Fantasy Hockey Spotlight: 2015 Sleeper Picks

We are only a short few months away from the NHL season, meaning we are that much closer to making our first round picks in fantasy hockey. Drafts can be long depending on how many players each team gets/how many teams there are in your league. A number of players can be chosen in a round, but only one can be taken. Make sure you aren’t the one member in your league who’s in the cellar all alone. Below are key players who can make a difference.

Teuvo Teravainen, Blackhawks, C

Feb 3, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks forward Teuvo Teravainen (86) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Blackhawks 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

There has been concern recently whether or not Teravainen will be a top six forward or not. He certainly proved himself worthy of a top spot down the stretch of the season, as well as a recognizable playoff run. In 18 playoff games he went: (4-6-10) with a 15.4 shot percent. The Hawks have done everything but makes themselves better this offseason because of cap issues. Recent reports around teh league are saying that Teravainen could indeed be the number two center on the roster. Moving him up to the second line will increase his value, as he will be playing alongside Patrick Kane. Things are panning for a great year from Teravainen. Don’t miss out on him if he’s available in later rounds.

Anders Lee, Islanders, C

Feb 19, 2015; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders center Anders Lee (27) and center John Tavares (91) celebrate a goal by left wing Josh Bailey (12) (not pictured) during the third period against the Nashville Predators at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. New York Islanders won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

This may not come as a surprise because Lee has cemented his presence on the Islanders top line. This 2009 NHL Entry Draft pick was taken in the 6th round at #152. Goes to show how deep drafts can be. Same thing goes for fantasy hockey. On the roster sheet, he is listed as a Center, although, he plays at LW on the first line with John Tavares. Lee has been called up to the NHL before by the Islanders, but could never prove himself. Last season going (25-16-41) in 76 games, he’s not going anywhere. Need I say more? Patience is a virtue. He’ll be around late in drafts.

Jonathan Drouin, Lightning, LW

Feb 22, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Jonathan Drouin (27) controls the puck in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

After what most considered a disappointing season for the rookie, Drouin is on the rise. He was hyped up to be a superstar right away, much like that of teammate Steven Stamkos. He started the year playing with Stammer, but soon after was juggled around other lines. In his rookie season, Stamkos went (23-23-46) in 79 games. Drouin: (4-28-32) in 70 games. The following year for Stamkos he put up (51-44-95) in 82 games. Expect the same results for Drouin who is not a bust pick. When he develops and is playing with Stamkos full time, you have a starting LW on your fantasy team. Good things come to those who wait.

Paul Martin, Sharks, D

Mar 29, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) shoots the puck as Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Paul Martin (7) and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) defend the net during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

At age 34 it’s safe to say Martin is well past his prime. That doesn’t mean he should be considered a has been in fantasy leagues though. He has always been more of a defensive defenseman. Last year accruing 20 points in 74 games. Dealing with a crowded blue-line, meant that Martin was was an afterthought in Pittsburgh. He did have a lot of ice time, however, he was competing with guys like: Letang, Ehrhoff, Maatta, Scuderi, and Lovejoy among others. It’s going to be a new scene in San Jose as they lack D. Bringing Burns back to defense means that Martin will absolutely play on the top pair with him. Could be some PP time in there as well. Martin has always had consistent +/- and BS numbers. Finishing this past tenure with 139 BS (T-32nd among all D). If your league counts these categories, give him a look as there is potential for offense too.

Cam Talbot, Oilers, G

Mar 26, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers goalie Cam Talbot (33) makes a save in the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

The story of Talbot is definitely interesting. Once Lundqvist went down with a neck injury, it was up to Talbot to take the realm. He did well in that timeframe going 21-9-4, eventually helping land the Rangers into a playoff spot. The question is: Will he keep that same momentum on an Oilers team that has been awful? It doesn’t hurt to investigate. Now that Edmonton has McDavid, you would think they’d have to be better come October. Who knows. Their problem is still on D. Sure, they added guys like Sekera and Reinhart, but it’s going to be a waiting game. If you do decide on taking Talbot as a security blanket for your starting goaltender, do so with your very last pick. Nobody else will have the guts to do so. If your league allows keepers, this pick is that much sweeter giving you the option to keep him around if Edmonton does improve.

Fantasy Hockey Spotlight: Sleeper Picks

By Mike Pandolfi | Jul 20, 2015

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