Fantasy Hockey: Connor McDavid Leads the Charge
As if fantasy managers need another reason to appreciate Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers’ superstar is riding an 18-game scoring streak, averaging 4.6 fantasy points per contest in ESPN Fantasy standard competition since Dec. 2. With the Oilers facing the Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, New York Islanders, Vancouver Canucks, and St. Louis Blues this week, McDavid is poised to unleash some serious damage. Managers entwined with other popular fantasy performers in Edmonton, such as Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard, should also feel excited about this week’s potential.
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Under-the-Radar Picks
Kasperi Kapanen, who has recently returned from a lower-body injury, is back on the scene at Rogers Place, skating on a scoring line alongside Draisaitl. With the Oilers competing on five nights over the next seven, Kapanen is poised to nicely pad your fantasy stats through volume of opportunity. Rostered in only 3.1% of ESPN Fantasy leagues, Kapanen is a great pick-up. Tristan Jarry, the Oilers’ goalie, is also due to return from injury as early as this week and is available in 58.3% of ESPN Fantasy leagues.
Other notable mentions include Jake Walman, who served as Edmonton’s most valuable fantasy blueliner last year, netting 2.2 points per game, and Josh Doan, who has four goals and two assists in his past five games, competing on a top line and power play with Tage Thompson.
Fantasy Hockey Essentials
For a comprehensive fantasy hockey experience, check out ESPN’s fantasy hockey essentials, including goalie rankings, power play sleepers, and draft kits. Stay up-to-date with the latest news, injuries, and transactions to make informed decisions for your fantasy team.
Defensemen and Goaltenders
Bowen Byram, a 24-year-old defenseman, has been on a tear since Dec. 21, with four goals, seven assists, and a plus-15 rating. Jeremy Lauzon, a physical defender, provides plenty of hits and blocks shots, making him a valuable addition to any fantasy team. Stuart Skinner, a former Oiler, is enjoying a nice run in his new digs, with a 3-1 record,.954 SV%, and 1.01 GAA since the Christmas break.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, a goalie for the Buffalo Sabres, has been impressive since returning to action on Dec. 21, with a 5-1 record,.929 SV%, and 2.18 GAA. Joseph Woll, a goalie for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is looking solid ahead of this week’s road adventure, coming off a 29-save shutout of the Canucks and an almost equally impressive earlier 4-1 win over the Panthers.
Short-Term Streamers
Matty Beniers, a forward for the Seattle Kraken, is scoring again and managers in deeper leagues should take advantage before the production dries up. Charle-Edouard D’Astous, a defenseman for the Tampa Bay Lightning, has five points in his past six games, including an assist with the man advantage. Akira Schmid, a goalie for the Vegas Golden Knights, is coming off two solid wins against the Blues and Columbus Blue Jackets.
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