Fantasy Hockey Mailbag: Stützle, Kaprizov among rookies making noise

It took a while, but this year’s NHL rookie crop is starting to make some serious noise.

Exhibit A: November’s first overall pick Alexis Lafreniere. After an extremely slow start, the New York Rangers winger has six points over his past six outings. Don’t look now, but the 19-year-old is heating up.

Then there’s Ottawa’s Tim Stützle, who’s coming off being named February’s Rookie of the Month. The 19-year-old German has one goal and seven points over the past eight contests.

If you haven’t watched Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov yet, you’re missing out. At this point, many in hockey believe the Calder Trophy is the 23-year-old Russian’s to lose. Kaprizov currently leads all rookies in assists (11), points (17) and points per game (0.85). Simply put, he’s been a monster.

So, what am I trying to tell you? Firstly, the time is now to jump back in on this year’s freshmen class. Secondly, utilize this information next time you put together a roster for the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Pool.

Now to your questions:

I would entertain trade offers, that’s for sure.

As a fantasy owner, it’s all about maximizing value. Considering where you likely drafted Ehlers, you’re playing with house money at this point. If an opportunity arose to move Ehlers and address other needs on your roster, I’d strongly recommend doing it, provided it makes sense of course. Ehlers’ stock is at an all-time high, it’s time to take advantage of that!

For starters, I think Drake Batherson’s emergence is real, especially considering the fact that this is a contract year for him. Money motivation is a beautiful thing.

For rest of season purposes, the 22-year-old should have no problem continuing along at a decent clip. What he’s done recently, on the other hand, is an unrealistic pace. I say Batherson will fall somewhere in between. Long story short, he’ll put himself in line for a significant financial boost in the off-season.

The likeliest scenario, however — depending on waiver options, of course — is that you’ll end up dropping Batherson once he goes cold. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Ride the hot wave!

There’s 16 guys in our pool (total pts only) & I won 3 of the last 5 seasons but am currently in 15th (thx Kik!)

We draft 20 guys each and can only trade 2 guys after games are finished March 14th.

What excuse can I use for the pathetic showing by my team? #GDOTYcup

— Doc Tetrault (@doctorb22) March 3, 2021

Honestly, I’m not one for excuses in fantasy hockey, but it’s been a season like no other. We’ll leave it at that. Start planning for the future.

Islanders by a landslide, the Kings will come crashing back to reality very soon.

As a third option, I don’t mind the play. As intimated above, I don’t view Los Angeles as a playoff team this season. They’re firmly in a rebuild with no plans to deviate from that leading up to the April 12 trade deadline. Translation: turbulence ahead.

I like Petersen, just be aware of what you’re signing up for.

The answer has to be Blackwood, right?

Unsurprisingly, the 24-year-old has cooled off significantly recently after a blazing start to the season. Even in that difficult East Division, I still think the Devils will a remain competitive bunch. The wins might not always be there, but I still think the numbers will —if that makes sense.

There’s no denying Ottawa has a bright future. Having said that, they’ve been a train wreck defensively this season with Matt Murray being an active contributor to that. I’m staying away.

Blackwood over Murray.

Honestly, I’d feel pretty comfortable moving on from this file right now. Even with his torrid start, I don’t view Verhaeghe as much more than a waiver play. To me, he’s comparable to say a Chandler Stephenson in Vegas. Both offer legitimate five-on-five value but not much more outside of that. They’re disposable.

Considering Verhaeghe’s only about 25 per cent rostered, the fantasy community is pretty much in agreeance with me. You can always circle back down the road.

I know it’s annoying, but it’s unlikely at this point. If you have commissioner capabilities, it would be wise to add IR+ spots. This happens way too frequently. Angering, I know.

Despite his recent struggles, I’d hang onto Palmieri. He could be a useful deadline piece for a contender, assuming he doesn’t re-sign with the Devils.

Drop Puljujarvi. Until he produces consistently over a long stretch of games, he’ll continue to be nothing more than a waiver stream option for me. You won’t miss out on him, trust me. Additionally, it’s not like opposing managers are champing at the bit for Puljujarvi to hit the waiver wire. I’m sure you can get him again down the road.

For sure, I’d scoop up Roslovic. He’s been outstanding for Columbus. I’m not as bullish on Wahlstrom. The rookie has been red-hot, but it’s still the Islanders — offence will continue to be at a premium for that team.

Yes, as long as Grzelcyk continues to ride on PP1 with the big boys, I think he’s worth a flier. Also, Weegar over de Haan — much higher offensive upside.