Fantasy Hockey: August Mailbag

Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Is Bedard worth a first overall pick in Fantasy?

— Ben stafford (@BennyJets85) August 22, 2023

The answer to this is all dependent on what kind of draft it is.
If it’s a keeper league, I would definitely think long and hard about it. If it’s a redraft league, I think that type of play is a bit of a reach. Heading into his rookie season, I have Bedard ranked in the 35-45 range, which should make him a third or fourth round pick.

Where do you take Huberdeau this year? Points only

— Luke mccarley (@LukeMcCarley) August 22, 2023

It’s the million dollar question, isn’t it? Personally, I’m huge on bounce-back seasons, and without question, I’m forecasting one for the former Panther. I mean, there’s no way he’ll be as bad as last season —that’s for sure. To answer your question, I would say the 70-90 region. Personally, I’ll probably reach on him a bit because I believe in the player. That said, let the draft come to you. Any way you slice it, it’s very possible Huberdeau could provide some outstanding draft value in 2023-24.

Kuch or Rant

— betahuman (@betahumanx) August 22, 2023

Honestly, I have both pegged as top-10 picks, so you can’t go wrong either way. Furthermore, I think I’ve had the two ranked next to each other for four or five years now. If I had to pick though, I would go with Rantanen. For my money, he’s probably the most underrated player in the NHL right now. Nathan MacKinnon gets a lot of the attention in Denver, and that’s fine. Rantanen had 55 goals and 105 points last season. And that’s all you need to know.

Drafting for the first ever season in a full team keeper league and I'm drafting 8th overall.. who would you aim for??

— Tyler Townsend (@TownsendTyler) August 22, 2023

Assuming Jack Hughes will be off the board at 8, I would gun for the one of Mikko Rantanen, Jason Robertson or Connor Bedard. Again, it all depends how the draft goes, but suffice it is to say, you’ll be getting a special player at 8th overall.

I have 1 waiver left in a deep keeper league. Should i pick up Thomas harley, tommy novak or maybe raddysh?

— Ryan Ramage (@Rammer_Time) August 22, 2023

Of those three players, I like Thomas Novak the most. Even though the Predators added Ryan O’Reilly to be their number-one centre, I still think Novak has fantastic upside. Through 78 total outings in the NHL, he has 18 goals and 50 points. Additionally, he has a good shot to stick on the first power play unit to start the year, which means prolific attachment to the likes of Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg. Moral of the story: Take your chances with Novak here.

Who would you keep in a category league, Fox or Hamilton??

— Jw_in_CAN (@welchy3319) August 22, 2023

Tough question. For me personally however, it would difficult to pass on Adam Fox. I know Hamilton’s coming off an exceptional year and the Devils are poised for a massive year, but I still think Fox has untapped fantasy potential. With Peter Laviolette, an offensive minded coach in the mix, the Rangers should score more goals. Don’t overthink things. Go with Fox.

Thinking of starting a keeper league. Is there a format that you prefer more than others? Any recommendations? League of 16-18 teams with a starting lineup of 6-7 F, 3-4 D and 1-2 G.

Honestly, it’s all about feel. Generally speaking, I love being in leagues that showcase depth. If that’s the case, maybe you go 9 forwards, 3 blueliners and 1-2 goalies. Just poll everyone in your league and you’ll have no problem coming to a decision.

I need to keep 1 goalie out of Ullmark, Saros and Skinner. Only points for wins. Bos wont be as good this year and will Ullmark have the same year? Saros is the best goalie out of the 3 but Nsh is kind of in a rebuild. Edm is supposed to be great and win. So who should I keep?

— Jay Moore (@jayjmoore17) August 22, 2023

This is probably an unpopular answer because I agree with everything you just said, but I think you’re almost forced to go with Ullmark, right? I mean, he just won a Vezina Trophy. Honestly, how many years have people been forecasting the demise of the Boston Bruins. Has it come? Even though they lost Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, and Taylor Hall – among others – they’re still a very talented bunch. Most importantly, they’re very well coached. If it were up to me, I would take my chances with Ullmark. I don’t think the Bruins will be as bad as people think.

What is your deep league (12-14 team) draft strategy for goaltenders? Stud #1 early and fill in later? Mid round tandem?

— Josh Haynes (@JT_Haynes36) August 22, 2023

Tough to answer. It’s all relative to how things play out in your draft. I would just say this: There’s always a goalie run, so you better be prepared for it. With that in mind, I would circle a few guys you’re high on and go from there. Furthermore, the position has become so volatile in recent years that you’re almost better off being patient. I wouldn’t reach on anyone. And that includes the studs at the top.