Fantasy hockey is a popular sport that has seen a surge in popularity over the past few years. The NHL has been slow to bring their league into the digital age, but with new technology like blockchain and cryptocurrency, it could be on its way.
Fantasy hockey is a type of fantasy sports that uses an imaginary league with players from the real NHL. It can be played in a number of ways, but it is most commonly done through a season-long draft on ESPN.
Let’s get started!
After all we went through last season and the pre-emptive stop to the season before, it’s tough to moderate the enthusiasm provided by a full-slate NHL campaign.
COVID is still a danger, but not nearly as much as it was during the 2020-21 season.
For the most part, everyone is anticipating a very typical NHL season.
As a result, the forecaster reappears, this time with an additional row in tow. The Seattle Kraken are ready to compete in the fantasy hockey game’s glory. It’s thrilling and unexpected, as the Vegas Golden Knights have shown during the previous expansion.
It’s simple, free, and enjoyable. Play ESPN Fantasy Hockey by starting or joining a league. Register for free!
The forecaster bases his game predictions on historical data. Due to offseason adjustments, this is usually a little more unreliable at the start of the season, but the Kraken throws another wrench in the works. In the absence of better alternatives, the Kraken’s projected statistics are just the league average from previous season. Will this be correct? Most likely not. On paper, their offense seems to struggle to score points, while the defense appears to be above average. But everything is just conjecture until we see some actual box scores.
From October 12 to October 17, Fantasy Forecaster will be available.
The schedule is modest to begin with, with many clubs just competing in one game during the first week. It’s essential to remember not to overreact and eliminate any players from these teams that you really trust in. While you’ll undoubtedly need to create roster room for some early waiver wire shocks, don’t do so at the cost of well-researched draft choices you’ve firmly invested in.
The Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, and San Jose Sharks are among the clubs who will only play once in Week 1, so be careful about removing any of them from your lineup.
On the other hand, we’ll have three chances to watch the Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Seattle Kraken, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vancouver Canucks. React to early achievers, but not by cutting bait on those who lack the necessary appearances to make an informed decision.
| Team |
Gms |
Ratings |
Mon 10/11 |
Tue 10/12 |
Wed 10/13 |
Thu 10/14 |
Fri 10/15 |
Sat 10/16 |
Sun 10/17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
2 |
1 3 |
OFF |
OFF |
WPG 1 3 |
OFF |
MIN 1 3 |
OFF |
OFF |
 |
2 |
6 5 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
@CLS 7 5 |
OFF |
@BUF 6 6 |
OFF |
 |
1 |
4 3 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
DAL 7 7 |
OFF |
 |
2 |
5 4 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
MTL 5 4 |
OFF |
ARI 5 5 |
OFF |
 |
1 |
4 2 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
@EDM 7 5 |
OFF |
 |
2 |
6 7 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
NYI 4 7 |
OFF |
@NSH 7 10 |
OFF |
 |
3 |
8 3 |
OFF |
OFF |
@COL 3 1 |
OFF |
@NJ 9 5 |
@PIT 4 2 |
OFF |
 |
2 |
9 7 |
OFF |
OFF |
CHI 10 8 |
OFF |
OFF |
STL 9 9 |
OFF |
 |
2 |
4 5 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
ARI 6 4 |
OFF |
SEA 1 7 |
OFF |
 |
3 |
8 7 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
@NYR 6 5 |
OFF |
@BOS 5 5 |
@OTT 5 7 |
 |
2 |
2 4 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
TB 1 4 |
OFF |
VAN 2 5 |
OFF |
 |
2 |
7 4 |
OFF |
OFF |
VAN 8 5 |
OFF |
OFF |
CGY 7 4 |
OFF |
 |
2 |
3 5 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
PIT 3 5 |
OFF |
NYI 1 5 |
OFF |
 |
2 |
3 4 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
VGS 2 4 |
OFF |
MIN 4 5 |
OFF |
 |
2 |
8 7 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
@ANA 9 10 |
@LA 7 7 |
OFF |
 |
3 |
8 6 |
OFF |
OFF |
@TOR 6 5 |
@BUF 7 6 |
OFF |
NYR 5 4 |
OFF |
 |
2 |
1 6 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
SEA 1 9 |
OFF |
CAR 1 3 |
OFF |
 |
1 |
3 1 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
CHI 6 3 |
OFF |
OFF |
 |
2 |
5 6 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
@CAR 3 6 |
OFF |
@FLA 6 9 |
OFF |
 |
3 |
9 6 |
OFF |
OFF |
@WSH 6 4 |
DAL 6 5 |
OFF |
@MTL 8 6 |
OFF |
 |
3 |
7 7 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
TOR 5 6 |
OFF |
@TOR 5 6 |
DAL 4 5 |
 |
1 |
4 2 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
VAN 7 4 |
OFF |
OFF |
 |
3 |
10 8 |
OFF |
@TB 6 7 |
OFF |
@FLA 6 8 |
OFF |
CHI 10 7 |
OFF |
 |
1 |
2 1 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
@COL 2 2 |
OFF |
 |
1 |
3 2 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
WPG 4 4 |
OFF |
 |
3 |
3 10 |
OFF |
@VGS 1 8 |
OFF |
@NSH 1 10 |
OFF |
@CLS 4 10 |
OFF |
 |
3 |
8 8 |
OFF |
PIT 4 6 |
OFF |
@DET 7 10 |
OFF |
@WSH 6 5 |
OFF |
 |
3 |
8 7 |
OFF |
OFF |
MTL 7 5 |
@OTT 5 6 |
OFF |
OTT 5 6 |
OFF |
 |
3 |
9 7 |
OFF |
OFF |
@EDM 6 3 |
OFF |
@PHI 8 4 |
@DET 5 9 |
OFF |
 |
2 |
5 8 |
OFF |
SEA 3 10 |
OFF |
@LA 7 9 |
OFF |
OFF |
OFF |
 |
2 |
6 5 |
OFF |
OFF |
NYR 7 5 |
OFF |
OFF |
TB 6 5 |
OFF |
 |
2 |
7 7 |
OFF |
OFF |
@ANA 8 10 |
OFF |
OFF |
@SJ 7 7 |
OFF |
Here are some explanations for people unfamiliar with the forecaster chart: The “O” (offense) and “D” (defense) matchup ratings for each game are based on a scale of 1 (poor matchup) to 10 (excellent matchup) and are calculated using a formula that considers the team’s season-to-date statistics, their performance in home/road games depending on where the game will be played, as well as their opponents’ numbers in those categories. The “Ratings” column shows the overall rating of the offensive (“O”) and defensive (“D”) matches for that week, ranging from 1 to 10.
Notes from the group
Nashville Predators: The Predators face the Kraken and the Carolina Hurricanes in what should be two strong defensive challenges to open the season.
When it comes to Ryan Johansen and Matt Duchene, fantasy managers have been just as unhappy as Predators fans in recent seasons. However, they’ve been well enough in preseason to warrant another look. Perhaps by playing on a line with Filip Forsberg, they can rekindle their friendship. Naturally, both Johansen and Duchene are readily available in ESPN leagues.
Dallas Stars: We’ll get a nice look at the Stars with three away games to open the season.
The fact that an NHL club has four goaltenders is perplexing, but fantasy managers are selecting the incorrect two. When the season begins, Ben Bishop and Jake Oettinger will most likely be on the IR and in the AHL, respectively. Braden Holtby, who is on a one-year deal, is the player you should look into. Anton Khudobin should be able to assist him. Let’s be clear: Holtby might be a viable option here; the Stars’ defense looks elite, and the attack has the ability to win games.
Throughout the preseason, Alexander Radulov has seemed to be in good health. That implies you should go ahead and grab him. Radulov shouldn’t be in 82 percent of ESPN leagues just because he’s healthy and ready to play. Last season, when he was on the ice, he was an absolute monster in terms of fantasy points.
Also keep an eye on youngster Jacob Peterson to see whether and how he is utilized. He was receiving looks alongside Radulov and Tyler Seguin throughout the preseason and has received great accolades.
Canadiens de Montréal: Three games, including a back-to-back road trip, will give us a decent idea of how Jake Allen will do without Carey Price to open the season. Allen should be on every team’s roster. With Price out of the picture for an extended period of time, he has the ability to be a starting goalie in the NHL and should receive a heavy load.
2 Related
Tyler Toffoli isn’t on nearly enough rosters. Last season, he was the Habs’ highest scorer, and he’ll start the season on the top line alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. In 50% of ESPN leagues, Toffoli is available.
San Jose Sharks: Although they only play once, the Sharks’ lineup card will be extremely intriguing. On the flipside, this Sharks offense has so many gaps that losing a guy as talented as Evander Kane for the foreseeable future is heartbreaking. On the plus side, the Swiss-cheese depth chart offers a lot of potential. From a fantasy standpoint, William Eklund may be in the greatest position of any 2021 draft selection; top-six minutes right away are a distinct possibility. Jonathan Dahlen, on the other hand, may be even more effective, since the 23-year-old has prior AHL experience and topped the comparable second-tier league in scoring in Sweden. With Logan Couture and Timo Meier on the top line, he has a chance to get into the lineup.
Notes from the players
Tyler Johnson of the Chicago Blackhawks is a center. At least for the start of the season, the incorrect Blackhawks center wound up on fantasy rosters. Tyler Johnson, not youngster Kirby Dach, will start the season in the center for Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. Johnson has previously been a fantasy standout with the Lightning and is currently available in 94 percent of ESPN leagues.
Minnesota Wild’s Joel Eriksson Ek, C: Don’t sleep on Joel Eriksson Ek any longer. Eriksson Ek is the top-line center this season, despite not playing alongside Kirill Kaprizov last season. Between the energetic Kaprizov and the seasoned Mats Zuccarello, he’ll skate. In almost 30% of ESPN leagues, Eriksson Ek is still available.
Keith Yandle, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman: Keith Yandle was, without a doubt, a terrible fantasy asset last season, despite having the best of conditions. For the last three seasons, he has led the NHL in total power-play minutes while playing for a club with the fourth-best conversion percentage in the league. So why should he be of interest now that he’s a year older and has spent the last three seasons on the team’s 19th for conversion? He’s a man-advantage expert, and this Flyers attack is stronger than it seems on paper. On the power play, it seems Yandle will get his opportunity, and if he takes it and runs with it, there will be fantasy rewards.
Columbus Blue Jackets’ Jakub Voracek (W): Fantasy managers should pursue Jakub Voracek, who is presently circling the Blue Jackets’ version of the sun, Patrik Laine. While the team’s center has been rotated throughout the preseason, Laine and Voracek are a duo. Alexandre Texier, rookie Cole Sillinger, and Boone Jenner have all seen time at center, and the winner of the position will be interesting to watch. In other Blue Jackets fantasy news, Max Domi may be ready for the season opening months ahead of schedule after undergoing surgery. He may be interesting depending on how he’s used.
Every night throughout the season, Barry Melrose and Linda Cohn will provide a postgame analysis and highlight program. ESPN+ is the place to be.
Los Angeles Kings’ Viktor Arvidsson (W): Viktor Arvidsson has a great chance to start the season as a winger for Anze Kopitar. Arvidsson is coming off a pair of down seasons with the Predators, but keep in mind that in the three seasons previous to 2019-20, he averaged 31 goals. In fact, he had a very strong season in 2018-19, scoring 34 goals in just 58 healthy games. In more than 90% of ESPN leagues, he’s available.
Hits that happen quickly
-
Evgeny Kuznetsov should be checked out in shallower fantasy leagues’ free agency pool. With Nicklas Backstrom sidelined to begin the season, Kuznetsov is the de facto top center, even if he hasn’t always performed that way. In 38 percent of ESPN leagues, he’s available.
-
Tony DeAngelo is rapidly being snapped up (his availability has dropped from 80% to 70%), but there is still time. Act quickly before word spreads that he’s in charge of the league’s second-best power play.
-
At this point, it’s difficult to figure out the Coyotes’ offensive. As a result, I can’t help but gravitate for Andrew Ladd. Ladd is a natural leader for this rebuilding offense and could find his way to a scoring-line role if his body can hold up. On a Bill Masterton trophy-like mission to return to league after playing just 30 games since 2017-18, Ladd is a natural leader for this rebuilding offense and could find his way to a scoring-line role if his body can hold up.
-
Lucas Raymond is a real danger to open the season with the Red Wings on a scoring line, thanks to a strong preseason and an injury to Jakub Vrana. Raymond is undoubtedly a future NHL great, but with this chance, he may get a head start on his output. Deeper leagues should attempt to stash him now, while others should focus on the beginning of the season. In previous seasons, just receiving quality ice time with the Red Wings hasn’t been enough, so there’s a chance that mediocrity will triumph.
-
The Tampa Bay Lightning have been flirting with the idea of pairing Corey Perry alongside Steven Stamkos on a scoring line. If this combination stays true, and Perry gets some power-play action, the former Ducks star may be pushed into a fantasy position.
-
The Boston Bruins are drafting Linus Ullmark as their expected starter, but I’d rather have Jeremy Swayman on my squad. He’ll almost certainly start in 1A and had a lot of success last season.
-
Keep an eye on Nolan Patrick and Evgenii Dadonov, even if they are buried on the third line on paper to begin the season. With players like Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty, they’ve been receiving power-play opportunities in the preseason and taking advantage of them.
-
In their most recent preseason action on Thursday, the Oilers put Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the same line. While we shouldn’t anticipate that powerful combination to stick around for the rest of the season, it should serve as a reminder to add Jesse Puljujarvi to your lineup. In the lineup, he’ll play next to McDavid, and he’s set to finally fulfill some of the promise that came with his draft pedigree. In 76 percent of ESPN leagues, he’s available.
-
If you think Jack Hughes will have a breakthrough season this year, there’s no reason not to double down and add Tomas Tatar to your team. Hughes’ linemates seem to be Tatar and Yegor Sharangovich, although Tatar is also a lock to join him on the power play (now bolstered by Dougie Hamilton on the point).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fantasy hockey website?
The best fantasy hockey website is Hockey-Graphs.com
Is there a fantasy league for hockey?
There is a fantasy hockey league called the NHL.
How does NHL fantasy work?
NHL fantasy is a game mode in which you can create your own hockey team and compete against other users. The user will be given $200,000 to spend on players for their team.
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