Offseason Fantasy Quick Hits: Metropolitan Division – Philadelphia Flyers

It’s already been a pretty wild off season in the NHL with lots of big names changing teams. As we are in the dog days of summer, we might as well get prepped for the 2016-17 season and discuss the fantasy impacts of all these moves. I introduce to you Offseason Fantasy Quick Hits. I will be discussing the fantasy impact of all major moves made by all NHL teams over the course of the summer. Part six of the series previews the Philadelphia Flyers for this upcoming season.

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PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

Got: Andy Miele, T.J. Brennan, Boyd Gordon, Dale Weise

Lost: Sam Gagner, Evgeny Medvedev, Ryan White, R.J. Umberger

Nothing lost, nothing gained. Philly really didn’t gain or lose anybody of fantasy significance. Andy Miele once was, but not anymore. I guess I will spend time in this article discussing the current state of their roster.

First, the goalies – not a fan. Won’t touch Steve Mason with a ten foot pole. Not a huge fan of Michal Neuvirth either. Mason has the bigger contract and more of a starter’s history, but if I had to choose between the two I’d actually would probably take Neuvirth. If I were you I’d look elsewhere for goalies.

Expect more of the same this year from Claude Giroux, Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn. Jakub Voracek had such a disappointing start to last year and turned it around second half, so I’d expect his numbers to improve a bit upon last year, but probably not to the level he was at two seasons ago. 20 goals and 65 points seem both reasonable and attainable.

“Ghost” Shayne Gostisbehere Celebrates a Goal

Also, after putting up 46 points in 64 games as a rookie defenseman, can Shayne Gostisbehere avoid the dreaded sophomore slump? I wish I had a crystal ball to tell you, but I will tell you that Ghost has legit talent. Depending on where he’s ranked, Ghost is someone I’d target. I have a feeling though he may be ranked higher than I like. I know he has the talent to put up 60 points as a d-man this year, the question is which other d-man are still on the board when you have to draft him. It wouldn’t shock me if he continued to break out this year as a top offensive d-man, however at the same time I wouldn’t be shocked either if he took a bit of a step back. Overall I do like Ghost to put up some monster power play numbers and think he has a pretty good chance to repeat last year’s success.

Another guy I really like as a late round pick is Mark Streit. He had an injury riddled season last year but ended it strong. He is just two seasons removed from 50 points I think he can rebound to 35 or 40 this year. With the arrival of Ghost, and Philly using 4 forwards on their first PP unit, Streit will likely see 2nd PP time all year which won’t return him to his 50 point days but should still leave him plenty relevant.

Other than the old reliables mentioned above, there’s not much I’m really liking this year on Philly. I’d keep Sean Couturier on my watch list. The guy is super talented, but is more of a two-way centre who plays a shutdown type role which hinders his ability to get points in fantasy.

One prospect to watch out for is top prospect Ivan Provorov. The defenseman has a good shot to crack the team this year and if he does, anything could happen. I don’t think he’s fantasy relevant in one year-leagues but he could put up 30-35 points as soon as this year and has the talent to put up even more.

Nick Cousins was PPG in the AHL last year, and should be a full time player this year. He could crack 50 points if he sticks in the top six, but I don’t think he will. Keep him on your watch list. I’m not sure if Scott Laughton will ever have enough offence to be fantasy relevant, unless your league counts PIMS.

T.J. Brennan is likely AHL fodder this year, but if injury strikes, watch out. If he could ever get reliable PP time he would be worthy of owning. His defensive deficiencies are the reason he is a perennial AHL superstar.

Philly has lots of other young talent coming up the pipeline (especially on the blue line) these next few years, however I’m not sure any of them will be relevant in one year leagues.

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Your comments and questions are welcome below and I will try to answer as soon as I can. Feel free to send all your fantasy hockey related questions to akiberg@gmail.com!

Thanks for reading!!!