As is the case most years, the injury bug is wreaking havoc around the NHL once again.
On Monday night, Mikko Rantanen became the latest superstar to land in the infirmary, joining the likes of Evgeni Malkin and John Tavares. Unlike Pittsburgh and Toronto, respectively, Colorado elected to be extremely mum when disclosing the ailment, only saying Rantanen would be week-to-week with a lower-body issue.
Regardless, it’s catastrophic news for owners in standard leagues, not as big of a concern when it comes to the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Pool. Believe it or not, you can actually extract a lot of value from the situation.
It’s important to keep tabs on updated line assignments. In Denver, it looks like Andre Burakovsky stands to gain a promotion to the top line to play with Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog. Worth just one point, Burakovsky suddenly becomes super valuable, especially in a 30-point cap system. Be mindful.
Now to your questions:
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DKHockey07 – @DKHockey07
What’s your strategy for figuring out which players to target in daily fantasy?
Similar to the above directory, I often find myself looking to extract the most value possible. First and foremost, it’s important to process the numbers and information you’re presented with. Try your best to stay on top of the latest trends, hot streaks and themes around the NHL. That alone can help you out significantly.
For starters, I like to stay on top of the latest line assignments and power-play units. Often, you’ll be able to find hidden gems at affordable prices who are playing up the lineup. That, in turn, will provide you with extra cap room to allocate on higher priced talent.
From there, I keep it simple. Lean on the star power.
Tim Silver – @silver_tiny
Would you drop J.T. Miller for any of the following new FAs: Kakko, Granlund, Kreider, Bertuzzi, Blais, Drouin? H2H standard categories, limited moves per year.
Since his days with the New York Rangers, Miller has long teased us with his fantasy potential. Unfortunately, he’s been subject to intermittent visits into and out of the doghouse, whether it was on Broadway or in Tampa. Although he had his moments alongside Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, that trio often frustrated head coach Jon Cooper. Unbelievably, Miller finished last season on the fourth line.
The good news: so far, so good under Travis Green in Vancouver. Until proven otherwise, I’m willing to give Miller the benefit of the doubt, especially if he continues to skate with Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser. I’ve got him slotted for about 20-25 goals and 55-60 points, value that can’t be ignored in fantasy circles.
Of the players you mentioned, Nashville’s Mikael Granlund and New York’s Chris Kreider stick out to me. Both wingers are in contract years and could be primed for career seasons. For now, hold on to Miller. Let things play out.
Andy – @Andy37822015
Where did you have John Carlson ranked in your list of defenceman and do you think he’ll get 100 points this season?
Truthfully, I was forecasting a bit of regression for Carlson after last year’s career high (70). In fact, he was outside my top 10 fantasy defencemen.
Could I have been any more wrong? I apologize to Carlson, Washington Capitals fans and my buddy Peter Bondra.
Almost under the radar, the 29-year-old finished fourth in the NHL in points by a defenceman (70) last season, trailing only Brent Burns (83), Mark Giordano (74) and Morgan Rielly (72). This impeccable start has only solidified his standing as one of the best blue-liners in the game.
Also, considering no NHL rearguard has hit the 100-point plateau in nearly 30 years, I’ll say that he doesn’t get it done. By the way, last year’s output by Burns was the most since Brian Leetch notched 85 points in the 1995-96 campaign.
I’m sorry.
Stick Infraction – @notDutByfuglien
Is Jamie Benn past his prime? What is Alex Radulov?
Considering how early it is, I’d be careful with Dallas ownership right now. I expect them to turn things around pronto.
Yes, Jamie Benn is past his prime, but I still think he’ll provide substantial category coverage this season. As for Alex Radulov, he’s another high-end fantasy player off to a slow start. Give it time. Don’t read too much into it right now.
Chris Wassel – @ChrisWasselDFS
Shea Weber friendly fire and go.
You’re silly. Over the last four contests, Weber has tallied one goal and three assists as well as four penalty minutes to go along with seven shots on goal. He’ll be just fine.
Michael DiGiorgio – @BostonDiGiorgio
Who’s the better long-term keeper: Dante Fabbro or Henri Jokiharju?
Tough question, but I’ll go with Fabbro. And, to be honest, it’s just because he’s with Nashville, an organization known for its ability to develop stud defenceman.
Because they’re still so young and raw, it’s difficult to make a fair analysis. Aside from a random streamer play, neither is expected to provide much fantasy value this season.
Ryan Miller – @R_Millz_5
Matt Dumba is the leader in the club at -10. Am I crazy to think that his point production will cancel out his horrendous plus/minus?
Simply put, it’s been a dismal start for the Wild (3-7-0), including their fantasy options.
When it comes to Dumba, I’d take the good with the bad. Don’t forget, the 25-year-old played in only 32 games last season after an upper-body injury sustained in a fight ended his season prematurely. It really was too bad because before that, he was playing terrific and was on pace to smash career highs across the board. Hold onto him.
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