The Hockey News’s Jason Chen posted a fantasy hockey preview for the Atlantic Division’s teams today, and he discusses whether each of the 8 teams are “trending up” or “trending down,” and which players might serve as fantasy hockey “hidden gems”:
Detroit Red Wings
Trending: Up?
There are still a ton of questions to be answered as the Yzerplan hits a pivotal inflection point.
The Red Wings made a huge acquisition for a top-line goal scorer in Alex DeBrincat (42nd) and splurged yet again in free agency. There are a ton of new faces and some good talent, but how does it all come together? Of the teams in the Atlantic, the Wings have the broadest range of outcomes.
A breakout season from Lucas Raymond (136th, potential sleeper pick), getting Moritz Seider (184th) back on track to elite banger-league status (65th in banger rankings) and more consistency from Ville Husso (191st) will surely put them in the playoff picture. On the other hand, there’s a chance the roster just never comes together with too much crowding on the wings and blueline for anyone to really find their rhythm, and Husso is altogether unreliable. Other than DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin (38th), the Wings cannot be relied upon in fantasy.
Hidden Gem:
If taking a shot at a risky Wings player isn’t your thing, David Perron (167th) is about as reliable as anyone gets. He’s been remarkably consistent throughout his career, and you’re guaranteed to get around 50 points, 200 shots and 100 hits. He’s a multi-category contributor who will definitely be available in the later rounds, providing really great fantasy value, especially in banger leagues.
Continued; Perron posts 20-25 goals and about 50 points a season. He is indeed a safe bet.
