing overseas. It remains to be seen how much of a role he'll play when he comes back, as he was a healthy scratch much of last season.
News:Anton Babchuk suffered a shoulder injury while playing in the KHL and is expected to be sidelined for three weeks, TSN.ca reports.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk sat out the first day of training camp with the shoulder injury, but it sounds like he'll be watching practice from the bench for a couple weeks. He was injured while playing for HC Donbass. He had 10 points and 17 hits last season with the Flames.
News:Anton Babchuk will suit up for HC Donbass of the KHL during the NHL lockout, Sportsnet Radio FAN 960 reports.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk is the third Flames player to defect overseas during the lockout, as Jiri Hudler and Roman Cervenka will also play in Europe. Babchuk totaled 10 points and 17 hits last season for the Flames.
News:Anton Babchuk lit the lamp in the Flames' final game of the season Saturday, a 5-2 win over the Ducks.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk had a very disappointing season, but finished on a strong note, with five points in his final nine games. It remains to be seen how large his role will be in Calgary next season, but he certainly made a case for being in the top six defensemen.
News:Anton Babchuk is quietly on a roll, scoring for the fourth straight game Monday as the Flames beat the Stars, 5-4.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk is finally showing the prowess that allowed him to put up 35 points in 2010-11. If you have an injury and need a quick fix, Babchuk is not a bad option as he is on a hot streak.
News:Anton Babchuk scored his first goal of the season Thursday in his 25th game, notching an unassisted tally on a second-period power play.
Analysis: The injury-plagued Russian has scored as many as 16 goals in a season before, but these have been lean times for him. He has points in consecutive games after going scoreless for seven straight.
Calgary's Babchuk Scores First Point In Two Months
News:Anton Babchuk registered an assist for the first time in two months Tuesday, but it wasn't enough, as Calgary fell to Colorado 2-1 in overtime.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk has received more playing time in March due to an injury to Chris Butler and has played decently. However, with Butler's return on the horizon, it's likely Babchuk will see a diminished role soon.
News:Anton Babchuk made his way back into the Calgary lineup Sunday, playing nearly 12 minutes in relief of the injured TJ Brodie.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk has mainly played only in injury-related situations this season, with five points in 19 games. It's hard to believe Babchuk would struggle this much after putting together 35 points, a plus-14 and 156 blocked shots in 2010-11, but he has failed to recreate that success. With Brodie not expected to be out long, Babchuk will likely find himself back on the bench soon.
News: With the injury to Blake Comeau, Anton Babchuk got back into the Flames' lineup Sunday against Dallas.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk had been a healthy scratch for the previous 18 games. This season has been thoroughly disappointing for the blueliner; he was a plus-18 with 27 points in 65 games last season, but only has five points in 18 games in 2011-12.
News:Anton Babchuk was a healthy scratch again Thursday, as the return of Derek Smith bumped him from the starting lineup.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk has struggled to even get on the ice for the Flames this season. Calgary certainly expected more out of Babchuk after he scored 27 points in 65 games in 2010-11, but he has never been able to fully break out of head coach Brent Sutter's doghouse this season.
News: The seldom-used Anton Babchuk will likely get back into the lineup for the Flames' stretch run with the injury to Chris Butler, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk hasn't played a game since January 17, and has five assists in 17 games this season. He has played well in brief spurts in 2011-12, but the Flames need more consistency out of him as they push toward the playoffs.
News:Anton Babchuk was a healthy scratch for Tuesday's game against San Jose.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk has fallen to the seventh defenseman spot with the emergence of T.J. Brodie, and may struggle to get back on the ice much this season.
News:Anton Babchuk registered his first point of the new year Saturday, snapping a six-game scoreless streak as the Flames fell to the Kings, 4-1.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk has played in the Flames' last eight games, his longest stretch of staying healthy all season. He's got offensive skills, but has struggled to find the stat sheet as of late. He has five points in 16 games this season.
News:Anton Babchuk returned to the Flames lineup Friday with an assist.
Analysis: Friday was Anton Babchuk's first game since Nov. 8 after he broke his hand. The blueliner had 35 points last season split between Calgary and Carolina, so he is a decent fantasy play, if he can stay healthy.
News:Anton Babchuk missed Thursday's game with the Islanders, but should start Friday against the Senators, the team's official site reports.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk will likely take the place of Derek Smith, who was injured in Thursday night's game.
News:Anton Babchuk (hand) is projected to start in Thursday's game against the Islanders, the team's official site reports.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk hasn't played since Nov. 8 with a broken hand, but has been practicing and is cleared to play. He should start alongside Derek Smith, who has been hot as of late. If Babchuk can stay healthy, he may be worth a look if you're hurting at defenseman, as he has a rocket shot the Flames use occasionally on the power play.
News:Anton Babchuk (hand) has been cleared to play and may return to the ice for Thursday's game against the Islanders, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk was playing well before breaking his hand, so Calgary would like him back in the lineup. He had three points in eight games before suffering the injury.
News:Anton Babchuk (hand) will travel with the team on its road trip starting Tuesday, but remains on injured reserve, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk appears to be a couple games away from a return still. The defenseman has three points in eight games this season and hasn't played since Nov. 8.
News:Anton Babchuk (hand) skated with the team Tuesday morning but remains on injured reserve, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis: The Flames have a glut of defensemen at the moment, so they are not going to rush Anton Babchuk back before he's ready. He likely will take at least another week or two before taking part in any games.
News:Anton Babchuk (hand) will have the pins removed from his hand soon but is still at least a couple weeks away from a return, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis: The Flames could use Anton Babchuk back with Mark Giordano out for an extended period of time. Babchuk was playing fairly well before getting hurt, so Calgary is hoping he can replicate that effort in a few weeks.
News: The injury that put Anton Babchuk on injured reserve is a broken hand, according to the Abbotsford News.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk was just starting to get regular playing time again after being an oft-healthy scratch earlier in the season, so this comes at an inopportune time. We imagine he'll be out for a decent chunk of time.
News:Anton Babchuk was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, according to the Flames' official website.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk will miss an undisclosed amount of time nursing his hand back to health. He has three points (assists) in eight games with the Flames this season.
News:Anton Babchuk had an assist in Thursday's 4-1 win against Detroit.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk has had to earn every minute of playing time this season, but seems to have won his spot back with three assists and a plus-3 in five games.
News:Anton Babchuk had an assist in only his third game of the season Wednesday as the Flames downed the Avalanche, 4-2.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk actually has two points in three games but has been the victim of a healthy scratch five of eight games this season. After Wednesday's performance, however, he may be moving out of head coach Brent Sutter's doghouse.
News:Anton Babchuk was once again the victim of a healthy scratch in the Flames' 2-0 loss to the Predators on Saturday, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk appears to have fully lost his defenseman spot to Derek Smith. Babchuk has appeared in two of seven games this season, scoring a point in the process.
News:Anton Babchuk is back in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Maple Leafs, according to the Flames' official website.
Analysis:Anton Babchuk was a healthy scratch the last two games, but he will be back in the third defensive pairing Saturday alongside Cory Sarich.
News:Anton Babchuk was not active for Monday's loss to the Blues, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis: Coach Brent Sutter didn't yet say why Anton Babchuk sat in favor of rookie Derek Smith.
News:Anton Babchuk contributed a power-play goal to the Flames' 4-2 preseason win over the Coyotes on Thursday night.
Analysis: Coming off a 35-point campaign with Carolina and Calgary, Anton Babchuk will lead the second defenseman line. He will get his chances on the power play, and is a pretty good fantasy option with his scoring ability.
News: The Flames have signed Babchuk to a two-year contract worth $5 million, according to the Sports Network.
Analysis: Babchuk will stay with the Flames after coming over in a trade with Carolina last season. Between both teams last season, Babchuk
combined for 11 goals and 24 assists in 82 games, tying his career high of 35 points in 2008-09. With the Flames trading away Robyn Regehr over the draft weekend, it was important to keep a good all-around guy like Babchuk on the blue line.
News: The Flames still hope to re-sign Babchuk, who is an unrestricted free agent, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis: Babchuk made $1.4 million last season and is seeking a raise over that salary. Following the Robyn Regehr trade and the loss of Adam Pardy via free agency, the Flames have a need on the blue line.
News: Babchuk assisted on two of David Moss' goals Friday in a 3-2 win over Ottawa.
Analysis: Babchuk had gone 41 games this season without a multi-point game, but he put up two of them this past week. He's best known for his booming shot, but Babchuk can dish the puck, too. The 26-year-old blueliner is up to 15 helpers on the season.
News: Babchuk scored once and added a pair of helpers in Friday's 5-4 shootout home loss.
Analysis: This is Babchuk's first multi-point game of the season and he did it in style with a trio of points. The former first-rounder now has 19 points in 42 games and should finish the season with 35 points (or just higher).
News: Babchuk posted an assist Monday in the loss to the Islanders, giving him four points in the last five games.
Analysis: Babchuk's been consistent the last two weeks, with a point in four of the five contests. He has a booming shot from the point and will see opportunities to get on the scoresheet. He has eight points in the last month.
News: Babchuk opened the scoring Thursday with a power-play goal in the Flames' 3-2 SO win over the Stars.
Analysis: This was Babchuk's second twine tickler since he joined the Flames on Nov. 17 via a trade from the Hurricanes. In all, he has three goals on the man advantage this season, and is on pace to finish around a 30-point season.
News: Babchuk's power-play goal during Sunday's eventual 4-2 loss to the Blackhawks counts as his first point as a member of the Flames.
Analysis: Babchuk was traded to the Flames, from the Hurricanes, in mid-November. He proved with the 'Canes that he can pitch in offensively every now and then, but from a fantasy perspective, the "wow factor" is missing when it comes to Babchuk. So, temper your expectations for the Ukrainian blueliner.
News: Babchuk will make his Flames debut Friday against the Blackhawks, according to TSN.ca.
Analysis: He'll start on the second defensive pair with Mark Giordano, so we'll track his role and PP time from there with his new team. Babchuk had eight points in 17 games with the Hurricanes, so he's certainly worth monitoring to see if the Flames give him some offensive opportunities.
News: Babchuk was traded to the Flames on Wednesday, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Babchuk scored three goals and dished out five assists in 17 games with the Hurricanes this season. It remains to be seen where he will fit in the Flames' defensive pairings, but do not expect his fantasy value to change much.
News: Babchuk's overtime goal stunned the home crowd as Carolina stole a win on Phoenix on Saturday night. It's his second marker of the season.
Analysis: He has a modest three-game scoring streak, and a healthy four points (2G, 2A) in seven games. We're skeptical that he'll post a 45-point season, but he'll still be better than replacement value in most reasonably deep fantasy leagues.
News: Babchuk lit the lamp against Minnesota goalie Niklas Backstrom on Thursday, helping the Hurricanes win the season opener, 4-3.
Analysis: Babchuk, who also had a team-high five shots in the game, might have flown under the radar in fantasy drafts this season as he spent last year in a Russian league. However, he might be worth a flier in deep fantasy leagues since he's familiar with Carolina's system as a member of the club back in 2008-09, when he posted 35 points (16 G, 19 A) in 72 games.
Hurricanes' Babchuk Lights The Lamp In Preseason Opener
News: Babchuk scored Carolina's lone goal in a 4-1 loss to the Panthers on Tuesday.
Analysis: Babchuk triggered the lamp on a snap shot in the second period. He has spent most of his career splitting time between the NHL, the minors, and most recently the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia. If he can be a consistent contributor, he should find himself playing regularly for the Hurricanes this season.
News: Babchuk, who spent last season with Russia's Kontinental Hockey League, arrived at Carolina's RecZone Tuesday to prepare for a new season in the NHL, the Hurricanes' official site reports.
Analysis: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford has had past trouble working out the defenseman's contract, which resulted in Babchuk leaving for Russia on two separate occasions. But Babchuk cleared the air that no hard feelings remain between the two. "I wanted to make sure there were no issues from the past," he said. "We had a good meal and said that everything was behind us." Babchuk potted nine goals and had 13 helpers in 49 games in Russia last season. He should give the Hurricanes' defense more help in the scoring department.
News:Anton Babchuk is coming back to the Carolina Hurricanes. The team said Thursday that it had signed the hard-shooting defenseman to a one-year contract worth $1.4 million.
Analysis: The 26-year-old Babchuk was a key member of the Hurricanes' blue line during their run to the Eastern Conference final in 2009, and four of his 16 goals were game-winners. The Ukraine native spent last season in Russia, finishing with nine goals and 13 assists for Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League. Babchuk thrived under Paul Maurice a few seasons ago and could do so again in 2010-11. Consider him a nice Fantasy sleeper on Draft Day.
News: Free agent defenseman Anton Babchuk has signed a contract with Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (Russia). The Hurricanes chose not to re-sign the restricted free agent and had been looking to trade him. "Nothing about this angers me," Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford told the Raleigh News and Observer. "It's disappointing that he doesn't understand how the system works. And he's not going to be able to figure out a way to beat the system."
Analysis: This is a disappointing development for Fantasy owners as well since Babchuk became a viable option late in 2008-09. Babchuk really settled into a groove late in the season as he adjusted to Paul Maurice's offense. He had 12 goals and 24 points in his final 31 games. Babchuk had 16 goals and 35 points in 72 games in his first season back in the NHL since 2006-07. Now that Babchuk is in Russia, take him off your Draft Day plans.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Hurricanes are trying to unload D Anton Babchuk in a trade. General Manager Jim Rutherford figures that could happen prior to the start of the Hurricanes' training camp. Given that the Hurricanes aren't in a great bargaining position because they haven't shown an inclination to keep Babchuk, Rutherford is waiting for the best offer before pulling the trigger on a deal.
Analysis: Babchuk has rejected the Canes' offer of a one-year, $1 million contract. It's a real shame Carolina couldn't bring back Babchuk, who was instrumental in the team's run to the Eastern Conference finals. Babchuk really settled into a groove late in the season as he adjusted to Paul Maurice's offense. He had 12 goals and 24 points in his final 31 games. Babchuk had 16 goals and 35 points in 72 games in his first season back in the NHL since 2006-07. It will be interesting to see where Babchuk lands. He probably has a lot more to lose than gain heading into 2009-10. Consider him a low-end Fantasy flier Draft Day.
News:The Raleigh News and Observer reports the Hurricanes have not changed their stance on defensemen Anton Babchuk and Dennis Seidenberg -- they will not be re-signed. GM Jim Rutherford said neither player will be part of the team next season, as Carolina looks to trade Babchuk, who is a restricted free agent. "The decision has been made on Anton -- he's going to be moved," Rutherford said. "We now have our top six defensemen."
Analysis: Rutherford said he had a team inquire about Babchuk a few weeks ago, but added that team has not called back. Babchuk has rejected the Canes' offer of a one-year, $1 million contract. It's a real shame Carolina couldn't bring back Babchuk, who was instrumental in the team's run to the Eastern Conference finals. Babchuk really settled into a groove late in the season as he adjusted to Paul Maurice's offense. He had 12 goals and 24 points in his final 31 games. Babchuk had 16 goals and 35 points in 72 games in his first season back in the NHL since 2006-07. It will be interesting to see where Babchuk lands. He probably has a lot more to lose than gain heading into 2009-10. Consider him a low-end Fantasy flier Draft Day.
News: Panthers D Anton Babchuk scored a pair of power play goals in Saturday's regular season finale against the Devils. He finished the season with at least one point in four straight games.
Analysis: Babchuk had eight points in that span and he finished the season with 16 goals, 19 assists and 35 points. He had a strong second half this season and will have some real sleeper value in drafts next fall.
News: Hurricanes D Anton Babchuk had a season-high four assists and a plus-2 rating during Tuesday's 9-0 rout of the Islanders. Babchuk now has five or more points in his last four months.
Analysis: Babchuck has been solid since the calendar year hit 2009. He has 12 goals and 14 assists in his last 42 games. He is also at plus-21 in that span. He has really settled into Paul Maurice's system and has become a scoring star on the blue line. With this type of production, Babchuk is worth starting in Fantasy. Because of his late-season run, Babchuk certainly will have increased value on Draft Day 2009.
News:Anton Babchuk scored with 6:01 remaining and the Carolina Hurricanes won their season-high fifth straight game, beating the Ottawa Senators 2-1 on Wednesday night in a matchup of two of the NHL's hottest teams. Babchuk's winner came 1:29 into Carolina's third power play of the night. He took a feed from Joni Pitkanen near the back of the right circle and unloaded a hard slap shot that beat rookie goalie Brian Elliott high for his 13th goal and fourth in five games.
Analysis: Babchuck has been solid since the calendar year hit 2009. He has 11 goals and 10 assists in his last 38 games. He is also at plus-18 in that span. He has really settled into Paul Maurice's system and has become a scoring star on the blue line. With this type of production, Babchuk is worth starting in Fantasy.
News: Carolina D Anton Babchuk scored twice and Eric Staal added a goal as the Hurricanes beat the Martin Brodeur-less Devils 4-2 on Wednesday. Babchuk, who notched his first multigoal game of the season, opened the scoring 10 minutes in with a poke at the right post after Weekes was unable to control a pair of rebounds. Babchuk then restored Carolina's two-goal cushion with 38 seconds left in the second period when he blasted a low slap shot through traffic from the top of the slot.
Analysis: Babchuk snapped a three-game skid without a point which followed a streak of having at least a point in nine of his last 12 games. His Fantasy value has increased some recently and might finally understand the team's offensive system. Babchuk has been a popular addition in Fantasy, but still remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News: Hurricanes D Anton Babchuk tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during Monday's game against the Rangers. He has a point in nine of his last 12 games. Babchuk has five goals and five assists in that span.
Analysis: Babchuk has really come to life these last few weeks under coach Paul Maurice and might finally be understanding his offensive system. Babchuk has been a popular addition in Fantasy, but still remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News: Hurricanes D Anton Babchuk scored the team's only goal during a 2-1 shootout win Thursday against the Sabres. Babchuk tied it in the third period when he one-timed a slap shot from near the right faceoff circle past Patrick Lalime. He has scored three times in his last five games and has six points in his last seven games.
Analysis: Babcuk has five goals, seven assists and a plus-8 rating in his last 25 games. He is having his best run of the season with Carolina since returning from playing overseas. Babchuk is a former first-round pick, but he really never had a breakout season in the NHL. He is likely to go cold as quick as he has heated up lately, so he still has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Hurricanes D Anton Babchuk tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-3 in 22:28 of ice time Thursday against the Islanders. He has four assists in his last six games, but hasn't scored a goal since Jan. 8.
Analysis: Babchuk has played a lot better since the coaching change in Carolina and has been averaging well over 20 minutes since late January. However, his offensive game is not matching his ice time, so Babchuk remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News: Hurricanes D Anton Babchuk scored a goal and finished at plus-2 during Thursday's game against the Panthers. Babchuk tied it at 17:50 of the first period, beating Tomas Vokoun with a wrist shot to the blocker side. Babchuk's goal was the career-high fourth of the season for the four-year veteran.
Analysis: Babchuk has three goals and two assists in his last six games. Babchuk is arguably on his best run of the season right now. He hasn't made the impact Carolina was hoping for when he returned from overseas, but there is still half a season to go. Right now, Babchuk is a wait-and-see Fantasy project.
News: Hurricanes D Anton Babchuk scored the game-winning goal during Friday's 2-1 win against the Blues. Babchuk gave Carolina a 2-0 lead when he scored on a wrist shot with 8:55 remaining. It was a power-play score and second goal in three games.
Analysis: Babchuk is arguably on his best run of the season right now with a three-game point streak. He hasn't made the impact Carolina was hoping for when he returned from overseas, but there is still half a season to go. Right now, Babchuk is a wait-and-see Fantasy project.
News: Hurricanes D Anton Babchuk scored his second goal of the season Saturday in a loss to the Bruins.
Analysis: Babcuk hasn't made much of a difference in Carolina and is of little use to Fantasy owners until he becomes a more solid contributor. Leave him on waivers for now.
News: The Hurricanes activated D Anton Babchuk (elbow) from injured reserve, but he didn't play for the fourth straight game. He had been out with an arm injury.
Analysis: Babcuk hasn't made much of a difference in Carolina and is of little use to Fantasy owners until he becomes a more solid contributor. Leave him on waivers for now.
News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports that Hurricanes D Anton Babchuk has been placed on injured reserve after suffering an elbow injury on Sunday.
Analysis: Babchuk hasn't really made the offensive impact Carolina would have liked early in the season since returning from overseas. Babchuk has little to no Fantasy value until he become more of a contributor.
News: Carolina defenseman Anton Babchuk left Sunday's game against the Capitals because of a right arm injury. He did not return. Babchuk didn't have a point in 15:31 of ice time and finished at plus-1.
Analysis: Babchuk hasn't really made the offensive impact Carolina would have liked early in the season since returning from overseas. The season is still young, but Babchuk has little to no Fantasy value until he become more of a contributor.
News: Defenseman Anton Babchuk scored his first of the season midway through the first for Carolina in Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss to Montreal. Babchuk's shot from the right point off a faceoff in the Canadiens' zone struck Koivu's stick and deflected past Carey Price for a power-play goal 11:04 in.
Analysis: Babchuk is back in the NHL for the first time since 2006-07 after playing last season in Russia. Babchuk has some offensive upside, but is primarily going to be a low-end option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Hurricanes D Anton Babchuk played his first NHL game since the 2006-07 season when he was used for almost 15 minutes of ice time Sunday night against Anaheim. Babchuk didn't record a point and finished at plus-1.
Analysis: Babchuk is back in the NHL for the first time since 2006-07 after playing last season in Russia. Babchuk has some offensive upside, but is primarily going to be a low-end option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Hurricanes D Anton Babchuk has been scratched in both games so far. He's back with the organization after leaving the club for a year to play overseas.
Analysis: It could only be a matter of time before Babchuk gets on the ice, but until he is in the lineup, he really can't help Fantasy owners. Babchuk has some offensive upside, but is primarily going to be a low-end option.
News: Hurricanes D Anton Babchuk (knee) was able to play in Thursday's preseason game against the Predators. He had a pair of assists and finished at plus-1 in 18:51 of ice time.
Analysis: Babchuk is back with the Hurricanes after spending last season in Russia. The Hurricanes have big plans for him in 2008-09, but until he becomes a viable Fantasy factor, keep him reserved heading into Week 1.
News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports that Hurricanes D Anton Babchuk, who twisted his knee during a Sunday scrimmage, resumed skating Thursday and remains day to day.
Analysis: Carolina originally acquired Babchuk during the 2005-06 season and he split time the following year with the Hurricanes and Albany, the club's American Hockey League affiliate. Last season, the 24-year-old had nine goals and 17 assists in 57 games with Avangard Omsk of the Russian Superliga. Ignore him in drafts, but keep a close eye on his progress and ice time early in the season.
News: The Hurricanes have agreed to a deal that will bring back D Anton Babchuk for one year at $1 million.
Analysis: Carolina originally acquired Babchuk during the 2005-06 season and he split time the following year with the Hurricanes and Albany, the club's American Hockey League affiliate. Last season, the 24-year-old had nine goals and 17 assists in 57 games with Avangard Omsk of the Russian Superliga. Ignore him in drafts, but keep a close eye on his progress and ice time early in the season.
News: According to published reports, Anton Babchuk has signed a contract with Avangard Omsk of the Russian Super League.
Analysis: Babchuk certainly had his differences with Carolina management, so this comes as no surprise. It is unlikely we'll see Babchuk back in North America any time soon.
News: The Carolina Hurricanes lifted the suspension of Anton Babchuk on Monday, allowing the defenseman to report immediately to the AHL affiliate in Albany.
Analysis: Babchuk was suspended indefinitely Feb. 7 when he failed to report to Albany after he was sent down and the Hurricanes activated Frantisek Kaberle from the non-roster injured list. General manager Jim Rutherford had said Babchuk told him he needed some time to think about his demotion. Babchuk had two goals and 12 assists in 51 games with the Hurricanes. Leave him on the free agent list in your Fantasy league.
News: Anton Babchuk has been suspended by the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday after refusing to report to Albany of the AHL.
Analysis: Babchuk will likely be traded at some point, but either way his Fantasy value is restricted to larger leagues.
News: Anton Babchuk has been assigned to Albany of the AHL on Tuesday following the return of D Frantisek Kaberle (shoulder) from injured reserve.
Analysis: The Hurricanes want to keep Babchuk fresh in the minors rather than having him wither away in the NHL as a healthy scratch most nights.
News: Hurricanes D Anton Babchuk has been in a recent plus/minus rut. Over the last seven games, he has not record a point but has managed a minus-7 rating. He now stands with a minus-3 rating on the season after his recent slide.
Analysis: Although he plays on a good team, Babchuk is struggling to keep his plus/minus rating up. Consider him a less than desireable Fantasy option at this time.
News: Justin Williams and Anton Babchuk scored, and the Hurricanes beat Philadelphia 2-1 on Tuesday night to hand the Flyers their franchise-record seventh straight loss.
Analysis: Despite the goal, Babchuk is only worth using in the largest of Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: Anton Babchuk was scoreless with a minus-1 rating and two shots on goal in 17:50 of ice time in Tuesday's shootout loss at New Jersey.
Analysis: Babchuk does not do enough offensively to consider using in any Fantasy format.
News: Carolina's healthy scratches for Wednesday's opener were defensemen Anton Babchuk and Andrew Hutchinson.
Analysis: Neither is worth holding onto in Fantasy play right now.
News: Anton Babchuk, who was acquired over the weekend for Danny Richmond, was scoreless for the second straight game with his new club. He was a plus-2 in Monday's game against the Canadiens. "Anton is a big, strong defenseman who will add depth to our blue line," general manager Jim Rutherford said. "He is a former first-round pick, and he is a complement to the defensemen we now have in our organization."
Analysis: Babchuk is a plus-3 in his two games with his new team after a posting a minus-5 in 17 games with the Blackhawks. That is about the only area we expect to see improvement from Babchuk, who continues to have minimal Fantasy value despite the move to Carolina.
News: The Chicago Tribune reports that Brent Seabrook (sprained knee) is expected to play against Colorado Thursday. "[Seabrook] sees the ice as well as anybody, and he's a great first-passer," Hawks coach Trent Yawney said. To make room for Seabrook, the Hawks sent D Anton Babchuk to Norfolk of the AHL.
Analysis: Seabrook is the Blackhawks' best plus-minus player at plus-8 and he was on pace for a 40-point rookie season before going down with injury. Chicago relies on him mostly for his passing out of their own zone, so expect enough assists when healthy to make him a solid No. 2 or 3 Fantasy defenseman. Babchuk has no value at this point.
News: Blackhawks rookie D Brent Seabrook will miss four-to-six weeks with sprained left knee, sustained in Wednesday's loss to Nashville.
Analysis: D Anton Babchuk was recalled from Norfolk of the AHL. Don't worry about adding him to your roster just yet.
News: Anton Babchuk was recalled from Norfolk of the AHL on Wednesday. He was scoreless in 12:21 of ice time against the Rangers.
Analysis: Babchuk is not a recommended Fantasy player.
News: Babchuk was recalled from Norfolk of the AHL on Thursday. He squeezed off two shots, but was scoreless in his NHL debut, with a plus-1 rating.
Analysis: Babchuk does not warrant any Fantasy consideration.
