Fantasy Hockey: Preseason Mailbag
What’s potential upside for Pavel Zacha? We thinking he’s gonna be bruins #1 centre all season
— Damon Vanderlinde (@Dvanderlinde19) September 19, 2023Believe it or not, even though he’s coming off a career high 21-goal, 57-point season, I do think Zacha has untapped fantasy potential, especially if he sticks on the top-line with David Pastrnak. Furthermore, your second question is hard to answer right now. If Boston is contention around the trade deadline, obviously, they’ll be looking to add some centre depth. That said, there’s no question they feel strongly about Zacha, and they should considering the season he’s coming off of. We’ll see if he can handle the promotion. Those are big shoes to fill.
Fade the bruins? Marchand or Tuch in a keeper?
— sunset commando (@ColinSpensley) September 19, 2023I’m probably in the minority on this, but considering the body of work for that franchise over the past decade, I’m not ready to bury them just yet. With that in mind, I’m definitely leaning Marchand over Tuch in a head-to-head. Even without Patrice Bergeron, I think Marchand will have no problem being a top-30 fantasy player – at the very least – this season. And that’s no slight on Tuch either. I like him a lot; I just like Marchand more.
Should I target Pettersson or Stuzle in the 2nd round of my draft?
— Number One Hockey League (@the_NOHL) September 19, 2023Both are studs, but I have Pettersson ranked slightly higher than Stutzle, so I’ll go with him. Also, I love the contract year angle for EP40. As a general practice, I love owning players with money motivation on the mind. Hot take: Pettersson hits the 40-goal plateau for the first time in his career this season.
Which defender will manage The Sharks PP?
— Peter (@StenkollFantasy) September 19, 2023My early money is on Mario Ferraro, but we’ll see. Furthermore, whoever breaks camp with that role could prove to be a cheeky waiver play down the road.
What is your take on what Beniers season will look like this year?
— Glenn Law (@its_glenn_law) September 19, 2023The sky’s the limit for Beniers, especially coming off a Calder Trophy. Assuming there’s no sophomore slump and he continues to progress, I don’t see why he can’t tally 25-30 goals and 65-75 points. Again, it’s a hard league, so it’s fair to expect some turbulence. This kid’s a stud, though.
What is Carter Hart’s fantasy value? Does he get traded and when?
— Tyler Jones (@Tj12Jones) September 19, 2023Until Philadelphia demonstrates consistency defensively, I’m staying far away from their crease. He’s a solid goalie with tons of potential, but unfortunately he’s stuck in a graveyard right now. Furthermore, I do see a trade going down in-season. For my money, that’s more of an offseason move —if the Flyers elect to go that route.
Keeper league, I have 2nd pick going to probably take an Oiler. Should I consider EKane as a keeper over Boldy, Cozens, or Mercer? none of them?
— HockeyCub (@CubHockey) September 19, 2023Yes, unequivocally, I like Kane over all three of those guys you mentioned. Not only does he quietly cover a ton of different categories, but most importantly, night in and night out, he gets sublime exposure to the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl at even strength and on the power play, too. No brainer decision for me.
Is Dahlin worth considering as a keeper? Will he be able to replicate his success last season to this season?
— Cory (@EclecticDrkness) September 19, 2023Depending on your league settings of course, I think Dahlin’s definitely worth considering as a keeper —at the very least. Considering the season he’s coming off, you have every reason to feel skeptical about him replicating those numbers. That said, I do believe the hype. Dahlin’s rapidly ascending into one of the top blueliners in the world. Period, full stop. He should be on every keeper radar right now.