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When he signed with the Habs two summers ago, Jaroslav Spacek was expected to
be an anchor on the powerplay but that hasn’t been the case yet.  With
nearly half of the defence who suited up in the playoffs having moved on though,
2011-12 could be a year of opportunity for the Czech blueliner.

2010-11

It was a season full of offensive struggles and injuries for Spacek as his games
played total was his lowest since the lockout while his goal total (one) was a
career low.  He did, however, elevate his physical play compared to his
first campaign in Montreal as he surpassed the one hit per game mark.  He
was also a non-factor with the man advantage as he had just three powerplay
points (all assists).

Season Stats: 59 GP, 1 goals, 15 assists, +9, 45 PIMS,
0 PPG, 0 GWG,
65 shots, 19:14 TOI

5-Year Averages

GP: 68
Goals:
5
Assists: 22
Points: 27
+/-: +9
PIMS: 47
PPG: 3
GWG:
1
Shots:
93

2011-12 Role

For the first time with the Habs, Spacek won’t have fellow countryman Roman
Hamrlik playing alongside him.  That coupled with the returns of Josh
Gorges and Andrei Markov will force him onto the 3rd pairing where he’ll likely
see time with youngsters Alexei Yemelin and Yannick Weber while also sitting the
odd game in the pressbox.  Assuming Montreal goes with the traditional
three forward, two defenceman powerplay units, Spacek should still see some
time, albeit limited, on the man advantage.  Expect his average time on ice
to drop considerably though, closer to the 16-17 minute range.

Projected Stats

As much as I’d like to be optimistic, I expect Spacek will put up similar
production as he has in his first couple of seasons with the Canadiens.  A
likely reduction in ice time while playing with a rookie or near-rookie aren’t
generally recipes for a bounce back season.  In standard points leagues,
you’d be wise to stay away unless you’re in a very deep league.  However,
he does hold a little more value in head-to-head leagues as he has been on the
positive side in plus/minus for six consecutive seasons.  As a late round
pick in a deep league with that format, he brings a modicum of upside to the
table.

GP:
64
Goals:
3
Assists: 16
Points: 19
+/-: +6
PIMS: 42
PPG: 1
GWG:
0
Shots:
71

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