DobberHockey’s Ian Gooding discusses the fantasy hockey ramifications of the Alex DeBrincat trade this morning:
Fantasy players impacted: DeBrincat is a huge get for the Red Wings, who had only one 30-goal scorer last season (Dylan Larkin) with no other player reaching 25 goals. DeBrincat has two 40-goal seasons under his belt in addition to another 30-goal season over his six NHL seasons. He immediately upgrades the Wings scoring and should boost Larkin’s value should the two line up on the top line and first-unit power play. Lucas Raymond, a frequent linemate of Larkin’s last season, also stands to benefit, especially if the Wings run a first line of DeBrincat – Larkin – Raymond.
The Red Wings power play should likely include the aforementioned first line plus David Perron and Moritz Seider. That means the likelihood of the Wings running a 3 F – 2 D power play with Shayne Gostisbehere on the point is also reduced. Or perhaps recent signing J.T. Compher was penciled in as that fourth forward, but he should get bumped by DeBrincat. At this point, it’s nothing more than an opportunity cost for Ghost and Compher and more reflects what could have been instead of a straight points deduction. Perron has recorded at least 20 power-play points over each of his last four seasons, so he probably isn’t going anywhere and could also stand to benefit in a small way.
In his one season in Ottawa, DeBrincat seemed to split time with Claude Giroux and Drake Batherson on the other wing with a variety of centers, most often Shane Pinto. These were his three top Even Strength Best Linemates, according to Frozen Tools. In addition, Batherson was often on the first-unit power play with DeBrincat, so he stands to lose the most out of any Senators player. Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle could also see a mild deduction in power-play points as well.
