NHL Fantasy mailbag: Canucks players could thrive after coaching change

Attention fantasy owners: It’s time to hop back aboard the Canucks express.

The Flyers, on the other hand, are a different story.

Unsurprisingly, Vancouver is off to a strong start under Bruce Boudreau (2-0-0) following the dismissal of both head coach Travis Green and general manager Jim Benning, among others.

The same cannot be said for Philadelphia, which is currently mired in a nasty 10-game winless skid (0-8-2). Since firing Alain Vigneault, they Flyers have dropped two in a row under interim bench boss Mike Yeo (0-2-0).

Clearly, the Canucks possess the most appetizing fantasy value of the three teams who’ve made performance-based changes this season. From J.T. Miller to Brock Boeser to Quinn Hughes to Thatcher Demko, there’s no shortage of options to contemplate rostering in the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Pool. So think about it.

Now to your questions:

Not anytime soon.

The sample size is still relatively small but 27 games in, there’s no denying that it’s been a less than appetizing start for Pettersson. Having said, there’s still plenty of racetrack ahead to figure things out. My crystal ball suggests that the 23-year-old is poised to find his touch eventually, you’ll just have to be patient with him. After all, there’s a reason Pettersson landed the contract he did; he’s a terrific talent.

Let it play out.

Because I’ve been backing him from the beginning of the season, I’m sticking with my boy Pettersson. Of the two, I still think he has the higher fantasy ceiling. In my pre-season top-250 rankings, I had him in the top 30.

Trusting my gut on this one, even though Bennett’s had a sublime start with the Panthers. Lots of season left.

Absolutely not.

You said it yourself, the coaching change should help to spark Boeser and so far, it has. The sniper has two goals in two games under Boudreau. Need I say more?

Despite the rocky start, as things situate right now, I’d keep him.

Mark my words: Vegas’ best hockey is still ahead. As they continue to get healthier, I fully expect the Golden Knights to go on a run and compete for the Pacific Division crown. While there’s no question it’s been a turbulent start to the season for Lehner (10-9-0, 3.11 GAA, .906 save percentage), it’s all about how you finish, right? That Jack Eichel guy should be a big help, too.

Sit tight, better days are ahead for Lehner. Vegas will be a Stanley Cup contender for several years to come.

No, I wouldn’t.

Despite the slow start, I still think Alexander Radulov has the higher rest-of-season upside over Alex Iafallo. I fully expect the Russian to catch fire at some point, especially with a new contract in the off-season hanging in the balance.

For what it’s worth, I like Iafallo but the inconsistent attachment to Anze Kopitar diminishes his value significantly. Stick with Radulov.

What’s the point? As you said, the strong start has supplied you with some much-needed breathing room, no need to make a decision that could haunt you down the road.

By the way, if you feel so inclined to do something, Brayden Point is the guy you absolutely keep. No debate.

The easy swap for me would be adding Semyon Varlamov and dropping Dan Vladar.

I view the rookie Flames goalie as no more than a streamer play; he’s appeared in only seven of 27 games. Meantime, Varlamov, who’s a part of a tandem duo with Ilya Sorokin, will get his fair share of starts moving forward. Fingers crossed that the Islanders can actually start winning some games, it’s been a dreadful start for them.

Short-term, probably not. Long term, maybe. The Isles are a mess right now, I have no clue what they are.

You made the right decision; you can always circle back down the road, right? Considering his struggles, I’m not sure anyone is rushing to pick him up right now.

Two no-brainers; do it.

Ultimately, it depends on your current placement in the standings.

If you’re going for it, I’d do it in a second. Lucas Raymond has a bright future, but I think Nazem Kadri will offer better value for rest of season purposes.

Hope that helps.

Tough question but I’ll say Jake Oettinger and John Gibson. The Stars have four goalies and I expect a bit of regression in Anaheim moving forward.

Meanwhile, I’m banking on Darcy Kuemper returning to Arizona form and Jordin Binnington playing the way he did before going on the COVID list.

All four goalies are solid. I’d keep them all.

I’m with you on Jake Guentzel. As for Andrew Mangiapane, I prefer Raymond, and it’s mostly because of age and potential. The 19-year-old has a chance to be a top-10 player in the league. So, it’s Guentzel and Raymond for me.

As for your other question, I’m in a gambling mood, so give me Ryan Johansen. I mean, it’s not like this resurgence came out of nowhere, he’s shown this in the past. I love Stephenson, especially between Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone. The only problem is that Vegas has Eichel, who undoubtedly will assume Stephenson’s role between the big boys once he’s ready to go. Once that happens, Stephenson will be hard pressed to maintain his value.

Stay the course, Barrie’s always been supremely streaky. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl around him on the power play, he’s bound to get going sooner rather than later.

Furthermore, it’s very unlikely you’ll be able to find a player with better long-term value on waivers right now. Hold.

NHL Fantasy mailbag: Canucks players could thrive after coaching change
Source: Pinas Ko Mahal