Fantasy Hockey Q&A: Who to focus on, who will bounce again and far more

Which under-the-radar names must you be concentrating on in your hockey pool? Will Erik Karlsson rebound after a moderately gradual begin? Fantasy hockey knowledgeable Matt Larkin answered your fantasy hockey questions.
@Scott_Pianowski: Erik Karlsson, make me unsad.
Matt Larkin: He’ll be wonderful – began slowly final 12 months, too – however “wonderful” doesn’t imply he’ll return to peak ranges. Sharks ahead depth depleted, that means fewer of his passes flip into targets. Additionally, he’s 29, so decline years loom. However “getting older, declining Erik Karlsson” may nonetheless imply 55-60 factors.
@ExiledFromYoop: Whereas I’m fortunately using excessive and gloating with a sure Coyotes goalie, how painful in Kuemper’s regression to the imply going to be?
Matt Larkin: Possibly not that painful? Tocchet has full confidence in him (our subsequent journal is the goalie concern – features a Kuemper story!). And Kuemper is top-10 within the league in anticipated targets in opposition to per 60. Has been good for nearly a calendar 12 months.
@Ommmzzz: Underneath the radar gamers to observe for in Hits/Blocks leagues?
Matt Larkin: I’m the lead conductor on the Sammy Blais prepare, however possibly persons are onto him now (21% Yahoo possession). So how about Max Comtois? In 22 profession video games, he has 12 factors and 48 hits. four% Yahoo possession.
@DLuzny: Ought to I commerce Kris Letang for Seth Jones?
Matt Larkin: In a keeper league: for positive. In a redraft league? Not so positive. Jones’ fantasy worth received wounded by Panarin/Duchene leaving. Letang wager to overlook time however produces D1 numbers when he’s within the lineup.
@ACass22: Is Corey Perry price taking a flyer on in a league that’s simply targets and assists? Stars are beginning to warmth up.
Matt Larkin: Solely in DEEPER THAN DEEP leagues for Perry. I’ll put it this manner: I play in a 16-team league with 20-man rosters, and he’s owned in that league, however his total possession is 5% in Yahoo.
@JKflames: I’ve Rittich, Hellebuyck, and F. Andersen as goalies, seeking to offload one for some ahead assist. Stats counted are wins, shutouts, saves, targets in opposition to. Which two can be greatest to maintain for the rest of the 12 months?
Matt Larkin: Rittich actually is intriguing, however I’ve to lean towards the confirmed guys. Andersen for positive, and possibly nonetheless Hellebuyck too. This determination is method more durable than it could’ve been even a month in the past, nevertheless. Andersen has been the weakest up to now, however gradual begins are widespread for him.
@MrHagizz: Ought to I maintain Andreas Johnsson or change him with Travis Konecny?
Matt Larkin: Wow, that’s a humdinger. I like each gamers loads. However it’s important to go Konecny. He’s virtually three years youthful than Johnsson and already has two 24-goal seasons by age 22. The ceiling is greater for Konecny.
@Terpish: Can I drop Trouba or Klefbom for Niskanen or DeAngelo? DeAngelo has mainly taken Trouba’s job in NY, proper?
Matt Larkin: I wouldn’t rush to drop Trouba simply but. However might be price dropping Klefbom or DeAngelo. I don’t consider DeAngelo as a fluke. Offense was at all times his calling card in junior. His ability was by no means doubtful. Solely his intangibles have been
@RDAbyronhackett: I’ve Marzek, Grubauer and Griess as my goalies. How sustainable is that as a trio or ought to I search for assist?
Matt Larkin: In at this time’s NHL, I really feel like that’s not a foul trio in any respect, particularly in a rate-stats league. If quantity stats carry extra weight, take into account promoting Greiss, as he’s a 35-40-game man.
@Vith101: John Klingberg for Quinn Hughes?
Matt Larkin: Very tempting. I do assume Klingberg is a purchase low, however he’s banged up, and Hughes has been as marketed. In a redraft league? I really feel such as you’re promoting too low on Klingberg. Keeper league in the event you’re rebuilding? Certain. Make the deal.
@ZachAttack9633: Within the absence of Tarasenko, who, moreover Schenn, is an effective seize from St. Louis?
Matt Larkin: Robert Thomas and Sammy Blais have been the early beneficiaries. The safer long-term wager to get top-line appears is perhaps David Perron, although. Additionally: don’t overlook about Jordan Kyrou within the AHL. Wholesome now. Already two factors in his first AHL sport this 12 months.
@Dylan_Maygloth: Commerce Evander Kane for JT Miller? Or is Miller gonna fizzle out over the season
Matt Larkin: I might not, particularly in case your league counts hits and/or pictures. Miller has at all times been streaky. Hasn’t put it collectively over a full season. He’s nonetheless participant, however I’m simply saying I choose Kane to him.
@Evgenemy: Who would you retain in your roster? Robin Lehner or Antti Raanta?
Matt Larkin: Robin Lehner. Just because Crawford’s well being is much shakier than Kuemper’s.
@Spence_Smith24: Possibilities Mikael Granlund will get issues circled and again on a 60+ level tempo?
Matt Larkin: I’m a bit frightened. Possibly Preds’ workmanlike system isn’t tailor-made to his finesse. Expertise hasn’t gone wherever, however he might have a system that fits his abilities higher.
@Hockey_Havoc: I received Alex DeBrincat, Calle Jarnkrok and MacKenzie Blackwood for Keith Yandle and Semyon Varlamov. Was this commerce?
Matt Larkin: You probably did get the very best participant within the deal in DeBrincat. However appears such as you purchased excessive on Jarnkrok. In case you have good goaltending depth, I prefer it for you. For those who don’t…gulp.
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Tags: fantasy hockey, nhlConnect: Concerning the AuthorMatt LarkinMatt Larkin is a senior author at The Hockey Information and has been a part of the workforce since 2011. He is your one-stop store for deep-dive participant interviews, predictions, statistics, fantasy participant rankings, participant security and hair ideas. Catch him weekly as host of The Hockey Information Stay and The Hockey Information Podcast.