Daniil Tarasov – McKeen's Hockey

NHL: CULLEN – 20 FANTASY POINTS – Vilardi heating up, Kakko on the move, and much more!

Scott Cullen — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 00:53:01 +0000

_{LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 13: Winnipeg Jets center Gabriel Vilardi (13) celebrates his goal during an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings on December 13, 2023 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire)}

Each week, I dig into the stats to find information that can help you make better fantasy hockey decisions. This week, Gabriel Vilardi is hot, Pavel Buchnevich is thriving on the wing, Kirill Marchenko leads the surprising Blue Jackets, a fresh start for Kaapo Kakko, and much more!

Here is this week’s edition of 20 Fantasy Points:

#1 Winnipeg Jets right-winger Gabriel Vilardi is heating up. The 25-year-old forward has tallied 11 points (5 G, 6 A) with 16 shots on goal while averaging 19:26 of ice time per game in his past eight games. He is in a great spot, skating on the Jets’ top line with Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, as well as playing on the top power-play unit. Injuries have been a significant factor in Vilardi’s career, and he has never played more than 63 games in a season, so it is surprising that he has played in all 34 games for the Jets thus far. Vilardi has 28 points already, so if he remains healthy, he should surpass his career high of 41 points set in 2022-2023.

#2 The St. Louis Blues tried to shift Pavel Buchnevich to centre at the start of the season, confident that his all-around game would fit in that role, and it did not bring out the best in the veteran forward. He has been returned to the wing and in 10 games since Jim Montgomery took over behind the Blues bench, Buchnevich has contributed nine points (4 G, 5 A) with 27 shots on goal and has most recently found himself skating on a line with Jake Neighbours and Robert Thomas.

#3 The leading scorer for the Columbus Blue Jackets this season, with 33 points (11 G, 22 A) in 33 games, is third-year right winger Kirill Marchenko. In his past 15 games, he has 17 points (5 G, 12 A) and 46 shots on goal. He plays 18 minutes per game, consistently generates shots and has a good thing going on Columbus’ top line with Dmitri Voronkov and Sean Monahan.

#4 With just 14 points (4 G, 10 A) in 30 games for the New York Rangers, right winger Kaapo Kakko was traded to the Seattle Kraken, an opportunity for a fresh start for the second pick in the 2019 Draft. Kakko, 23, had career highs of 18 goals and 40 points during the 2022-2023 season but has not been able to generate enough offense to meet expectations. While Kakko’s puck possession numbers aren’t great this season, it has typically been a strength of his, so he should be able to hold a regular spot in the Kraken lineup. In his first game for Seattle, Kakko skated on a line with Jared McCann and Matty Beniers, which would be a decent spot for him to find his offensive game.

#5 With the Edmonton Oilers scoring at a high rate, ranking second in the league over the past month, there are secondary sources of offense available on this squad. One worth considering is defenceman Darnell Nurse, who has five assists and 14 shots on goal in his past six games. Nurse has 15 points (3 G, 12 A) in 29 games, with just one point on the power play, but he has been this productive despite an on-ice shooting percentage of 7.1 percent during five-on-five play. That mark should go up, so it would be a reasonable expectation for Nurse to score at least a half-point per game for the rest of the season. For a player who delivers hits and blocked shots as well, Nurse has value in most fantasy formats.

#6 Colorado Avalanche left winger Artturi Lehkonen has thrived with the Avs, where his hard-working industrious style of play complements Colorado’s highly skilled top players. In his past 11 games, Lehkonen has nine points (7 G, 2 A) and 25 shots on goal while averaging more than 22 minutes of ice time per game. He skates on Colorado’s top line with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, which is obviously a prime position for Lehkonen to continue delivering offensive production.

#7 After a slow start to the season, veteran Utah Hockey Club right winger Nick Schmaltz has started to break out of his slump, scoring at a more typical rate. Through his first 19 games of the season, Schmaltz had zero goals and 13 assists with 38 shots on goal. In a dozen games since then, he has 12 points (5 G, 7 A) with 30 shots on goal. As a key player on Utah’s top line and first power play unit, Schmaltz tends to be a reliable scoring threat and appears to be back on track.

#8 As the Buffalo Sabres are watching their season go down the drain, defenceman Owen Power has quietly been very productive. While Power has 20 points (4 G, 16 A) in 32 games, it’s notable that all 20 points have come at even strength, which puts him third in even-strength scoring among defencemen, behind only Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar. Power’s offensive ceiling would seem to be limited in Buffalo, where Rasmus Dahlin (currently injured) and Bowen Byram have power play priority, but the towering defender is already productive at 22 years old.

#9 Anaheim Ducks right winger Troy Terry has become a consistently productive scorer in recent seasons, even if it sometimes gets overlooked because of where he plays. In his past 11 games, Terry has put up 13 points (3 G, 10 A) with 37 shots on goal while averaging 19:53 of ice time per game. On a Ducks team trying to build around young players, Terry is skating on a line with Frank Vatrano and Ryan Strome on Anaheim’s No. 1 line.

#10 The Anaheim Ducks shuffled the deck on their blueline, dealing veteran defenceman Cam Fowler to the St. Louis Blues and part of the reason for the change was to give younger defencemen the opportunity to step into bigger roles. Second-year blueliner Jackson LaCombe is making the most of his chances and, in December, has suddenly produced seven points (4 G, 3 A) with 19 shots on goal in seven games. He is playing nearly 20 minutes per game in that time and is getting first-unit power play time, which makes him a legitimate option for fantasy managers.

#11 Nashville Predators defenceman Roman Josi has been battling a lower-body injury and has landed on the injured list. With Josi out, Brady Skjei takes over as the quarterback on the Nashville power play. Skjei has failed to record a point in each of his past nine games, despite playing nearly 23 minutes per game, leaving him with nine points (2 G, 7 A) in 32 games. That is a long way off the pace that Skjei set in Carolina over the previous three seasons when he produced 124 points (40 G, 84 A) in 243 games for the Hurricanes.

#12 Another former Hurricane, winger Teuvo Teravainen started slowly upon his return to Chicago, managing eight points (4 G, 4 A) in his first 18 games, with half of those goals and points coming in the third game of the season. Since then, Teravainen has 13 points (3 G, 10 A) in 15 games and he is skating on Chicago’s third line, alongside Jason Dickinson and Ilya Mikheyev.

#13 It would be too soon to recommend Oilers right winger Connor Brown in anything but the deepest of leagues, but he is worth keeping an eye on because the Oilers are not getting consistent production from their wingers and Brown did contribute more offensively before joining the Oilers last season. Brown managed just a dozen points (4 G, 8 A) in 71 games for Edmonton last season, but is up to 13 points (6 G, 7 A) in 32 games this season after producing eight points (3 G, 5 A) in his past 11 games.

#14 Red Winger centre J.T. Compher has contributed a point per game (1 G, 8 A) in his past nine games, a sudden increase in his offensive output. While his ice time is down by 2:33 per game compared to last season, Compher is still getting first-unit power play time in addition to his time at centre on Detroit’s third line. As a player who had 48 and 52 points, respectively, in the previous two seasons, Compher is behind his previous scoring pace, but if he remains productive, his ice time will likely climb.

#15 Seattle Kraken right winger Oliver Bjorkstrand has been a consistent contributor but has elevated his level of play in the past month. In 14 games, he has 15 points (7 G, 8 A) and 30 shots on goal. Bjorkstrand gets first unit power play time for the Kraken, but only five of his 23 points this season have come with the man advantage. The recent uptick in his production has come at even strength, where he has more recently been playing with Shane Wright and Eeli Tolvanen. Bjorkstrand tallied a career-high 59 points (20 G, 39 A) last season, with 25 points on the power play, so that would seem to be an area that still has room for further improvement.

#16 Vegas Golden Knights winger Ivan Barbashev has been sidelined with an upper-body injury and it’s worth pointing out what a big hole that leaves in the lineup. Barbarshev has 26 points during five-on-five play and Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov is the only player in the league with more points during five-on-five play. Certainly, playing with Jack Eichel is a big part of Barbashev’s success, and Pavel Dorofeyev has joined Eichel and Stone on Vegas’ top line with Barbashev out of the lineup. Dorofeyev played 19:31 in Thursday’s win against Vancouver, the second-highest ice time of his career.

#17 As the Pittsburgh Penguins may be turning around a season that looked hopelessly lost, defenceman Matt Grzelcyk has turned into a solid contributor, putting up nine points (1 G, 8 A) in his past nine games. Eight of Grzelcyk’s 17 points this season have come on the power play and the Penguins are running a rare power play with two defencemen on the top unit and it’s been Grzelcyk and Kris Letang in those roles, with Erik Karlsson on PP2.

#18 There are ups and downs along the path for Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault, who has had nine games this season in which he has allowed at least four goals, but he has a .914 save percentage to go along with a 4-3 record in seven starts this month. He has 7.73 Goals Saved Above Expected this season, which ranks eighth in the league, ahead of Igor Shesterkin, Jake Oettinger, and Jacob Markstrom. Wins might not come so easily for the Canadiens goaltender, but his performance thus far makes him a legitimate fantasy option and it backs up Team Canada’s choice to include him on the roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

#19 Sticking with all situations Goals Saved Above Expected but looking at the low end of the spectrum, the goaltenders with the fewest Goals Saved Above Expected this season: Boston’s Jeremy Swayman (-14.53), San Jose’s Alexandar Georgiev (-13.56), Columbus’ Daniil Tarasov (-11.39), Utah’s Connor Ingram (-9.61), and Carolina’s Spencer Martin (-9.56). From that group, Swayman obviously stands out, given the strong track record that he had prior to this season, but Ingram had an excellent season in 2023-2024, so his decline before getting hurt is notable, too. The goaltenders at the top of the list might be surprising, too, at least after Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck (+22.84). The rest of the top five are: Anaheim’s Lukas Dostal (+17.51), Toronto’s Anthony Stolarz (+13.46), Seattle’s Joey Daccord (+11.39), and Utah’s Karel Vejmelka (+10.94).

#20 There are some popular players with fantasy managers who are running ice cold lately, including New Jersey’s Dougie Hamilton, Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson, the Rangers’ Chris Kreider, and Buffalo’s Alex Tuch, among others. Hamilton has gone seven games without a point and his ice time has dropped below 18 minutes in three of his past four games. In his past five games, Pettersson has zero points and eight shots on goal, while averaging 16:50 of ice time per game. Kreider recorded his first (and only) assist of the season on December 6th and has since gone six straight games without a point, though he does have 17 shots on goal in that span. Tuch has one point (1 G, 0 A) and 10 shots on goal in his past six games and played a season-low 14:34 against Montreal on Tuesday.

*Advanced stats via Natural Stat Trick

NHL: DADOUN – THE FANTASY WEEK AHEAD (November 4th to November 11th – Oilers face challenges early, while Knights soar out the gate

Ryan Dadoun — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 16:35:39 +0000

Edmonton Oilers Center Leon Draisaitl (29) (Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire)

At the end of October last year, Edmonton was in a sorry state with a 2-5-1 record, and the squad posted a 2-8-1 record by the 11-game mark. Of course, we know about the turnaround the Oilers managed, but in that context, Edmonton’s 5-5-1start this year doesn’t seem so bad. It’s not good either, though, and there are some areas that need to be improved upon if Edmonton is to live up to its lofty expectations.

Surprisingly, Edmonton hasn’t managed to reliably score this campaign. The Oilers managed two or fewer goals in each of their six losses (including the overtime defeat), and they never scored more than four goals in any of their first 10 games. That issue was compounded Monday when they lost Connor McDavid for the next 2-3 weeks due to an ankle injury. To their credit, Edmonton responded with a clean 5-1 win over Nashville on Thursday, but we’ll have to see if the Oilers can build off that strong win.

Calvin Pickard was in net for that victory, improving to 3-1-0 with a 2.47 GAA and an .897 save percentage across nine outings. It was his second start in three games and that increase in playing time is understandable when contrasted against Stuart Skinner’s rough 3.51 GAA and .872 save percentage across seven outings. Skinner had a rough start to 2023-24 only to rebound, so don’t count him out yet, but his shaky play has been the other big reason behind Edmonton’s mediocre start. If he doesn’t start improving, it would put Edmonton in a very vulnerable spot -- Pickard has outperformed him thus far, but the 32-year-old isn’t expected to be a good long-term starter option, especially for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.

Edmonton isn’t the only team portrayed as being a Cup contender who has underwhelmed early, but one major contender who has largely shone in the early going is Vegas with its 7-3-1 start. Not everything is rosy for the Golden Knights -- Adin Hill’s 3.20 GAA and .878 save percentage through six appearances don’t look much more appealing than Skinner’s results -- but those issues have been masked by Vegas’ offense, led by its top line.

At the time of writing, Mark Stone is tied for the lead league in points with 19 (five goals) through 11 games while Jack Eichel isn’t far behind with three goals and 16 points in 11 outings. Those two are fairing better than expected, but the thing that’s really held Vegas back in recent years -- at least as far as the regular season goes -- is injuries to key players in general, and those two in particular. If those two can stay healthy this time, it’ll be interesting to see if the duo continues to make their presence known among the league’s scoring leaders.

Speaking of, you’d have to go back to when the two were still rookies to find the last time Eichel ended a season with more points than McDavid. Excluding their first campaigns, McDavid’s single-season low of 97 points is better than Eichel’s career high of 82. It’s way too early to suggest that Eichel will finish above McDavid in the scoring race, but we’ll see what the future holds.

Calgary Flames (Tue @ MTL, Thu @ BOS, Sat @ BUF)

The Flames won their first four games of the campaign, but that hot start has been erased, to the point where they’re 5-4-1 at the time of writing. They’ll be on the road next week, but the silver lining is they’ll be facing middling squads in Montreal on Tuesday and Buffalo on Saturday. Their contest in Boston on Thursday also might not be as difficult as it would appear at first glance. The Bruins are among the teams who underperformed in October, finishing the month with a 4-6-1 record.

Speaking of disappointment, the change of scenery hasn’t helped Anthony Mantha much. It looked like he might play a big role with the Flames, especially after head coach Ryan Huska suggested in September that Mantha’s goal for the 2024-25 should be to fire 300 shots. If we’re talking about shots on goal, then that would shatter his previous career high of 198 set in 2018-19 -- even if it were just shot attempts, then 300 would be his most since 2018-19 and a massive jump from his 219 last year. Instead, Mantha has just nine SOG through 10 games, and while three of those have gone in, it's still leagues less aggressive than the stated goal. Mantha also already moved around the lineup a fair amount, making it hard to pin down what his role with the team is. At best, it seems he’s a middle-six forward and is currently on course to put up something similar to the 23 goals and 44 points he recorded between Washington and Vegas last year -- not bad, but not what the preseason talk suggested might be possible.

One player he has seen a decent amount of ice time with is Jonathan Huberdeau, who looks good so far with four goals and seven points across 10 appearances, but those numbers don’t hold up to even the lightest of scrutiny. He had a good start with three goals and six points through four outings, largely thanks to a four-point game Oct. 12, but Huberdeau has been limited to just one point (a goal) across his past six appearances. Unfortunately, this might not be the bounce-back campaign despite that one big game.

On a more positive note, this might be a good sophomore season for Connor Zary. He has two goals and seven points through 10 appearances and his production has been far more evenly spread out than Huberdeau’s. The 23-year-old Zary is among the Flames more promising young forwards and seeing him start to come into his own gives Calgary some cause for cautious optimism.

Carolina Hurricanes (Tue vs. PHI, Thu vs. PIT, Sat @ COL)

The Hurricanes will open the week by hosting the Flyers on Tuesday and the Penguins on Thursday before heading to Colorado for a match Saturday. None of those adversaries have a winning record at the time of writing, though the Avalanche do still have the potential to be a great team this year.

Injuries are a big part of the reason Colorado has that subpar record. Carolina has had far better luck in that regard, though the Hurricanes aren’t completely immune. Frederik Andersen sustained a lower-body injury, and while it initially sounded like it might not be serious, he’s now regarded as week-to-week. The 35-year-old has an incredible 16-3-0 record, 1.77 GAA and .933 save percentage across the past two seasons, but sadly he can’t seem to stay healthy.

With Andersen once again out, Pyotr Kochetkov will be leaned on heavily. He has a poor .891 save percentage in 2024-25, but the Hurricanes are a top-tier team when it comes to supporting their goaltenders -- despite that save percentage, he has a solid 2.61 GAA and a great 4-1-0 record. Spencer Martin was summoned from AHL Chicago to be the understudy, but he hasn’t gotten into a game yet and probably won’t next week given the Hurricanes’ spread-out schedule.

Carolina is also still missing Riley Stillman, who opened the season on the non-roster injured list. Stillman has started to practice, though, so he might not be too far off from returning. The question is if his availability will shake up Carolina’s current top six. Perhaps Sean Walker or Jalen Chatfield will spend the occasional game in the press box, but it’s entirely feasible that Stillman will simply be the seventh defenseman once healthy, only being inserted into the lineup in the event of an injury or blueliner needing a day off.

Brent Burns probably won’t be someone who gets much in the way of rest days, but age might be catching up to the 39-year-old. He has just three assists through nine appearances this season, albeit with those points coming during a recent three-game scoring streak from Oct. 24-28. Most notably, he doesn’t have any points yet with the man advantage. I was concerned that the presence of Shayne Gostisbehere would lead to Burns getting a reduced role on the power play, and it seems that has proven to be the case. Gostisbehere has roughly double the amount of power-play minutes so far while recording three goals and five points with the man advantage -- nine points overall through nine outings.

Columbus Blue Jackets (Tue @ SJS, Sat @ LAK, Sun vs. ANA)

The Blue Jackets have done better than expected so far, posting a 5-3-1 record in October. They’ll try to keep that going next week with road games against the Sharks on Tuesday, the Kings on Saturday and the Ducks on Sunday.

Kirill Marchenko has played a significant part in the Blue Jackets’ early success, supplying four goals and 11 points through nine appearances. He’s developed chemistry with summer addition Sean Monahan, who has five goals and nine points through nine outings.

Cole Sillinger has also really stood up lately. Taken with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, Sillinger was fairly quiet offensively over his first three campaigns, but this has the makings to be a breakout campaign after he recorded two goals and eight points across his opening nine games. He’s been particularly effective recently, providing a goal and four points over his past two outings, so we’ll see if he can build off that momentum next week.

However, if you’re looking for the hottest member of the Blue Jackets, that would have to be Elvis Merzlikins. He was stunning against Edmonton and the Islanders on Monday and Wednesday, respectively, stopping a combined 57 of 58 shots over that stretch. He largely served as Daniil Tarasov’s understudy to start the campaign, but Tarasov has a 3.42 GAA and an .886 save percentage through five outings, so there’s an opportunity here for Merzlikins to wrestle back the starting job if he continues to perform well.

Los Angeles Kings (Mon @ NAS, Tue @ MIN, Thu vs. VAN, Sat vs. CBJ)

The Kings have a busy week ahead of them. They’ll start with road matches in Nashville on Monday and Minnesota on Tuesday before returning home to host the Canucks on Thursday and the Blue Jackets on Saturday.

Los Angeles has a 6-3-2 record, and Kevin Fiala has been part of that initial success. It hasn’t been all good news for him -- he logged just 10:12 on Oct. 26 because he took some bad penalties and was a healthy scratch Wednesday after missing a team meeting -- but Fiala is nevertheless off to a strong start with five goals and eight points in 10 appearances, including a two-point showing in his return from the press box. If he can avoid getting into too much trouble with coach Jim Hiller, Fiala is a serious contender to reach the 70-point mark for the fourth consecutive campaign.

Hiller has every reason to like Brandt Clarke’s recent play. The 21-year-old defenseman has an incredible seven points (one goal) across his past four outings. It helps that Clarke is a part of the Kings’ top power-play unit -- five of his 11 points through 11 appearances in 2024-25 have come with the man advantage. Clarke might still lose that power-play spot when Drew Doughty is ready to return from his ankle injury, but Doughty isn’t expected to be back anytime soon -- he was declared month-to-month when he underwent surgery in early October -- so that’s not something that needs to be thought about too hard right now.

It is impressive that the Kings have done so well without Doughty. Having a young blueliner like Clarke capable of stepping up helps, but having a steady captain like Anze Kopitar is another key component. The 37-year-old hasn’t slowed with age, collecting four goals and 12 points through 11 games this year. He led the Kings to victory over the Golden Knights with a three-point showing Wednesday that included Kopitar’s 800th career assist. He’s just the 35th player to ever hit that milestone, and with the way he’s performing, perhaps he’ll even hit 900 before it’s time to hang up his skates -- just 20 players have ever done that. Kopitar is in the first season of a two-year, $14 million contract, though he’d probably need to play through the 2026-27 campaign to hit that next milestone.

Minnesota Wild (Tue vs. LAK, Thu @ SJS, Fri @ ANA, Sun @ CHI)

As noted above, Minnesota is set to host the Kings on Tuesday. Afterward, the Wild will begin a road trip with stops in San Jose on Thursday, Anaheim on Friday and Chicago on Sunday.

Despite playing seven of their first nine games on the road, the Wild are off to an incredible 6-1-2 start. Filip Gustavsson has been a big part of that initial success, posting a 4-1-1 record, 2.17 GAA and .922 save percentage across six starts. That’s a big turnaround from his 2023-24 campaign (3.06 GAA, .899 save percentage) and puts him more in line with how he did in 2022-23 (2.10 GAA, .931 save percentage).

Kirill Kaprizov is the other major reason for Minnesota’s strong start. He has five goals and 18 points through nine games and is showing no signs of slowing down. He ended October on a six-game multi-point streak in which he has provided four goals and 14 points. No other Wild player comes close to matching Kaprizov’s recent offensive output, though defenseman Jacob Middleton is on a four-game scoring streak that’s seen him provide a goal and five assists.

To make matters better for the Wild, Jared Spurgeon was able to return Tuesday after missing six straight games due to a lower-body injury. His return will likely lead to Declan Chisholm and Jon Merrill spending the occasional game in the press box.

One thing Spurgeon probably won’t do a lot of is contribute offensively. He has reached the 40-point mark as recently as 2021-22, but the 34-year-old is going to be serving on the second power-play unit as best thanks to the rise of sophomore Brock Faber. Instead, Spurgeon’s best category might end up being blocks. He ranked sixth with 179 blocks in 2022-23, which was the last season he was mostly healthy.

Nashville Predators (Mon vs. LAK, Wed @ WSH, Thu @ FLA, Sat vs. UTA)

After starting the campaign 0-5-0, Nashville has started to recover but remains a poor 3-6-1. The Predators will attempt to make up for lost ground next week, starting with Monday’s home game against the Kings. Nashville will spend the remainder of the week on the road, facing Washington on Wednesday, Florida on Thursday and Utah on Saturday.

The Predators are still waiting for Steven Stamkos to start playing like the star he was in Tampa Bay. Stamkos did get two assists against his former team in Monday’s 3-2 overtime loss, but that’s about all the life he’s shown. The 34-year-old has a goal and three points through 10 appearances. He also has a minus-8 rating, which is tied for the fourth worst on the team. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that he’s been taking a ton of shots -- 32 so far -- so it should be just a matter of time before they start going in.

Nashville’s other major summer addition, Jonathan Marchessault, is also struggling to find the back of the net. Not many people expected Marchessault to repeat his 42-goal showing from 2023-24, especially because his 15.8 shooting percentage was a career high outside of 2014-15 in which he logged just two games. Still, if Marchessault was a bit on the lucky side last year, he’s gotten terrible luck in 2024-25, providing just two goals on 35 shots so far. He does at least have four assists to go with it, so his struggles haven’t been as notable as Stamkos’, but there’s still a lot of room for growth here.

Stamkos and Marchessault might have struggled for long enough now that they’d be solid buy-low candidates in fantasy. Perhaps you could put Juuse Saros in that group too. He’s also off to a rough start with a 2-5-1 record, 3.04 GAA and .896 save percentage across eight appearances. He did underwhelm somewhat in 2023-24 as well, finishing with a 2.86 GAA and a .906 save percentage, but at the very least, if you believe that Stamkos and Marchessault have underperformed, which seems reasonable, then there’s reason to believe that Saros should be a better source of wins as the campaign progresses.

New Jersey Devils (Mon @ EDM, Thu vs. MTL, Sat @ NYI, Sun vs. SJS)

The Devils played more games than any other team, 13, in October and their schedule will stay full next week. They’ll play in Edmonton on Monday, host the Canadiens on Thursday, face the Islanders in a road game Saturday and then end the week at home against the Sharks on Sunday.

Luke Hughes missed the first nine games of the season due to a shoulder injury, but the 21-year-old blueliner returned Oct. 24. He didn’t, however, get his 2023-24 assignment back. He’s averaged 18:06 of ice time, including a modest 0:55 with the man advantage, though four appearances. Hughes served primarily on the top power-play unit last season, but that was with Dougie Hamilton unavailable. Now that both defensemen are healthy, it seems Hamilton will serve on the first unit while Hughes will play on the second. That’s a major blow to Hughes’ fantasy value -- 25 of his 47 points last season came with the man advantage.

Even if Hughes was on the top power-play and gelling, though, he wouldn’t be the headline act in New Jersey right now. That’s unquestionably Nico Hischier, who has provided an unreal nine goals and 13 points across his past nine games, bringing him up to 15 points (10 goals) through 13 outings in 2024-25. Hischier finished October on a four-game goal-scoring streak. His current goal pace won’t last obviously -- his 22.7 shooting percentage for 2024-25 would shatter his career high if it lasted the full campaign -- but he is a high-end talent who could reasonably surpass the 30-goal and 80-point milestones this season.

The Devils have kept Hischier and Jack Hughes primarily on separate lines at even strength to give the team a strong one-two punch. Hughes is rolling too with three goals and seven points across his past five outings, giving him four goals and 12 points in 13 appearances this year. The Devils are even getting decent production out of their third line with Erik Haula supplying four goals and eight points through 13 outings.

New Jersey was 7-4-2 in October. The Devils do have some areas of concern -- Jacob Markstrom has been a step up from their goaltenders last year, but he’s also had some notably rough nights, which has left him with a mild .903 save percentage in 2024-25 -- but they do look like a team that should stay strong this year.

Vancouver Canucks (Tue @ ANA, Thu @ LAK, Sat vs. EDM)

The Canucks can attest to the Devils’ strength after suffering a 6-0 loss to New Jersey on Wednesday. Vancouver dropped to 4-2-3 with that defeat but will be looking for better results during the upcoming week. The Canucks will play in Anaheim on Tuesday and LA on Thursday before hosting the Oilers on Saturday.

Vancouver could really use Thatcher Demko (knee). Kevin Lankinen has done well overall with a 2.29 GAA and a .920 save percentage in six starts, but he’s faltered recently, allowing 10 goals on 90 shots (.889 save percentage) across his past three outings. Meanwhile, Arturs Silovs has struggled with a record of 0-2-1 to go with an abysmal 5.00 GAA and .797 save percentage through three contests.

Demko has been skating and we have seen him on his own in full gear, but there’s nothing to indicate yet that he’s close to returning, so it seems Vancouver will have to rely on Lankinen and Silovs for a while longer.

If they get sufficient goal support, it might be fine. To that end, it would go a long way if Elias Pettersson could get into a rhythm. He had just one goal and four points through nine appearances in October. Some of you might be thinking back to 2021-22 when Pettersson started the campaign with six goals and 17 points in his first 37 games before turning a corner by providing 26 goals and 51 points in 43 outings the rest of the way. That example does show that Pettersson is both capable of prolonged cold stretches and recovering from them, though Vancouver will surely be hoping that it doesn’t take him nearly as long to get going in 2024-25.

It'd help if newcomer Jake DeBrusk got going too. He has just four assists in nine appearances with Vancouver after signing a seven-year, $38.5 million contract with Vancouver over the summer. The Canucks were believed to be interested in inking Jake Guentzel before he signed with Tampa Bay. DeBrusk was at least a cheaper alternative, but Vancouver probably wishes they hadn’t missed out on the pricier option -- Guentzel has four goals and 11 points through 10 outings in 2024-25.

NHL: Training Camp Updates

Scott Cullen — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 19:02:07 +0000

Toronto Maple Leafs Winger William Nylander (88) (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire)

As the NHL season approaches, training camps are in full swing and preseason action is underway. That means that changes are already taking place with injuries and opportunities changing every day.

Doughty suffers broken ankle

Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty suffered a broken ankle that leaves him out month-to-month. That is a huge loss for the Kings but, it means new opportunities because someone will have to fill the void that is created by Doughty’s injury. Brandt Clarke was already poised to play a regular role on the Kings blueline but could step into a role on the Kings’ first power play unit. Clarke has eight points (2 G, 6 A) in 25 career games and half of those points have come with the man advantage. If not Clarke, Jordan Spence could step up, too. He had 24 points (2 G, 22 A) in 71 games last season, with six points on the power play. Clarke has the better pedigree. He was selected eighth overall in the 2021 Draft and produced 46 points (10 G, 36 A) in 50 games in the AHL last season.

Appendicitis knocks out Gibson

Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson underwent emergency surgery for an appendectomy and that will keep him out for 3-6 weeks. If he only missed three weeks, that will not cost him too many starts, but if it’s closer to the other end of the spectrum, there will be more games for Lukas Dostal. While Dostal appeared in 44 games for the Ducks last season, he managed just 13 wins and had a .902 save percentage, which is not enough to believe that he is going to have significant fantasy value this season.

Boqvist on Panthers’ top power play

With Brandon Montour signing in Seattle, it appears that Panthers defenceman Adam Boqvist is getting a look as the quarterback on Florida’s No. 1 power play unit. He has never played more than 52 games in an NHL season and has 85 points (23 G. 62 A) in 209 games, with 29 of those points coming on the power play. However, there are 57 defencemen that have played at least 300 five-on-four minutes across the past three seasons and Boqvist ranks 50th with 3.32 points per 60 minutes and 55th with 4.88 on-ice GF/60. To his slight credit, he ranks 41st with 6.84 xGF/60 in those situations. If Boqvist ultimately can’t handle the role, Aaron Ekblad could be lurking as a possible quarterback on PP1.

Hanifin getting first unit power play time in Vegas

On a team that already boasts Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore, it appears that Noah Hanifin is getting an opportunity to skate with the top power play in Vegas. Hanifin recorded 47 points last season, with 13 points on the power play, including five of his 12 points with Vegas after he was acquired from Calgary. While Hanifin ranked fifth with 11.87 shots per 60 minutes during five-on-four play across the past three seasons, he ranked 29th with 4.35 points per 60 minutes. He also ranked 50th with 5.80 on-ice goals per 60 minutes of five-on-four play. This is a position of relative strength for the Golden Knights, so if Hanifin isn’t getting the job done on the first power play, they have two more options who have experienced some success in that role.

Cooley and Guenther could offer big fantasy value

The Utah Hockey Club has some promise heading into the season, not the least of which is related to a couple of young forwards who finished hot last season and could be poised for big things in 2024-2025. Right winger Dylan Guenther just signed an eight-year contract extension for more than $57 million, even though he has played just 78 NHL games, but the ninth pick in the 2021 Draft has an awe-inspiring shot and finished last season with 17 points (9 G, 8 A) with 53 shots on goal in his last 16 games. Pair Guenther with Logan Cooley, the third pick in the 2022 Draft, who finished fifth in Calder Trophy voting last season and he had 14 points (9 G, 5 A) in his last 16 games. Two young players finishing with that kind of production offers temptation for what they might be able to accomplish this season. The answer could be: more than you think.

Luke Hughes recovering from shoulder injury

Devils defenceman Luke Hughes, who finished third in Norris Trophy voting last season, could miss the first month of the regular season due to a shoulder injury suffered in offseason training. Hughes’ injury opens the door for Simon Nemec, another highly drafted defenceman going into his second NHL season, to take on a bigger role including time on the Devils’ second power play unit. Nemec had 19 points (3 G, 16 A) in 60 games as a rookie, but could certainly improve on that if he can secure regular time with the man advantage.

Tatar getting a good opportunity in New Jersey

The last time that Tomas Tatar was skating for the New Jersey Devils, he produced 20 goals and 48 points during the 2022-2023 season. Last season, between Colorado and Seattle, Tatar managed just 24 points (9 G, 15 A) in 70 games. He played 12:27 per game, his lowest average since 2012-2013. But right now it looks like Tatar has a chance to skate on the Devils’ second line, with Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer, which would put Tatar much more in line to produce 40-plus points again.

Willy Styles to center

Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander is getting a training camp look at centre ice, which does shuffle up the forward lines, sending John Tavares to the third line. Nylander at center allows the Leafs to play Max Domi and Calle Jarnkrok on his wings, while Nick Robertson and Bobby McMann can skate on Tavares’ wings, giving Toronto better scoring depth. Of course, Max Pacioretty would seem like a logical fit in a middle six role following his tryout, so Jarnkrok or McMann would seem like candidates to move down the depth chart, unless Robertson is moved out.

Michkov a Calder favorite?

Philadelphia Flyers rookie right winger Matvei Michkov is either the favorite or co-favorite to win the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in the NHL. The seventh pick in the 2023 Draft, Michkov had 41 points (19 G, 22 A) in 47 KHL games last season. He is looking at the opportunity to start the season on the Flyers’ second line while receiving first unit power play time. He has four points (1 G, 3 A) through his first two preseason games, which has done nothing to turn down the hype machine but maybe it’s deserved.

Beauviller getting a chance in Pittsburgh

After managing a career-low five goals and 17 points for Vancouver and Nashville last season, Anthony Beauvillier is the epitome of a buy-low performer. He is also looking at the potential opportunity to skate on Pittsburgh’s top line alongside Sidney Crosby. It can be a revolving door on Crosby’s wing, but the opportunity to skate with such an elite centre would elevate Beauvillier’s scoring potential, at least making him relevant for fantasy owners. He has never scored more than 40 points in a season, but that career high happened one year before his career low performance.

Montour ahead of Dunn for PP1 in Seattle

The Seattle Kraken appear to be giving free agent acquisition Brandon Montour a shot to quarterback the top power play unit. Across the previous three seasons, among the 57 defencemen to play at least 200 minutes Montour ranked 20th with 4.69 points per 60 minutes of five-on-four play. Dunn ranked 33rd with 4.26 points per 60, which is not a dramatic different. When it comes to on-ice goals for per 60 minutes, Montour ranked tenth, with 10.02, while Dunn ranked 47th with 6.16. Since they were operating on different teams, it seems that these numbers would be heavily influenced by the talent around them.

Faulk on PP1 for St. Louis

With Torey Krug likely to miss the season as he deals with a bad ankle, Justin Faulk is getting the opportunity to run the Blues’ top power play unit. Faulk has experience in the role, with 134 of his 426 career points coming with the man advantage. If Faulk can’t guide the unit successfully, Scott Perunovich, Colton Parayko and Philip Broberg could all be viable candidates, too.

Demko remains out for Vancouver

With an uncertain timeline for the return to action of goaltender Thatcher Demko, the Vancouver Canucks have signed Kevin Lankinen, to pair with Artrus Silovs in the crease while they wait. Lankinen has been a quality backup, posting a .912 save percentage in 43 games with Nashville over the past two seasons, but he could be required to handle a larger percentage of the action, at least while Demko is sidelined. Silovs has flashed potential but has started a total of 19 NHL games, nine during the regular season and 10 in the playoffs. He has a .898 save percentage in those games, so the 23-year-old netminder is still a work in progress as he tries to establish himself as a full-time NHLer.

Tarasov getting his shot in Columbus?

With Elvis Merzlikins coming off a terrible season, and big changes in the Blue Jackets organization, it could be time for 25-year-old goaltender Daniil Tarasov to get the starter’s job in Columbus. Tarasov has a .905 save percentage in 45 career games, which is enough to at least consider him in a tandem with Merzlikins, but it would not take much for Tarasov to become the first option for the rebuilding Blue Jackets.

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS – Team Preview

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 20:00:59 +0000

_{VANCOUVER, BC - JANUARY 27: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) skates with the puck during an NHL game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C. (Photo by Ethan Cairns/Icon Sportswire)}

IN MEMORIAM – JOHNNY GAUDREAU – 1993 - 2024
The hockey world was sent into shock and mourning when Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau’s lives were tragically cut short this summer at the hands of an impaired driver. Johnny Gaudreau defied the odds at every level of hockey he played at. Affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey” – the nickname was appropriate not only because of Gaudreau’s skill level, but because he was also an amazing steward of the game throughout his time in it. From the New Jersey area, to Boston, to Calgary, to Columbus, Gaudreau left a tangible, positive impact in each city he called home as evidenced by the outpouring of love and memorials outside all the arenas he’s played in. Consistently written off due to his size, Gaudreau entered the NHL in his first season and posted 64 points in 80 games, putting the world on notice that size was no longer a valid concern in analysis of his game.

Gaudreau used his speed in combination with his slick hands and puck manipulation techniques to consis- tently find open space for himself and turn that open space into high-quality scoring chances. His heads- up style of play and elite understanding of the game allowed him to consistently elevate the play of his teammates and serve them quality looks, evidenced by his average of 50 assists per season and 500 overall for his career. Aside from setting his career high in points in 2017-18, he also won the Lady Byng trophy. We join the entire hockey community in honouring the life and careers of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau and the passion and joy they brought to the game we all love.

TEAM OVERVIEW The shock and loss of their best player, for an organization that is no stranger to tragedy after losing goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks in the summer of 2021, will be a tremendous challenge for the team. New management and a new head coach in Dean Evason will have to pull together a very talented group of young players. Denton Mateychuk, Kent Johnson, Adam Fantilli, Yegor Chinakhov, Kirill Marchenko, Cole Sillinger, Dmitri Voronkov and David Jiricek all have tremendous promise and are currently developing in the NHL. Chinakhov, Marchenko and Voronkov all made some noise last season, at times uniting on an all-Russian line. There are some reasons for optimism, but it was going to be another year of development for their youngsters and the playoffs were not likely in the cards.

TOP BREAKOUT CANDIDATE: Adam Fantilli missed 33 games last campaign with a lacerated calf. That ended what had been an encouraging rookie campaign - the 19-year-old (20 on Oct. 12) scored 12 goals and 27 points through 49 contests. He’s healthy now and primed to play on the top six and first power-play unit this season. Although Columbus probably will finish toward the bottom of the league in goals scored, Fantilli should be an offensive leader for the Blue Jackets this year.

FORWARD

Sean Monahan

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	22	35	57	0.70

Monahan arrives to the Blue Jackets via free agency having signed a five-year contract at $5.5 million AAV per year. Monahan put some of the concerns about his lengthy injury history in the rearview by playing a full season last year split between the Montreal Canadiens and the Winnipeg Jets and continued into the Jets brief spell into the playoffs. Monahan is still a handful in the faceoff dot, where he posted over a 55 percent win rate last year and was well into the top third of centers with regards to faceoff wins. Monahan posted modest point totals but showcased an ability to support the play in the offensive zone via rush and forecheck as well as showcase puck distribution abilities that created shot-attempts for his teammates in the offensive zone. The expectation is that Monahan will inherit the top center role alongside his former teammate Johnny Gaudreau but expect pressure through the year from the likes of Adam Fantilli to steal that spot away from him. Monahan’s shot rates in his short time with Winnipeg were good for third on the team, and the hope is his supporting play and elevation of shot rates can put Gaudreau back on the map from a goal scoring perspective. Assuming Monahan stays healthy again, he should provide a good boost to the output of his linemates.

Kirill Marchenko

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
80	25	21	46	0.58

Marchenko had a good bit of focus on him heading into the year coming off of a strong 21-goal campaign as a rookie. His sophomore year, usually a challenging one for forwards, didn’t feature a massive regression in any one area. In fact, Marchenko’s peripheral statistics, especially defensively, saw improvements year over year. There’s an argument to be made that his overall goal scoring was not as impactful as the prior year as he only had 23 total goals in 78 games. Marchenko’s lack of boost in goal scoring was an effect felt across the entire Blue Jacket’s top line last season. His even-strength goal scoring output was good for the 60^th percentile of NHL forwards. Marchenko did not experience a dip in shot-attempts and still put up totals that place him well within the top third of NHL forwards with regards to putting pucks on net. His passing statistics and play support statistics put him in the bottom third of NHL forwards even though he saw an increase in assists last year. Marchenko’s best work comes off of the rush where he has the ability to use his size and speed to surprise NHL defenders. With a new look top line for Columbus, the hope is that Marchenko will find himself in more of those situations in the year to come.

Adam Fantilli

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
79	23	30	53	0.67

Fantilli’s rookie season came with a great level of expectation that was largely unrealized, but that may be because of elements outside of his control. From a linemates perspective, Fantilli’s start to the year saw him playing deep in the bottom-six for Columbus alongside players that don’t quite think the game on the same level as him. As his ice time increased north of the 12:00 mark and he began moving up the depth chart, his performance, unsurprisingly, improved along with the increase in quality of teammate. Additionally, the Columbus power-play struggled throughout the course of the year and as a result, Fantilli never had a chance to truly make his mark on that side of the puck. Offensively speaking, he was in the top third of the league’s forward group in shots, shots off the rush, and goals-scored at even-strength. He also showed a good bit of competency at carrying the puck across the blueline with possession and creating elongated offensive possession as a result of his puck-moving ability. I think there’s room for him to continue to improve on the forecheck and in the defensive zone. Expect Fantilli to make marked improvements in his off-puck habits and ultimately pressure for a role on the Blue Jacket’s top line before the season is over. There is a lot of skill here still left to showcase.

Yegor Chinakhov

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
74	23	19	42	0.57

Despite missing a large chunk of time to injury, Yegor Chinakhov’s 2023-24 campaign is one that you can file under him cementing himself as a verifiable scoring threat and graduated NHL talent. I don’t believe there’s anything left for him to learn at the AHL level. He tortured goaltenders with his wrist shot last year, showcasing his ability to gain significant velocity from short, hard to predict releases. By the end of the season, the only forward with a higher goal scoring rate than Chinakhov was Johnny Gaudreau. One of the biggest criticisms you can make of him is that, given the value of his shot, he doesn’t use it enough. Chinakhov was in the sixth percentile of NHL forwards regarding shot-attempts at even-strength. Something that hasn’t gotten enough discussion is the reliability he showcased off-puck last season. He was on the ice for the second lowest total of shot-attempts against per 60 minutes of even-strength ice time. His overall even-strength defensive returns put him in the 82^nd percentile of forwards. Chinakhov has the ability to develop into a serious shooting threat and could get a decent boost in goals if he sees more power-play time this season. He spent time towards the end of the season with fellow countrymen Kirill Marchenko and Dimitri Voronkov. I expect that line to get more looks in the coming season and Chinakhov to see an improvement on his 16 goals from the year prior.

Kent Johnson

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
72	18	20	38	0.53

Kent Johnson’s sophomore season was a disappointment from almost any angle you view it from. Johnson was hoping to build off a solid rookie campaign that saw him end with 16 goals and 24 assists in 79 games. However, when training camp ended for the 2023-24 season, Johnson was not a part of the roster. His camp performance was sub-par, and he never re-discovered the game that put him on the map the year prior. By the end of the season, Johnson finished with just six goals and 10 assists in 42 games played. His defensive game suffered a regression and his forechecking and engagement in the battle areas of the ice left something to be desired. After moving up and down the lineup and battling healthy scratches, Johnson was eventually injured for the final weeks of the regular season, adding extra bitterness to his sophomore slump. Johnson’s goal last year was to come into camp bigger, stronger, and more influential on the puck. That same goal needs to apply to this season if Johnson is going to put any stretch of relevant time together in the Blue Jackets forward group. Johnson is coming into his final season under his Restricted Free Agency deal. This season is tantamount to him finding a permanent place in the NHL.

Dmitri Voronkov

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
79	21	16	37	0.47

Jackets’ fans had to wait a long time for Dmitri Voronkov, four years to be exact, but the KHL regular impressed just about everyone in his first foray onto a North American ice surface this season. Voronkov did not make the team straight out of camp but was recalled late October and went on an immediate run here he piled up goals and assists through his first fifteen games and stayed relatively consistent thereafter, earning more and more ice time as the year went on, culminating in a top six performance alongside fellow Russians Yegor Chinakhov and Kirill Marchenko, forming an All-Russian line for Columbus. Voronkov’s game is predicated on using his size, reach, and physical prowess. He was a force in front of the net during his time in the KHL and that was no different in Columbus. Voronkov’s first year offensive output’s at even-strength put him in the 80^th percentile of NHL forwards, a great debut for the big talent. One area he will need to work on is his puck distribution abilities and passing in the offensive zone. He was only in the sixth percentile of NHL forwards for offensive-zone shot assists. Voronkov has the size and skating to be a continued menace in front of the net and in the battle areas of the ice. He showcased enough with puck control and puck handling that he is not a one-trick pony. It will be interesting to see how his game continues to develop in the coming years.

Boone Jenner

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
63	18	17	35	0.56

The big questions surrounding Jenner coming into this season are focused on the best suited deployment for the veteran center. It’s still evident that he can have a positive effect on the lineup given his puck-possession results and overall goal totals. While still effective, especially in the battle areas in the boards and net-front, Jenner does clash stylistically with some of the wingers in the Blue Jacket’s top six. Despite missing chunks of time to injury and personal reasons, Jenner still ended the year with 22 goals, his third straight 20+ goal campaign. Given his age and mileage, much of the discussion has shifted to his making a full switch to the bottom six forward group for Columbus. Given the signing of Sean Monahan and the rise of Adam Fantilli, that may just be where Jenner ends up. His game is still suited for a bottom-six checking role and his goal scoring rates at even-strength could provide a much needed scoring boost to the bottom-six forward group. Jenner is still an effective player on the forecheck and in front of the net but has struggled in recent years to impact transition play and assist his teammates in puck distribution efforts. Regardless of the mileage and offensive limitations, he can still score goals and remains an extremely valuable faceoff man. Expect Jenner to continue to be a force in front of the net this season and can still expect some power play time as a result

Cole Sillinger

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
79	15	19	34	0.43

Cole Sillinger’s 2023-24 season was about as rollercoaster of a performance as you can get. In fact, that truly summarizes his entire three-year journey through the NHL at this juncture. After a promising rookie season, Sillinger crashed out in a sophomore slump where he netted three goals and 11 points in 64 games. This season’s start, while bolstered by strong underlying numbers, was just as drought-like with regards to goals. Sillinger had one goal through his first 27 games in 2023-24 but burst onto the scoresheet after the drought to end his third professional season with 13 goals and 19 assists in 77 games. Sillinger was significantly snake-bit with his finishing ability last season. He posted returns in the 80^th plus percentile in raw shots, shots off of high-danger passes, and shots off of the rush. His finishing found its level a handful of times in the season, but always in short, sporadic bursts. Whatever the case, Sillinger didn’t pose a lot of risk defensively and was generally a low-event player on both sides of the puck. He saw a steady increase in ice time throughout the year and in a variety of deployments, a testament to his versatility as a center. Sillinger posted his highest faceoff percentage of his young career at just over 46%, but still has room for improvement in the circle. Overall, consistency will be the name of the game for Sillinger moving forward as he looks to play a critical role in the Bluejackets bottom six forward group.

DEFENCE

Zach Werenski

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
75	15	48	63	0.84

Werenski took the role of top defenceman for Columbus last year and was deployed in virtually every situation imaginable. From power-play to penalty kill to the biggest five on five minutes, Werenski put his best foot forward to impact the Blue Jackets outcomes as much as he possibly could. Unfortunately, it takes more than one solid performer to round out a defence and Columbus was not deep enough defensively to make Werenski’s statistics look attractive. Overall, he led the Blue Jackets in just about every statistical bucket and set a franchise record for points by a defenceman. The offensive side of Werenski’s work was great, but his even-strength results from a defensive perspective put him in the sixth percentile of NHL defencemen. Werenski’s best impacts are in puck movement and shot support. From the perspective of denying zone entries defensively or retrieving dumped pucks, Werenski found himself in the bottom third of the league. Despite the less-than-attractive results, he posted a goals-for percentage at even-strength that was seven percent higher than any of his defensive peers. He also paced at or near the top of the team in shot-attempt and scoring chance mitigation. Overall, expect Werenski to continue to play a variety of roles as the defensive leader of the Blue Jackets, his best work coming in shot-attempt boosts and help in gaining possession in the offensive zone.

Damon Severson

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
70	6	18	24	0.30

Severson’s first season in Columbus wasn’t poor, but it also likely failed to live up to the lofty expectation garnered by the eight-year contract he signed. Severson finished his first campaign in Columbus with nine goals and 19 assists in 67 games and actually finished the year with some decent defensive numbers and paced the Columbus blue line in a number of defensive metrics. He was the only blueliner on the Columbus roster to finish with a positive result in puck-possession metrics (plus-four percent relative to teammates) and had the highest expected-goal for percentage on the team at 49 percent. His overall defensive metrics put him in the 67^th percentile of NHL defencemen. His rate at denying possession zone entries put him in the 80^th percentile of league defencemen, an oasis in a desert of poor defensive performances in Columbus. Some of his best work came in terms of shot-support in the offensive zone and working the puck out of the defensive zone via his passing skill. This wasn’t a poor debut performance by any stretch and is head and shoulders above most of his peers on the team, but with a cap hit of over six million dollars per year, the expectations were simply a little bit higher. Severson will once again be called upon in a variety of minutes to support the team as a jack-of-all-trades defenceman.

Ivan Provorov

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	5	24	29	0.35

For the second year in a row, Ivan Provorov played in every single regular season game for the Columbus Blue Jackets and posted respectable numbers in doing so. The biggest boost came to his offensive game this season. He scored five more points than the previous year, but it’s the supporting metrics around his puck support and shot contributions that increased his overall offensive output from a Wins Above Replacement perspective from the 22^nd percentile for defencemen to the 41^st percentile. Provorov’s best work this season came via retrieving pucks in the defensive zone and exiting the defensive zone with possession, both areas he graded out in the top third of NHL defencemen. His returns in defending the blueline and breaking up plays as they enter the defensive zone regressed a bit year over year. Provorov is heading into the final year of his contract. Depending on his performance there may be some trade discussions around his skill set as we get closer to the trade deadline. He has weathered the overall poor defensive presence in Columbus fairly well and is a reliable middle pairing player that plays relatively low-event hockey. While there may be a ceiling to his deployment as his statistics do suffer from elevated minutes, with the right partner in the right circumstances he can be effective.

David Jiricek

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
75	6	18	24	0.32

Jiricek earned valuable experience last year at both the AHL and the NHL level, experiencing a bit of a baptism by fire for his rookie campaign. While the returns were likely considered disappointing, he’s only 20 years old and still developing into a professional player. Additionally, as discussed, the environment in Columbus was volatile at best defensively. Jiricek found himself in many challenging situations throughout the course of the year. When faced with odd man breaks or one-on-one situations, Jiricek’s decision making process showed room for improvement as he continues to adapt to the pro-style game. That being said, it’s also clear why he comes with the degree of pedigree he does. He is an effortless skater, and his movement will be one of the foundational aspects of his game throughout his career. Jiricek should find himself in a more stable environment this year with less back-and-forth to the AHL and healthy scratches. There’s potential for him to see an increase in power-play minutes and more time with the Blue Jackets top forwards, who will further complement his skill set. Patience is key to the development of young defencemen and Jiricek is no exception to that rule. Expect more solid returns this year with a refined sense of decision making with the puck. Hopefully, Columbus can get him into more positions to utilize some of his offensive skillset.

GOAL

Elvis Merzlikins

Predicted Stats
GP	W	L	OT	SO	SV%	GAA
51	16	29	6	2	0.901	3.29

Daniil Tarasov

Predicted Stats
GP	W	L	OT	SO	SV%	GAA
22	7	13	2	1	0.904	3.38

From a raw numbers perspective, Blue Jackets starter Elvis Merzlikins - once touted as the team's heir apparent before stumbling in tandem with the team's seeming free-fall to the bottom of the standings - struggled as much last season as he had the year before. He once again failed to hit even league-average numbers in his fifth NHL season, a far cry from the rookie debut season that earned him fifth-place spots in both Vezina and Calder voting back in 2020. And from a visual perspective, the 29-year-old Latvian netminder still looks like he's lost that extra spark that gave him a competitive edge over his opponents. He still has plenty of agility and speed, his lateral movements look fluid and strong, and he's got fast hands that he's unafraid to use; his positioning always seemed just a little off, though, and he had trouble recovering from rebounds in a way that suggested he was reading the play as well as he's shown capable of doing in the past.

That being said, the advanced data for the 2023-24 campaign suggested that Merzlikins isn't a complete write-off. He pulled out of the nosedive that saw him record quality starts in just eight of his 30 games in 2022-23, putting up league average or better performances in just around half of his games last year. And in theory, the Blue Jackets should continue to take steps to improve this year - which puts him in a good position to continue to level his game back out again as well. And in even better news, his backup Daniil Tarasov showed proficiency in stopping sharp-angle shots and in avoiding being goaded into bad positioning. Both goaltenders will likely still face a barrage of shots in each game this year, but things are starting to level out; hopefully, that should give Merzlikins the confidence he needs to take the reins back and Tarasov the right environment to continue to develop and thrive.

NHL: DADOUN – THE FANTASY WEEK AHEAD – A look at the playoff race – Teams with favourable schedules and players to target

Ryan Dadoun — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 14:07:22 +0000

Last week I touched on Detroit’s losing streak, but the Red Wings’ situation has since stabilized. The Red Wings have won three of their past four games and earned a 6-3 victory in a key contest against the Islanders on Thursday. The Red Wings (36-28-6) now have a three-point edge over Washington (33-26-9) in the battle for the second wild-card spot, though Washington has two games in hand, so Detroit still has no margin for error.

At this stage, it looks like the fight for the final playoff seed in the East will come down to Detroit and Washington, but the Islanders (29-25-15), New Jersey (34-32-5), Buffalo (33-33-5) and even Pittsburgh (30-29-9) all have an outside chance of squeaking into the playoffs. Would it be shocking if, say, the Penguins earned a postseason berth? Absolutely, but it’s at least a mathematic possibility at the time of writing.

The final wild-card slot in the Western Conference is slightly more secure. Vegas (37-25-7) has a four-point edge over St. Louis (37-30-3) and a five-point lead over Minnesota (34-28-8) despite playing in one game less than either team. The Golden Knights likely still need to be solid down the stretch to secure their playoff berth, but at least they have a bit of breathing room.

The Blues and Wild are Vegas’ only real competition, but there is still an outside chance of a Cinderella story involving Calgary (33-30-5) or Seattle (28-28-12).

The Golden Knights still also have a path to earn the third seed in the Pacific Division over Los Angeles (36-22-11), though I’d almost say it doesn’t matter. Getting the third seed would put the Golden Knights on track to face Edmonton in the first round instead of Winnipeg, Colorado, Dallas or Vancouver. All five of those potential adversaries are great, so Vegas will have a tough first round either as a wild-card team or as the third seed in the Pacific Division.

Either way, the battle for the last playoff spots should be fun.

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 24: Anaheim Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal (1) in warm up before a game between the Boston Bruins and the Anaheim Ducks on January 24, 2022, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

Anaheim Ducks - TUE @ SEA, THU @ SEA, SAT @ EDM, SUN @ VAN (BTB)

Anaheim is set to play on the road all of next week. They have back-to-back contests against Seattle on Tuesday and Thursday, followed by games in Edmonton on Saturday and Vancouver on Sunday. It’s certainly not an easy schedule, especially on the back half, but the Ducks are one of the few teams scheduled to play four games, so they’re still worthy of mention.

Trevor Zegras hasn’t been in the lineup since Jan. 9 because of an ankle injury, but he has been able to resume practicing without restriction, which suggests that he’s close to returning. After exceeding the 60-point milestone in each of his previous two campaigns, he has just four goals and seven points in 20 outings this year. There’s a good chance he’ll at least be able to finish the year on a positive note, but regardless of what happens, it’s important you remember him for next season’s fantasy drafts. The 23-year-old forward should enjoy a comeback campaign, provided he gets better luck on the injury front.

The 2024-25 campaign should also be one of progress for Leo Carlsson, who has recorded nine goals and 24 points in 43 games as a rookie this season. In the meantime, though, he suffered a lower-body injury Thursday, so his status for next week’s contests is undetermined. If he can’t play then Isac Lundestrom might serve in a top-six capacity, but honestly rather than that be an opportunity for Lundestrom, it would just highlight the sorry state of the Ducks. The 24-year-old has just six points (four goals) in 34 contests this year and likely won’t do much offensively even if he moves up to the second line.

At least they have goaltender Lukas Dostal, who has done alright lately, posting a 2.69 GAA and a .916 save percentage over his past eight games. That’s worlds better than John Gibson’s 5.80 GAA (yes, really) and .833 save percentage in his past four outings. Given the disparity in their play, Dostal should get the majority of the remaining starts.

Buffalo Sabres – WED VS OTT, FRI VS NJD, SAT VS TOR (BTB)

The Sabres are likely to miss the playoffs for the 13th consecutive campaign, extending their record for the longest postseason drought in NHL history. However, they still have an outside shot of squeaking into the playoffs. In order to keep that hope alive, they’ll likely need to win all three of their contests against Ottawa on Wednesday, New Jersey on Friday and Toronto on Saturday. It’s a tall order, but at least the Sabres will have the home-ice advantage in all those games.

With Buffalo’s postseason hopes all but dashed, Jeff Skinner will likely have to wait even longer to make his first playoff appearance. The 31-year-old is approaching 1,000 career regular-season contests. This hasn’t been his best campaign, but Skinner has been alright with 24 goals and 45 points in 63 outings. He also earned his seventh career hat trick Monday when he led Buffalo in its 6-2 victory over Seattle.

Tage Thompson is surely hoping he won’t have to wait nearly as long as Skinner to get into the playoffs. However, if Thompson had played like he did in 2022-23 (47 goals, 94 points), perhaps the Sabres’ fortunes would have been different this campaign. Instead, he’s been alright, but not great with 21 goals and 43 points through 60 outings. The 27-year-old might end the season on a positive note, though. He’s on a four-game scoring streak in which Thompson has provided a goal and six points.

Meanwhile, Bowen Byram is just 22, but his name is already on the Cup thanks to his time with the Avalanche. Now a member of the Sabres, Byram is playing a prominent role and has taken advantage of that opportunity. He’s recorded three goals, six points, 17 blocks and 17 hits in eight contests while averaging 23:53 of ice time. Byram has even averaged a healthy 2:39 with the man advantage as a member of the Sabres, though the presence of Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power means the fight for power-play ice time will always be fierce among Buffalo defensemen.

Columbus Blue Jackets – TUE @ ARI, THU @ PIT, SAT VS PIT

This will mark the Blue Jackets’ fourth straight season without a playoff berth. Nothing they do now will alter the fact that it’s been a rough campaign, but they can at least end things on a positive note. It helps that they’ll be facing other non-playoff teams next week – they’ll play in Arizona on Tuesday, in Pittsburgh on Thursday and then host the Penguins on Saturday.

Johnny Gaudreau isn’t the reason Columbus will be missing the playoffs, though it is true he hasn’t lived up to expectations. His 55 points (11 goals) through 69 outings, would mark the lowest point-per-game pace of his career if the season ended now. However, Gaudreau has contributed a goal and six points in his past four contests, so the stage is set for him to finish the campaign on a positive note.

The same might be true of Alexander Nylander, who has eight goals and 11 points in 13 contests since being acquired by Columbus from Pittsburgh. The 26-year-old forward was held off the scoresheet in his previous two games, and it’s reasonable for fantasy managers to wonder if this is the right time to jump ship, especially because he doesn’t have a track record of success beyond his recent stretch. Personally, I recommend waiting a little longer though to see if his production picks up again. Keep in mind, Nylander is being utilized on the Blue Jackets’ top line and first power-play unit, which are roles that he hasn’t enjoyed for any noteworthy stretch until now, so there might be more to his production than a mere hot streak. I’m not saying that his new role has transformed him into a superstar, but he might still do well enough to be fantasy relevant the rest of the way.

Daniil Tarasov might have value going forward too. The 24-year-old has been subpar in 2023-24 with a 7-9-3 record, 3.20 GAA and .903 save percentage across 20 appearances, but he’s been far better dating back to Feb. 21, posting a 2.30 GAA and .934 save percentage over nine games. His strong play has led to the Blue Jackets increasingly using him over Elvis Merzlikins.

Ottawa Senators – WED @ BUF, THU VS CHI, SAT @ WPG

Ottawa will begin next week with a breather before playing in Buffalo on Wednesday. The Senators will then host Chicago on Thursday and play in Winnipeg on Saturday. Like Ottawa, the Sabres and Blackhawks are having campaigns and aren’t expected to make the playoffs (Chicago has been mathematically eliminated while Buffalo has just a fringe chance of a wild-card spot), so those are two winnable games.

Ottawa is in a four-way tie for 28th defensively with 3.59 goals per game despite having an xGA/60 of 2.94, which ties the Senators for 11th overall. Those two stats in combination suggest is Ottawa’s defense is underrated and has been made to look bad this year due to poor goaltending. A case could be made that Joonas Korpisalo has been this year’s worst starter, ranking last in Goals Saved Above Expected at minus-19.4. In terms of his base stats line, he has a 15-21-4 record, 3.37 GAA and .887 save percentage in 44 contests. While it would be an oversimplification to say that Ottawa isn’t making the playoffs because of Korpisalo, it is fair to say that his terrible play has been a key factor.

Unfortunately, it seems the Senators overvalued his strong 2022-23 campaign when they inked Korpisalo to a five-year contract. While he had a Goals Saved Above Expected of 12.7 last season, he finished in the negatives in each campaign from 2017-18 through 2021-22, so performing below average relative to the team in front of him appears to be the norm for Korpisalo rather than the exception. This is all to say that if you’re looking for the 29-year-old goaltender to rebound in 2024-25, you’re making a risky bet that likely won’t pay off.

Not that Anton Forsberg, who has a 12-12-0 record, 3.42 GAA and .885 save percentage in 25 outings in 2023-24, is good either. Forsberg is signed through 2024-25 at a cap hit of $2.75 million, so Ottawa might have this unfortunate duo again next year. If that’s the case, it’s hard to see them making the playoffs in 2024-25 either.

That’s unfortunate for Claude Giroux, who is 36 years old and consequently running out of chances to make another run at the Cup. If the direction of the Senators has been weighing on him, though, he hasn’t let that bleed into his game. He’s still provided a goal and five points over his past six contests, giving him 19 goals and 58 points through 68 outings overall. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the veteran finish the season on a high note. That should also be true of Brady Tkachuk, who has provided four goals and five points over his past four contests.

The goaltending clearly needs work, but with players like Giroux and Tkachuk leading the forward corps, at least that aspect of the Senators is strong.

Philadelphia Flyers – TUE @ NYR, THU @ MTL, SAT VS CHI

The Flyers are set to play on the road against the Rangers on Tuesday and the Canadiens on Thursday before hosting the Blackhawks on Saturday. While the Rangers are a tough adversary, Philadelphia has a golden chance to collect four points against Montreal and Chicago as it looks to secure its playoff spot.

The biggest story in Philadelphia is coach John Tortorella scratching Sean Couturier for the Flyers’ 4-3 win over Toronto on Tuesday and 3-2 overtime loss to Carolina on Thursday. This comes after a stretch in which Couturier registered just three assists and had a minus-13 rating over 14 games from Feb. 15-March 19. He also has only six points (one goal) in his last 23 contests, undoing his solid start to the campaign -- 30 points (10 markers) through his first 41 appearances.

Maybe this time off will allow him to reset and come back stronger. He’ll certainly be a player to watch closely next week because when Couturier’s at his best, he’s a strong top-line option.

In the meantime, Owen Tippett has been leading the Flyers’ attack. He has three goals and eight points over his past five games, bringing him up to 25 goals and 46 points through 66 outings this year. The 25-year-old is just two goals and three points shy of his career highs.

Morgan Frost is also on a five-game scoring streak, totaling three goals and seven points in that span. He hasn’t had an amazing campaign overall (12 goals and 38 points in 59 games), but the 24-year-old has been centering the top line and serving on the first power-play unit during Couturier’s absence. Given how well he’s done in that role, Frost might continue to feature prominently even after Couturier slides back into the lineup.

Pittsburgh Penguins – TUE VS CAR, THU VS CBJ, SAT @ CBJ

The Penguins have faded out of the playoff picture at this point and things aren’t going to get any easier when they host the Hurricanes on Tuesday. The silver lining is Pittsburgh does have a home-and-away series against the lowly Blue Jackets, which will take place Thursday and Saturday, respectively.

Michael Bunting, who Pittsburgh acquired from Carolina in the Jake Guentzel trade, seems to be settling in with his new team. He’s on a three-game scoring streak and has recorded a point in four of his last five contests, totaling two goals and two assists in that span. He’s seeing time on the top power-play unit and alongside Evgeni Malkin at even strength, so Bunting seems set to have a solid finish to the campaign.

Bryan Rust is looking to finish on a high note too. He’s been limited to 48 games this season due to injury, but he has been effective when healthy with 21 goals and 41 points. The 31-year-old has done particularly well recently, providing three goals and five points across his last four contests.

Lastly, while it doesn’t have fantasy relevance, you might want to pay attention to Jeff Carter. The 39-year-old is dealing with an upper-body issue, but when he returns, he’ll likely be playing out the last games of his career. While it’s possible he’ll pursue a new contract once his present one expires this summer, he likely won’t find any takers. He’s been held to nine goals and 12 points in 61 outings this campaign. Still, Carter has had a storied career, scoring 440 goals in 1,310 career games and playing a significant role in Los Angeles’ Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014.

Seattle Kraken – TUE VS ANA, THU VS ANA, SAT VS DAL

Seattle will start the week with a pair of favorable home matchups against the lowly Ducks on Tuesday and Thursday. After that two-game series, the Kraken will host the Stars on Saturday.

Vince Dunn hasn’t played since March 4 due to an upper-body injury, and he doesn’t appear to be close to returning. He’s been a key offensive defenseman for the Kraken this campaign, providing 11 goals and 45 points in 57 games. Due to Dunn’s absence, Brian Dumoulin has seen an uptick in even-strength minutes, while Ryker Evans was summoned from AHL Coachella Valley and has received a power-play role.

Evans has done decently during Dunn’s absence, recording three assists -- all with the man advantage -- in the last seven games. He’s also played with a physical edge, accumulating eight PIM and 16 hits in the same span. Once Dunn returns, Evans might lose his spot in the lineup, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him continue to make those kinds of contributions until Dunn’s back.

Seattle’s forward corps hasn’t done great this campaign and Seattle’s attack has been particularly lackluster recently, totaling just five goals in four games from March 14-21. Still, Oliver Bjorkstrand has been a rare bright spot with a goal and three points during that stretch. He also has five goals and eight points over his last 11 contests to put his cold spell from Jan. 30-Feb. 24 (one assist in eight outings) well behind him.

As poor as the Kraken’s offense has been, Anaheim has done even worse, ranking 30th offensively with just 2.49 goals per game. It wouldn’t be surprising to see goaltenders Philipp Grubauer and Joey Daccord split the two-game set against the Ducks, and both netminders would be a good play versus Anaheim.

Vegas Golden Knights – MON @ STL, TUE @ NAS, (BTB), THU @ WPG, SAT @ MIN

The Golden Knights are one of the few teams set to play four games next week, though they’ll be on the road for that stretch. They’ll play in St. Louis on Monday, Nashville on Tuesday, Winnipeg on Thursday and Minnesota on Saturday. It’s not the easiest schedule, but the Golden Knights’ hold on the second wild-card spot is loose, so they’ll need to find a way to win a good chunk of those contests.

Their pursuit of a playoff berth has been complicated by Adin Hill, who has struggled mightily with a 3.90 GAA and an .872 save percentage over his last seven games. By contrast, Logan Thompson has saved 41 of 43 shots (.953 save percentage) over his last two contests, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Vegas pivot to Thompson, at least in the short term. Earlier in the campaign, the Golden Knights might have been more open to riding out Hill’s cold spell in the hopes that he’d rebound, but they don’t really have that luxury at this stage.

In terms of offense, it’s been defenseman Shea Theodore who has led the charge. The 28-year-old has collected 15 assists in 14 outings since returning from an upper-body injury. That’s propelled him to four goals and 33 points across 34 outings in 2023-24. Theodore has missed significant portions of the last two campaigns due to injury, but he would likely breach the 50-point milestone for the second time in his career if he manages to stay healthy next season.

Meanwhile, blueliner Noah Hanifin seems to be settling in fine with Vegas. He has four assists, a plus-3 rating, 10 blocks and 10 hits in seven contests since being acquired from the Flames. Hanifin’s also averaging 22:09 of ice time with Vegas, though he’s only on the second power-play unit, which limits his offensive potential a bit.

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK: FANTASY PROSPECT RANKINGS – Top 30 Forwards – Top 20 Defense – top 10 Goalies

Peter Harling — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 19:10:17 +0000

When preparing for a fantasy draft or evaluating prospects for a trade in your fantasy league you need to understand the difference between rankings, and fantasy rankings. The difference can be subtle, or significant depending on your leagues scoring and format. Generally speaking, fantasy rankings are based on projected point production. I have found that the vast majority of readers that read and follow my work are in dynasty keeper leagues with peripheral stats, or bangers leagues. The following rankings are based on projected point production and include added value to players that can contribute other stats, such as hits, blocks, PIMs, and faceoff wins. In fantasy hockey, we have a limited number of prospect roster spots and as such I put higher value on prospects that have a quicker ETA to the NHL or have superstar upside. This will help you identify the top 30 forwards, 20 defencemen and ten goalies to target in your fantasy leagues. To be considered a prospect, skaters must be under 26-years-old, and have played in under 60 career games, or less than 35 in a single season. For goalies, less than 30 games played, or 15 in a single season.

Forwards

Connor Bedard, C – Chicago Blackhawks

Not much debate to be had here. If you put Bedard in any other draft class from the past ten years, the only time he does not go first overall is the Connor McDavid Draft. Bedard is simply a generational talent that will kick down the front door of the NHL and take the league by storm. To expect him to be a point per game player as a rookie is not out of the question, he could even push for a 90-point year. The sky is the limit.

Logan Cooley, C – Arizona Coyotes

It was looking like Cooley was returning to the NCAA for his sophomore season, but after scoring 60 points as a freshman (second overall in scoring) and little left to gain from a second season, the Coyotes signed him to his ELC. Now that he is show bound, he locks up second forward rank position as the future of the Coyotes. Cooley is a dynamic offensive and highly skilled player that should flirt with 60 points as a rookie and has the upside to be a 90-point player when he hits his prime.

Adam Fantilli, C – Columbus Blue Jackets

Fantilli lead the NCAA in scoring as a freshman which puts him in a class with Jack Eichel and Paul Kariya. He will have the opportunity to center dynamic offensive wingers like Patrik Laine or Johnny Gaudreau or both in Columbus. Fantilli brings the whole package, size, skating, skill, smarts and will deliver in fantasy leagues with points and peripheral stats as well. He could easily have landed second overall on this list.

Matvei Michkov, RW – Philadelphia Flyers

In five years when we revisit this I would not be surprised if Michkov is the second overall player ranked, but the reasons why he is only fourth have more to do with term. Signed in the KHL for three more seasons we will have to wait on Michkov, but when he comes over as a matured 21-year-old on a three-year ELC he will be the best bang for his buck in dynasty capped leagues.

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 06: Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi (23) skates with the puck during the NHL game between Minnesota Wild and Boston Bruins on January 6, 2022, at TD Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire)

Marco Rossi, C – Minnesota Wild

Rossi suffered a major setback in his development with a life-threatening bout with COVID. But he now has had two seasons of development in the AHL and after 116 games he has posted 104 points. His NHL production has not materialized through 21 games to date but count on that changing in a big way this year. Rossi is expected to take over the number one spot in Minnesota and if he develops some Chemistry between Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, look out!

Leo Carlsson, C – Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks surprised a lot of people when they selected Carlsson over Fantilli at the second overall selection at the 2023 Draft. The fact of the matter is that Carlsson is a highly skilled and projectable player. The Ducks can be patient with his development, and he could play another year in the SHL before coming to California. With Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson as a one-two punch down the middle, the Ducks have elite center depth for a long time.

Lukas Reichel, LW/RW – Chicago Blackhawks

After two seasons of development in the AHL, Reichel is ready for prime time, and his timing couldn’t be better. While expectations are Taylor Hall will get the first crack at shot gun with Bedard, Reichel could easily win one of the wing roles on the top line and flirt with a 50–60-point season.

Matthew Knies, LW – Toronto Maple Leafs

Leaf Nation had some lofty expectations for Knies, and he did not disappoint. He quickly became a key member of the Leafs top six and offense in a playoff series with Tampa. With a cap friendly ELC contract, he is an ideal fit on a top six line in Toronto with their prolific offense. Knies brings some size and physicality in addition to his soft hands and dangerous shot. Knies will be a stud in multi-cat leagues.

Shane Wright, C – Seattle Kraken

While it was a struggle in his D+1 year with highs and lows ranging from a regular healthy scratch, to captaining Canada to WJC Gold, and returning to the OHL. When the dust settled, he gained valuable development in the NHL, AHL, OHL and internationally and now Seattle has the option to play Wright full time in the AHL. In time Wright and Beniers will be a formidable one-two punch down the middle for Seattle, but Wright likely needs one more year before he wins a top six role with the Kraken.

Dylan Guenther, LW/RW – Arizona Coyotes

Playing in only 33 NHL games last year barely allows Guenther to remain eligible for this list. His 15 points last year was good, but not enough to stay in the show. He was loaned to Canada for the WJC and posted 10 points before returning to the WHL to help Seattle to a WHL Championship. With Cooley signing it gives an additional boost to Guenther’s value.

SAINT PAUL, MN - OCTOBER 08: Dallas Stars Center Logan Stankoven (57) looks on during the NHL game between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild, on October 8th, 2022, at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire)

Logan Stankoven, C – Dallas Stars

Stankoven has dominated in the WHL and the international stage alike. He kept pace with Connor Bedard at the WJC showing he can play with elite players and pace. Stankoven will be turning pro this year and could likely skip the AHL on a lot of NHL teams, but Dallas has some depth and can be patient with this stud.

Jakob Pelletier, LW – Calgary Flames

It’s has been a long time coming for the 2019 first round pick of the Flames, but after scoring 99 points in 101 career AHL games, the time is now for Pelletier to get a real look at the NHL. The coaching change in Calgary should be another green light for Pelletier to not only make the team but crack the Flames top six.

Ryan Leonard, C/LW – Washington Capitals

The Boston College commit will likely be a one-and-done player before he signs his ELC. Drawing comparisons to the Tkachuk brothers as he plays a rambunctious game but has high end skill and hockey sense. The Capitals can be patient with their top prospect and slow cook him, but he is more instant noodle than slow cooker and can be an impact player for them next year.

William Eklund, LW – San Jose Sharks

Eklund nearly cracked the Sharks roster in his D+1 season with a strong nine game showing before he was loaned back to the SHL. Last year he made the move to North America and played mainly in the AHL posting 41 points through 54 games. He could be ready to not only win a roster spot with the Sharks to start the season but will compete for a top six role.

Frank Nazar, C/RW – Chicago Blackhawks

Nazar missed all but 13 games in his freshman year at Michigan due to injury. He had a strong showing at the World Junior Summer Showcase and is a lock for Team USA. He will return to Michigan and be a star player for the Wolverine and could even finish the year in Chicago if he signs his ELC. His fantasy stock is about to get a massive boost.

Jimmy Snuggerud, C – St. Louis Blues

It is too early to do a redraft of the 2022 draft, but if we do, Jimmy Snuggerud would likely be inside the top ten, well above where the Blues selected him 23^rd overall. A massive freshman season with the University of Minnesota where he scored 50 points in 40 games on arguably the top line in the NCAA with Logan Cooley and Matthew Knies. Cooley and Knies are now gone, can Snuggerud produce the same or better without those two?

Zach Benson, RW – Buffalo Sabres

Speaking of redrafting too soon, Benson fell to Buffalo at pick 13 because he is undersized. I think when we redraft the 2023 class, he will be inside the top ten, closer to top five. He has hands, vision and deception in his game that scream NHL ready. He plays a two-way game and is highly competitive. He is a few years away, but the upside is top six.

Cutter Gauthier, C/LW – Philadelphia Flyers

The big winger had an impressive freshman year at Boston College scoring 37 points in 32 games and ten more points at the WJ and then nine points at the World Championship. He will return to B.C. where the Eagles will add the NTDP trio of Will Smith, Ryan Leonard, and Gabe Perreault to the fold. Big things are coming with Gauthier.

Matt Coronato, RW/LW – Calgary Flames

After posting back-to-back 36-point seasons in the NCAA at Harvard Coronato signed and made his NHL debut last year. He may be short at 5-10, but he is not a small player. He is strong and can play physically but his game is all about scoring goals.

Alexander Holtz, LW – New Jersey Devils

The seventh overall pick from the 2020 draft is now starting to trend in the wrong direction. Holtz is a sniper and has had two full seasons of development in North America. It looked like last year was when he would breakout, but he only managed four points in 19 games with the Devils. Still only 21 years old he has time but really needs to address the skating and pace to reach an NHL top six role.

Mavrik Bourque, C – Dallas Stars

Bourque had a good AHL rookie season with 20 goals and 47 points. He has some work to do however before he can compete to crack the Stars roster with their depth.

Brennan Othmann, LW – New York Rangers

Othmann finished his junior career in the OHL on a playoff run with the Petes that ended with a Championship and a Memorial Cup run. He has size and speed and skill, and scores clutch goals. A year in the AHL is in the cards for Othmann but he has top six upside in a year or two.

Will Smith, C – San Jose Sharks

The slick and skilled center had 127 points in 60 games with the NTDP in his draft year. That was not a typo. Headed to Boston College with the entire NTDP record breaking line with Perreault and Leonard, the trio could have a ridiculous freshman year. Smith has some work to do on his defensive game but should develop into the Sharks number one center with Eklund on his wing.

Jiri Kulich, C – Buffalo Sabres

Kulich scored 24 goals and 46 points as a rookie in the AHL and had nine points for Czechia at the WJC. His game got better as the season went on and in the AHL playoffs he scored 11 points in 12 games. He will have to play another year in the AHL and wait for some contracts to expire on the Sabres roster, but he is very close.

Tyson Foerster, RW – Philadelphia Flyers

His AHL rookie season was a smashing success as he scored 20 goals and 48 points in 66 games. But what was far more impressive was his late season NHL recall where he played eight games with the Flyers and scored seven points. He is NHL ready now.

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 28: Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista (77) skates with the puck during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Nashville Predators on March 28, 2023, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

Luke Evangelista, RW – Nashville Predators

Perhaps one of the players with the biggest rise in stock this year was Evangelista. Sure, he scored 111 points in his final 62 career OHL games, but 41 points in 49 AHL games as a rookie was very impressive. Even more spectacular was he earned an NHL recall and scored there too, 15 points in 24 games. He has arrived.

Ridly Greig, C/LW – Ottawa Senators

His breakout performance at the WJC was cut short due to injury, but he picked up where he left off as a rookie in the AHL scoring 29 points in 39 games in Belleville. His play earned him an NHL recall and he did not look out of place posting nine points in 20 NHL games. He is ready.

Matthew Savoie, C – Buffalo Sabres

Savoie is a prolific scorer as he has back-to-back 90-point seasons in the WHL with Winnipeg and went on a tear in the playoffs last year scoring 11 goals and 29 points in 19 games. He is undersized but he can play.

Nick Robertson, LW – Toronto Maple Leafs

Injuries have plagued Robertson, who otherwise may have been playing out his ELC inside the Leafs top six. At 21-years-old he has missed a lot of development playing 82 games over the past three seasons. He needs to have a full, healthy year.

Brendan Brisson, LW/RW – Vegas Golden Knights

The Michigan alumni had a good AHL rookie season scoring 37 points in 58 games for the Silver Knights. He will be back in the AHL and should see marked improvement in his production. He is coming.

Defense

Luke Hughes, LD – New Jersey Devils

The youngest of the Huges brothers but the biggest at 6’ 2”, 183 pounds may have the highest upside. He produced at the NCAA, World Junior, and World Championship. He has two points in his two-game debut to end the year in the NHL and will play his rookie season in the NHL in the coming season. The only thing in his way from being the top offensive player right away is Dougie Hamilton.

Brandt Clarke, RD – Los Angeles Kings

Clark started the year in the NHL and after nine games with the Kings and five in the AHL he was loaned to Canada where he dominated the World Junior. Then he was returned to the OHL, and it was ridiculous as he scored 23 points in 12 playoff games. He is ready for the NHL.

Lane Hutson, LD – Montreal Canadiens

His 48-point freshman season was comparable to Cale Makar’s Hobey Baker winning sophomore year. Hutson also played key roles for the USA at the WJC and World Championships. He will return to Boston University to play with his brother and should sign following his sophomore year. Hutson has elite upside.

David Jiricek, RD – Columbus Blue Jackets

Jiricek had a tremendous D+1 season as an 18-year-old AHL rookie playing key minutes for the Monsters and scoring 38 points. His play at the WJC helped lead Czechia to a Silver Medal and he looks ready for the NHL now. His point upside may not be as elite, but he is 6’ 3”, mobile and great defensively. He is a franchise defenseman.

ELMONT, NY - OCTOBER 06: New Jersey Devils Defenseman Simon Nemec (5) during the first period of the National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders on October 6, 2022, at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)

Simon Nemec, RD – New Jersey Devils

Nemec is every bit as good as Jiricek, he had a superb D+1 year as an AHL rookie scoring 34 points and was a point per game player at the WJC. His path to a number one NHL defender is harder in New Jersey with Hughes and Hamilton blocking him.

Olen Zellweger, LD – Anaheim Ducks

Zellweger has dominated the WHL to the tune of 183 career points in 180 games and was named the CHL Defenseman of the Year. He has dominated the World Junior with two Gold Medals with 17 points in 14 games. He will take his game to the AHL, and chances are he will dominate there as a rookie. He is still a year or two away from being an impact defenseman in the NHL and the Ducks number one on the blueline.

Simon Edvinsson, LD – Detroit Red Wings

After a great AHL rookie campaign Edvinsson moved up to the NHL for a nine-game audition. He was poised to make the Wings roster out of camp to start the season, but an injury will delay that arrival. He may need a short tour in the AHL to get up to speed, but he will compete with Seider for top minutes in Detroit by years end.

Scott Perunovich, LD – St. Louis Blues

By all accounts the 24-year-old should have graduated from this list by now, but three injury plagued seasons and he has been limited to 19 NHL games. His 42 points in 39 career AHL games demands he gets an opportunity to play meaningful minutes in the NHL, he just needs to stay healthy.

Pavel Mintyukov, LD – Anaheim Ducks

The Russian offensive defender saw his production dip slightly after a mid-season trade to the Ottawa 67’s, but his offensive play should translate to the AHL where he will play his rookie season with the Gulls. He has Drysdale and Zellweger ahead of him for now, but his upside is tremendous.

Denton Mateychuk, LD – Columbus Blue Jackets

Mateychuk has similar offensive upside to Mintyukov, but is a little smaller, and has one more year of junior hockey before he turns pro. The 19-year-old should shootout the lights in the WHL and be a key player for Canada at the World Junior.

Kevin Korchinski, LD – Chicago Blackhawks

His stock got a big boost when the Hawks won the Draft lottery and added Connor Bedard. Korchinski is penciled in to be the Hawks powerplay quarterback in three years or so and it is lining up to be elite. The 6’ 3” defender can skate and play a physical game as well.

Alexander Nikishin, LD – Carolina Hurricanes

Perhaps no defense prospect saw their stock rise more last year than Nikishin. His 55-point breakout in 65 games in the KHL commanded the attention of fantasy owners. He has two more years remaining on his contract so we will have to wait a while for the 21-year-old, 6’ 4” Russian stud to come to North America.

Jordan Spence, RD – Los Angeles Kings

The Kings top defensive prospect is Brandt Clarke, but the gap between him and Spence is getting smaller. Spence was a force in the AHL as a rookie posting 42 points in 46 games and played in 24 NHL games. Last year he spent more time developing in the AHL and is looking ready to secure an NHL job out of training camp.

MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 17: Thomas Harley (55) of the Dallas Stars skates during the second period of the NHL game between the Dallas Stars and the Montreal Canadiens on March 17, 2022, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC(Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire)

Thomas Harley, LD – Dallas Stars

The OHL shutdown gave Harley early access to the AHL, and the 21-year-old now has three seasons of professional hockey development under his belt, including 40 NHL career games played. He has NHL ready size, mobility, and offensive acumen. He should be a full-time player in Dallas this year and his role with the team will continue to grow.

Ville Heinola, LD – Winnipeg Jets

The 20^th overall pick from the 2019 draft nearly made the NHL in his D+1 year playing the first eight regular season games with the Jets. Ultimately, he was loaned back to his Liiga club team and since then has split time between the Liiga, AHL, NHL and some international tournaments. His play in the AHL has slowly been improving, but Heinola still has one more year of waiver exemption that likely dictates more AHL time.

Lukas Cormier, LD – Vegas Golden Knights

Cormier was a prolific offensive defenseman in junior and his rookie year in the AHL saw his offensive skill translate to the professional level as he scored 10 goals and 35 points in 62 games for the Silver Knights. Cormier has a rocket of a shot, is a crafty and creative offensive driver but is looking at another year or two in the AHL before he is ready to push for a top pairing role in Vegas.

Henry Thrun, LD – San Jose Sharks

The Ducks 2019 fourth round pick was looking for more opportunity and is assumed was not going to sign in Anaheim as they are loaded with star prospects on defense. He was traded to the Sharks who signed him within a month. The departure of Erik Karlsson has created a massive void on the Sharks roster and Thrun will try to win the job out of training camp as the team’s powerplay quarterback.

Emil Andrae, LD – Philadelphia Flyers

The 5’ 9” defender has been flushing out his resume nicely since his draft leading the J20 in defenseman points and goals, a HockeyAllsvenskan Championship, being named best junior, most goals by a defenseman in the WJC and a Bronze Medal. Last year he had a breakout season in the SHL with 26 points and finished the year in the AHL with a strong showing of six points in 10 games with the Phantoms. He will play a full season in the AHL but is a player on the rise.

Ryker Evans, LD – Seattle Kraken

The Krakens 2021 second round pick had a strong junior career with the Regina Pats, but his stock improved significantly in his rookie AHL season as his role continued to grow all season long. His 44 points in 71 regular season games was great, and it got even better in the playoffs as he produced 26 points in 26 games to help lead Coachella to the finals in their inaugural season. Evans is a prospect on the rise and on the fast track to the NHL.

Axel Sandin-Pellikka, RD – Detroit Red Wings

ASP is a play-driving offensive defenseman with a high hockey sense that allows him to see plays two steps ahead. He is a strong skater, perhaps not a burner, but his edge work makes him very elusive. He has the ability to be a power play QB but with Seider and Edvinsson ahead of him on the depth chart, power play minutes may be hard to come by.

Goalies.

Devon Levi, Buffalo Sabres

The rise of Devon Levi has been spectacular. The seventh-round selection by the Florida Panthers has rocketed up the rankings by cracking the Canadian WJC roster, then winning the starting role. He dominated the NCAA winning the Mike Richter Award as Best Goalie in the NCAA twice. He made his NHL debut after his junior season and posted a 5-2-0 record with a 2.94 GAA and .905 SV%. Eric Comrie and Ukka-Pekka-Luukkonen are both under contract which should force Levi to the AHL as he is waiver exempt, but Levi could outplay them both and win the starting role out of camp. Buffalo is a team on the rise and Levi is on the cusp of becoming an elite goalie.

Jesper Wallstedt, Minnesota Wild

His first season in the AHL showed plenty of promise as he made the adjustment to North America. After a strong rookie season in Iowa with a 18-15-5 record, he closed the year at the World Championship with Sweden winning all three games with a 0.67 GAA against some of the lesser teams. With one more year remaining on M-A Fleury’s contract, Wallstedt likely has another year of AHL time before he is a full-time NHL goalie.

VANCOUVER, BC - SEPTEMBER 25: Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (32) in net during their preseason NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on September 25, 2022 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire)

Dustin Wolf, Calgary Flames

You could easily make the argument that Wolf is the number one on this list. The two-time AHL Goalie of the Year winner has been outstanding as a pro goalie. He lacks some international experience and has both Jacob Markstrom and Dan Vladar signed for two years ahead of him in Calgary, but his performance speaks for itself. The Flames can be patient with the 22-year-old future franchise goalie as he could be one of the teams’ all-time greats.

Yaroslav Askarov, Nashville Predators

Askarov has been an elite prospect for years now, but my concern with him has been the low volume of games he was playing in Russia. Last year he came to North America and played 48 games for Milwaukee in the AHL and was outstanding as the undisputed starting goalie. His adjustment to North America and a starting goalie workload erased any potential doubt he can and will be an NHL starting goalie. Look for Askarov to get a few more cups of coffee in the NHL this year and be a full time NHL player in 2024-25.

Joel Hofer, St. Louis Blues

Hofer has rather quietly assembled a remarkable resume which includes a WHL Championship, Gold Medals at the World Championship and World Junior where he was the Best Goaltender. In his two seasons of AHL development his record is 49-36-13 with a 2.78 GAA and .912 SV%. Hofer is penciled in to start the year in the NHL as the backup to an aging and declining Jordan Binnington. It is just a matter of time before Hofer usurps him as the starting goalie.

Drew Commesso, Chicago Blackhawks

Commesso showed good development in his three years as the Boston Terriers starting goalie in the NCAA and posted a strong 24-8-0 record in his final year. His path towards an NHL starting role looks promising as he should be the starting goalie as a rookie in the AHL with Rockford and the Hawks goalie depth is very weak outside Commesso and Arvid Soderblom.

Sebastian Cossa, Detroit Red Wings

The wait time on the Wings 2021 first round pick is a little longer. After a dominant career in the WHL, he spent the majority of his rookie season as a pro in the ECHL with Toledo where he got starting minutes. The 6’ 6” netminder will graduate to the AHL and will be mentored by veteran Alex Lyon.

Justus Annunen, Colorado Avalanche

The 6’ 4” Finnish goalie had strong numbers from the Liiga but stumbled in his rookie season in the AHL. He made adjustments in his sophomore season and saw marked improvements across the board. The 23-year-old will play his third season in the AHL and be the first option for an NHL recall if injuries require relief.

Lukas Dostal, Anaheim Ducks

This will be a key year for Dostal to establish himself as an NHL goalie. The Ducks likely go with a three-headed-monster in goal with John Gibson, Alex Stalock, and Dostal to allow Calle Clang to get the starting role in the AHL. Injuries will certainly force Gibson to miss some time and Dostal could seize the starting job in Anaheim sooner than later.

Daniil Tarasov, Columbus Blue Jackets

Tarasov has struggled with injuries since coming to North America but put 28 games on the board last year between the AHL and NHL. Both teams were bottom dwellers in the standings, so his numbers were not overly impressive. Tarasov will share the NHL crease this year with Elvis Merzlikins as his backup but could see a healthy number of starts if he plays well.

NHL: CULLEN – 20 FANTASY POINTS – Kraken Delivering Fantasy Targets plus much, much more.

Scott Cullen — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 18:17:08 +0000

Each week I dive into the numbers and offer some insights that should help when it comes time to make fantasy hockey decisions.

This week, look West, where the Seattle Kraken have won seven straight games and are chock full of productive players that are still widely available for fantasy hockey managers. From rookie Matty Beniers to veteran defenseman Justin Schultz and several points in between, the Kraken are a team to target.

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 11: Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers (10) skates during an NHL game between the Minnesota Wild and the Seattle Kraken on November 11, 2022 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire)

#1 Calder Trophy front-runner Matty Beniers is stepping up as the No. 1 center for the Seattle Kraken. The second pick in the 2020 Draft, Beniers has 12 points (5 G, 7 A) during a six-game point streak. He is not a huge shot generator, with two shots or fewer in 20 of 23 games, so that is an area that might need some work if he is going to maintain his current goal-scoring pace of 10 goals in 23 games. Otherwise, Beniers will need to keep scoring on 23.3% of his shots and that is not a reasonable expectation.

#2 Veteran Seattle Kraken right winger Jordan Eberle had a slow start to the season, managing no goals and four assists through his first eight games, but he has put up 17 points (6 G, 11 A) in his past 15 games. Eberle has not had a 50-point season since 2017-2018, but he has found a good fit on a line with Beniers and Jared McCann.

#3 In his past 15 games, Seattle Kraken left winger Jared McCann has produced 13 points (9 G, 4 A). He has scored 37 goals in 94 games since joining the Kraken in the expansion draft. While McCann, like Beniers, is not likely to keep scoring on 23.3% of his shots, as he has this season, this line is helping the Kraken generate significantly more offense than they did last season. The Kraken have 3.75 goals per 60 minutes this season, which ranks third. Last season, they ranked 28th with 2.58 goals per 60 minutes.

#4 It is hard to put too many expectations on a forward who is playing 10 minutes per game, but Seattle seems to have found right way to deploy Daniel Sprong. Even in limited ice time, Sprong has produced 14 points (5 G, 9 A) in 16 games. He does contribute on the power play, but he is also generating even-strength offense. The leaders in points per 60 minutes during five-on-five play (minimum 100 minutes): Morgan Geekie (3.78), Matthew Tkachuk (3.72), Nico Hischier (3.68), Sprong (3.65), and Sidney Crosby (3.64).

#5 Seattle Kraken defenseman Justin Schultz last scored more than 27 points in a season in 2016-2017. He has always had good puck skills but has tended to fill a supporting role on the blueline for most of his teams. With the Kraken, Schultz runs the second power play unit, but he has quickly produced 10 points (2 G, 8 A) in his past seven games. Vince Dunn is still the Kraken defenseman on the No. 1 power play unit, but Schultz now leads the Kraken with seven power play assists.

#6 Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko left Thursday’s loss to Florida with what looked like it could be a groin injury. It remains to be seen how long Demko will be out of the lineup, but Spencer Martin should be poised to play a more significant role with Demko out. Martin has a .900 save percentage in 10 games this season. That is a little below league average, but Martin’s 10 games played in the NHL this season already counts as a career high. The Canucks may be about to find out just how ready Martin is for NHL action.

#7 An old rookie making the transition from the KHL, Vancouver Canucks winger Andrei Kuzmenko is 26 years old. He has also been on a tear in recent weeks, putting up 10 points (4 G, 6 A) in the past seven games. He has scored on 22.0% of his shots this season, so Kuzmenko could use more shots to make his offense more sustainable, but he is establishing his value as a quality complementary piece on a line with Elias Pettersson and Ilya Mikheyev.

#8 Winnipeg Jets rookie winger Cole Perfetti is climbing in the rookie scoring race, with six points (1 G, 5 A) in the past five games giving him 14 points (4 G, 10 A) on the season. He is now skating on Winnipeg’s top line, with Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler, and has upped his shot rate, generating 15 shots on goal in the past five games. He has tended to be a pass-first player, but if Perfetti can maintain the higher shot rate, there is a better chance for his goal totals to climb, too.

#9 The combination has worked for 36-year-old Jets right winger Blake Wheeler, who has put up 10 points (3 G, 7 A) in the past five games. Wheeler’s all-around game is not to the level that he displayed during his peak years, but he remains a productive offensive player. Since the start of the 2020-2021 season, Wheeler has 126 points (39 G, 87 A) in 136 games, so even if this is the decline phase of his career, it is a very productive decline phase.

#10 Returning to the Boston Bruins after spending last season in Czechia, David Krejci has nine points (6 G, 3 A) during a six-game point streak. That gives him 18 points (8 G, 10 A) in 19 games, and it is worth noting that, for as successful as his career has been, the 36-year-old has never scored at a point-per-game clip for a full NHL season.

#11 Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly is going to be out until at least mid-December due to a knee injury which opens up more ice time, including on Toronto’s top power play, for Rasmus Sandin. Sandin has just two points (1 G, 1 A) in the past five games, but he has also averaged 21:26 of ice time per game in those five games, a major increase from the 16:42 per game that he was averaging previously.

#12 Pucks are not going in for him the way that they did last season, when he scored 23 goals in 79 games, but Toronto Maple Leafs left winger Michael Bunting is still contributing to Toronto’s top line. Bunting has nine points (2 G, 7 A) in the past nine games and, after trying out some other combinations, the Maple Leafs seem to have figured out that Bunting still fits in a complementary role on that No. 1 line alongside Auston Matthews.

#13 Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins struggled to a .864 save percentage in nine games before he landed on the injured list with a lower-body injury. Rookie netminder Daniil Tarasov has received a better opportunity with Merzlikins out and 23-year-old Tarasov has delivered a .912 save percentage in seven games. For fantasy managers, wins are not going to come easily in Columbus, but Tarasov is getting a chance to prove that he is ready for the NHL and is making the most of that opportunity.

#14 Usually, it seems like a dicey proposition when a team needs to turn to its third-string goaltender but that is not always the case. When the Toronto Maple Leafs had injuries to goaltenders Ilya Samsonov and Matt Murray, Erik Kallgren stepped in to give the Maple Leafs solid play between the pipes. Even though Kallgren has a .898 save percentage in 10 games, in his last six starts, he had a 3-1-2 record with a .907 save percentage, which is entirely fine from a third-string goaltender.

#15 What is interesting is that coming into the season, Toronto’s goaltending was one of the major question marks and the tandem of Ilya Samsonov and Matt Murray has been better than advertised. Perhaps it should be no surprise that they have missed time with injuries, but Samsonov has a .924 save percentage in nine games and Murray has a .927 save percentage in seven games. They have combined for a 12-3-1 record. While neither one is ideal for fantasy purposes, because they have not established that they can handle the workload of a true starting goaltender, both are entirely useful to plug in when they are healthy.

#16 He does not tend to score enough to be more than a banger league consideration, but Vegas Golden Knights left winger William Carrier is creating more offensively. In his past eight games, Carrier has scored five goals and recorded 22 hits, giving him 11 points (8 G, 3 A) and 64 hits in 24 games. Carrier has 1.76 goals per 60 minutes during 5-on-5 play. Among players with at least 100 five-on-five minutes, these are the five players with a higher rate of goals per 60 minutes: Jason Robertson (2.11), Jared McCann (2.02), Elias Pettersson (1.88), Andrei Svechnikov (1.84), and Sidney Crosby (1.82).

#17 Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is out indefinitely after suffering the second stroke of his career. While this stroke is reportedly not as severe as the one that Letang suffered in 2014, it is understandable that the Penguins are going to be cautious with their long-time star blueliner before he has a chance to return to the ice. In the meantime, Jeff Petry will take over the point on Pittsburgh’s No. 1 power play unit. Petry has three assists in his past four games and has 11 points (3 G, 8 A) in 24 games for the season. Combined with his big hit and blocked shot totals, Petry remains a valuable, yet frequently underrated, defenseman for fantasy purposes.

#18 The leader in shot attempts per 60 minutes during five-on-four play (minimum 30 minutes) is Los Angeles Kings right winger Arthur Kaliyev, who has 49.1 shot attempts per 60. That puts him ahead of Jason Robertson (48.0), Timo Meier (41.5), David Pastrnak (41.2), and Alex Ovechkin (39.3). Kaliyev pulling the trigger 25% more than Ovechkin on the power play is certainly a strategy. Kaliyev has 16 points (8 G, 8 A) in 25 games, and half of those points have come on the power play.

#19 While the spotlight does not shine brightly in Arizona, veteran defensemen Shayne Gostisbehere and Jakob Chychrun are the Coyotes blueliners that draw the most attention. Don’t sleep on J.J. Moser, the second-year defenseman who has put up eight points (2 G, 6 A) while logging more than 23 minutes per game in the past 10 games.

#20 When the Montreal Canadiens acquired veteran center Sean Monahan in the offseason, there was naturally some concern about Monahan’s health. He had hip surgery and was coming off a season in which he had just eight goals and 23 points in 65 games. Those concerns were misplaced, apparently, because Monahan has been a solid contributor for the Habs. After assisting on both goals in Montreal’s 2-1 win at Calgary on Thursday, Monahan has 10 points (3 G, 7 A) in the past 10 games and has most recently found a fit in the middle of a pair of power forwards, rookie Juraj Slafkovsky and veteran winger Josh Anderson. For a Montreal team that depends heavily on scoring from Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, they can appreciate the secondary scoring that Monahan provides.

*Advanced stats via Natural Stat Trick.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS – Top 20 Prospects

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 16:30:54 +0000

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 29: Columbus Blue Jackets Left Wing Kent Johnson (13) looks on during the third period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 29, 2022, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Kent Johnson C

There are some prospects where when you watch them either live or on film, you really need to look at the details of their game to find why they’re highly touted. Some prospects don’t make it easy, some prospects only show their upside in very small snippets of game action. Kent Johnson is not one of those prospects. It might only take watching a shift or two to fully understand why the Blue Jackets took Johnson with the fifth-overall selection at the 2021 NHL draft. On the ice, Johnson plays like a machine, a sort of machine that takes any in-game situation and spits out the play that’s most likely to end up on a highlight reel. If there’s one word to define Johnson’s game, it’s flash. He’ll spin around a defender in one moment and then attempt a lacrosse-style goal in the next. There are few prospects who ooze as much raw offensive talent as Johnson, few prospects who can match his puck skills, creativity, or ability to quickly break down a defence at a high speed. Johnson also doesn’t play like one of those all-flash, no-substance players either, the sort that sits atop top prospect lists but never quite pans out as an effective NHL-er. There is a foundation to Johnson’s game, pro-ready habits, and a high hockey IQ that will allow him to translate his immense talent to more difficult levels of competition. There will be an adjustment period, undoubtedly, but if he can continue his development, he has a strong chance to become a dynamic offensive star in Columbus, joining a Blue Jackets team that is, at least on paper, among the most offensively gifted rosters in franchise history. - EH

2 - David Jiricek D

The 6^th overall pick in the last NHL Draft had a strong World Juniors. Even though he wasn´t as dominant and flashy as one might have expected, he was a key defenseman for Czechia and a force at the blueline. Jiříček has shown offensive skills, solid puck-moving, and a strong shot. His defensive game was a pleasant surprise; he was great at using his stick and closing the gaps. Jiříček is a very aggressive, physical player who can lay massive hits. On the other hand, he sometimes makes poor decisions, chases the opposition pointlessly, or allows opponents to easily get past him. Those types of mistakes were kept to a minimum at the World Juniors. Having played two years in the Czech top tier league, Jiříček has established himself in men´s hockey. He even played a couple of games with the Men´s National Team at the last World Championship. There is talk he might be ready for the opening night lineup spot with the Blue Jackets; however, that seems doubtful. Jiříček will likely start the season in the AHL, but he has a chance to play some games in the NHL even this year. He is physically ready for the big stage and has shown progress in important areas of his game. Although he may be a boom-or-bust type, his potential is tremendous despite the risks. If everything goes right, the Blue Jackets will have a legit first-pairing defenseman. - MD

3 - Denton Mateychuk D

Watching Mateychuk play, there are times when it's easy to forget that he is a defenseman, because he spends so much time in the offensive zone — and he does a lot of damage up there. He has top-pairing upside and backs it up with obvious leadership attributes, so it makes sense that Columbus was willing to snag him as high as 12th overall in 2022. He plays his best hockey from the offensive blueline onward, and it's rare to see a defender so comfortable and effective anywhere in the attacking third of the rink. He possesses the vision and playmaking ability to move the puck around the zone and set up his teammates, but he is equally adept at firing shots from the point or getting right into the home plate area to score from in tight. He has an uncanny ability to get himself open in dangerous spaces. While his offensive efforts often leave him less energized for - and less focused on - his defensive assignments, Moose Jaw wants to run-and-gun right now by design, so he essentially plays how they ask him to. He thinks the game quite well and has a competitively high work rate, so improvements from him on the defensive side of the puck are expected to manifest. His skating isn't a weakness by any means, but it's not at the same level as NHL offensive defensemen like Cale Makar, Adam Fox or Quinn Hughes. The young Warriors wrote a nice underdog story last season and are primed to take a big leap this year, and Mateychuk will be an integral cog in their system. - DN

4 - Kirill Marchenko LW

The Blue Jackets have waited patiently for the big winger to cross the pond. His status as a prospect has risen considerably in recent seasons, especially following a strong performance at the 2020 WJC’s. Now he has finally signed and has a great shot of stepping right into Columbus’ lineup as a top nine winger. There is a reason he is listed as a Calder Trophy candidate by us. Marchenko is at his best when he can drive the net and work his way to the net. At 6’3, his puck protection ability is terrific, even when playing with pace. This is because his hands are solid. Marchenko also has a good shot and scoring instincts, something that should help him earn an immediate role in the NHL. There is room for his physical intensity level to be more consistent. The same could be said for his two-way play and his vision as a passer. However, Marchenko has great potential as a top six winger at the NHL level and he could even begin to realize that potential this season in Columbus. Thanks to spending several years in the KHL, he is ready to compete against men. - BO

5 - Corson Ceulemans D

The 25th pick at the 2021 NHL draft, Corson Ceulemans went to the University of Wisconsin and authored an impressive freshman season, displaying clear progress as he got more comfortable on college ice and more confident in his abilities. Ceulemans checks all the boxes of traits scouts want to see in a modern defenseman, and Ceulemans presents those traits with this rambunctious, passionate style that adds some extra spice to his game and presents its own challenges. Ceulemans is big, physical, and willing to do whatever it takes to improve his team’s chances to win a game. If that means diving in front of a howitzer of a slap shot to protect an out-of-position goalie, Ceulemans will do that. If that means engaging in the corners with a physical forward in order to disrupt his possession of the puck, Ceulemans will be there. If that means taking the puck up the ice, securing the offensive zone, and helping his team create scoring chances, Ceulemans will find a way to get the job done. He’s well-rounded, and he’s good at most of the things that he does, which makes his projection easy, at least tools-wise. The issue with Ceulemans sometimes is how he approaches the game. There can sometimes be too much aggression in how he plays, too strong of a desire to achieve every one of his team’s goals on each and every shift. Too often, Ceulemans will get caught attempting to make a play that could end up helping his team greatly but has a very low chance of actually paying dividends. If Ceulemans can learn to add some patience and balance to his game, he can become a strong top-four defenseman at the NHL level. - EH

6 - Dmitri Voronkov LW

Voronkov has s true fighter’s competitive mentality, as he is always in the thick of the battle, where the dirty work needs to be done: hitting hard, getting under opponents’ skin, making the net-front area his office and not being shy about dropping the gloves if an opponent crosses the line. His attacking potential is still a great unknown, as after a great 2021 KHL playoffs, there was no continuation of that success the season after that, which can only be partially explained by his team’s overall offensive struggles, but at least some of the blame needs to fall squarely on Voronkov’s shoulders. This season his team has been revitalized with big names like Alexander Radulov, Vadim Shipachyov, and Vyacheslav Voynov, so they are clearly aiming at becoming the KHL champions, which might affect Voronkov both in good and bad ways: while it might make it harder for him to earn a big role on the team, if he does get sufficient ice time, it might really give his attacking game the right kind of boost and confidence that he needs. Regardless of how things go, there is still ample reason to believe in his NHL potential thanks to his style of play, and with a more advanced attacking game, he can be viewed as a potential versatile middle-six forward. He has two more years on his KHL contract to show what he can do. - VF

7 - Luca Del Bel Belluz C

The 44^th overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, Luca Del Bel Belluz is one of the most exciting prospects drafted because of his high-end offensive tools and creativity. As a late 03’ birthday, Del Bel Belluz was eligible to play in the OHL during the 2019-2020 season. During that season he was only able to produce 6 points (1G,5A) in 58 games. After the shutdown year, expectations weren’t high, and Del Bel Belluz was able to come into a new season with added weight and strength. Quickly becoming a top producer on his team, the Steelheads and many scouts were shocked with the amount of improvement that was made in Del Bel Belluz’s game. Finishing the season second in points on his team with 76 points (30G,46A) in 68 games, which also was 24^th in the OHL in points. Del Bel Belluz’s best assets and his playmaking and puck handling. He’s able to make such creative plays with both his vision and ability to see plays before they happen. He has great timing and rarely ever misses an opportunity to create a high-danger scoring chance happen. Whether it be along the boards or in-tight in the slot, he’s able to fight through traffic and keep the puck on his stick like a magnet. Going into the 2022-2023 season, expectations will be high for Del Bel Belluz as he will be one of the top offensive players in the league with a hungry Steelheads team that will be pushing in the playoffs once again. There’s a real possibility that Del Bel Belluz could crack the top 10 in OHL points next season. - DK

8 - Nick Blankenburg D

If one just looks at his age, height and the fact that he went undrafted in every year of his draft eligibility, Nick Blankenburg might not look very relevant to NHL teams. But that view of Blankenburg’s game would be misguided, as there’s a lot to like in the package of tools he offers, despite those realities. Blankenburg, the captain of the Michigan Wolverines in his senior season, signed an entry-level deal with the Blue Jackets and immediately impressed. Blankenburg was fearless, racking up 19 hits in just seven games of action. Despite standing at just five feet and nine inches tall, Blankenburg invites physical contact, and readily engages with forwards in physical battles in order to interrupt play. Oftentimes Blankenburg’s first means of dealing with an incoming offensive rush is to play the body, and that approach has its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, Blankenburg’s rough-and-tumble physical game can be effective defensively and has the added benefit of being “hard to play against,” a quality NHL coaches and executives highly value. But on the other hand, sometimes the best defensive play can be made with a stick or just through adept positioning, rather than just physical aggression, and Blankenburg hasn’t shown himself to be at a top level in those areas to this point. Offensively, Blankenburg shouldn’t be mistaken for a gifted player, but he does have some chops there. The Blue Jackets gave him a few looks on the power play, and he found ways to fire pucks through traffic and not look out of place. He may not stick as a power-play defenseman long-term, but he was decently productive in college and should get a few more chances there. When taking the full picture of Blankenburg’s game into account, he looks like he can be a sort of “heart-and-soul” bottom-pairing defenseman who brings physicality, leadership, and occasional spurts of offensive ability. - EH

9 - Liam Foudy RW

Is this the year that Foudy finally breaks into the NHL full time? Back in 2020, when Foudy burst onto the scene by playing great hockey for Columbus in the NHL playoffs, it seemed like he would never even see the AHL. Two seasons later and Foudy has yet to rediscover the magic he showed during that playoff run, bouncing between the NHL and the AHL. Foudy is of course known for his blistering speed. The former track star is an absolutely dynamic mover who can cause havoc on the forecheck and penalty kill. As an offensive player, he is still finding his way as his hands and decision-making attempt to catch up to the pace he is capable of playing at. This is why Columbus has continued to send him down to the AHL, in hopes that they can make him more than just a high energy bottom six player. Now Foudy is no longer exempt from waivers meaning that if he does not make the Jackets, he would need to clear to be sent to Cleveland. As such, it would be shocking if he did not make the NHL roster full time this season. This probably includes significant responsibility on the penalty kill, but likely limited playing time at even strength. Even if the offensive game never comes around at the NHL level, Foudy will still provide value as a change of pace, high energy attacker and penalty killer and should have a lengthy NHL career as a fourth liner. - BO

10 - Stanislav Svozil D

A Czech defender who played with the Regina Pats of the WHL this past season, Svozil is a mobile puck mover and a former third round selection of the Blue Jackets. A veteran of the Czech National team program, Svozil also competed for Czechia at the recent World Junior Championships, wearing an “A” and helping them to a solid fourth place finish. Svozil’s best quality is his four-way mobility. An effortless mover in any direction, he is terrific at holding the offensive blueline, using lateral quickness to evade defenders and open up lanes. This mobility also comes in handy in the defensive end as he can be difficult to beat one on one; Svozil defends pace quite well by being aggressive to close off attackers. His overall defensive abilities remain slightly inconsistent. A lot of this has to do with inconsistent physical engagement. At the pro level, he is going to need to be more difficult to play against in order to be considered a true two-way defender. Additionally, his decision making when leading transitional attacks is also inconsistent. This coming season it appears that Columbus is going to have Svozil play at the AHL level as an “underager.” This could actually be good for his development to help him adjust to the pace of play, in addition to forcing him to improve his strength down low. If all goes well, he could project as a second or third pairing defender for the Jackets in a few years. – BO

11 - Daniil Tarasov

The big netminder’s first pro season in North America didn’t exactly go according to plan after he had to undergo surgery on his hip, ending his season prematurely. Expected to make a full recovery, Tarasov will be Cleveland’s starter this season.

12 - Mikael Pyyhtia

A speedy and skilled winger, Pyyhtia was among the leading goal scorers in Liiga last season, a massive step forward for him. Now signed by Columbus, he will likely start his AHL journey this year, although could still be loaned back to Finland so that he can continue to bulk up.

13 - Samuel Knazko

The mobile, two-way defender played for a bunch of different teams last season but finished out the year with Seattle in the WHL. A part of that Slovak team that captured a bronze medal at the Olympics, Knazko will play with Cleveland (AHL) this year.

14 - Jake Christiansen

One of the highest scoring defenders in the AHL last season, Christiansen has emerged as a legitimate candidate to make the Blue Jackets roster this season.

15 - Tyler Angle

While Angle’s second pro season was not as impressive as his debut, he remains a potential NHL contributor in the future because of how well he works the wall and tires out opposing defenders.

16 - Trey Fix-Wolansky

Now fully healed from knee surgery, Fix-Wolansky had his best pro year yet after completing his rehab. Rewarded with an NHL audition, he also scored his first NHL goal. The undersized winger is a cannonball on the ice and now requires waivers to be sent down, giving him good odds to make the NHL roster in a fourth line role this season.

17 - Guillaume Richard

Richard is built to be a potential shutdown defender in today’s NHL, but his freshman season at Providence showed that he might even have some offensive potential.

18 - Kirill Dolzhenkov

A Russian tank, Dolzhenkov is a hulking, power winger who plays through defenders and not around them. He is a long-term project, but one with middle six upside.

19 - Jordan Dumais

One of the draft’s most polarizing players, there is no denying Dumais’ offensive talents and awareness. For a smaller player, he just needs to get quicker to be a pro top six forward.

20 - Aidan Hreschuk

A competitive two-way defender, Hreschuk had a solid freshman season at Boston College. He will return as a sophomore and attempt to improve his offensive production.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK: Fantasy Prospect Rankings – 30 Forwards, 20 Defenseman, 10 Goalies

Peter Harling — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 18:19:43 +0000

When preparing for a fantasy draft or evaluating prospects for a trade in your fantasy league you need to understand the difference between rankings, and fantasy rankings.

The difference can be subtle, or significant depending on your leagues scoring and format. Generally speaking, fantasy rankings are based on projected point production. I have found that the vast majority of readers that read and follow my work are in dynasty keeper leagues with peripheral stats, or bangers leagues.

The following rankings are based on projected point production and include added value to players that can contribute other stats, such as hits, blocks, PIM’s and faceoff wins.

In fantasy hockey, we have a limited number of prospect roster spots and as such I put higher value on prospects that have a quicker ETA to the NHL or have superstar upside.

This will help you identify the top 30 forwards, 20 defencemen and ten goalies to target in your fantasy leagues.

To be considered a prospect, skaters must be under 26-years-old, and have played in under 60 career games, or less than 35 in a single season. For goalies, less than 30 games played, or 15 in a single season.

Forward Rankings

VANCOUVER, BC - APRIL 26: Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers (10) skates up ice during their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on April 26, 2022 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire)

Matty Beniers, C – Seattle Kraken

The Kraken are poised to get an offensive boost this coming season with the additions of Andre Burakovsky and Oliver Bjorkstrand. Those two new wingers will be centered by the Krakens first ever draft pick Matty Beniers, who finishing the season in the NHL scoring nine points in the final ten games. Beniers is a Calder favorite.

Marco Rossi, C – Minnesota Wild

I projected Rossi to make the Wild after his draft in 2020, but he lost a year of development to COVID. He returned last year in the AHL and is now poised to crack a top six with the Wild. Another Calder favorite.

Cole Perfetti, C/LW – Winnipeg Jets

Thanks to the pandemic, Perfetti now has two seasons of pro development, and the 20-year-old is NHL ready to take a top six role with the Jets. “Goal” Perfetti could develop into a 40-goal scorer.

Mason McTavish, C – Anaheim Ducks

The power forward played nine games to start the season with the Ducks before returning to junior to lead Hamilton to an OHL championship. In multi-cat leagues, McTavish will check all the boxes, points, PP points, hits, FOW, he will do it all.

Kent Johnson, C – Columbus Blue Jackets

Johnson may start on the wing, and may not offer much in peripheral stats, but he will rack up points early and often in his career. If Johnson can lock down a top six center role, he will have either or both Patrick Laine and Johnny Gaudreau on his wing.

NEWARK, NJ - OCTOBER 04: New Jersey Devils right wing Alexander Holtz (10) skates during the first period of the pre-season National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils and the Washington Capitals on October 4, 2021 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

Alexander Holtz, RW – New Jersey Devils

The Swedish sniper scored 26 goals and 51 points in the AHL as a rookie. He only had two points in nine NHL games, but he is poised to secure a top six role with the Devils. He is a future 30 goal scorer.

Quinton Byfield, C – LA Kings

Bigger players can take a little longer to develop and the Kings are taking their time with Byfield. The big, smooth skating center can evolve into a dominant NHL first line center, and a dominant multi-cat fantasy asset as well. This one may take a few years yet, but he will be well worth the wait.

Jack Quinn, RW – Buffalo Sabres

I was very critical of the Sabres selecting Quinn ahead of Rossi in the 2020 draft. I still am, but Quinn has been excellent since then dominating the AHL. The gap between the two may be indistinguishable when all is said and done. Quinn is a blue-chip prospect.

Shane Wright, C – Seattle Kraken

The projected number one prospect in the 2022 Draft fell to fourth. It lit a fire in him and falling to Seattle may be the best thing for him as he has less competition to make the roster. Wright could make Montreal regret passing him by.

William Eklund, LW – San Jose Sharks

Eklund nearly made the Sharks out of his draft but was sent back to the SHL for one more year of development. Eklund will make the team this year and be a top six winger with Calder aspirations.

RED DEER, ALBERTA - DECEMBER 27: Juraj Slafkovsky #20 of Slovakia protects the puck from Isak Rosen #23 of Sweden during the second period in preliminary round action a the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship at WP Centrium on December 27, 2021 in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Juraj Slafkovsky, LW – Montreal Canadiens

The first overall pick in the 2022 draft may start in the NHL, but will need Mike Hoffman and Jonathan Drouin to falter to allow an opportunity for Slafkovsky to step in. As he showed in the World Championship and Olympics, he is up for the task.

Nick Robertson, LW – Toronto Maple Leafs

Injuries limited him to just 28 AHL games last year, but he managed 28 points. The Leafs need cap friendly roster players and Robertson could step into a top six role on the high-octane offensive Leafs roster out of training camp.

Dylan Guenther, LW/RW – Arizona Coyotes

Guenther torched the WHL with a 91-point season and has one more year of junior eligibility to play. Their will be some more wait time before he is lighting NHL goal lamps, but his upside is tremendous.

Shane Pinto, C – Ottawa Senators

Pinto looked to be a lock for 2C, but injuries ended his season after just five games. If he can stay healthy, he would be third line centre at worst providing points, hits, and FOW.

Lukas Reichel, LW – Chicago Blackhawks

The German winger was excellent as a rookie in the AHL and showed he is NHL ready. The Hawks are rebuilding, and he is a part of their future. Reichel will see ice time in the NHL and as the Hawks continue to ship out veterans for futures, his role will increase.

Logan Cooley, C – Arizona Coyotes

The third overall pick in the 2022 Entry Draft could have the highest offensive upside from his draft class. He has committed to play in the NCAA with the University of Minnesota where he may play two seasons

Jakob Pelletier, LW – Calgary Flames

With roster spots opening in Calgary, the time is nigh for Pelletier to play his way in to the Flames top six. He checks all the boxes, has carried his dominant offense to the pro level, has character and leadership. He will help Flames fans get over the loss of Johnny hockey and Tkachuk.

Mavrik Bourque, C – Dallas Stars

In his final junior campaign Bourque led Shawinigan to a QMJHL Championship and laid claim to the Guy Lafleur Trophy as the Playoffs MVP. He already has a cup of coffee in the AHL and may not be long for the NHL

Jake Neighbours, LW – St. Louis Blues

Neighbours is graduating to the pro level, and while he may not have elite offensive upside, he brings a heavy physical game and could be the Blues next David Backes.

Brendan Brisson, C – Vegas Golden Knights

Brisson was a key and underrated player for Michigan on their march to the frozen four. He destroyed the AHL with Henderson in the final seven games posting eight points. Vegas will need players on ELC deals o round out their roster and Brisson could have a ripe opportunity.

Thomas Bordeleau, C – San Jose Sharks

Bordeleau posted a point pr game with Michigan before playing eight NHL games with the Sharks and another eight games for USA at the World Championships. Surpassing veterans Nick Bonino and Nico Sturm on the Sharks roster shouldn’t be to difficult for Bordeleau.

Jonatan Berggren, W/C – Detroit Red Wings

The 22-year-old kicked in the front door of the AHL in his debut in North America to the tune of 64 points in 70 games with the Griffins. He will be a big part of the Yzer-Plan and will try to make a similar splash in the NHL this year.

Dylan Holloway, LW/C – Edmonton Oilers

The 20-year-old has two years of NCAA development and had a successful AHL rookie campaign in Bakersfield. At 6-1 and 203 pounds he brings a good blend of offensive punch and hits.

Wyatt Johnston, C – Dallas Stars

Drafted 23^rd overall after missing the entire season, the Stars have been rewarded for the faith in Johnston as he torched the OHL with a 124-point season. He still has another year of junior eligibility to play but his upside is tremendous.

Brennan Othmann, LW – New York Rangers

Othmann wore the captain’s “C” for the Flint Firebirds last year and posted a 50-goal season and 97 points. The power winger has another year of OHL to play before he turns pro.

Bobby Brink, RW – Philadelphia Flyers

Brink posted 57 points in 41 games in his junior year at the University of Denver before finishing the year in the NHL with ten games in Philadelphia. As the Flyers rebuild or retool Brink will be a big part of the future.

Matthew Knies, LW – Toronto Maple Leafs

Knies was a force both physically and offensively for the Golden Gophers. His play warned him a roster spot with USA at the Olympics where he produced two points in four games. He looks NHL ready now but returned for a sophomore season, look for him t finish the year with the Leafs.

J. J. Peterka, RW – Buffalo Sabres

The feisty German had a banner rookie campaign in the AHL with 68 points in 70 regular season games and had another 12 points in 10 playoff matches. He is NHL ready and will also provide some peripheral stats to boot.

Xavier Bourgault, C – Edmonton Oilers

Bourgault averaged over a PPG in his WHL career finishing with a 75-point season in only 43 games, with 22 points in 16 playoff games. He is ready to bring his offense to the pro level and will play a year in Bakersfield. If his production carries over to the pro level, he will be dynamite!

Matias Maccelli, LW – Arizona Coyotes

After two strong seasons of pro hockey in the Liiga, Maccelli made a splash in his AHL rookie season posting 57 points in 47 games and playing his way into 23 NHL games with the Coyotes. He lacks draft pedigree and is a sleeper but has the upside to be a Calder candidate and a fantasy darling.

Defense Rankings

Owen Power, Buffalo Sabers

The first overall pick in the 2021 Draft returned to Michigan for more development. His season ended in the NHL but not before he also represented Canada at the Olympics. His ten game NHL preview was promising with three points, ten shots and nine blocks.

ST. LOUIS, MO - NOVEMBER 22: St. Louis Blues defenseman Scott Perunovich (48) during a NHL game between the Las Vegas Golden Knights and the St. Louis Blues on November 22, 2021, at Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire),

Scott Perunovich, St. Louis Blues

After missing an entire season to injury, his pro debut was delayed a year, but he rebounded in spectacular fashion with 22 points n 17 games in the AHL. His dominant play earned him an NHL recall, but again injuries limited his play to 19 games. His upside is elite, but the injuries are a concern.

Luke Hughes, New Jersey Devils

Hughes will play another season in the NCAA with Michigan to refine his defensive game. Offensively he is already dominant having scored 17 goals with the Wolverines, and four points in 10 World Championship games with USA. The wait may be a little longer on Hughes, but the upside is tremendous.

Jake Sanderson, Ottawa Senators

After posting over a point per game in his sophomore season, Sanderson will begin his pro career. There may be some AHL development time in the near future, but the long-term fantasy upside in multi-cat leagues is very high.

Calen Addison, Minnesota Wild

In his second pro campaign Addison posted 34 points and 70 PIMS in 43 games in the AHL. His strong play earned him four different NHL recalls totalling in 15 games and four points. He is ready for the NHL now and will be a top pairing D in short order.

Simon Edvinsson, Detroit Red Wings

Can the Wings boast back-to-back Norris Trophy winning defencemen? It’s very possible! Edvinsson comes to North America with two seasons of SHL development under his belt. He will go from playing for Sweden at the WJC to the Red Wings camp to win a roster spot in the NHL.

Olen Zellweger, Anaheim Ducks

Zellweger fantasy stock is rising like a rocket. He exploded for 78 points in 55 games with Everett in the WHL. He still has a year of junior eligibility remaining, but don’t be surprised if he graduates and plays with the Ducks this year. Even if you must stash him in your minors for a year, he is a keeper.

Jack Rathbone, Vancouver Canucks

The 2017 fourth round pick is under a lot of people’s radar, but with two seasons of pro development he has 49 points in 47 AHL games and has dressed for 17 NHL games. Cracking the Canucks blueline shouldn’t be too difficult.

Cam York, Philadelphia Flyers

York barely qualifies for this list as he played in 30 NHL games last year, but he does, and he will be a full time NHL player going forward. The addition of Tony DeAngelo could hurt his PP time immediately, but he will get prime deployment in time.

Brandt Clarke, LA Kings

The Captain of the Barrie Colts scored 59 points in 55 games and will be back in the OHL for another year of dominance. It’s a mystery how he is not on the Canadian WJC roster as he is an elite all-around defender.

Kaiden Guhle, Montreal Canadiens

The big, mobile 6-2 defender helped propel the Edmonton Oil Kings to the Memorial Cup after a mid-season trade. His pro career is about to begin, and the Canadiens blue line is a barren wasteland, just waiting for him to assume the throne. The wait will be short

Simon Nemec, New Jersey Devils

Selected second overall, the Devils passed on both Logan Cooley and Shane Wright to select the right shot defenseman. Nemec could take some time to become a fantasy relevant producer, but it will happen.

David Jiricek, Columbus Blue Jackets

Jiricek is the Jackets top defensive prospect, but their blue line is a crowded one and it may take a little time for the 18-year-old to break into the lineup.

SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 12: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jordan Spence (53) carries the puck during the NHL game between the San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings on March 12, 2022 at SAP Center in San Jose, CA. (Photo by Matt Cohen/Icon Sportswire)

Jordan Spence, LA Kings

Don’t sleep on Spence, since being a fourth-round pick in 2019 he has won the QMJHL Defenseman of the Year Award, played his way onto Team Canada at the WJC and scored 42 points in 46 games as an AHL rookie, and made his NHL debut playing in 24 games. He is ready for full time NHL duty.

Lukas Cormier, Vegas Golden Knights

Cormier is using the WJC in August as a primer for his petition to bypass the AHL and play for the Golden Knights. His 207 career points in 208 QMJHL will be on any fantasy radar, but he also hits, despite being 5-10

Justin Barron, Montreal Canadiens

Barron played most of his rookie pro season in the AHL with 20 points in 43 games for the Eagles, but he also played in seven NHL games for the Avalanche and Canadiens.

Denton Mateychuk, Columbus Blue Jackets3

Mateychuk may have the highest offensive ceiling from defensemen in the 2022 Draft class. He has another year of development ahead in the WHL and then some AHL time, but his ceiling is very high.

Philip Broberg, Edmonton Oilers

Broberg has arrived in Edmonton as a top four. Can he win some power play time away from Tyson Barrie, Darnell Nurse, and Evan Bouchard?

Nils Lundkvist, New York Rangers

The 2018 first round pick finally came to North America, splitting time between the AHL and the NHL. He likely sees a similar time share this season as the Rangers have a formidable back end.

Thomas Harley, Dallas Stars

If Harley played one more game, he would not have been eligible as a prospect, but he played 34 games for the Stars and is poised to be a full-time player going forward.

Goaltending Ranking

Jesper Wallstedt, Minnesota Wild

The Wild’s future starting goalie is the whole package. He has size, athleticism, tracks the puck and is positionally sound. Fleury signing a two-year deal may delay his inevitable reign as an elite starting goalie.

Yaroslav Askarov, Nashville Predators

This coming season will be a key development period for the Russian. After playing a limited number of games in Russia, he will make his North American debut in the AHL with Milwaukee. With Saros in place for the foreseeable future, Askarov can take a year or two in the AHL to refine his game.

Pyotr Kochetkov, Carolina Hurricanes

Kochetkov made an impressive debut in North America to end the season. He posted a 13-1-2 record in the AHL and even made his NHL debut starting in three games, winning all three. With both Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta on expiring deals, Kochetkov could be the Canes starter sooner than later.

Dustin Wolf, Calgary Flames

After posting stellar numbers in Everett the question was could he do it in the pros? His rookie season was outstanding posting a 33-9-5 record. Wolf has staring goalie upside, but with Jacob Markstrom in place through 2026, its not happening soon.

Devon Levi, Buffalo Sabres

After coming out of nowhere to back stop team Canada to a WJC Silver Medal and being named Best Goalie in the Tournament, he took his breakout to another level in the NCAA. As a freshman goalie he posted a 21-10-1 record with 10 shutouts to lead Northeaster to a Hockey East Championship. Levi won the Mike Richter award as NCAA Top Goaltender and was a Hobey Baker finalist. He is the Sabres best goaltending prospect.

Sebastian Cossa, Detroit Red Wings

The 6-6 netminder back stopped the Edmonton Oil Kings to the Memorial Cup. The Yzer-plan is starting to take form and Cossa could be in place to tend the crease when the Red Wings are a contender again.

Lukas Dostal, Anaheim Ducks

Dostal has two AHL seasons development to his credit and is looking ready for prime time. His future looks like split time between the NHL and AHL for a year before he settles into a tandem situation in Anaheim.

Daniil Tarasov, Columbus Blue Jackets

Tarasov was playing his way into the Blue Jackets roster before a hip injury prematurely ended his season. He will be back in November and should pick up where he left off.

Cayden Primeau, Montreal Canadiens

Montreal has enjoyed premium goaltending for decades. Carey Price, Patrick Roy and Ken Dryden. As the Canadiens top goalie prospect, Primeau has a lot to live up to.

Drew Commesso, Chicago Blackhawks

Heading for his junior season as a Boston Terrier, Commesso drew into two games for USA at the Olympics, winning both and posting a shutout. The Hawks are biding their time with stop gap goalies while they rebuild, and the long-term solution is Commesso.

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS – RANK: #17 – TIER III

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 15:44:10 +0000

Columbus Blue Jackets

#17 Columbus - Columbus has six players in the top 100, but no one else seems likely to threaten the upper echelon. Blue Jackets need more big draft classes like this last one, as they had too many small draft classes in recent years.

Kent Johnson; Photo courtesy of University of Michigan

Kent Johnson - C

What a year for Ann Arbor, three players drafted inside the Top Five (four if you count recruit Luke Hughes) to give the Michigan Wolverines their greatest draft buzz since the days of the Fab Five almost 30 years ago.

Johnson is a master of the scoresheet. His puck skills are sublime. He sometimes plays as if the game is actually a skills competition, treating opponents like pylons. This approach worked tremendously in the BCHL and as well as it could in the Big 10. He is a joy to watch because of his creative approach. Yet scouts are left with the nagging feeling that he will need to make significant alterations to his game to play at the highest levels. As is, too many potential opportunities die on Johnson’s stick, and not through lack of skill, but through needlessly overcomplicating the game. Beyond that, he seldom makes his presence felt without the puck on his stick. The tools are here for an All-Star ceiling, but the pieces do not yet fit together smoothly enough. He will return to Michigan and look to improve his skating, physicality, and decision making. After his sophomore year, the Jackets should get a better read on whether he is ready to turn pro and be an impact player for them. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Cole Sillinger - C

Born in Columbus, Ohio while his father Mike “Suitcase” Sillinger played with the Blue Jackets – the eighth of a record 12 teams he would play for during his career, young Cole saw his hockey career take off after his father retired back to Regina, Saskatchewan. Interestingly enough, things came full circle when Cole was drafted by the Jackets this year.

Unsure of when, or if, the 2020-21 WHL season would take place, Cole left Medicine Hat to play in the USHL for Sioux Falls. His 46 points in 31 games would lead the Stampede in scoring. Sillinger’s bread and butter is his shot. A high-volume shooter, the shot quality is as impressive as the release, with strength, suddenness, and accuracy. The rest of his package should begin with a look at his game processing capabilities. You might want to attribute his advanced hockey mind to a childhood spent in and out of NHL rinks. He plays a two-way game, with an average of nearly two minutes of shorthanded ice time per game this year. At both ends of the ice, he is more often than not found in a position to make something positive happen for his team, with his stick at the ready to capitalize. He could improve the quickness of his first few steps, or the sharpness of his edges, however Sillinger is an NHL’er in the making. His full skill set has the look of a front line, goal scoring winger, with the questions revolving mostly on what kind of linemate assistance he will need to succeed at the highest level. He will return to Medicine Hat this year and is a candidate to lead the WHL in scoring. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Yegor Chinakhov - RW

There were quite a few skeptics a year ago when the Blue Jackets selected Chinakhov in the first round of the 2020 NHL draft, even though he was already a competent MHL goal scorer at the time. This past season he continued to do so, progressing further as a blossoming young Russian star. Interestingly enough, those same skeptics were quieter this year. Even though he got injured at the World Juniors, his season had to be considered a success by becoming a KHL champion and winning the KHL rookie of the year award.

Immediately after the end of the KHL season Chinakhov signed his entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets (burning the first year of it that way), but there are reasonable doubts about him being able to play in the NHL next season. However, he does have a history of proving the doubters wrong. He likely starts in the AHL, where he can adjust to the speed and physicality of the North American game. Armed with a wicked shot, deceptive stickhandling ability, and a strong skating base, Chinakhov is a potential top six goal scorer for the Blue Jackets. - VF

Liam Foudy - LW

Speed, speed, and more speed, that is the name of Foudy’s game. Already one of the NHL’s elite skaters, Foudy’s first pro season following a successful 2020 playoff performance with the Jackets, had its moments. No question his speed can play at the NHL level. However, his hands and ability to process the game have yet to catch up to his quickness, causing a lack of production and finish at the NHL level. This led to Foudy being on the shuttle back and forth between Cleveland (AHL) and Columbus. When in the AHL, Foudy was a standout, showing that with patience, his offensive game could come around at the NHL level.

As mentioned, Foudy’s greatest strength is his quickness. A former track star at a young age, Foudy accelerates to top speed as if he were shot out of a cannon. This allows him to be a disruptive force without the puck. With the puck, he is still learning how to best blend his skating and puck skill to be a consistently effective attacker and finisher. Worst case scenario, the offensive skill set never translates, and he becomes an effective fourth line penalty killer. Best case, he learns to utilize his gifts and is able to carve out a long career similar to that of Andrew Cogliano. - BO

Corson Ceulemans - D

The third of three first round selections made by Columbus this year, Ceulemans is a two-way defender headed to the University of Wisconsin after several years playing with the Brooks Bandits of the AJHL (better known as Cale Makar’s alma mater). He showed well at the Under 18’s, playing a critical role for the gold medal winning Canadians. Ceulemans played in all situations for Canada, showcasing his versatility and potential as a two-way defender.

One of Ceuleman’s best attributes is his mobility. A strong and powerful mover in all four directions, Ceuleman rarely puts himself in a position where he cannot recover due to his excellent skating ability. As a powerplay quarterback, Ceuelemans shows great potential because of his big point shot and comfort level with playing deep in the offensive zone. At the University of Wisconsin, he will need to work on his decisiveness with the puck and learn to make quicker decisions. At times, he seems a step too slow to find a teammate with a pass or exploit open shooting lanes. Greater confidence and experience may certainly help in this regard, especially at higher levels when challenged by quicker and more skilled opponents. He is a prospect with a high floor and high ceiling. This means that at worst, Ceulemans probably still develops into a serviceable third pairing defender who can do a little bit of everything, and most importantly play the right side. At best, his confidence offensively grows, and he establishes himself as a dominant two-way defender. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Kirill Marchenko - LW

Marchenko's progress has been steady over the last couple of seasons, to the point where he has emerged as a top young player in Russia. His development curve is heading towards him becoming one of the top snipers in the KHL, although an injury did interrupt the most recent season. Another thing that he has missed this season was the World Championships, as he was left on the Team Russia taxi squad due to wingers from the NHL joining the team.

Marchenko has the right kind of tools to achieve status as a top player for the Bluejackets in the future: he is very mobile, has good size and, of course, has a high-precision right-handed shot. This coming season is the last season of his current KHL contract — my guess would be that the Blue Jackets management is counting on him to come over after that. He should emerge as one of the top forwards in the KHL this year before making that jump. Marchenko's NHL ambitions probably are at least as a top-six left wing level and given his progress thus far, that looks like a very likely outcome. - VF

Dmitri Voronkov - LW

This has been a real breakout year for Voronkov as he has shown that he can be not just a hard-working player, but also can lead his KHL team in big games. Even in the KHL playoffs, Voronkov's game just kept getting better. His impressive season concluded at the World Championships, where Voronkov played on the top line for Team Russia and made people talk about him as a legitimate candidate for the Olympics next year.

Voronkov is very versatile, always playing with high-intensity and physicality, getting to the dirty areas and under opponents' skin. Every NHL coach wants a player like that on his team. In terms of the offense, it is important not to underestimate Voronkov’s offensive skill set, as it has improved considerably in recent years. At the end of the day Voronkov may become a player who can play anywhere on the NHL team's roster and fans can be certain that his performance will be consistent. There are plenty of reasons to get excited, yet patience is the key for the Blue Jackets fans because Voronkov still has two years left on his KHL contract. When that deal is up, he should be ready to make an immediate impact in Columbus. - VF

Stanislav Svozil - D

A third-round selection this year, Svozil is only 18 years old yet has already spent roughly two full seasons playing against men in the top Czech league. He played big minutes in both the WJC and the WU-18s this year. He can read and anticipate the game at a level well above his age and experience.

In his own end, off the puck or on, he is reliable. His positioning is generally strong, taking good angles to lower the danger of any given play, whether the zone has already been established, or he is facing an opponent trying to enter his zone with control. When he has the chance to exit the zone, he has the wherewithal to make the simple, safe play if it is there, a sign of his maturity and poise. In the offensive zone, his low point totals may be deceptive, as Svozil flashes skills that could contribute more heavily to scoring chance generation. He may need some time to grow more comfortable taking a leading role against men, but even if he doesn’t, his floor is high enough that he could be a serviceable NHL defender. He has already inked his ELC with the Jackets, giving them some flexibility as to where to assign him for the upcoming season. Currently he is slated to play in the WHL with Regina (and Connor Bedard), who own his Import rights. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Andrew Peeke - D

After three seasons at Notre Dame, the last of which saw him serve as team Captain, Peeke got his pro career off to a promising start in 2019-20, falling three games shy of losing his prospect eligibility before the pandemic ended the season early. A tall, wide-bodied, right-handed shooter, he never demonstrated consistent big-time offensive upside, but profiled in more of a shut-down role, with plus mobility, a very strong off-puck game, and a tendency to transition the puck smartly.

Last year didn’t see so much regression as it did a player caught in the COVID-era no-man’s land of the taxi squad, limiting him to 18 games combined between the NHL and AHL. Peeke took on a workhorse role in his AHL time, but he could not seem to gain the trust of former Columbus coach John Tortorella. However, Torts is gone and incumbent GM Jarmo Kekalainen had enough faith in the former second rounder to grant him a two-year contract extension. Along with the shake up behind the bench, the Columbus blueline has also undergone significant upheaval, with the departure of star Seth Jones just one of the big changes. Peeke should have a real opportunity to establish himself this year, with a top four outcome still a distinct possibility. - RW

Trey Fix-Wolansky - RW

Trey Fix-Wolansky is a smaller player that plays without fear. Typically, a player of his size prefers the perimeter, but Fix-Wolansky is a guy that makes a living driving the net with and without the puck. He is comfortable along the wall and uses his low center of gravity to his advantage in puck battles. The puck skills were very noticeable in Junior but there were concerns he might not be able to handle the puck as much in the pro game. He has adjusted well and makes quicker plays without sitting on the puck as long. At the AHL level he has shown to be a solid and consistent contributor despite Covid shortened seasons and a torn ACL last year affecting his development.

His game revolves around his quick feet, effort and puck skills all of which he has continued to improve upon during his time in the AHL. Fix-Wolansky has a powerful frame and lower body that makes him a challenge to knock off the puck even though he lacks the height and wingspan of most players in the NHL. The Jackets will be looking for him to continue to play his competitive style following the rehab of his knee injury. With diminutive scorer Cam Atkinson moving on, Fix-Wolansky could find himself inserted into the middle six of a Blue Jacket roster in transition as early as next season if he proves to be fully healthy. - VG

Tyler Angle - C

Sometimes breakout performances come out of nowhere and that was the case for Angle last season as a first-year pro with Cleveland. Expectations were low for his first pro year, but he ended up scoring at over a point per game and really put himself on the map as a significant prospect in the system. Angle never stops moving his feet in the offensive zone and has the skill to be an NHL player.

Daniil Tarasov - G

A former third round pick by the Jackets, Tarasov had a strong 2020/21 season, performing well in the KHL. He even joined Cleveland briefly at the end of the season in Russia. He will play in Cleveland full time this year and has a chance to be the starter for the Monsters.

Samuel Knazko - D

The captain of Slovakia’s entry at the World Junior Championships this year, Knazko also suited up for his country at the World Championships in a depth role. The highly mobile blueliner will play in Liiga on loan this year with TPS, his first exposure to full time professional hockey.

James Malatesta

Ranked by McKeens as considerably better than a fifth round pick this year, Malatesta is built like an ox and loves to drive the net to earn scoring chances. Consistency and decision making with the puck remain issues, but he will try to improve upon those with Quebec again this year in the QMJHL.

Guillaume Richard - D

A defense first, stay at home type, Richard will attend Providence College this season. His upside may be relatively limited, but his combination of size and defensive awareness makes him a good bet to become a reliable third pairing defender in the future for Columbus.

Daniil Tarasov – McKeen's Hockey

NHL: CULLEN – 20 FANTASY POINTS – Vilardi heating up, Kakko on the move, and much more!

NHL: DADOUN – THE FANTASY WEEK AHEAD (November 4th to November 11th – Oilers face challenges early, while Knights soar out the gate

Calgary Flames (Tue @ MTL, Thu @ BOS, Sat @ BUF)

Carolina Hurricanes (Tue vs. PHI, Thu vs. PIT, Sat @ COL)

Columbus Blue Jackets (Tue @ SJS, Sat @ LAK, Sun vs. ANA)

Los Angeles Kings (Mon @ NAS, Tue @ MIN, Thu vs. VAN, Sat vs. CBJ)

Minnesota Wild (Tue vs. LAK, Thu @ SJS, Fri @ ANA, Sun @ CHI)

Nashville Predators (Mon vs. LAK, Wed @ WSH, Thu @ FLA, Sat vs. UTA)

New Jersey Devils (Mon @ EDM, Thu vs. MTL, Sat @ NYI, Sun vs. SJS)

Vancouver Canucks (Tue @ ANA, Thu @ LAK, Sat vs. EDM)

NHL: Training Camp Updates

Doughty suffers broken ankle

Appendicitis knocks out Gibson

Boqvist on Panthers’ top power play

Hanifin getting first unit power play time in Vegas

Cooley and Guenther could offer big fantasy value

Luke Hughes recovering from shoulder injury

Tatar getting a good opportunity in New Jersey

Willy Styles to center

Michkov a Calder favorite?

Beauviller getting a chance in Pittsburgh

Montour ahead of Dunn for PP1 in Seattle

Faulk on PP1 for St. Louis

Demko remains out for Vancouver

Tarasov getting his shot in Columbus?

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS – Team Preview

FORWARD

DEFENCE

GOAL

NHL: DADOUN – THE FANTASY WEEK AHEAD – A look at the playoff race – Teams with favourable schedules and players to target

Anaheim Ducks - TUE @ SEA, THU @ SEA, SAT @ EDM, SUN @ VAN (BTB)

Buffalo Sabres – WED VS OTT, FRI VS NJD, SAT VS TOR (BTB)

Columbus Blue Jackets – TUE @ ARI, THU @ PIT, SAT VS PIT

Ottawa Senators – WED @ BUF, THU VS CHI, SAT @ WPG

Philadelphia Flyers – TUE @ NYR, THU @ MTL, SAT VS CHI

Pittsburgh Penguins – TUE VS CAR, THU VS CBJ, SAT @ CBJ

Seattle Kraken – TUE VS ANA, THU VS ANA, SAT VS DAL

Vegas Golden Knights – MON @ STL, TUE @ NAS, (BTB), THU @ WPG, SAT @ MIN

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK: FANTASY PROSPECT RANKINGS – Top 30 Forwards – Top 20 Defense – top 10 Goalies

Forwards

Connor Bedard, C – Chicago Blackhawks

Logan Cooley, C – Arizona Coyotes

Matvei Michkov, RW – Philadelphia Flyers

Marco Rossi, C – Minnesota Wild

Leo Carlsson, C – Anaheim Ducks

Lukas Reichel, LW/RW – Chicago Blackhawks

Shane Wright, C – Seattle Kraken

Dylan Guenther, LW/RW – Arizona Coyotes

Logan Stankoven, C – Dallas Stars

Jakob Pelletier, LW – Calgary Flames

Ryan Leonard, C/LW – Washington Capitals

William Eklund, LW – San Jose Sharks

Frank Nazar, C/RW – Chicago Blackhawks

Jimmy Snuggerud, C – St. Louis Blues

Zach Benson, RW – Buffalo Sabres

Cutter Gauthier, C/LW – Philadelphia Flyers

Matt Coronato, RW/LW – Calgary Flames

Alexander Holtz, LW – New Jersey Devils

Mavrik Bourque, C – Dallas Stars

Brennan Othmann, LW – New York Rangers

Will Smith, C – San Jose Sharks

Jiri Kulich, C – Buffalo Sabres

Tyson Foerster, RW – Philadelphia Flyers

Luke Evangelista, RW – Nashville Predators

Ridly Greig, C/LW – Ottawa Senators

Matthew Savoie, C – Buffalo Sabres

Nick Robertson, LW – Toronto Maple Leafs

Luke Hughes, LD – New Jersey Devils

Brandt Clarke, RD – Los Angeles Kings

Lane Hutson, LD – Montreal Canadiens

David Jiricek, RD – Columbus Blue Jackets

Simon Nemec, RD – New Jersey Devils

Olen Zellweger, LD – Anaheim Ducks

Simon Edvinsson, LD – Detroit Red Wings

Scott Perunovich, LD – St. Louis Blues

Pavel Mintyukov, LD – Anaheim Ducks

Denton Mateychuk, LD – Columbus Blue Jackets

Kevin Korchinski, LD – Chicago Blackhawks

Alexander Nikishin, LD – Carolina Hurricanes