Without question, the aftereffects of another NHL trade deadline will be felt for weeks to come in the fantasy hockey world.
When it comes to the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Pool, it might be worth your while to target players who stand to gain an uptick in fantasy value due to roster movement.
Jimmy Vesey (PV – 1) is a prime example. Mats Zuccarello’s departure paved the way for the 25-year-old to be bumped up to the top-line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. Since the promotion, all he’s done is tallied three multi-point efforts in a row.
Some other low value point options to consider – F Ryan Donato (MIN), F Tanner Pearson (VAN), F Brady Tkachuk (OTT) and G MacKenzie Blackwood (NJD).
Now to your questions:
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Jerome Macdonnell – @Weaver945
Cam Ward or MacKenzie Blackwood?
I’ll preface by lamenting that both teams are a train wreck defensively. That said, I’d go with Blackwood. The 22-year-old was once again summoned from the AHL after Keith Kinkaid was dealt to Columbus on deadline day.
Great to see Corey Crawford back and seemingly healthy for Chicago. He’s their number one and will see the majority of the starts down the stretch, provided the Blackhawks stay in the playoff race.
When it comes to the lottery destined Devils, I fully expect close to a 50/50 split between Blackwood and Cory Schneider to finish up.
Blackwood is clearly the future number-one.
What should I do with Taylor Hall?
At this point, I’d say you’re pretty safe with dropping Hall and not paying for it. The Devils provided an update on Thursday: He had arthroscopic knee surgery this week and will begin rehab immediately. The Devils wouldn’t rule Hall out for the remainder of the season just yet but, why force it?
Douglas Forsyth – @douglas–forsyth
Now that he’s on the Blue Jackets, is it worth owning Keith Kinkaid?
Drop him. I truly wonder how many starts he’ll get with the Blue Jackets.
With Columbus firmly in the midst of a playoff race, Sergei Bobrovsky will play a ton down the stretch. He’s the starter and will be utilized as such. Personally, I think Jarmo Kekalainen did Ray Shero a favour in taking Kinkaid.
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Carlo Conforti – @CarloConforti2
With the fantasy playoffs around the corner, is Mike Smith or David Rittich the better option right now?
Smith. The veteran has started six of the past eight games for the red-hot Flames and he’s been excellent. The playoffs are no time for patience.
Keep in mind – Calgary plays four times next week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday). With the scheduled mid-week back-to-back, Rittich stands to get at least one start.
Steve Rogers – @OKrepps85
Will Erik Brannstrom and Quinn Hughes play in the NHL this season?
Brannstrom – NO, Hughes – YES.
It makes no sense for Ottawa to call-up Brannstrom. I wouldn’t expose him to this toxicity.
When it comes to Hughes, it’s all but confirmed that he’ll sign with Vancouver following his collegiate season. Barring anything unforeseen, he’ll get a look late in the regular season.
Jeff Perry – @jeffreypperry
Is John Gibson expected back soon? Who are some possible streamer goalie options for week one of the fantasy playoffs?
Yup, looks like his return is imminent. If it’s not tonight against Vegas, it’ll likely be Sunday afternoon when the Ducks host Colorado. Anaheim plays four times next week (Tues – @ARI, Wed – STL, Fri – MTL, Sun – LAK).
At first glance, two potential plug and play options have caught my eye:
* MTL Antti Niemi (Fri – @ ANA)
* STL Jake Allen (Thurs – @ LAK)
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Yung Dak – @dakg
Is Marcus Johansson worth adding?
Yup, I think he’ll provide sneaky fantasy value now that he’s with the Boston Bruins.
Johansson is currently skating on the second line with Jake DeBrusk and David Krejci. He’s also playing the right point on the second power play unit. Sneaky value to be had here.
Scud – @ScottBiggsify
Desperate for a playoff push one way or another. Jonathan Quick is failing me and Jacob Markstrom and Devan Dubnyk are holding up fine. I’m looking at either Cory Schneider or Ryan Donato and rolling with two goalies.
Oscar Klefbom is still on my IR. I have Shayne Gostisbehere – do I drop him or Klefbom?
I’d drop Klefbom.
Philadelphia is definitively the better offensive team of the two. Outside of McDavid and Draisaitl, no one is really scoring consistently for the Oilers these days.
And once that bit of business is taken care of, do I drop Quick for Schneider at the risk of Blackwood usurping him or Donato at the risk of his first few games being smoke and mirrors for his remainder of the season?
When it comes to New Jersey’s goalie situation, as I said above – expect Schneider and Blackwood to split the duties down the stretch.
I think picking up Donato is the safer bet. After all, there’s a reason why I picked him as a dark horse for the Calder this season. Clearly, I was way off but Donato was also a victim of circumstance in Boston.
The Harvard product will see plenty of ice in Minnesota. They’re looking to get younger and quicker. There’s sneaky value to be had here.
Michael Lambright – @llamabones
When does next season start?
Early October. Enjoy your offseason.
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