Justin Rosser January 20, 2021
This article will be based off of standard fantasy scoring systems as I look at some potential flower buds ready to blossom that are less than 60% owned in Fantasy Hockey leagues. Remember, these aren’t guarantees, just potential diamonds in the rough.
Samuel Girard Colorado D: Consistent defensemen are hard to find, Girard is 58% owned across Yahoo leagues and currently ranked 84. In his 3 games played he is averaging just over 20 minutes of time on ice, sitting as the 2nd defensive pairing with Ryan Graves on 5 on 5 and at the point on the second power play unit.
While he is not much of a “hitter” he currently sits at 4 assists on the year and 10 shots on goal over 3 games played. I don’t know about you guys, but this is a great player to snag and see what he can do, as I want and many pieces of that Colorado team as I can get my hands on.
Jakob Chychrun Arizona D: If Chychrun is available in your leagues, GRAB HIM! Currently ranked 12th overall at only 51% owned boggles my mind. I expect to see this number rise and rise until he cools off or just becomes the steal of the early season for your team. He is on the ice over 22:00 minutes a game which is fantastic and gets points as well. Through 3 games he has 1 goal and 3 assists (2 PPP).
He shoots a fair bit with 10 shots over 3 games played and is on the top defensive pairing for the Coyotes. Not to mention he leads the point with Kessel on the top power play unit. The best part about him is while he shoots a lot and gets points, he is still physical (getting 7 hits) which is always nice in Fantasy Hockey. He is a must add, go check your free agent list right now and get him on your roster, you won’t regret it.
Kasperi Kapanen Pittsburgh LW, RW: This is an add I’m really excited about! Only owned in 33% of leagues (27% on my recent twitter post), I suggest you jump the gun and “SNIPE” him before your competitors notice. Ranked at 522, you might think I’m crazy, but hear me out… the Penguins love this guy, they paid a first round pick for him. He missed the first 3 games due to travel visa issues and then had to quarantine when he landed in North America.
In his first game back he got 10:02 ice time on the fourth line (sprinkled in some time on first and second lines). Coach Mike Sullivan said he wanted to get his legs under him, get him up to game speed and increase comfortability on the ice with his new teammates. In his debut, with so limited time, he looked like a stud; getting 1 assist and showing why the Penguins grabbed him for a first rounder. He will be playing alongside Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel on the first line. He is the perfect under the radar league winning play if he can click with his new star teammates. I keep having to wipe my chin as I can feel drool coming down it, excuse me!!!
Anthony Duclair Florida LW, RW: Duclair is an interesting find and potential steal at only 32% owned. Ranked 321, while missing the first two games due to postponement he is worth a shot to see if he can be the real deal on Florida this year. Averaging just over 16 minutes of ice time through 2 games with 2 assists, he is at +3 and is set up for success.
Sitting at RW on the first line of the Panthers next to stud Alexander Barkov, he has plenty of opportunity to shine since he is also at point on their second power play unit. I would love to see him get his ice time up to at least 18 minutes per game, but Duclair is definitely worth watching.
Bobby Ryan Detriot LW,RW: Bobby Ryans got his groove back to start the year. Only 21% Rostered while ranked 97th, Ryan has a stellar 4 goals through 3 games. Sitting at an impressive +2 rating and 7 shots on goal, could this be a big year for him? He currently sits on the second line at LW with Michael Rasmussen and Anthony Mantha, and on the first line PP at LW. He is in line to get points.
If you’re looking for a guy who will get you goals and assists, he could be in for a big role this year. Potentially moving up to line one with Larkin if he can keep up this pace, he still has 2 games remaining this week and 4 games next week. If you want a project player that knows how to score, Ryan is worth a shot. WARNING: Be prepared for some bad games in the +/- department. Detroit is viewed as a team that is going to lose more than win. But hey, I’ll take some bad games if he can keep up his current goal scoring pace.
Justin Rosser January 20, 2021
Fantasy Marksmen 