Life is better with hockey on. The best part of the NHL, in my opinion, is the unpredictability. Did anyone really see the Blue Jackets putting up eight goals on the Coyotes or the Sabres beating last year's Stanley Cup finalist Canadiens? While some of these things can incite panic or joy in fan bases, it's important to remember that no team has played more than three games yet. The start of the season can show us where teams are headed, but it's by no means a make-or-break part of the year.
That said, some seeds have been planted this past week that could blossom into fantasy value. I'd like to shine a particular spotlight on Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty, who both sit in the top-three in NHL scoring this week. Obviously, fantasy managers can't just pick them off the waiver wire -- they were often mid-round selections this season. Their value is likely through the roof in a trade now, but we can capitalize on the hot starts by looking at the supporting cast.
- Viktor Arvidsson picked up a power-play goal and an assist in two games, and he also added 10 shots on goal. His offense has declined for three straight years due to injury and shortened seasons, but he's gotten first dibs on Kopitar's left wing. Just for comparison's sake, Dustin Brown likely has Kopitar to thank for not dropping under 30 points in the last five years. The injury concern with Arvidsson is fair,
Life is better with hockey on. The best part of the NHL, in my opinion, is the unpredictability. Did anyone really see the Blue Jackets putting up eight goals on the Coyotes or the Sabres beating last year's Stanley Cup finalist Canadiens? While some of these things can incite panic or joy in fan bases, it's important to remember that no team has played more than three games yet. The start of the season can show us where teams are headed, but it's by no means a make-or-break part of the year.
That said, some seeds have been planted this past week that could blossom into fantasy value. I'd like to shine a particular spotlight on Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty, who both sit in the top-three in NHL scoring this week. Obviously, fantasy managers can't just pick them off the waiver wire -- they were often mid-round selections this season. Their value is likely through the roof in a trade now, but we can capitalize on the hot starts by looking at the supporting cast.
- Viktor Arvidsson picked up a power-play goal and an assist in two games, and he also added 10 shots on goal. His offense has declined for three straight years due to injury and shortened seasons, but he's gotten first dibs on Kopitar's left wing. Just for comparison's sake, Dustin Brown likely has Kopitar to thank for not dropping under 30 points in the last five years. The injury concern with Arvidsson is fair, but he looks to be on the path to a bounce-back year.
- Vladimir Tkachev didn't win an even-strength role alongside Kopitar, but the Russian is seeing time on the top power-play unit. It's not easy for a 26-year-old to finally break into the NHL, but he's got a good track record in the KHL, and he's posted a pair of power-play assists in two games. The exposure to elite talent is a big perk.
- For now, Adrian Kempe and Alex Iafallo are limited to second-line roles flanking center Phillip Danault. Both wingers are solid players, but it's tough to see them doing much without a path to Kopitar. For now, consider Kempe and Iafallo depth options in standard formats, and know that their values will rise should head coach Todd McLellan need to change the mix in his top six.
- Mikey Anderson isn't on the scoresheet yet, but he's a name to keep an eye on as Drew Doughty's regular defense partner. He posted just 11 points with 66 hits and 74 blocked shots last season in 54 games, so it's clear the 22-year-old hasn't hit his stride on offense. There's potential for some residual offense, and the physical aspect of his game may carry value in deeper formats.
Outside of the Kings, Jesse Puljujarvi looks set to take a huge leap this season. In 2020-21, he had to battle for the right to play alongside Connor McDavid, but he's gotten the gig from the start this year. The results: two goals, two assists and seven shots on net through two games. Puljujarvi was the fourth overall pick in 2016, but it took him some time to look comfortable in the NHL. With Leon Draisaitl on McDavid's opposite wing to start the year, the 23-year-old Puljujarvi looks like a safer option to roster than free-agent signing Zach Hyman.
The Wild have won both of their games to start the year, albeit against Southern California rebuilders in the Kings and Ducks. Head coach Dean Evason's approach has been one of a balanced roster -- no forward really plays big minutes. Kirill Kaprizov is the obvious standout here, but give a little love to Joel Eriksson Ek and Mats Zuccarello as his linemates to open the year. Kevin Fiala also sees time on the top power-play unit -- those three forwards could benefit from Kaprizov's talent early on.
The worst-case scenario seems to be in play for the Golden Knights with Max Pacioretty (lower body) out six weeks and Mark Stone (lower body) still being evaluated. Those two are easily the most talented wingers on the team -- they won't be easy to replace, both for head coach Pete DeBoer or fantasy managers. Call-ups will come eventually, but for now, Evgenii Dadonov and Keegan Kolesar have the most to gain. In deeper formats, Kolesar should provide excellent physicality. He has one assist, 13 hits and five PIM in just two games. Dadonov's more of a scoring option, and he's a bit more experienced, but he isn't known to drive play on his own. Among the potential call-ups, I imagine Peyton Krebs has the best chance to return solid value in standard formats.
I wouldn't have believed you if you told me Brandon Tanev would score three goals in three games for the Kraken this past week. Turbo's only put seven pucks on net, so there's obvious concern for regression here, but he's a great option as a short-term add. In deeper formats, you might even want to keep him around once he comes back to Earth since he's usually among the league leaders in hits. As long as Tanev is running hot, Ryan Donato could also be a good winger to add. Donato additionally plays on the power play, and he's got two points in three contests.
I feel for those who invested an early pick into Connor Hellebuyck or Marc-Andre Fleury this year. Both goalies have been let down by their defenses in the early going, but keep in mind scoring tends to be up a bit in October. Of the two, Hellebuyck's on a stronger team, so I'd expect his bounce-back to be swifter and more noticeable. At worst, Fleury's situation turns into a timeshare with Kevin Lankinen, but their success or failure is going to depend on the Blackhawks' blueliners.
Brady Tkachuk is set to debut Thursday versus the Sharks, so now would be a good time to look at the likes of Josh Norris (one goal) and Drake Batherson (one assist). What the Senators might lack in offense, they make up for with physical play, giving you well-rounded depth forwards for your virtual squad. Also consider giving defenseman Thomas Chabot a corresponding bump in trade value, while Nikita Zaitsev could make for a solid physical depth option after he posted 17 points, 114 hits and 110 blocked shots in 55 outings last season.
Even with Nicklas Backstrom (hip) out, the Capitals' forward depth looks capable of running three scoring lines. Hendrix Lapierre scored in his NHL debut Wednesday, and he should continue playing alongside veterans T.J. Oshie and Conor Sheary at even strength. All three have the potential to outplay their current role, although Oshie likely won't come cheap in trade talks.
Speaking of forward depth, I present the Hurricanes. They've got arguably the best top-nine in the league -- only the Panthers and Blues really come close. Getting a piece of this offense's best players is like a non-starter in trades, but Jordan Staal, Jesper Fast and Jesperi Kotkaniemi can still be added for free in places. This team looks special, and they'll be worth keeping an eye on going forward.
Not to skip over the Panthers, but Sam Bennett's hat trick Saturday looks like he might be making me have a heaping serving of my own words. It won't take much longer to convince me that his change of scenery last year was for the better -- let's see how this upcoming three-game week goes for the second-line center. If nothing else, his physicality should make up for any lapses in scoring.
Last but not least, I'd like to officially announce that I think the Rangers are set to collectively take a step forward. Having Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad on separate lines should do wonders for their linemates -- especially last year's No. 1 overall pick Alexis Lafreniere and Filip Chytil, who will fill in on the second line while Ryan Strome (COVID-19 protocols) is out. They've got a good blend of veteran talent and youth with room to grow on Broadway.
The key going forward after the first week of the season is to not get too attached to anyone. As we've already seen, injuries can take a good situation and ruin it -- seriously, send a fruit basket to Chandler Stephenson. But with every misfortune for one player, there's an opportunity for another, and we as fantasy managers have to be ready and able to recognize those players who take advantage of the gifts they're given. Good luck in your leagues this week, and I'll talk to you next Monday.
