Hi, to start, buy the guide before the season starts: https://dobbersports.com/product/dobbers-2019-20-fantasy-hockey-guide/
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Welcome to the later in the day prospect ramblings. I have been on vacation the past couple of Thursdays so my apologies for leaving everyone in the dark! I also didn’t update my leaving on twitter, but I made hilarious observations the entire time:
{source} <blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>They still pretty much draft the same in the first round though, just instead of reaching they take low ceiling potential players. So did they learn that??? <a href=”https://t.co/DxeQhfHHvo”>https://t.co/DxeQhfHHvo</a></p>— Pat Quinn (not that one) (@FHPQuinn) <a href=”https://twitter.com/FHPQuinn/status/1174315505009582081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 18, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
Alright, let us get in to it
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I bring this sup every time hockey is in preseason, but do not overrate your favorite prospect (or an unknown player) scoring in preseason because of the lesson many fantasy GMs learned back in 2005-2006: Brandon Bockenski. He had an amazing preseason playing along side Heatley and Spezza, but ultimately was never able to keep up in the NHL. He was a great AHL, and is a great, KHL scorer though. The lesson is a lot of GMs reached at their respective drafts and got burned, and year after year a preseason scoring spree overrates a few players.
My advice is watch and enjoy the games for what they are, exhibition, but do not follow the point totals. Watch for deployment over anything, as coaches minds can change in a heartbeat.
I remember watching preseason in 2017-2018 (or 2016-2017) thinking Dylan Strome was ready and getting burned. I do remember standing in the boardroom we do our draft in being super excited for a “sleeper” and alcohol was involved in my reasoning.
With all of that let me take a look at some of the list of current top preseason scorers for prospects (even though it is super early in to preseason):
- Connor Garland (ARI): 1GP-2G-1A-3P; I hope he gets top nine time in Arizona, but the team is built in such a way that he could be on line 2 or line 4 and still have a chance to score. Point totals for a majority of the roster will all be eerily similar in the desert this year
- Alexander Nylander (CHI): 2GP-1G-2A-3P; Well, well, well, look who shows up on the list. I still think there is something there with A. Nylander as he has the skill to be an NHLer but jumping to the AHL too early and injuries have set him back a bit. I also get a sense he feels he deserves to be in the NHL instead of proving he should make it. I would still keep him in the AHL for most of the season, but he is a great buy-low candidate to build on
- Aliaksei Protas (WSH): 2GP-1G-2A-3P; A surprise to even still be in camp for Washington, as how many late third round picks stay in camp, but the big 6-5 centre is still in camp impressing. Protas has excellent vision, ok skating, and an ok shot. He needs to improve those and use his body more and he could be a force as a 2C in the future. *Note: Was sent back to the WHL today
- Dominik Kubalik (CHI): 2GP-2G-0A-2P; He is already penned in to the opening night Chicago roster, so it is nice to see him pot some goals early on. He should be used through out the whole line-up in Chicago, so do not draft him too high, but also do not let him slip by
- Manuel Wiederer (SJ): 1GP-2G-0A-2P; “Who?” you ask, well I do not really know either. He has yet to establish himself in the AHL so do not touch
- Sami Niku (WPG): 1GP-0G-2A-2P; With the news recently of Big Buff maybe not returning Niku could be thrust in to a top three role in Winnipeg. He should excel but it may overwhelm him to start. This kid is good though and should not be overlooked late in drafts
- Ivan Chekhovich (SJ): 1GP-1G-1A-2P; This kid will be a skilled scorer for San Jose down the line. He could make the line up for 2019-2020 but it is better for him to spend a year in the AHL. He is likely already taken in your keeper league but if he is there snatch him up.
- Joel Persson (EDM): 1GP-0G-2A-2P; Right now Klefbom is on paper to run the EDM 1PP, and everyone assumes if he slips up it will go to Nurse next. However, Nurse may be too good at EV and PK to get a lot of minutes (as the Oilers are bad) and the Oilers should look to give all the PP time to Persson. He is one to monitor all season for when to add him.
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Here are a list of prospects currently sent down from training camp:
Arizona
{source} <blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Coyotes reduce their training camp roster by 9. Roster now at 52. <a href=”https://t.co/hK7YzCX4qn”>pic.twitter.com/hK7YzCX4qn</a></p>— Craig Morgan (@craigsmorgan) <a href=”https://twitter.com/craigsmorgan/status/1173726445425721344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 16, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
Calgary
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”><a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flames?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Flames</a> have returned three prospects to their junior clubs — forwards Milos Roman and Dmitry Zavgorodniy and goalie Dustin Wolf.</p>— Wes Gilbertson (@WesGilbertson) <a href=”https://twitter.com/WesGilbertson/status/1174060938678300672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 17, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
Chicago
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>ROSTER MOVE: The <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blackhawks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Blackhawks</a> have re-assigned goaltender Alexis Gravel to his junior team, the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL. <br><br>With this move, the Blackhawks training camp roster currently stands at 54: 32 forwards, 17 defensemen and five goaltenders. <a href=”https://t.co/HTGYNOBc7o”>pic.twitter.com/HTGYNOBc7o</a></p>— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) <a href=”https://twitter.com/NHLBlackhawks/status/1174692478861094915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Based on the practice groups today, looks like Boqvist, Holm, Saarela, and Sikura are likely headed to Rockford when the cuts are announced.</p>— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) <a href=”https://twitter.com/BenPopeCST/status/1174709062031892485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Aleksi Saarela was very unhappy he didn’t get an NHL shot in Carolina despite AHL success. <br><br>He demanded a trade to Chicago and got it.<br><br>Now, it looks like he’s headed back to the AHL. This could be interesting.</p>— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) <a href=”https://twitter.com/BenPopeCST/status/1174716920559521792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
Colorado
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Avs made four more cuts after the game: Alex Beaucage, Luka Burzan, and Sasha Mutala were sent back to their junior teams. Sasha Larocque was sent to the Eagles. <br><br>Roster is now at 47.</p>— AJ Haefele (@AJHaefele) <a href=”https://twitter.com/AJHaefele/status/1174178549063913472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 18, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
Columbus
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Two cuts for <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/CBJ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#CBJ</a>: <br><br>forward Tyler Angle back to OHL Windsor, and defenseman Eric Hjorth, back to OHL Sarnia.<br><br>Roster now at 57 players.</p>— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) <a href=”https://twitter.com/Aportzline/status/1174315020668325889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 18, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
Dallas
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Stars have announced first round of cuts <a href=”https://t.co/voQQuwAXDS”>pic.twitter.com/voQQuwAXDS</a></p>— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) <a href=”https://twitter.com/seanshapiro/status/1173995702223085573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 17, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
Edmonton
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>The <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oilers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Oilers</a> have assigned the following six players to the Bakersfield <a href=”https://twitter.com/Condors?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@Condors</a>. <br><br>• Vincent Desharnais<br>• Luke Esposito<br>• Jake Kulevich<br>• Ostap Safin<br>• Beau Starrett<br>• Nolan Vesey</p>— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) <a href=”https://twitter.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1174346249836777472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 18, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
Florida
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”><a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlaPanthers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#FlaPanthers</a> roster down to 41 <a href=”https://t.co/a2mEUw67Jx”>pic.twitter.com/a2mEUw67Jx</a></p>— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) <a href=”https://twitter.com/JamesonCoop/status/1173975516258492416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 17, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
Minnesota
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>The <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/mnwild?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#mnwild</a> reduced its training camp roster to 55 players today. <a href=”https://t.co/6qBElLiQIf”>pic.twitter.com/6qBElLiQIf</a></p>— Minnesota Wild PR (@mnwildPR) <a href=”https://twitter.com/mnwildPR/status/1173697069883826177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 16, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
Montreal
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>The Canadiens announced today that defenseman Gianni Fairbrother has been released from training camp and returned to his Junior team (Everett – WHL).<a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHabsGo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#GoHabsGo</a></p>— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) <a href=”https://twitter.com/CanadiensMTL/status/1174326563996934144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 18, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
New York Islanders
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”><a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Isles</a> make some cuts <a href=”https://t.co/oPau06gsei”>pic.twitter.com/oPau06gsei</a></p>— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) <a href=”https://twitter.com/StapeAthletic/status/1174675575765684225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
Philadelphia
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”><a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flyers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Flyers</a> made 8 roster cuts. Sent to juniors: D Egor Zamula (WHL – Calgary); D Mason Millman (OHL – Saginaw); RW Egor Serdyuk (QMJHL – Victoriaville); D Wyatte Wylie (WHL – Everett). Released from tryout deals: Golod, McCartney, Comrie, Cyr.</p>— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) <a href=”https://twitter.com/BroadStBull/status/1174341223424909312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 18, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
San Jose
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Dillon Hamaliuk, Jake McGrew back to juniors <a href=”https://t.co/rPJ6un9gIF”>https://t.co/rPJ6un9gIF</a></p>— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNHL) <a href=”https://twitter.com/KKurzNHL/status/1174750311858069504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
Vancouver
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Arseneau was last player on AHL deal at camp.<br>Both DiPietro and Gadjovich were expected players to be assigned.<br>Comets open camp next week in Utica. <a href=”https://t.co/w4NDDlrCpO”>pic.twitter.com/w4NDDlrCpO</a></p>— O-D Comets (@OD_Comets) <a href=”https://twitter.com/OD_Comets/status/1174731776075423744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
Vegas
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Roster Update:<br><br>Mason Primeau, Connor Corcoran, Xavier Bouchard and Kaedan Korczak have been reassigned to their respective junior teams. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/VegasBorn?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#VegasBorn</a></p>— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) <a href=”https://twitter.com/GoldenKnights/status/1174455563532427265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 18, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
Washington
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>The following players have been loaned to their respective junior teams: Connor McMichael (London; OHL), Aliaksei Protas (Prince Albert; WHL), Eric Florchuk (Saskatoon; WHL), Alex Kannok-Leipert (Vancouver; WHL).</p>— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) <a href=”https://twitter.com/CapitalsPR/status/1174735529209937920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Damien Riat has been returned to his European team (Biel; Swiss NLA).</p>— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) <a href=”https://twitter.com/CapitalsPR/status/1174735690371715072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
{source}<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>The following players have been sent to Hershey: Casey Bailey, Erik Burgdoerfer, Tommy Hughes, Kale Kessy, Chris McCarthy, Matt Moulson, Logan Thompson, Matthew Weis, Steven Whitney.</p>— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) <a href=”https://twitter.com/CapitalsPR/status/1174736345203433472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 19, 2019</a></blockquote>{/source}
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Thanks for reading. Follow my twitter: @FHPQuinn