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Victoria Matiash, Fantasy HockeySep 26, 2024, 10:54 PM ET
- ESPN.com Fantasy Contributor since 2010
- Part-time anchor at NEWSTALK1010
Skill and opportunity. A simple formula, but one usually necessary for most players to experience success in the fantasy hockey field. It’s a much lesser challenge to contribute goals and assists when surrounded by leading talent on a quality scoring line and power play than when buried in the bottom-six.
With that in mind, here are a few under-the-radar fantasy forwards who are set to benefit handsomely from the on-ice company they keep in 2024-25.
Tyler Bertuzzi, W, Chicago Blackhawks
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Top-line minutes with Connor Bedard should net the scrappy forward his first 55-plus point campaign since he banged out 62 in 68 contests with the Red Wings back in 2021-22, particularly if the 29-year-old gets in a groove with the generational center right away. Which wasn’t the case this past season, when Bertuzzi plodded through his first few months as a Maple Leaf before knocking out 22 points, including 15 goals, in his final 29 games.
But better to fizzle first and finish strong than vice versa, right? It’s also worth noting the winger boasts a little extra fantasy pizzazz in leagues that reward hits.
Fantasy stack: Bedard/Bertuzzi
Jake DeBrusk, W, Vancouver Canucks
As much as DeBrusk, 27, is relishing the opportunity to play on the same line as center Elias Pettersson, he also appreciates the gravity attached. “With great power comes great responsibility” is how the former Bruin summed up the chance to Sportsnet’s Dan Murphy at the start of camp. In his prime, and armed with a fresh contract close to home, he is in position to pot 30 goals for the first time in his career. Maybe 40 if he clicks with Petterssen and manages to stay healthy.
Fantasy stack: Pettersson/DeBrusk
Mats Zuccarello, W, Minnesota Wild
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Perennially underappreciated as a fantasy performer, Zuccarello appears doomed to remain so until the end of his career. He’s 37 years old. If the fantasy hockey masses haven’t yet been swayed by the veteran’s upside, it’s not happening.
Which means more savvy managers will continue to be able to pad their deep-league rosters with a skater who put up 63 points, including 33 with the extra skater, in 69 games this past campaign. A winger who once again projects to play on a top line/power play with Kirill Kaprizov.
Fantasy stack: Kaprizov/Zuccarello
Jeff Skinner, W, Edmonton Oilers
The line of wingers wanting to skate on a unit with Leon Draisaitl would wind well outside any arena door. Then down the street.
This year, the former Hurricane/Sabre seems to be the favored recipient of such good fortune. It was only two years ago that Skinner potted 35 goals and 47 assists in 79 games in Buffalo. He can match, or even beat, that tally in a plum role alongside Draisaitl this season.
Fantasy stack: Draisaitl/Skinner
JJ Peterka, W, Buffalo Sabres
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You can almost smell the breakout coming. After collecting 32 points in 77 games his rookie season — while skating fewer than 14 minutes/game — Peterka took a sizable leap forward with 28 goals and 22 assists this past campaign.
In his third turn, the 22-year-old should score 30/30 easily on a line with Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch. Especially if Thompson manages to get back into the productive swing of matters after a rather lousy, injury-riddled 2023-24.
Fantasy stack: Thompson/Peterka
Matthew Knies, W, Toronto Maple Leafs
Bigger, stronger, and in the final year of his entry-level contract, Knies is in prime position to bust out in a big way. The assignment on a top line with Auston Matthews and Mitchell Marner appears his to lose after skating with that elite duo most of this past season.
Earning 35 points in his rookie year, he has the makings of a near point/game player as early as this year. He also likes to bang his body around a lot. Knies, 21, has plenty to contribute as a performer in deeper fantasy leagues.
Fantasy stack: Matthews/Knies
Anthony Duclair, W, New York Islanders
As erratic a fantasy figure as they come, Duclair is flat-out dynamite when he’s on. Hopefully, for his managers and the Islanders alike, he’s zoned in more often than not in his first of four signed seasons in New York.
A regular gig on a top line with Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal will help. At minimum, Duclair, 29, is well worth streaming when on one of his goal-scoring hot streaks.
Fantasy stack: Horvat/Duclair
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Tommy Novak, C, Nashville Predators
Steven Stamkos scored 40 goals and 41 assists (262 shots) in 2023-24. Jonathan Marchessault found the back of the net 42 times (266 shots). Now Tommy Novak, 27, is poised to center both shot-happy forwards on a newly formed scoring line in Nashville. Pretty nice gig. One that Marchessault himself says Novak deserves:
“He’s definitely a high skill forward. The way he passes the puck, he just lays it there perfectly. I think that’s a gift that only really good passers in the league have, and he’s one.”
Minutes with the secondary power play should also help him return to 2022-23 form, when he averaged 0.84 points/game.
Fantasy stack: Stamkos/Novak
Shane Pinto, C, Ottawa Senators
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Josh Norris suggests he feels good. A positive sign, considering the recurring injury issues the versatile forward has suffered with his shoulder. If Norris can remain healthy — a fairly substantial if, all considered — the Senators are poised to roll out a dangerous second scoring line, also including Pinto and Drake Batherson.
After sitting out suspended for half of 2023-24, Pinto managed to contribute 27 points in his final 41 games. A 60-plus point breakout campaign in the 23-year-old’s full second season in the NHL is hardly out of the question.
Fantasy stack: Norris/Pinto
J.T. Compher, C, Detroit Red Wings
If he slots in on a new scoring line between Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane — which is plenty possible — Compher is set to kick it up another scoring notch in his second season with Detroit. No one needs to be reminded of what the two veteran wingers are capable, when fit.
Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should monitor how it all shakes out in Red Wings training camp.
Fantasy stack: Kane/Compher
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