NHL Fantasy Hat Trick consist of 6 different installments (6 divisions), where I will answer the same 3 questions for each team. These answers, along with my insight will hopefully help you to further your knowledge in the current hockey world. But better yet, help draft a trade for the right players for the upcoming fantasy hockey season.
Now before I start, I got to say that this concept is hard to write because I am making 3 points for each team, 90 points in total, so it feels like I have 90 different opinions.
Please remember 3 things as you read the six installments;
1) A lot of what I have written is very opinionated
2) I am a very active hockey fantasy player
3) I write hockey because I love to discuss it. So if you don’t like or understand some of my points of view, please comment on the website or at my twitter account and let’s discuss it.
Follow me on twitter @thejazlive
Western Conference
Central Division
Detroit Red Wings
What player should I have on every fantasy hockey team?
Henrik Zetterberg – Now here is a true point per-game player and a great pick if you can get him in the second round of your drafts.
What player should I not have on my fantasy hockey team?
Tomas Holmstrom – Holmstrom always was the player that I would draft in the last couple rounds, knowing that he would consistently get 1st line minutes. But now as he gets older I see he point total slipping to a point where there will be better options out there than drafting Holmstrom. Plus I believe he will see more 3rd line minutes this year, than top 6 minutes.
Who could be the sleeper for this team that I should be drafting?
Justin Abdelkader – His first full season showed that Justin can be a quality 3rd line physical player. But Abdelkader isn’t getting enough production for my fantasy team, which worries me. I don’t think he will be a productive two way player, so I’m passing on him for someone who could get me more points.
Chicago Blackhawks
What player should I have on every fantasy hockey team?
Jonathan Toews – If there was one guy to draft last season it had to be Toews. Coming off two sub 70 point performance you just knew Toews could produce more. So I draft him and I was reward with 76 points. Now the question is can he beat 76… mmm… yes he can! I’m drafting him because Toews has not reached his ceiling yet.
What player should I not have on my fantasy hockey team?
Steve Montador – If PIM and +/- matter in your league then draft Montador, but if not, find another option.
Who could be the sleeper for this team that I should be drafting?
Michael Frolik – One thing that I am frustrated about drafting Frolik is that he is stuck behind Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane in the Blackhawks depth charts. If we could see Frolik move over to the left wing, we could get 60 point out of him.
Nashville Predators
What player should I have on every fantasy hockey team?
Shea Weber – Weber is one of few who can be a #1 fantasy defenseman and his arbitration ruling is an example of why Weber is such a unique talent.
What player should I not have on my fantasy hockey team?
Mike Fisher – Fisher hasn’t completely recovered from the shoulder surgery he had this off season. Meaning he is going to be slow and not 100% when the start of the season comes. Leave him alone and draft him a bit later than what his ranking says.
Who could be the sleeper for this team that I should be drafting?
Sergei Kostitsyn – Kostitsyn wasn’t slated to be a sleeper candidate last season, but getting out of the pressure packed city of Montreal, Kostitsyn was able to perform to his abilities in the much less media frenzy of Nashville. Will he repeat his 50 point performance from last season? Yes, I think he can do it, but he will need other players like Fisher and Patric Hornqvist to help him out.
St. Louis Blues
What player should I have on every fantasy hockey team?
Jaroslav Halak – With still no franchise forward on this team I look to Halak to carry the load for this team and lead them into the playoffs. He’s a proven goalie, though he might be better fitted a strong 2nd goalie on your fantasy teams.
What player should I not have on my fantasy hockey team?
Barret Jackman – He does not give you the points and even though he plays on the first line, his +/- does not help his cause to be drafted on a fantasy team.
Who could be the sleeper for this team that I should be drafting?
T.J. Oshie – A disappointing drop off in points for the youngster could mean that he is on the verge to break out, this season. Since some players take more time to master the ways of how you play the NHL game. But keep a careful eye on him during training camp and pre-season. Oshie’s talent is worth putting your money where your mouth is.
Columbus Blue Jackets
What player should I have on every fantasy hockey team?
Rick Nash – With the addition of Jeff Carter we could see Nash break 80 points for the first time in his career.
What player should I not have on my fantasy hockey team?
Fedor Tyutin – A long term contact does suggest the Jackets have big plans for this two way defender. But even though he is extremely healthy, I personally have always stayed away from Tyutin and drafted a defender from a winning team.
Who could be the sleeper for this team that I should be drafting?
Ryan Johansen – Johansen have progressed very well even since he was drafted by the Blue Jackets. He has the size and skill, to be a top center. But Blue Jackets now have so much depth at center and it is going to be ashamed not being able to see Johansen play more. Johansen is a sleeper because he has the skills to put up the points.
Make sure you tune in on Thursday to read the Northwest Division. And by chance if you missed my last installment on the Southeast Division you can find it HERE.
