Toronto Maple Leafs and the Atlantic Division Fantasy Stars

As the regular season approaches, you might be researching for an upcoming fantasy hockey draft. I’ll pretend I’m the Matthew Berry of fantasy hockey and provide you some analysis on Toronto Maple Leafs players and their Atlantic Division rivals.

Taking Auston Matthews At First Overall?

If you have the first pick in your fantasy draft, you’ll most likely look at drafting either Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby or Auston Matthews.

Personally, I would select Auston Matthews at number one, even if the obvious choice is Connor McDavid.

TORONTO, ON – MARCH 28: Auston Matthews /

I’m predicting Matthews to score 45 goals and have 50 assists.

Matthews V.S. McDavid

You might be saying, “We’ll, Connor McDavid had 30 goals and 70 assists.”

Yes. But, who does McDavid have for wingers this year?

Last year his most paired-with wingers were Maroon and Draisaitl. But if Draisaitl gets moved to centre, and with Eberle gone, McDavid might not have the wingers to repeat as the scoring champ.

Matthews V.S. Sid the Kid

Yes, you could select Crosby. But, Crosby has had many concussion issues in this past. Crosby is just one hit away from being in your injured reserve spot.

Take Matthews at number one and you’ll be rewarded.

Fantasy Draft Steals

Yahoo’s average draft position for Steven Stamkos is 30. That’s a steal! Stamkos will put solid numbers if healthy. I’m projecting Stamkos to have 35 goals and 30 assists. Comparable to his statistics in the 2015-2016 season. Also, let’s not forget Stamkos is capable of having a 90+ point season.

Patrick Marleau is also a steal! Marleau’s average draft position is 144. If Marleau is paired with Matthews, Marleau could score 35 goals and have 25 assists. Which would significantly surpass last year’s numbers.

Sleepers

Boy, do I love sleepers! My sleepers from the Atlantic Division are Zach Hyman, Jason Pominville, and Jonathan Drouin.

It’s Hyman Time!

Hyman is one of my favorite sleepers. Rumors as of late have been projecting JVR to be traded at the deadline. Hyman could step up and play alongside Mitch Marner. Hyman would put up solid numbers alongside Marner. And would be on the second power-play unit.

Back in Snowy Buffalo

Pominville is another sleeper to keep your eye on. Buffalo brought Pominville back after several seasons in Minnesota. Pominville will likely be paired with Eichel or O’Reilly and could produce stellar offensive numbers in upstate NY.

Bienvenue à Montréal

My last sleeper is Drouin. Drouin put up be decent numbers last year in Tampa. But, is due for a big year. With Galchenyuk and Pacioretty, he could have a career high in goals and assists. Also, I think the change in scenery will be great for Drouin. Especially, as it seemed like there was falling out between Steve Yzerman and him.

Rookies To Keep An Eye On

My rookies to keep an eye on include Kasperi Kapanen and Charlie McAvoy.

Kapanen will be interesting to watch. He’ll likely start the year on the 4th line with Dominic Moore. But, I predict that he’ll make his way up to play with Nazem Kadri. Kadri and Kapanen will be exciting to watch. Kapanen could be in-line for a decent season and have 20 goals. Might be a good fit in your utility spot.

McAvoy will also be someone to keep your eye on. In the first four games of the NHL playoffs, McAvoy was impressive and had a corsi-for percentage of 60 percent. Look for McAvoy to have a stellar season. McAvoy could potentially be a top four defenseman at the end of the year. Especially if the Bruins move captain, Zdeno Chara before the deadline.

Next: Leo Komarov Is an Elite Player

Conclusion

Remember if you have the 1st overall pick, take Matthews and you’ll be rewarded. Matthews is due for a big season with Marleau and Nylander at this side. Also, you might be skeptical to draft McAvoy, Kapanen, Pominville, Drouin or Hyman. But, I believe that my rookies to watch and sleepers will be pivotal for your lineups down the stretch.

Home/Editorials