This article is part of our Frozen Fantasy series.
It's back. The best sport in the world. And the best fantasy game. Period.
Drop the mic.
I've never been a fantasy football fan. My Sundays are more valuable than that.
I love fantasy baseball more than the on-field product. And the opposite when it comes to the NBA.
But hockey – I love it all. As a kid, I'd play general manager with my hockey cards. I'd build forward lines and D pairs. And then scour my parents' newspaper the next day to see how they produced.
It was the start of my fantasy career.
Every year, I try a new strategy. Or three. This year, I've radically shifted my auction approach. In past years, I'd keep the cheap guys and then fight it out for stars at auction. Just like everyone else.
Not this time.
This year, I kept guys totalling 80 per cent (or more) of my budgets. And most of those dollars were for forwards. It forced some real digging, especially on the blue line. But post-auction, my teams are easily in the top-third of both leagues.
And my contracts all look like bargains.
I make mistakes, just like you. Like last year. I drafted in a brand-new keeper league in late August – it was so much fun. And then I promptly forgot I even did it. Three weeks into the season, I was already way behind.
That brain cramp meant I missed the playoffs. Ugh.
You can never let your guard down. Ever. Especially
It's back. The best sport in the world. And the best fantasy game. Period.
Drop the mic.
I've never been a fantasy football fan. My Sundays are more valuable than that.
I love fantasy baseball more than the on-field product. And the opposite when it comes to the NBA.
But hockey – I love it all. As a kid, I'd play general manager with my hockey cards. I'd build forward lines and D pairs. And then scour my parents' newspaper the next day to see how they produced.
It was the start of my fantasy career.
Every year, I try a new strategy. Or three. This year, I've radically shifted my auction approach. In past years, I'd keep the cheap guys and then fight it out for stars at auction. Just like everyone else.
Not this time.
This year, I kept guys totalling 80 per cent (or more) of my budgets. And most of those dollars were for forwards. It forced some real digging, especially on the blue line. But post-auction, my teams are easily in the top-third of both leagues.
And my contracts all look like bargains.
I make mistakes, just like you. Like last year. I drafted in a brand-new keeper league in late August – it was so much fun. And then I promptly forgot I even did it. Three weeks into the season, I was already way behind.
That brain cramp meant I missed the playoffs. Ugh.
You can never let your guard down. Ever. Especially to start the season. So, let's take a look a few guys who caught my eye this preseason. They could help you get off to a hot start.
Tyler Bertuzzi, LW, Detroit (35 percent Yahoo! owned) – This 'dog-on-a-bone' finished ultra-hot in 2018-19. He likely won't put up four consecutive three-point games ever again. But Bertuzzi's tenacity and grit, coupled with solid skills, means he could easily put up more than 50 points. He's penned in on the top line with Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha, and should join them on the top PP. Baby Bert's ownership is set to rise.
Christian Dvorak, C, Arizona (2 percent Yahoo! owned) – Dvorak is almost the perfect fit at left wing on the top line with Phil Kessel and Derek Stepan. He's determined along the wall and in corners, and wins more battles than he loses. And Dvorak plays a responsible, 200-foot game, something Phil the Thrill has never really done. But coach Rick Tocchet has been playing Dvorak with Nick Schmaltz and Conor Garland on line two this preseason. He looks good there, but don't be surprised to see lines get juggled. And Dvorak get shuffled up. Just wait until he qualifies on the wing before you snag him off the wire.
Taro Hirose, LW, Detroit (2 percent Yahoo! owned) – Taco impressed late last season after inking with the Wings – he really clicked with center Frans Nielsen. He's smart and versatile, and he's about to have a much better season than the more-heralded Filip Zadina. Hirose can create offense and the Wings will be desperate for that this season. A second-line role could be in the cards.
Kasperi Kapanen, RW, Toronto (31 percent Yahoo! owned) – Kapanen must be pinching himself right now. Zach Hyman's ACL recovery means Kapanen is skating with John Tavares and Mitch Marner on the Buds' top line. He's going to get points by simply keeping his stick on the ice. Kapanen has elite speed and excellent puck retrieval skills. I wouldn't be surprised if he sticks with the big boys when Hyman gets back. Worst case, you drop him if he drops down the lineup… that is, after you've milked every point out of him in the early going.
Karson Kuhlman, RW/C, Boston (0 percent Yahoo! owned) – Kuhlman is hard-nosed and aggressive, with enough talent to deliver a 40-point season. He was especially effective in the Bruins' playoff run alongside David Krejci - and that's exactly where he's skating this preseason. Fans in the Hub of Hockey are already pegging him a candidate for the Calder. Not a chance, but he will Zach Hyman his way to a steady, top-six role at even strength. And there's value in that in deep formats.
James Neal, LW/RW, Edmonton (19 percent Yahoo! owned) – I'm still not sold – his feet are made of lead. But Neal has something to prove after last year's forgettable time with the Flames. And playing with Connor McDavid should help him deliver. Worst case, you can drop him if his Alberta blues continue.
Sami Niku, D, Winnipeg (1 percent Yahoo! owned) – The Jets' blueline has been devastated, but that's great news for the talented Niku – he'll finally get his shot. He was named the AHL's top defender in 2017-18 as a 21-year-old rookie. And while he took a step back last season because of injury, Niku should grow into a top-four role in the Peg. He might even QB the second power-play unit. Sure, he'll slip down the pecking order if Dustin Byfuglien returns. But until then, he's a cheap, high-upside filler.
Alexander Nylander, RW, Chicago (4 percent Yahoo! owned) – Nylander has looked great this preseason. His offensive bloodlines are elite – brother William is a wizard in Toronto and father Michael was a natural playmaker who played 920 NHL games. But offense isn't Alex's issue – his two-way game has been his Achilles heel, especially his play away from the puck. But his first-line talent gives him a leg up to win one of two or three available spots with the Hawks. And look out if he actually skates with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews once the season opens.
Alexandre Texier, LW/C, Columbus (9 percent Yahoo! owned) – Texier is a talent and at just 20, has a real shot to fill Artemi Panarin's spot on the top line. The Frenchman has it all – speed, skill and tenacity. And best of all, Jackets' coach John Tortorella loves the guy. Opportunity really is knocking. He should be owned in more than one-in-10 leagues to start the season. Texier is headed for a top-10 rookie season.
Back to the best game in the world.
I'm looking forward to another high-octane year. Team put in the most goals-per-game last season in 13 years. And this year could be even more.
I'm hoping for a hot start in all my leagues. Honestly, I need to be more ruthless much sooner – I've been guilty of holding on a bit too long to dump underperformers.
It's hard to claw yourself back, both in fantasy and on the ice. Been there. Have the scars.
Not this year.
Until next week.
