Fantasy Hockey: Sleeper’s for 2017-2018 Season

The 2017-2018 Fantasy Hockey season is approaching, now I am no fantasy expert, but I do have a fair amount of knowledge about NHL hockey and players. I have been religiously following NHL hockey for the past seven years and playing fantasy for about three years. I’ve made my mistakes, had my ups and downs and today I am here to shed some of my insights to you for next season. This article will consist of 10 players who you should NOT wait on and 10 sleeper players.

Players you should NOT wait on

 

• Jordan Eberle

• Conor Sheary

• Jakub Silfverberg

• Ryan O’Reilly

• Alexander Barkov

• Charlie Coyle

• Jonathan Drouin

• Viktor Arvidsson

• Brayden Schenn

• Bo Horvat

 

These are the players that sit there for a bit after rounds 4 and 5 sometimes and often people are hesitant on these type of players. Which is understandable, some of these players are on the rise and owners are un sure, some just have been a bit streaky or on a poor team for much of their career, but don’t make that mistake by passing on these 10 players.

• Eberle has been a bit streaky but a new start, paired with John Tavares, bank on him to bounce back.
• Sheary is still relatively “newish” to the NHL and while he’s posted solid numbers, some owners are still wary of him but paired with Crosby or Malkin, Sheary will produce.
• Silverberg lives in the shadow of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Rickard Rakell, but the 26-year-old forward can bring a ton to your line up, don’t let him drop too far.
• O’Reilly has been a bit streaky too, with injuries, no Eichel and Buffalo losing environment he has not been a must have player, but with a healthy Eichel and Buffalo revamping their line up O’Reilly will be a solid fantasy option.  
• Barkov was out for much of last season, but when he returned he was nearly a point per game player, plus with Jonathan Marchessault gone, Barkov healthy he’ll be a solid all around fantasy player.
• Coyle had a breakthrough year and the Wilds top six matches up with any top six in the league, he plays the powerplay as well and will be a major tool in Wild’s success, don’t fall on Coyle.
• Since going to Montreal, without Stamkos or Kucherov to help him, how will Drouin produce? Don’t worry Drouin is a Canada native is thrilled to be heading to Montreal, he has the tools to be a forceful NHL forward next season.
• Arvidsson will more than likely fall in round 5 if you see him in round 6 congrats you just stole him from your league. With Neal gone and Fisher still not signed back, and a hefty contract Arvidsson is expected to produce next season and with not many other options around the 24-year-old forward will be an all around fantasy option.
• Schenn was a decent fantasy option last season and will fall to probably round 5, but since going to St. Louis Scheen is more than likely going to be the #1 center over there, don’t pass up on a player that may play with Vladimir Tarasenko.
• Bo Horvat was a huge shock last season, with a few new signings and hopeful outlook in Vancouver the 22-year-old center will be the Canucks #1 guy next season, don’t let the woes of Vancouver make you second guess taking Horvat.

SLEEPERS FOR NEXT SEASON: NO DESCRIPTION

These are the guys that you will be able to get away with picking in rounds 7, 8 possibly round 9! And will provide some depth and production to your line up, wait on these guys and they’ll produce, but be smart, keep an eye on these 10 players as they may sneak up the draft board, keep them in your queue.

 

• Kevin Hayes

• Patrick Eaves

• James Pominville

• Michael Frolik

• Victor Rask

• Travis Zajac

• Travis Konecny

• William Nylander

• Tomas Hertl

• Evgeny Dadonov