Many of us are getting ready for our fantasy football drafts with the calendar flipping to August. But that also means fantasy hockey is just around the corner. On Thursday morning, Matt Larkin at dropped his always terrific Top 300 rankings for the coming season. This is his first run; there are still some unsigned free agents on his list, and trades will still take place. But it’s a fun starting point for fantasy conversations — and thinking about how the Blackhawks’ offense will produce this season.
Here’s how the Blackhawks ranked on Larkin’s lists (and honorable mentions):
44. Connor Bedard
128. Taylor Hall
155. Seth Jones
236. Andreas Athanasiou
242. Lukas Reichel
264. Kevin Korchinski
“The Bubble: Veteran Waiver Fodder”: Tyler Johnson, Petr Mrazek, Ryan Donato
“The Bubble: Upside Stashes”: Taylor Raddysh, Arvid Söderblom
I have a few thoughts…
First, I was surprised to see Korchinski made the top-300 list and not be an “upside stash” considering he isn’t guaranteed an NHL roster spot. Going back to juniors is a very real possibility for him this season. If he does make the NHL roster, there are also questions about how the Blackhawks’ coaches deploy him, especially early in the season. If we assume he’s automatically the PP1 QB then I get it, but Jones might have something to say about that. I’m not sure I would jump on Korchinski early in a draft.
On the thinking around young Blackhawks, I think Reichel might be low; I certainly would have him higher than Athanasiou. He produced at roughly a 53-point pace last season in limited action on a Blackhawks roster that was depleted of really any top-tier offensive threat. Depending on his linemates — many are thinking he’ll get slotted with AA at least on one wing or sharing center responsibilities — a 20-goal season isn’t out of the question for Reichel. This year’s Blackhawks’ offense could be better/deeper than last year’s, even before the trades. And I think Reichel is a big part of that.
I’m always fascinated to see how fantasy projections accept previous production. Athanasiou and Raddysh were both 20-goal scorers last year. AA is ranked; Raddysh is just an “upside stash” opportunity. I appreciate that there’s a school of thought that Corey Perry might eat into Raddysh’s power play chances, but I was surprised to see the differences in where they were placed.
If your league scores plus-minus, I would avoid Jones at all costs. [Looks at the back of Jones’ hockey cards.] Yeah, he’s not going to help you there. And, if we buy Korchinski making the roster and taking over the top power play at some point, that lowers his value even more.
If your league scores power play points, Perry might be a good veteran waiver consideration or late-round pick (if you draft with your heart like I’ve been known to do).
Finally, Hall having something to prove this year could make him a sneaky-dangerous player in fantasy hockey. Especially if he’s on a line with Bedard. I’m hoping for 25 goals and 65 points from Hall this season; he’s only one year removed from 20 goals and 61 points for Boston.
