Player Rankings: Tier 4 D-men

Tier 4:

22. Kevin Bieska, Van
Projected Stats: 11 G, 27 A, -3, 140 PIM, 24 PP, 176 SOG

Let me get this part out of the way. I don't believe in Kevin Bieska. He had an out of nowhere season two years ago and then got injured last year, along with every other defenseman on Vancouver, before we could find out what he was. That said, there isn't a whole lot else on this team. He'll get points, and the PIM shouldn't be a problem either. He's probably a decent grab at this stage.

23. Jay Bouwmeester, Fla
Projected Stats: 14 G, 29 A, +3, 70 PIM, 22 PP, 180 SOG

He's going to be looking up points to warrant the big money he is going to be seeking in the offseason. McCabe's arrival means he might not get it as it will diminish his role on the powerplay a bit. Keep that in mind. All the talent in the world though...

24. Braydon Coburn, Phi
Projected Stats: 9 G, 32 A, +16, 88 PIM, 28 PP, 165 SOG

We're starting with the guys with upside in this tier. For the record the ranks get a little fuzzy after this point. There are "groups" of guys with similar value... you might think of them as tiers. Tier 4 is where "ranks" kind of stop to have meaning. Its all about what you need and who you believe in from this point forward. Coburn had a fantastic start with the Flyers this year. He'll see more ice time and first unit powerplay time this year. Great upside.

25. Dennis Wideman, Bos
Projected Stats: 13 G, 27 A, +6, 72 PIM, 22 PP, 178 SOG

Wideman broke out last year on Boston. I skeptical of many of the people wearing the spoked B this year but perhaps none more then Wideman. Nevertheless Wideman was all around good last season. He's worth the risk.

26. Rob Blake, SJ
Projected Stats: 10 G, 26 A, +4, 90 PIM, 21 PP, 162 SOG

Blake is getting on in years but he still takes shots on the powerplay and still punches people when he's had enough. The plus/minus (his biggest issue last season) shouldn't be a problem on this team. He's a safe bet.

27. Mathieu Schnieder, uh...
Projected Stats: 12 G, 32 A, ..., 64 PIM, ..., 160-180 SOG

OK so I don't know where he's going... and that significantly affects the plus/minus, powerplay points and Shots on goal... but this is about where he should go in any event unless he somehow stays on Anaheim... then move him down. Niedermayer and Pronger are just too much to overcome as it relates to ice time.

28. Pavel Kubina, Tor
Projected Stats: 10 G, 27 A, -2, 118 PIM, 22 PP, 142 SOG

Tough call here between Kubina and Kaberle for who will survive/benefit the exodus in Toronto. I'm betting that Kubina will still get "some" points and even if he doesn't he does enough of the other things to not be a total waste on your roster.

29. Craig Rivet, Buff
Projected Stats: 6 G, 30 A, +10, 102 PIM, 22 PP, 115 SOG

Not a lot of points or shots but everything else looks good. Rivet is one of the last defenders you should be able to grab that will get you PIM while still delivering in most every other category.

30. Tomas Kaberle, Tor
Projected Stats: 6 G, 40 A, -10, 24 PIM, 26 PP, 130 SOG

Inverse Rivet. Kubina has the potential to get you quite a few points, but will likely be hurt by the absence of, well, everyone on Toronto. Be cautious. He doesn't get Kubina's PIM so if his points drop off he is virtually useless to you.