Fantasy Hockey Spotlight: New Faces in New Places
It is currently the middle of July, meaning that we are only a few months away from fantasy hockey. Some may be preparing already. For the most part, we know what most teams rosters will look like come opening night. The lines are still to be finalized, and we don’t know which rookies will actually play this year. Lets dive in and take a look at new faces in new places.
Francois Beauchemin, Colorado Avalanche, D
May 27, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin (23) skates with the puck during the first period of game six of the Western Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
He will most likely be the on the top D pair along with Tyson Barrie. Beauchemin’s value automatically increases as he will be the top D pair and will incur many PP minutes. The Ducks had a crowded blue-line, but Francois was still able to put up decent numbers (11-12-23) in only 64 games. He blocks a lot of shots (107 total, ranked T-84 for D). The biggest concern for him is health as he’s had a hard time staying on the ice in recent years. He will put up better numbers as the leading Avalanche D, but beware if he gets hurt. Don’t go crazy on him or waste an early round pick. Late round pick.
Brandon Saad, Columbus Blue Jackets, LW
Jun 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Brandon Saad (20) celebrates after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in game four of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
After being unable to agree on a deal with the Blackhawks, Saad was dealt to Columbus. He is coming off back-to-back good seasons, and at a young age of 22, it seems like he will be a consistent top-6 forward. He will be on one of the top two lines for the Blue Jackets. Making the most money of their roster is evidence of that. He lacks PP production, but that was mainly due to the fact that Chicago has had so much offensive power over recent years. Saad will absolutely be on a power-play line in his new home. Last season, he recorded 23 goals. 6 of which were game-winners. That comes out to 26% of his goals being GWG. He’s a great option for a starting LW. Grab him after the elites are gone, around rounds 3-4.
Phil Kessel, Pittsburgh Penguins, RW
Jan 29, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel (81) takes a shot against the Arizona Coyotes at the Air Canada Centre. Arizona defeated Toronto 3-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
There’s not much to say here besides the fact that Kessel, is well, just Kessel.
Obviously, he is one of the best forwards in the game today, and was recently traded to an already dominant Penguins offense. He puts up killer number every year and is a PP workhorse. The fact that he was able to maintain his health and production on the Maple Leafs shows he will only get better in his new town. He shoots a lot (280 shots last year). If you’re in a league that keeps track of this, it only makes him that much more valuable. The biggest debate now is whether he will play one the first line with Crosby, or the second with Malkin. Ultimately, he will wind up on the first line. Perron and Kessel aren’t the best at defense and back-checking. They need to be on separate lines. First line will look like: Kunitz-Crosby-Kessel. Playing with the face on the NHL? Count me in. Late first round-early second round pick.
Patrick Sharp, Dallas Stars, LW
Jun 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing Patrick Sharp (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first period game five of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sharp is coming off a Stanley Cup win and brings veteran experience to a Stars team. Jamie Benn will not be taken off the first line. This leaves Sharp to play on the second line with Spezza and Hemsky. Sharp’s strongest assets are his goals and assists. It would be nice to see his +/- go up as it fluctuates very much. Over the past five seasons his +/- has been: -8, 13, 8, 28, and -1 respectively. He shoots a lot (230 in 14-15). Patrick isn’t the healthiest of options, however, he is still a good pick in fantasy. Round 5 is ideal.
Robin Lehner, Buffalo Sabres, G
Feb 3, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Mike Cammalleri (not in picture) scores winning goal against Ottawa Senators goalie Robin Lehner (40) during the third period at the Prudential Center. New Jersey Devils defeat the Ottawa Senators 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Robin Lehner hasn’t been the best goalie recently. He’s young (23 years) and still has a lot of developing to do. Lehner has been a backup and therefore, spent most of his time on the bench. During his five year tenure is Ottawa, he only started 76 games. It’s hard to break down his numbers as being a backup messes with the stats a bit. His career averages for GAA (2.88) and SV% (.914%) aren’t that bad. Buffalo certainly will not be a contender this season, but they are a team to watch in the coming years. In most leagues, Lehner will be skipped over. Don’t be one of those people. He has potential for years to come, and this is good for keeper leagues. Take him at the end of the draft. Chances are he’ll still be there.
–All stats and numbers recorded from NHL.com and ESPN.com