Fantasy Pool Guide: NHL 2015-2016 Season

Mar 17, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Zac Dalpe (20) faces off against Boston Bruins center Gregory Campbell (11) during the first period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

BOSTON BRUINS

Forwards

Sep 22, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) during the third period against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden. The Boston Bruins won 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Bruins probably won’t be one of the more productive teams scoring wise.  Top-end players like Patrice Bergeron, Loui Eriksson, and David Krejci are players I’d avoid.  The team isn’t likely to be much better if at all, with Eriksson battling inconsistencies and Krejci an injury-risk.

The brightest spot in the Bruins lineup this season may be David Pastrnak coming into his sophomore season.  I could see him finding a home on the top line by season’s end so expect a spike in production.  Matt Beleskey was a desirable piece in the offseason, but whether or not he can handle a top six role is yet to be seen.

A lot of experts are high on Ryan Spooner, but I suggest proceeding with caution on that one.  Brett Connolly could be one of those breakout guys due for a good year, after playing so well after coming over late last season.  If you’re looking for a sleeper that could have an impact, consider Alex Khokhlachev who’s been brewing in the minors for a few years now and might be ready to take the next step.

Defense & Goaltending

Recent news is that Zdeno Chara is day-to-day (assuming he should be healthy for the season opener).  Dennis Seidenberg is expected to miss the first 6-7 weeks of the season after having surgery.  With the departure of Dougie Hamilton in the offseason, a lot of guys are going to be asked to step up.

The biggest target on the back-end should be Torey Krug as he should see a massive spike in production and PP time.  Matt Irwin was a bit of a quiet signing, but he could have a big impact for the B’s this season.  Don’t expect Chara to be what he once was.  He’s 38 now.  His point production is going down along with his hits and blocked shots.  I would avoid him completely.

The only potential dark-horse on this blue-line is Joe Morrow, a once highly touted prospect who finally looks ready to compete in the NHL.  He may be able to spark something on the back-end with injuries to open the season.

Another team with a bit of a goalie dilemma.  I think this dilemma will work itself out before the start of next season.  Tuukka Rask is still a top-tier goalie so you can draft him with confidence.  Regardless of record, Rask always seems to put up a solid GAA and Save %.

He does have Malcolm Subban nipping at his heels so he may get a few extra starts this year.  Subban only got one look last season and it wasn’t pretty.  I wouldn’t even both looking at the backup goaltending, because whether its Jeremy Smith or Jonas Gustavsson, I don’t imagine either will see too many starts.  Rask plays a ton of games.

BUFFALO SABRES

Forwards

Sep 21, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Eichel (41) looks on during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Sabres defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Talk about a new look Sabres team.  A transformed top six that now features the likes of Evander Kane, Ryan O’Reilly, Jack Eichel, and possibly Sam Reinhart.  The Sabres never got to see Evander play last season as he opted for surgery at the time of the trade.  Playing alongside O’Reilly, the two will look to rejuvenate their careers in Buffalo.

It’s more likely one of those two lead the team in scoring, although Jack Eichel could steal the show.  He’ll go high in drafts so you’d have to take him a little early to get him.  A couple guys that are due for breakouts are Johan Larsson and Zemgus Girgensons.  If you’re looking for one of those gritty players that gets physical and can produce a little bit, you might like Marcus Foligno.  Both Matt Moulson and Tyler Ennis are capable of scoring north of 50 points.  Avoid guys like Brian Gionta, Jamie McGinn, and David Legwand.

Defense & Goaltending

The Sabres got a nice boost recently when they signed free agent Cody Franson.  He’s likely to step in and be the most productive of d-men on this blue-line.  Zach Bogosian could be the second most productive d-man, although it’s not his offensive skills that make him the player he is.  If you need a guy that puts up big-time hits and blocked shots, Mike Weber might be up your alley.  No he’s not going to put up big points, but he can help in those other categories.

Mark Pysyk is a guy that a lot of fans and experts are high on going into the season.  I’m not personally sold, but he may be due for a good season.  Keep an eye on Jake McCabe.  He’s not listed above but he’s one of those bubble guys who could make an impact if he gets some extended looks at the NHL level.

A lot of Sabres fans are worried about their goaltending.  I’m here to say you can draft Robin Lehner with confidence.  His successes and numbers if you go back and look are a lot better than people think.  Goalies are a delicate breed who you can effect mentally when you play the psychological games that Ottawa did with him.  He finally gets a fresh start with no real competition behind him.  Robin Lehner could have a very nice season with this young growing Sabres squad.

Next: Calgary and Carolina