Fantasy Hockey: Mid-Summer Mailbag
How high do you value taking guys in contract years? Does that move guys up a round?
— BC from BC (@betconsensus) July 24, 2023Honestly, it all depends on the player. For me personally, I put substantial stock in contract year players, especially high-end ones. As we’ve learned time and time again, players tend to perform the best when they’re playing for a new contract. That said, it’s important to stress that it’s an unproven science. Just because someone’s in a contract year, it doesn’t mean they’re going to significantly bat above their average drive position. Not to dance around your question, but it’s all relative to the player in question.
Too risky to pick up Michkov in any format? I picked him up in a 5 keeper league. I’ll hold until next season to see if he’s on the flyers roster 🤞
— everett windsor (@everettwindsor) July 24, 2023Be prepared to wait.
To the best of my knowledge, Michkov has a deal with SKA St. Petersburgh of the KHL that runs through 2025-26. That, of course, means that the earliest we’ll see him in the NHL is the 2026-27 campaign.
I don’t know about you, but that’s a lot of fantasy seasons away.
Time to give up Quenton Byfield?
— Coach Leslie Simon (@LeslieEricSimon) July 24, 2023I wouldn’t say give up completely, but I wouldn’t be in a rush to draft him if that makes sense.
Byfield, 20, has only played 99 career games in the NHL. He’s still very young. I think he has the tools to be an absolute stud. Furthermore, for now, I would classify him as a ‘deep sleeper’ heading into next season. To start the year, he’s expected to play on a line with Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe —not bad company if you ask me.
Top bounce back candidates?
— shay henrique (@shenrique1418) July 24, 2023Off the top of my head, all I can think of is Calgary themed options: Johnny Gaudreau, Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri, and Elias Lindholm. Also, some other names that come to mind: Andrei Svechnikov, John Carlson, Spencer Knight, and Jakub Vrana.
Which goaltenders are you keeping (if any)? Georgiev, Andersen, swayman, vanecek. Wolf. Format is W-L-GA-SV-SO.
— StMikes35 (@SMikes35) July 24, 2023Georgiev for sure. I have a preliminary top-250 put together, and believe it or not, I have him as my No. 1 goalie right now. Things can change, but without question, he’ll be somewhere in my top 5. Additionally, because of the season he had last year, you almost have to run it back with Vanecek, no? The Devils are gross.
Needless to say, I would stay away from Andersen. At his projected average draft position, it’s unlikely the juice will be worth the squeeze. He gets injured way too much for my liking. Also, I love Swayman. Boston’s going to take a step back, but I don’t think they’ll be as bad as people think. Meantime, Calgary’s crease is crowded. Initially, I’m just not sure how much action Wolf will see off the hopper.