The new calendar is crisp, clean, isn’t it? Although the 2021-22 season is going well, there is still a sense of renewal resounding in a new year, bursting with new opportunities. To get rid of the nagging frustration of having to keep playing amid game postponements and player-by-player losses in line with the league’s COVID-19 protocol, here are a few fearless predictions – and some related to the fantasy that will help usher in 2022.
Tuukka Rask would be worth an imaginary archive: Of course, the flexibility of the lineup allows. Having signed a professional probationary agreement in the AHL, Rask could be back in the city of Boston before you know it (get permission to take a few turns in Providence first). If history is a prophecy, the 34-year-old will make the squad that will make his life better. Don’t take my word for it; ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski outlines why (E +) here. And if Rask’s return really blooms in story fashion, Linus Ullmark and special) Jeremy Swayman will definitely see less playtime. Food for thought for their respective imaginary managers, along with those in the dumps. You could do worse than roll the dice on one of the best grids since 2009.
Jack Hughes will continue to shine: You remember the brilliance of 3 goals and 6 assists in the last 4 games, but bright enough. Circumstances are given to almost guarantee the most. Since losing a few weeks to a shoulder injury, Hughes has been enjoying high-quality peak/power minutes, hitting a 19:45 performance per game since Dec. 8. He’s shot more than ever. all, 3.9 broadcasts per game on average since then December 16 is perhaps the hottest, as discussed by Emily Kaplan of ESPN, has the 2019 No. 1 draft selection finally felt confident, empowered and delight. Nothing replaces a good dose of healthy swagger when it comes to competing at the top level of any game. Hughes’ roommate Ty Smith believes third-year players can get 100 points at some stage. Not this year, but don’t be surprised if he continues to contribute in a good clip between now and spring. The 20-year-old is still there with ESPN.com’s 42% acquisition of fantasy leagues, while teammates. Jesper Bratt and Yegor Sharangovich (Current COVID-19 protocol) is largely available.
Front Max Comtois will enjoy the powerful second half: There’s nowhere to go other than going up, really. Played in agony before being sidelined with a confirmed broken hand in early/mid-November, the young striker had the toughest start to what is believed to be his debut party in Anaheim . Fast-forward through a necessary surgery round and short breaks through the league’s COVID-19 protocol and the Comtois revamped for a fresh start. Two assist through two games on a top hint; as far as possible. I enjoyed the 22-year-old as an all-around fantasy asset, especially since he’s in the Ducks’ top six. Which one appears in the card, as long as Adam Henrique remained on the sidelines, if not longer. Finally healthy, Comtois can be offered in more than half of the fantasy leagues on ESPN.com.
Jordan Kyrou will earn more valuable minutes: Compete on a dynamite scoring chain with Robert Thomas and Vladimir Tarasenko, the 23-year-old has had four goals and four assists in three matches. Coach Craig Berube couldn’t feel the slightest bit of mess with that device, once Tarasenko was back on COVID-19 protocol. What’s even more interesting is that Kyrou has risen to the top of his club’s scoreboard with 1.10 points per game despite playing fewer minutes than any other top six heavyweight in St. .Louis. It’s only been 16:13 to be exact since its launch in December. My 2022 Crystal Ball showing more quality minutes – even with the additional skater – is what’s ahead for Kyrou . And the imaginary darling is still present in more than a third of ESPN.com’s tournaments. (Unfortunately, not mine.)
Evander Kane will play in the NHL this season: Not immediately, considering all that is involved, but before the regular season ends. As we have mentioned often, NHL teams are in the business of winning games. Looking past his eight points in the last four against AHL Barracuda, Kane still proves capable of driving that cause. After recovering from COVID-19 and beyond protocol, and as the club find a commercial partner – a reunion with the Sharks seems more likely but less likely – the goal-scoring winger is predicted There will be opportunities elsewhere. The news from Barracuda’s dressing room is that the 30-year-old has been a good teammate so far. Those help. A jewel, Kane led the Sharks with 22 goals and 27 assists in 56 competitions last year. He’s featured in 77% of ESPN.com tournaments. Do with what you will do.
Tristan Jarry will join the legitimate conversation of Vezina: Pittsburgh’s best player to date will have a smoother run in the winter months, as his squad is bolstered by the return of several key players. Front Bryan Rust came back (he was) after more than a month lost due to injury. Jake Guentzel return to health after a shorter absence. Sidney Crosby appeared his old productive self after a rather dull, injury-prone start to the season. Plus, perhaps burying the road here, Evgeni Malkin (knee) will make his season debut any day. Having these reinforcements only made Jarry’s job easier. A performance he handled very deftly, boasting 0.934 SV% and 1.89 GAA across 25 appearances. The 26-year-old player is only two behind the top of the league Andrei Vasilevskiy in victory, and that thwarts a group ravaged by trauma more than most. Oh, and he won six in a row. If you’re willing to broker a blockbuster deal to get an elite fantasy goalscorer, think about aiming for Penguin’s No. 1 spot, even though he’s not cheap.
Noah Dobson will prove to be of absurd value in the long run: Equally enamored with this young skater as a talented player and fictitious property since I am confused by the lack of interest from the managers, I will continue to appreciate Dobson as an underrated commodity until the season is over. This week’s campaign message available here. For those who are still strangely unconvinced, so what: The Islanders play fewer games than any other team in the NHL, with just 28 games in the books. Vegas and Anaheim put in 36. That adds up to a large number of contests to make up between now and spring (February will be busy). Mean great number of more opportunities for Dobson to explore his fantasy. Played in 25.5% of the league, the young defender has averaged 2.2 fantasy points/game in ESPN.com’s benchmarks this season.
Mike Smith will frustrate his imaginary managers more often than not: It looks pretty bleak in Edmonton for good reason. Even if the Oilers were 16-5-0, before the wheel blew in December, the team was scoring 2.90 goals per game. How much controllable the 3.81 average is at a good level. But when the score dries up a bit – like when Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl perform in a more human-like manner – that ratio of goals won’t cut it. Edmonton is not strong enough on defense to win more often than not, regardless Mikko Koskinen, Smith or even Stuart Skinner sit in the net. So even 39 years old can still be healthy – a big thing if in light of the problems this season has had – Smith could be in for a rough time between now and the bud. At least until there are significant changes on the ice/behind the bench. More remarkable when this veteran goalkeeper participated in 68% of ESPN.com’s tournaments.
