As we start to move toward the half-way point of the 2021 Fantasy Hockey season, FantraxHQ thought it would be a good time to take a look at the 2019 NHL entry draft and project what players are poised to make the biggest impact for this and the 2021-2022 season. Whether you’re an owner in a Dynasty League or simply in a year-to-year league, it’s never too early to start planning your draft or trade strategy.
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Projected Top Fantasy Hockey Breakouts of the 2019 Draft Class for 2021-22
Counting down from 10 . . .
- Arthur Kaliyev, LA Kings (LW,RW) 29% Owned – Drafted #33
Kaliyev scored in his NHL debut and based on his Junior career in the OHL this should not come as too big a surprise. Kaliyev lit the lamp 126 times in 3 seasons with the Hamilton Bulldogs. He also provided timely goal scoring for the 2020 Gold Medal-winning US Men’s hockey team at the recent U20 World Championships. Kaliyev will likely get more opportunities this year. His high-end shooting ability should translate favorably to the NHL.
- Nicholas Robertson, Toronto Maple Leafs (C,LW) 37% Owned – Drafted #53
Robertson made his debut in last year’s bubble playoffs. Somewhat of a late bloomer, he had a breakout season in his OHL season post-draft, scoring 55 goals in 46 games. He is the Leafs’ best forward prospect not in the NHL and is teetering between the AHL and a full-time NHL call-up. Currently producing at a PPG with the Toronto Marlies, I expect Robertson to carve out a spot in the Leafs lineup if not by the end of this season then definitely out of training camp in the fall.
- Connor McMichael, Washington Capitals (C) 32% Owned – Drafted #25
The Capitals do not have much depth in their prospect cupboards but the one blue-chip they do have is McMichael. McMichael has elite-level skill and a great shot. Last season in the OHL he was a shade under a 2 PPG pace and the early returns in the AHL where he’s operating at a PPG pace, indicate he may be taking a regular shift in the NHL sooner than later.
- Bowen Byram,Colorado Avalanche (D) 52% Owned – Drafted #4
Byram is a gifted defenseman who has elite-level skating ability. He is quick to jump into offensive rushes and can walk the blueline as well as anyone in his peer group. On another team, he would likely be getting first PP minutes pretty quickly but as he is behind Cale Makar he will have to bide his time for those opportunities. At 19 he is already taking a regular shift with the Stanley Cup contending Avalanche. The sky’s the limit for Byram as a fantasy player.
- Nils Hoglander, Vancouver Canucks (LW, RW) 45% Owned – Drafted #40
While small in stature, Hoglander plays an aggressive game beyond his size. He is a skilled player and despite barely being 20 he’s among the lead NHL leaders in takeaways. He gets 2nd PP minutes and has been generating over 2 shots per game. As his point totals increase, Hoglander is going to be a very versatile and valuable fantasy league player.
- Kaapo Kakko, NY Rangers (RW) 57% Owned – Drafted #2
Kakko has the build and makeup of the prototype NHL power forward. He made the Rangers as an 18 yr old rookie last season and continues to hold down a spot in their top 9, despite not having produced much offense to date. Dynasty league owners will have to play the long game with Kaako now that he has two seasons under his belt. Look for Kakko to have a breakout season in 2021-22.
- Dylan Cozens, Buffalo Sabres (C,RW) 48% Owned – Drafted #7
The “Workhorse from Whitehorse” had a dominant World Junior U20 tournament with 16 points in 8 games and leading the Canadians to a Silver Medal. With his skill set and 200 foot game, he has #1C written all over him. He does sit behind Jack Eichel in Buffalo’s pecking order but Cozens will be a very good point producer, excel at face offs as well as get extensive PP minutes. 2021-22 should be a big year for Cozens as he gets his feet wet this year.
- Kirby Dach, Chicago Blackhawks (C) 44% Owned – Drafted #3
Dach cracked the Hawks lineup as an 18-year-old and put up some decent offensive numbers. At 6’4” 200+ lbs he is destined to succeed Jonathan Toews as the Hawks #1C. He, unfortunately, required wrist surgery prior to the start of this season and will likely miss the most if not the whole year. Dach will slide into the Hawks top 6 in 2021-22 and his skill set should have him put up good fantasy numbers in PTS, PPP, FOW, SOG, TK. Hits. He’s a complete player and I expect him to be a fantasy league force.
- Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils (C) 89% Owned Drafted #1
There’s no surprise to see Hughes at the top of this list, however, I do have him at #2 rather than at the pinnacle. Hughes had a medicare 18 yr old rookie season with the Devils considering the hype as the #1 overall selection in 2019. He has started this season strong and is putting up good point totals. There is little doubt he will be a significant point producer in the NHL. I’m unsure if he is going to drive many other fantasy categories other than PPP. He is struggling at face-offs and he is more of a passer than a goal scorer. That said, there is no question he will be a star in this league sooner than later and may even be the #1 fantasy hockey player out of his draft class.
- Trevor Zegras, Anaheim Ducks (C) 55% Owned – Drafted #9
Zegras took his game to another level at the 2020 World Junior U20 tournament. The US team rode his back to a goal medal and Zegras was named the tournament MVP. He has just made his debut for the Ducks and now has 4 games under his belt at the time of this writing. With his ability to shoot the puck, his vision, and elite skill I am expecting Zegras to be the most dominant player out of the 2019 draft. If you have him in your dynasty league hold onto him. If he’s available in your draft next season, don’t let him fall too far as Zegras is poised to have a breakout 2021-22 season
Pulling the trigger on 19 and 20-year-old players is a bit like playing poker. When do you put your chips in? All these skaters are on a path to NHL success and in most cases, stardom. Whatever your fantasy hockey league format may be, make sure you have these 10 players on your radar.
For more immediate help please check out Brandon Altomonte’s Week 7 Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire!
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