Happy New Year!
When it comes to All-Star Weekend, it seems like there are two constants this time of year in the NHL world: Alex Ovechkin saying thanks, but no thanks to his invitation and the steady dose of vitriol generated from players not selected to take part.
Well, it’s time for David Perron to get his due, sort of. I decided to comprise my own All-Star squads, with a fantasy spin, of course. Keeping with the eight skater and two goalie per division theme, my picks were curated from a mix of current fantasy rank, production value and health status. Don’t @ me Joonas Korpisalo backers. Also, I did not feel the need to appease all 31 organizations and their fanbases. My apologies.
The SN column discloses each player’s worth in the 30-point cap system of the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Pool.
In total, 21 of 31 teams were represented. The Boston Bruins led the way with four selections; Carolina, Winnipeg, St. Louis and Vegas each had three. Keep this in mind as you construct your next Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Pool roster.
Now to your questions:
The injury bug has struck again in Pittsburgh. Honestly, this is getting ridiculous.
Unequivocally, the guy I’m looking at is contract year Alex Galchenyuk. Suffice it is to say, he’s been a massive disappointment thus far in Pittsburgh. With unrestricted free agency looming, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the former Canadiens lottery pick to finish strong. He has two goals and two assists over the past four games.
Baby steps, for sure.
Unless you’re landing John Carlson, I’d stand pat. At this point, you’d be selling low on both Rantanen and Gaudreau.
When making fantasy trades, it’s all about extracting the most value possible. If you’re steadfast on making a move, I’d wait for both to heat up before seriously contemplating a transaction. At the moment, you’re unlikely to get fair market value for either player, never mind a desperate owner coming at you with an overpay offer.
Be patient.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – James Neal is too streaky for my liking. I’ll go with the ultra-dependable Voracek.
As evident on New Year’s Eve, Neal will have his moments. He’s the real deal, after all. When he’s hot, he’s hot and when he’s not, he’s not. Over the past couple of seasons, Voracek has been a model of fantasy consistency, especially if you’re in the market for a playmaking winger. Obviously, Neal is known more for his scoring prowess.
Voracek over Neal for me.
Drop Graves. That’s Cale Makar’s blue line. He does what he wants with it.
If I had to put money on it, I’d say Goligoski, Ekblad and McAvoy will likely offer more from a fantasy perspective than Graves over the rest of the season. Don’t overthink the play here.
As for Matt Murray, I’d sit tight for a bit longer. I’m convinced Mike Sullivan will give the two-time Stanley Cup winner a chance to get the net back. In this day and age, you need two competent goalies. He’ll get a chance to prove himself once again.
As Elliotte Friedman reported earlier this week, we should find out by the end of the weekend what the future entails for Williams. He’s also been super clutch. From a fantasy perspective, the veteran winger has always been hit or miss. If he does return, he’s a potential waiver play at best.
We’ll see what happens.
Yes, I think that would probably be enough to acquire Kreider. Just be cognizant that a trade from New York to a contender doesn’t guarantee anything – fantasy stock wise – for Kreider. It’s all about the right fit. Often times, deadline moves rarely end up working out.
Furthermore, I do expect Hoffman to have a monster second half. Aside from Taylor Hall – if he gets to market – Hoffman will be one of the top snipers available on July 1. A big finish could put the former Sen in line for a lucrative contract in free agency. For what it’s worth, I’d put Hoffman a peg ahead of Kreider in terms of fantasy stock and celling.
Be smart.
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