Player Breakdown: Drew Stafford

Drew Stafford RW/BUF is another player that reminds me of Justin Williams. Why do I like Williams so much and players who have game like his? Its because I like to win fantasy pools and these guys give me everything.

Stafford was not supposed to be in the NHL this season. Buffalo had a deep and talented team that was on a monster roll. Stafford was enjoying a roll of his own in the AHL, working hard every night to show he was ready to play if needed. The injury bug bite the Sabers and Stafford was called up. He looked at home right away, and while he was sent down and back up again he never complained. He saw 4th and 3rd line duty once some other players got healthy and he was producing no fantasy numbers. While he was doing a good job for the Sabers he was doing nothing to warrant fantasy attention. Thats when Maxim Afinogenov got hurt for a second time, and this time they knew it would be for a long stretch. Stafford stepped right in with Vanek and Roy and many felt he made the line better than it was with Maxim. Stafford's offensive production bloomed and he was added in leagues all over.

Stafford has good speed, is defensively aware and has good vision and ability to finish. When captain Chris Drury was taken out by Chris Neil it was Stafford who was first on Neil and dropping the gloves to fight him. Thats the kind of kid every franchise wants and its the kind that can greatly reward fantasy managers.

While Stafford might be a year or two away from being that impact fantasy player to win you a title he is worth keeping or taking high in a keeper draft if you are looking to build for the future. I know I am keeping him in my keeper because I think he will be special.

In standard coring and Roto pools Stafford is still a few years off from being a solid draft.