Toronto Maple Leafs: Fantasy Hockey Value Picks

The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to struggle all season and find themselves in the basement of the league – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any value picks for a fantasy hockey league.

Even on the worst teams in the league, someone has to score goals and rack up points – even Toronto Maple Leafs players despite what opposing fan bases will have you believe.

With Phil Kessel gone the Toronto Maple Leafs have lost their most valuable fantasy player and it’s highly likely that his supporting cast will take a hit without him as well. There are other players that could be solid mid-to-late-round picks in your league, though.

Toronto Maple Leafs Forwards

James van Riemsdyk is a player that could still put up decent numbers even without Phil Kessel. There’s a chance that he’ll be centered by Nazem Kadri this year, which should provide him enough talent to continue to be a good offensive contributor.

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Kadri should rebound from a disappointing offensive output last year with an increased role on the team. Kadri can create plays when he’s on the ice and I wouldn’t rule out that he hits 50 points this year.

Joffrey Lupul is a hit or miss player in fantasy hockey. He’s got great potential when he’s healthy, but that’s the biggest question mark. Can he remain healthy? If there aren’t any reports on a lingering issue when your draft happens, he’s worth consideration – but he shouldn’t be relied on.

After JVR, Kadri and Lupul, though, it’s slim pickings with the forward group. Tyler Bozak can’t be trusted with Phil Kessel gone and the rest of the rag-tag group of nine forwards shouldn’t be counted on to provide much in a fantasy league.

Toronto Maple Leafs Defence

Morgan Rielly is poised to have a breakout season, and Jake Gardiner should be right there with him offensively.

Those two defenders are good options for a second tier of defenders in a fantasy league. If Rielly has the season I mentioned in a previous post then he could be the steal of the draft if you get him late.

If your league gives out lots of points for penalty minutes in addition to points then Dion Phaneuf might be an option. Phanuef is good for ~30 points and ~100 PIMs and makes for a nice pickup late in the draft or on the waiver wire if his value is completely soured in your league.

Other than Rielly, Gardiner or Phaneuf there is no value in the rest of the blueline for fantasy hockey.

Toronto Maple Leafs Goaltenders

Selecting Jonathan Bernier or James Reimer in fantasy hockey probably isn’t a very wise decision considering the Toronto Maple Leafs won’t be winning too many games this year.

If you have to take one, take Bernier because he’s the starter.

The goalie position, in general, in a fantasy league is pretty much a game to game decision based on opponents whenever possible. Grabbing and playing Bernier against teams like New Jersey, Carolina or Arizona is a good bet, but outside of those teams you’ll probably have a better option in another goaltender from around the league.

Next: Five Predictions That Might Come True

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