Nico’s Not Our Only Fantasy…
Quentin Young comes in hot with a list of possible breakout performers for fantasy hockey addicts everywhere.
As the NHL offseason carries on, dozens of players are swapping out old jerseys for new. We’re already gearing up for October and the commencement of the new season.
There are a number of players currently flying under the radar that have significant upside for your fantasy team.
1. Jared Spurgeon (MIN):
This diminutive defenceman could improve even further than the strides he made last offseason. Spurgeon had 38 points in 76 games, was a +33 and added 144 shots for the Minnesota Wild this past season.
2. Vadim Shipyachov (VGK):
Thirty years old and new to the NHL, Shipyachov led the KHL with 50 assists in 50 games playing for SKA St. Petersburg last year. He outscored Pavel Datsyuk, among others, to finish third in total league scoring for the season. If he can adapt to the American game, his elite playmaking should garner enormous return.
3. Brayden Schenn (STL):
An established scorer, Schenn was dealt this offseason for Jori Lehtera, another fantasy darling from past years. Schenn should get a bump playing with Vladimir Tarasenko as the Blues take yet another stab at breaking through their postseason troubles.
4. Mike Smith (CGY):
After finally leaving the desert, backstopper Mike Smith has a chance to win behind what may be the best defense corps in the league. He might not see too many shots, but playing behind the likes of Giordano, Hamilton, Brodie, Hamonic, and Stone should do wonders to rejuvenate Mike Smith’s enthusiasm (read: sv%) and win percentage. He’s likely to go late, and won’t contend for the Vezina, but he’s a safe bet.
5. Evgeny Dadonov (FLA):
Shipyachov’s linemate in SKA St. Petersburg, “Daddy” came 5th in KHL scoring, and should continue to produce points for the Panthers, most likely alongside Sasha Barkov and Radim Vrbata.
6. Nico Hischier (NJD):
The most recent first overall draft pick has a chance to shine alongside Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri in New Jersey this year. A scoring enigma, goalies just can’t keep the guy out and he should be looking to put up strong point totals in his rookie season. That said, don’t take him early. He may be available in your final three rounds or even free agency going into next season. If he goes in the fifth round, move on.
7. Charlie McAvoy (BOS):
Small sample size, but he played big minutes (31:14 one game) and added 3 helpers in his final 4 (of 6) playoff games against the Ottawa Senators. If you like Ekblad, McAvoy could be a serviceable consolation prize.
8. Clayton Keller (ARI):
Dipping his toe in with two assists in three games with the big club, there’s going to be plenty more opportunity for a guy that already has a great deal of promise. Almost certain to be a free agent, you may have to go look for his name to get him, but it’s unlikely you’ll regret it. Note*** Keller isn’t guaranteed to start with the club, though it seems extremely likely. He had 70 points in 39 games with the U.S. National Team in 2015–16.
9. Josh Manson (ANA):
The former sixth round pick contributed 17 points and 82 PIM in 82 games last season with the Ducks, but shot 88 times. His shooting percentage is due to get better this year. The guy is a shot and penalty factory. He won’t win you the category by himself (ahem, thank you Borowiecki), but he’s a sure bet to keep you in contention across those statlines.
10. Brayden Point (TBL):
While he spent a lot more time playing as the first line centre than most people would have liked, Point stepped up to deliver, finishing with 40 points in 68 games last season. Hot take? He will overtake the re-signed Tyler Johnson as second-line centre for stretches of this season.
Best of luck in all your fantasy hockey endeavours. Keep checking TheOcho.ca for more fantasy content.
