When picking a player in their second season of hockey at the NHL level, you have to be careful; the dreaded ‘sophomore slump’ could be looming. Perhaps they got off to a great start in their rookie season and move up a line on their respected team’s roster and fail to produce up to expectations. Well fear not, I am going to name a few second year gems and hopefully you will get a chance to draft one who breaks out with an exceptional fantasy season!
Valeri Nichushkin – The Dallas Stars have to be pleased with how their Russian forward Nichushkin progressed last season, 34 points and a +20 rating as a rookie in the regular season. He also chipped in a goal and an assist in the playoffs. Expect to see Valeri on the wing on the top line in Dallas come this October. Playing with two phenomenal players in Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn, Nichushkin’s six foot four frame should thrive on the big line. Consider picking him up in the 55-60 points range with a good +- rating and very few penalty minutes. I would consider picking this player when the more known top line players start to disappear off your drafting radar.
Jacob Trouba – With an excellent rookie season in Winnipeg, you can be assured that Trouba is going to continue to improve his game. With a ton of raw talent, this twenty year old sophomore will be sure to find the back of the net, putting in ten goals in his first season, while missing 17 games. If Winnipeg wants to improve their team over the next few years, it will likely be Trouba who emerges as a solid first pairing defenseman and most worthy fantasy defender on the Jets. If you have four defensive slots on your roster, take him as the third; as he should gather 35-40 points.
Tyler Toffoli – You may remember Toffoli from last year’s playoffs, alongside Tanner Pearson and sniper Jeff Carter. This line was one dominant force and there is no reason to believe they will not stay together as the Gaborik-Kopitar-Brown line was outstanding. Toffoli will be playing against second pairing defenders and will be on a powerhouse of a team. Keep note when most of the second line players are being picked in your Fantasy pool. Save this gem for when you have the bulk of your offense set up and your top two defensemen. 26 goals and 26 assists, +10, with 16 PIM.
Chris Kreider – Where else would I start when talking about Kreider…his 2013/14 playoffs. Wow, he was a force on the ice. With 13 points in 15 games Kreider has fought his way up to the first line along side Nash and Stepan. Sure, Nash had a bad season last year and has lost some fantasy value; but that doesn’t mean this line won’t be productive in this upcoming season. Last season as the Rangers were not exactly dominant during the regular season, but managed turn it around in the playoffs when it counts the most. For that reason I feel this line will rejoice and Kreider will take home 60 points and have a total of 60 penalty minutes with a +13.
Patrick Maroon – Anaheim has a left wing spot open on both the first and second line. The first line is with Getzlaf and Perry, any players dream come true. Maroon may end up there; he also may end up on the second line (which is where I think he will start the season). Maroon will be in good company on the second line with the Ducks newly acquired Ryan Kesler. Either way you shake it, points will be put on the score sheet and penalty minutes will follow. Expect a big season for Maroon, one of my favorite types of players to draft; the full package. I predict a 45-55 point season, with a 120 PIM and a +16. If you don’t draft a couple players who produce PIM and hope to have a good +- and put up decent points, then this is your guy; he will slip through into the later rounds of your draft. Sometimes losing 5-10 points on a player who gets a lot of PIM and or a good +- rating, it’s worth it; Patrick Maroon is one of those times. I would take him around the same time as Kreider, I feel they have the same worth.
Tyler Johnson – The most ‘electric’ line of the year could be Drouin-Stamkos-Johnson, the Lightening will have a new look going forward this season with the departure of Martin St. Louis. There are certainly some question marks about this line, with Drouin being a rookie, Stamkos coming off an injury last season and sophomore Tyler Johnson repeating last season. For me, it’s a no brainer…draft any of the three of these guys. I expect nothing but a break out for this line; as it is overloaded with talent. Stamkos is the proven talent, Johnson has had a taste of it, and Drouin is hungry to prove himself. I predict 63 points, +21 and 30 penalty minutes this season for Johnson. Draft him in around the 7 to 8th round of your Fantasy draft just after the big name top line players are being picked.
Thank you for reading, stay tuned for a Monday or Tuesday continued sophomore list.