The fantasy hockey world is still buzzing over last year’s rookie class. From Mathew Barzal to Brock Boeser to the unexpected emergence of Yanni “Hockey” (Gourde), the 2017-18 NHL freshmen crop certainly offered an abundance of depth and production. This year should be no different.
While many were zoned in on the likes of Clayton Keller, Nico Hischier and Nolan Patrick, the real gold was found on the waiver wire. The wonderful thing about the “new” NHL is that if you’re good enough, you’ll stick and play. Age isn’t much of a factor anymore.
What’s ahead? Let’s find out!
The SN rank refers to our Top 200 fantasy player rankings for the 2018-19 season.
Rasmus Dahlin, D, BUF (SN Rank: 85)
Led by Hall of Fame defenceman Phil Housley behind the bench, this smooth and silky skater should have no problem adapting to the NHL game right away. Expect him to quarterback the first power play unit while occupying second pairing minutes on Buffalo’s blue line. Dahlin is the real deal and it’s not a stretch to suggest he finishes top-10 in rank among all fantasy defencemen.
Andrei Svechnikov, LW, CAR (SN Rank: 155)
There’s no one really holding Svechnikov back from immediately grabbing the top line right winger with the Hurricanes. Talent aside, anyone lining up with centre Sebastian Aho will be very relevant in fantasy circles. Opportunity is the buzzword in Raleigh these days.
Casey Mittelstadt, C/LW, BUF (SN Rank: 160)
The Minnesota native made a seemingly easy transition from the college ranks to the NHL game at the end of last season. The American pivot may have suited up in just six games, but that was more than enough to draw the excitement and attention of fantasy owners. Similar to Barzal having Tavares in front of him last season, Mittelstadt will benefit immensely from the insulation Jack Eichel will provide higher up Buffalo’s depth chart. As mentioned, that Dahlin guy behind him is pretty good as well.
[snippet ID=3322139]
Miro Heiskanen, D, DAL (SN Rank: 170)
There’s a reason Stars general manager Jim Nill was unwilling to include Heiskanen in any trade for Erik Karlsson. Heiskanen is only 19 and already ridiculously good. Impact defencemen don’t grow on trees. New head coach Jim Montgomery’s appreciation for an up-tempo style will bode well for Heiskanen. Take a flier!
Elias Pettersson, C, VAN (SN Rank: 186)
Two Swedes out and one Swede in. The Canucks’ youth movement is in full effect and will certainly benefit Pettersson. Look for the 19-year-old pivot to start in a second line role behind Bo Horvat and in front of Brandon Sutter. The lack of winger depth may hurt Pettersson’s chance of seriously contending for the Calder Trophy. Of course, all that that can change if Pettersson one day finds prodigy Brock Boeser on his wing. Fantasy owners are waiting with baited breath.
Filip Zadina, LW/RW, DET (SN Rank: 191)
Similar to the Hurricanes, the Detroit Red Wings are very young and supremely talented up front, which is a promising setup in today’s game. With Henrik Zetterberg’s retirement and Detroit’s change in philosophy over the past couple of years when it comes to integrating young blood, don’t be surprised if Zadina fits right into a top-six role to start.
Ryan Donato, C, BOS (SN Rank: 198)
At the ripe age of 22 and already with 15 NHL games to his name, Donato surely has an advantage over most of his competition. What he doesn’t have going for him is premium opportunity, as his hometown Bruins are littered with forward depth. That being said, the Harvard standout is an injury or demotion away from elevating himself into a prime role. Donato’s mini two-year entry-level contract is up after this season and some steady production could land him a nice raise. He could easily exceed expectations this season.
Eeli Tolvanen, LW, NSH (SN Rank: N/R)
After ripping up the KHL last year, Tolvanen skated in three regular season games for the Predators before watching their playoff run in the press box. While undeniably talented, the 19-year-old finds himself in a similar situation to Donato — the Nashville Predators are amongst the cream of the crop in the NHL. The 2017 first-round pick will likely start in a third line role, but when you’re as talented as he is, there’s no telling where he might end up on the depth chart.
Sleepers: Kailer Yamamoto, RW, EDM; Martin Necas, C, CAR; Michael Rasmussen, C, DET; Jordan Greenway, LW, MIN; Lias Andersson, C, NYR; Owen Tippett, LW, FLA; Robert Thomas, C, STL; Brady Tkachuk, LW, OTT; Drake Batherson, C, OTT; Sam Steel, C, ANA
[relatedlinks]
