This hockey analysis discusses several fantasy hockey-related topics. Kirill Kaprizov’s contract is reshaping the NHL landscape and will impact future player contracts. The article then delves into managing injuries, specifically Aleksander Barkov’s, in cap league pools, outlining strategies for different league setups including considering trades for players like Buchnevich or Debrincat and targeting players like Kopitar. Finally, it covers training camp storylines, noting Emmitt Finnie’s emergence in Detroit, Oliver Bjorkstrand’s power play role in Tampa, and other notable camp performances, as well as waiver wire implications for deeper leagues. The article also highlights Anthony Stolarz’s surprising value.

Highlights

Here are the highlights from the article, in bullet points:

• Kirill Kaprizov’s contract is setting a new, expensive standard in the NHL, impacting the future contracts of stars like Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel. His $17 million cap hit is the highest in the NHL.

• Aleksander Barkov’s injury is discussed from a fantasy hockey perspective. The author details how they are handling his absence in two different leagues, considering trades and assessing team needs.

• Anton Lundell’s draft stock is rising due to his performance when Barkov is out.

• J.T. Miller sustained a leg injury in practice, though it doesn’t appear to be serious. This may affect his draft ranking.

• Training camp storylines:

  • Emmitt Finnie is surprisingly skating on Detroit’s top line.
  • Oliver Bjorkstrand is on Tampa Bay’s top power play.
  • Otto Stenberg is showing promise with the Blues.
  • Miller’s injury during Rangers’ skate saw him part of the top power play before Alexis Lafreniere took over.
  • Berkly Catton is playing on Seattle’s top line and looking like an NHL player.

• Anthony Stolarz’s contract is seen as a value deal for cap leagues.

• Max Pacioretty is not returning to the Leafs; instead, he’s coaching at the University of Michigan.

• Waiver wire claims are discussed as a potential source of players for deeper leagues.

The NHL’s Contract Landscape is Shifting: Are You Ready for the Kaprizov Effect?

The NHL is evolving, and the way we value players is changing with it. Kirill Kaprizov’s massive contract extension with the Minnesota Wild isn’t just a headline; it’s a seismic shift that will ripple through the league for years to come. Forget the “good old days” of bargain contracts – we’re entering a new era of player valuation, and fantasy hockey owners need to be prepared.

The New Standard: $17 Million and Beyond?

Kaprizov’s deal, reportedly an NHL-record $17 million average annual value (AAV), has raised eyebrows across the hockey world.

“An NHL-record $17 million cap hit, for a player who might not even be a top-five player in the league…”

That statement encapsulates the shock and perhaps even disbelief surrounding the contract. While Kaprizov is undoubtedly a star, the sheer size of the deal forces us to re-evaluate the worth of other elite players. Is he worth more than Connor McDavid (when it’s time for McDavid to re-up)?

Past Bargains Now Look Like Steals

Suddenly, contracts like Leon Draisaitl’s $8.5 million AAV seem like a steal. Nathan MacKinnon’s deal, long considered team-friendly, is looking even more advantageous to the Avalanche. Even Sidney Crosby’s $8.7 million AAV, once a standard for superstars, appears modest in this new context.

A Warning for Cap League Owners

If you’re in a cap league, now is the time to strategize. The upcoming free agent pool, brimming with talent like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and countless others, will undoubtedly use Kaprizov’s contract as the benchmark.

I hope you cap league owners already started planning for the future, because the future of cap leagues is already upon us.

This is not a drill! The implications for team building and player acquisition are profound. Consider this:

• Inflation: Contracts for elite players will only continue to inflate.
• Opportunity Cost: Locking up one superstar for a huge sum might limit your ability to build depth.
• Strategic Planning: Long-term planning and shrewd asset management will be crucial for success.

Head-to-Head Woes: A Kaprizov Caveat

For those in head-to-head leagues with Kaprizov on their roster, there’s a potential wrinkle. The Minnesota Wild’s schedule during the crucial playoff weeks could be challenging, potentially hindering Kaprizov’s fantasy production.

Unfortunately for Kaprizov owners in cap league pools with a H2H setup, your last year with him at his $9 million cap hit comes with Minnesota having one of the worst schedules during the H2H playoff weeks.

This highlights the importance of not only player talent but also schedule analysis when building a winning fantasy team.

Navigating Injury: The Aleksander Barkov Situation and Your Fantasy Strategy

Injuries are an inevitable part of hockey, and how you respond to them can make or break your fantasy season. The recent injury to Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers serves as a perfect case study.

A Barkov Owner’s Dilemma: Two Leagues, Two Approaches

As a Barkov owner in multiple leagues, the author is grappling with the best course of action. The approach varies depending on the league format, team composition, and overall goals.

League #1: A 24-Team Dynasty Powerhouse

In a deep 24-team dynasty league, the author’s team is a contender, boasting impressive center depth with names like Dylan Larkin, Tage Thompson, Sean Monahan, and Roope Hintz. Barkov’s injury, while a setback, presents an opportunity.

• Advantage: Ample center depth to mitigate the loss.
• Opportunity: $10 million in cap space to address a weakness at left wing.
• Plan: Explore trades for a LW upgrade, potentially without sacrificing core roster pieces.

The strategy here is to leverage the newly available cap space to bolster a weaker position, aiming to compensate for Barkov’s absence through overall team improvement. This situation requires patience and astute negotiation.

“The plan at this point is to see whether I can find a LW or two that I can acquire for picks and/or prospects without taking pieces off of my main roster, so that I can make up for Barkov on aggregate”

Remember “Moneyball?”: The author smartly references the movie “Moneyball,” a reminder that sometimes the best approach is to find undervalued assets and build a strong team through aggregate gains.

The author is considering high-end targets like Pavel Buchnevich, Alex DeBrincat, or even Kirill Kaprizov (ironically!). Cheaper options like Rickard Rakell and Mason Marchment are also being evaluated. Trading Barkov is a last resort, given his diminished value due to the injury.

A Quick Fix: Chris Kreider was acquired to provide immediate help, highlighting the importance of being proactive in addressing team needs.

Exploring All Avenues: The author also considered Anze Kopitar, recognizing his potential availability due to his announced retirement. This demonstrates the importance of being aware of player situations and potential opportunities.

League #2: A Partial Keeper League

In a partial keeper league (six forwards, four defensemen, and one goalie), the situation is different. Barkov’s injury complicates the keeper selection process, particularly since five of the six keeper forwards are centers.

• Challenge: Limited keeper slots and a surplus of centers.
• Difficulty: A lack of high-end draft picks due to previous trades.
• Approach: A more cautious “wait-and-see” approach before committing to a specific direction.

The key here is flexibility and careful evaluation. The team may need to consider trading valuable assets like Filip Forsberg for younger, potentially more valuable players like Kirill Marchenko, along with draft picks.

The IR Conundrum: The limited number of IR slots presents a major challenge. Holding Barkov limits the ability to manage other potential injuries throughout the season.

General Keeper League Stratgies

• Evaluate All Assets: Take a good hard look at you’re entire roster. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? Where is the most opportunity for growth?
• Be Open to Change: Don’t get sentimental. If you have a player that will net a big return, even if you like them, don’t hesitate to make the deal.
• Play the Long Game: Sometimes you have to sell high, sell low, or just make moves that will pay off in the long run.

Non-Keeper Leagues: A Different Perspective

In non-keeper leagues, the Barkov injury creates opportunities to target players like Anton Lundell, who is likely to see increased playing time and production in Barkov’s absence.

In other leagues without keepers, I’m really bumping up Anton Lundell on my draft lists, as he was fantastic last year in games where Barkov was out of the lineup.

This highlights the importance of being adaptable and identifying players who stand to benefit from injuries or lineup changes.

Quick Hits: Training Camp Buzz and Waiver Wire Wonders

The pre-season is a time for experimentation, surprises, and identifying potential sleepers. Here are a few notable storylines:

• Emmitt Finnie (Detroit): A surprise standout in Detroit, potentially earning a spot on the top line.
• Oliver Bjorkstrand (Tampa Bay): On the top power play unit in Tampa, a potential resurgence in fantasy value.
• Otto Stenberg (St. Louis): Getting a good look in St. Louis, though a crowded roster may limit his immediate impact.
• Berkly Catton (Seattle): Impressing in Seattle, a potential late-round gem.
• Anthony Stolarz: Incredible value on the ice and cap value for owners in cap leagues.

The Waiver Wire: Keep an eye on waiver wire activity, as unclaimed players can sometimes provide valuable depth.

Final Thoughts: Are You Ready for Next Season?

The hockey season is just around the corner! Are you as excited as I am? Make sure to prepare your fantasy teams and get ready for what promises to be an exciting year.

Call to Action

Do you have any fantasy hockey questions or comments? Let’s connect! Find me on BlueSky @alexdmaclean.