NHL Fantasty Draft: Arizona Coyotes Edition
Apr 4, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) celebrates with right wing Shane Doan (19), defenseman Keith Yandle (3) and center Antoine Vermette (50) after scoring a power play goal in the second period against the Edmonton Oilers at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Guys, it’s time for fantasy sports again. (In other words, it’s time for Mike Hrankiwskyj and all the Western Conference FanSided editors to get left in the dust- not that Howlin’ Hockey is competitive, or anything).
Here at your favorite Arizona Coyotes all-inclusive site, three of us are competing in the FanSided WC league- myself, Richard Flores, and Adam Pierce. It’s going to be so insane.
In honor of our upcoming draft day (which we still don’t know when that is, but whatever), it’s time to look at what Arizona has to offer:
Forwards
Apr 13, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes left wing Mikkel Boedker (89) does a somersault over Dallas Stars goalie Tim Thomas (30) during the second period at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
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First Grabs: Mikkel Boedker
Avoid: Sam Gagner
Sleeper Pick: Antoine Vermette
I wouldn’t recommend picking anyone from Arizona’s offense for QUITE a few rounds. The most consistency you’ll see is from Mikkel Boedker, who racked up a sneaky 51 points last season. No one really saw him do it, but he did. Don’t be hasty when you draft him, but if you want Arizona represented in your fantasy team’s offense, make sure to snatch him up in an early-middle round.
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Vermette, who had the highest number of goals last season (with 24, which is upsetting, but that’s neither here nor there), makes for a great sleeper pick. He didn’t walk away from last season with as many points as some of his fellow teammates, but ended the season with a goose egg for his +/- rating, so he’s a safe enough pick. If he’s still around in the middle to later rounds, snag him up. Why not?
Unless you like to gamble, though, don’t bother with Gagner for now. He may make a good trade at some point, but at the moment he’s too inconsistent. Draft him, and you’ll give yourself a complex every week. Should I play him, or no? Will he look amazing, or like utter garbage? The center may bring you three points in one game, but then disappear for the next ten- overall, his play has historically indicated that fantasy teams should take a hard pass here.
Defensemen
Mar 11, 2014; Sunrise, FL, USA; Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle (3) celebrates with defenseman Michael Stone (26) after a goal against Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo (not pictured) in the first period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
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First grabs: Keith Yandle, Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Avoid: Zbynek Michalek
Sleeper Pick: Michael Stone/Connor Murphy
If you can nab both Yandle and OEL, all the power to you. With three journalists who all cover the Arizona Coyotes in the same league, there’s no chance in hell this will happen to me- but if you can do it, go for it. The two are ranked 6th and 8th on ESPN’s Fantasy Rankings out of the league’s defensemen, respectively- and according to NHL.com’s Fantasy Experts, the two rank 70th and 72nd overall. Do I think you should pick them in the first three rounds? No. Do I think that one of them could significantly help you? With both coming off of 40-plus seasons (Yandle coming off a team-high 53 point season, personally), yes. They’re both offensive-minded blue liners who know how to score as well as they know how to assist. If Yandle can figure out how to play his own position this year, too, you’ll really be in business.
If you find yourself in a later round with no real interest in anyone left, grabbing either Michael Stone or Connor Murphy can’t hurt. I don’t necessarily see either having breakout, 40-point seasons, but they’re also good, solid players who can- at the very least- keep you from giving in to the urge to pick up someone like Gagner. They can’t hurt your roster much, but with a good season, they can definitely help it.
Personally, I would stay away from Michalek. He’s getting older, and while he’s the second half of a relatively terrifying top-two pairing, I can’t see him mustering up more than 15 points for the whole season. He’s a great player, but I think that he and Doan have passed the point where you should comfortably add them to a fantasy roster.
Goaltenders
Mar 15, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) makes a save in front of Calgary Flames center Joe Colborne (8) during the second period at Jobing.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
There’s only two of them. Let’s not be ridiculous.
I know that Adam’s probably going to do this, but I’ll advise against it for everyone else- don’t draft Mike Smith before you pick up a real starter. If you want him as a backup, that’s totally fine- but if your league has moved on to drafting netminders, don’t draft him over someone who could really demolish everyone else. Draft Tuukka Rask or Henrik Lundqvist… or even Cory Schneider, who’s poised to have the season of his life. Then, and only then, do I give you permission to go after Mr. Butt Goal himself.
Of course, you do need more than one goalie- and as far as second goaltenders go, I think Smith is a great addition to anyone’s roster. He, Jonas Hiller, and Kari Lehtonen are great choices to back up whatever elite guy you pick as your number one- so if you’ve already secured your first goalie, try and pick him up.
If you pick up Devan Dubnyk, I can’t even help you here.