There’s a lot of great lines currently in the NHL, none come close to Colorado’s representative.
Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog are gifts that keep on giving to fantasy owners.
They’ve combined for a robust 137 points (52 goals, 55 assists) and are currently on a historic pace to be the most productive line in the NHL since the 1997-98 season.
This coincides perfectly with the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Pool. Provided the schedule works well, don’t be afraid to roster all three of them. They’re monsters.
Now to your questions:
Joe Bond – @joexbondo
What should I do with Evgeni Malkin? No even strength goals in 17 games.
Great time for this question; Malkin was pointless and a minus-4 in a 6-3 loss to Chicago on Wednesday night.
That being said, it would be foolish to make a brash decision right now. While his goal totals are down so far, Malkin is still producing at over a point-per-game pace (30 GP: 10 G, 23 A, 33 P).
It’s quite fascinating, however. Malkin isn’t shooting the puck as much as he has in years past. In fact, the 32-year-old is on pace for his lowest seasonal shot output (183) since the 2015-16 season when he missed 25 games due to injury.
As the season progresses and the games become more meaningful, I expect Malkin and the Penguins – for that matter – to start playing for real.
Keep Malkin.
MHO – @MGHO86
Every week I’m getting killed in the hits category – it’s one of 14. What’s your advice to overcome that?
Welcome to life as a fantasy owner. It’s so difficult to get full category coverage on a yearly basis. I think your best route is identifying players on the trade market that can do a bunch of things for you. Try to upgrade on non-bangers.
You can also approach the situation on a weekly basis and stream some players who’ll help out in the hits department.
I’ve never been a fan of that category – there’s barely any hitting anymore. Oh, well.
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Ryan Miller – @R–Millz–5
What are your thoughts on Darcy Kuemper? Is he a viable option or nothing more than a matchup stream?
Tough news for Arizona; another lost season for Antti Raanta.
I do feel that Kuemper will get the opportunity to be the No. 1 going forward. It’s now up to the 28-year-old to seize the moment.
His numbers thus far have hovered around league average (12 appearances: 4-6-2, 2.83 GAA, .909 SV%). I’ll tell you this, Kuemper better play well or Adin Hill might steal his job.
Maybe it’s his size (six-foot-six) but Hill reminds me of Mike Smith minus the puck handling, of course.
Yes, Kuemper is a viable option, better than a matchup stream. I think Arizona is a decent team.
Leafs Fan – @Leafs–Fan01
Is Evander Kane worth keeping?
After a consistent October where he tallied four goals and six assists in 12 games, Kane has just five goals and eight points over the last 20 games.
Unfortunately, I think this is Kane just coming back to earth. His hot start with the Sharks wasn’t sustainable.
In a perfect world, I think ideal numbers for the 2009 first rounder is 20-25 goals and 50-60 points. That’s why I endorsed selling-high on him after his hot start.
I think he’s a quality fantasy player but the sample size is large enough to tell us that Evander Kane isn’t an elite fantasy talent. Still serviceable for sure.
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Douglas Forsyth – @douglas–forsyth
Is Pontus Aberg having a breakout season?
Undoubtedly, Aberg has been one of the biggest surprises of this fantasy hockey season thus far. From suitcase to bonafide top-six forward in less than a season. It’s quite amazing.
Truthfully, it’s not really all that surprising. All Aberg needed was a legitimate chance. Clearly, that wasn’t going to come in Nashville and well, Edmonton is Edmonton. He’s getting over 15-minutes a night consistently with Anaheim.
It’s also fair to bring up where he’s being utilized. Aberg was being used in secondary roles in previous seasons.
With key injuries to the likes of Rickard Rakell and namely Corey Perry, Anaheim was a really good fit for the player.
So, yes – Aberg is having a breakout season. Surprising – yes, shocking – no. Props to Bob Murray and Randy Carlyle for giving him a chance.
Alaaddin Baskurt – @Dyinglobster
Despite his current injury timetable, is Rickard Rakell still worth holding onto in a 10-team, mostly points structured league? (Comparable players available: Zucker, Reinhart, Parise, Nyquist)
Obviously if you have the roster capacity/IR spots, you simply put Rakell there. If not, I wouldn’t think twice about dropping him and revisiting the player later on this season. Given his start, I don’t think anyone will be chomping at the bit – especially in a 10-team league – to go on and stash Rakell.
Make the move. I really like Parise or Reinhart as suitable replacements.
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Michael DiGiorgio – @BostonDiGorgio
Is Gabriel Vilardi worth a roster spot (IR) in keeper leagues?
It’s never a bad idea to have long-term gain in mind in fantasy hockey. If you have the roster room to stash Vilardi, do it but I still wonder if he ends up back in junior this season. If you’re the Kings, why expose him to this negativity and also, why burn a year on the entry level contract?
It’s more likely – health assumed – Vilardi gets a really good look in a top-six role next training camp. Hope this helps.
Nic Phelan – @PhelanMTL
When Matt Murray returns, DeSmith or Murray?
Easy answer – at least to start – you go with Murray. He’s the two-time Stanley Cup winner with extensive pedigree too. DeSmith did his job. Now, it’s now time to hand the crease back to Murray.
With that in mind, Murray hasn’t been great this season and Mike Sullivan is in the business of winning games. Also, Murray’s injury history scares me too. I’d like this situation play out but if fully healthy, Murray will get the brunt of the starts. DeSmith has definitely earned more playing time, however.
Brett Blanchette – @blanket–16
Is it time to give up on Ivan Provorov? Or, will he be relevant soon?
I’d give it a couple more weeks before jumping out on the Provorov file. It’s been a turbulent season in Philadelphia and they might have to pack up and look towards next season.
One thing is for sure, expect new general manager Chuck Fletcher to be active. I think Dave Hakstol’s days are numbered. The narrative is easy too – new GM wants his own guy behind the bench.
Provorov is so talented. I own him in two of my leagues and I’m having the daily debate too. I’m waiting a bit longer. Have faith, I know it’s difficult.
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Tristan A. – @tristan–vncvr
1. Will Dougie Hamilton ever get a chance on PP1? They need to shake things up, no?
I think Hamilton is a really strong buy-low candidate right now. You’re right, the Hurricanes need to change things up. They’ve struggled mightily offensively.
I think eventually Hamilton lands back on PP1. His track record is just way too impressive to ignore. Amazingly, he’s on pace for just eight goals, nine off last year’s 17-goal total with Calgary.
I’m giving Hamilton some time. It’s a long season and eventually, the production will come. The 25-year-old has mustered four consecutive 40-plus point seasons. It’ll come.
2. Is Timo Meier’s production sustainable?
Provided he stays healthy, I think Meier is a shoe in for 30 goals this season. He potted 21 last year playing primarily in a secondary role. This breakout could be seen from a mile away. I think a reasonable projection is 30-35 goals and 70-75 points.
It’s a contract year too. Meier is a part of that stellar impending RFA class of 2019. Pay up!
