Happy New Year!
As another holiday season draws to a close, many fantasy owners are finding themselves wanting to play with their new toys from the waiver wire. Quality goaltending is hard to find.
From New Jersey’s Mackenzie Blackwood to Philadelphia’s Carter Hart to the incoming Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks, the new wave is here. Are they here to stay? That remains to be seen.
It’s imperative to temper your expectations. There will be growing pains. I’m fascinated to see how these guys will handle the adversity that comes with playing in the NHL. It’s the best league in the world for a reason.
That advice also holds true when it comes to the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Pool. When selecting who to start in net, I’d go proven track record before promise every day of the week.
Now to your questions:
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Matt Pyers (@Mpeyers47): What needs to be seen before we consider Mackenzie Blackwood for real?
Firstly, recent history has suggested that the NHL is a tough league to crack when you’re a goalie and in your early 20s. Yeah, there are exceptions but they’re few and far between.
Early success is expected. It’s more so how they’ll react after a couple bad outings in a row.
As more and more video comes out on Blackwood, the opposition will make adjustments. I do think he’s legitimate, however. He’s calm, cool and collected. I believe in the buzz.
That said, if Cory Schneider can return this season, the right play would be to send Blackwood back to the AHL for more seasoning. It’s never the wrong decision.
After all, he’s only 22. We’ll see where his numbers are at the 20 to 25 start mark.
Anthony Robinson (@habsfan19): Best goalie option for the rest of this season — David Rittich or Mackenzie Blackwood?
Easy answer for me — it’s Rittich, provided he’s healthy. The 26-year-old is currently dealing with a lower-body injury so keep that in mind. It doesn’t sound serious but you never know.
First off, Calgary is a better team. They’re playoff-bound. New Jersey is not.
As the season progresses, I expect Keith Kinkaid to take back the crease. The Devils will be very careful with the 22-year-old Blackwood and I’m not sure a losing environment is the most conducive to his development.
When he’s able to play, it’s clear Bill Peters prefer Rittich over the veteran, Mike Smith.
Go with Rittich.
Kyle (@boringname11): Is Micheal Ferland still fantasy relevant with all the line shuffling in Carolina these days?
After a six-game pointless streak, Ferland now has three assists over the past five games. Suffice it to say, his seven-goal, 11-point October seems like eons ago.
In general, the Hurricanes have struggled offensively since their hot start to the season. Rod Brind’Amour’s squad is currently ranked 29th in the NHL in goals per game (2.45).
When it comes to Ferland, I think he’ll finish up strong. Don’t forget, the 26-year-old is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He’s playing for his next contract. If Carolina can’t sign him, they’ll likely trade him. Ferland’s ability to play up and down the lineup will likely make him a hot commodity at the trade deadline.
Keep him.
Larry Berman (@PaigesFall): What do you make of the current Oilers goalie situation?
That’s a loaded question.
It’s become clear to me, at least, that Ken Hitchcock favours Mikko Koskinen. If the Oilers are going to make a run and get into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it’ll be on his back. Cam Talbot has been way too inconsistent over the last couple of years and Edmonton seems ready to move on.
It’s a desperate time for general manager Peter Chiarelli. If he can land a goalie between now and the Feb. 25 deadline, he’ll likely do so.
To answer, there’s a definitive number-one in Edmonton — Koskinen. He’s never done it at the NHL level so I’m not sure how much faith to have him in. Additionally, the Oilers are so cap-strapped. Peter Chiarelli deserves a statue in front of Rogers Place if he can save this season.
What should fantasy owners do with William Nylander?
It took 12 games but the 22-year-old finally scored his first of the season on Thursday afternoon in a 4-3 loss to Minnesota.
Nylander has played better and better every game but there’s no question that the drought was weighing on him. He even cut his beautiful locks!
I’m not the biggest fan of the way he’s being utilized right now. That said, if Toronto’s first power play continues to struggle, I could see Mike Babcock promoting Nylander to the No. 1 unit.
I’d sit tight. I know Nylander’s been a disappointment thus far but it’ll come. Trust me. He missed training camp and also the first two months of the season. It will come.
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Douglas Forsyth (@douglas_forsyth): What should I do with Ryan McDonagh? He’s cooled down a lot.
It’s time to move on from McDonagh. Throughout his steady career, he’s never really been known as a strong fantasy option. That, of course, is dependent on your league settings. He’s always a heavy shot blocker. Fun stat!
When it comes to point production, McDonagh’s offensive numbers will never make you jump out of your seat. Also, with the likes of Victor Hedman and Mikhail Sergachev in Tampa, he’ll never be a long-term fantasy option.
The one thing McDonagh has proven over the year is that he can step up offensively if his team is in need. The former Rangers captain proved that earlier this season when Hedman was sidelined. He went on a tear
Hit the waiver wire and look for a replacement. Take a stab at Jake Muzzin, Darnell Nurse, Ryan Pulock and/or Erik Gustafsson.
Cole Hanan (@cole_hanan): Is Semyon Varlamov a viable fantasy option anymore?
I’m always skeptical when it comes to owning Varlamov in fantasy hockey. He’s extremely injury prone and I like to stay away. The UFA-to-be is currently dealing with a lower-body injury.
After a hot start, Varlamov has really struggled the last month or so. He’s surrendered at least three goals in seven consecutive outings before the injury. Unsurprisingly, Colorado’s recent swoon coincides with the dip in the play of their goaltenders.
The Avalanche are extremely top-heavy. If they do make the playoffs, it’ll be because of their top line. I don’t have much faith in Varlamov or Philipp Grubauer right now.
Move on from Varlamov if you can.