Fantasy Hockey Spotlight: Philadelphia Flyers
As stated in previous Fantasy Hockey Spotlight articles, it is important to pay attention to which sweater a player is sporting. With the Flyers, there are a number of players to target in fantasy hockey drafts. With good, comes bad so there are several stay away from guys as well.
Invest:
Claude Giroux: Not much of an explanation needed here. Giroux has been the cornerstone of the Flyers franchise since joining the team. A consistent playmaker that puts up great numbers every year is a fantasy hockey owners’ dream. He should be drafted in the late first/early second round in drafts.
Sam Gagner: When he was first grabbed by the Flyers, many were skeptical of the acquisition. Now that the Flyers organization has shown they are committed to Gagner, he has great potential in Philly. He will most likely be a bottom six forward, but he has never been on a team as talented as that of the Flyers. Health is a major concern. Therefore, take him in the 12+ round area. He’ll be around and you won’t regret it.
Yevgeny Medvedev: Medvedev is almost certain to be one of the six starting defensemen on the roster this year. Which pairing he will play on, has yet to be known. In the end, it doesn’t matter. Playing for the KHL has shown that Medvedev is not the best point producer, but he is good for other categories, such as PIM. He has a high ceiling in the NHL to produce more points, possibly on the powerplay, and will still get you penalty numbers. The last round in your draft is when Medvedev should be taken in fantasy hockey drafts.
Feb 11, 2014; Sochi, RUSSIA; Russia defenseman Yevgeni Medvedev (82) during an ice hockey training session for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games at Bolshoy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Avoid:
Vincent Lecavalier: After unsuccessfully trying to trade him away, it appears he will be playing for the Flyers once again. He may not have the best confidence entering this season amid all the trade rumors. With Philadelphia attempting to ship him off shows that they are not invested in Lecavalier. This could affect his ice time. Gagner coming in will hurt his value too. He’s well past his prime.
R.J. Umberger: His first year with the Flyers was not the best. In 67 games Umberger posted only 15 points. There is a lot of competition on the Flyers forward committee. His best days in Columbus are past him and his fantasy hockey value just isn’t there anymore.
Steve Mason: The defense is basically the same as last years. The same defense that could not help Mason out. Yes, he does produce great save percentage numbers, but not winning hurts. He will go undrafted in almost all leagues, and there is a valid reason. If Mason turns it around, absolutely grab him off the waiver wire. Until the defense proves they can help out a good goalie, stay away from drafting him.
Apr 11, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Steve Mason (35) moves to block a pass by Ottawa Senators right wing Bobby Ryan (6) during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
–All stats and numbers recorded from NHL.com
Next: Four Flyers to Bounce Back Next Year