So, you didn’t win your fantasy hockey league championship. You pushed all in at the deadline and have little in the way of picks to speak of at this years draft table.
On top of that multiple teams are in a rebuild which will further deplete the amount of young talent that you could add to your lineup.
This is where one can benefit from going against the grain and look to some more “seasoned” talent.
Since the inception of the salary cap, NHL teams have had to look for cheaper option to fill out theirs rosters. This of course has led many fantasy managers to draft younger players earlier than ever before which leaves several older guys on the outside looking in.
If you think your roster has what it takes to push for a title, then some of these players could help push you over the top while others fight it out for that blue chip prospect or the next big thing.
Mats Zuccarello:
Playing alongside superstar Kirill Kaprizov will do wonders for a players point production and it most certainly did for “Zuc”. After having enjoyed a career year, look for more of the same this year as long as he can stay healthy and remains tied to Kirill’s hip. If Minny can figure out their stagnate PP he may even hit greater heights this year.
Matt Duchene:
Nashville decided to open things up a bit last year in regards to their offensive game and boy did it pay off! Duchene had a monster season last year as he crushed his previous best by 16pts and lit the lamp 43 times to earn the first 40 goal season of his career. I would expect a small dip in production but nothing major, say about a 10pt drop off. He’ll get a little more attention at the draft table this year with an 80+ point season now in the bag but you should still be able to find great value in the middle rounds.
Claude Giroux:
After signing a 3 year pact with the Sens this off season, Giroux may just be that sleeper you are looking for. We all saw what the Senators did over the “Summer of Pierre” in acquiring the trio of DeBrincat/Giroux/Talbot. Add to that the talent that was already laden throughout the line up and Giroux may just surpass last years totals. He’ll have skilled line mates, will be on PP1, plus he’s home and closer to family/friends! All this should lead to a productive year for the one they call “G”
It’s all about finding the best value at any given draft position whether you are rebuilding and on the hunt for young talent or are a contending team looking to supplement to your star core of players.
So there you have it folks, just a few older player option to look for at your upcoming drafts.
Good luck to all!!