New York Rangers 2017-18 fantasy hockey preview
The New York Rangers will once again have a plethora of fantasy hockey-relevant players in the coming season.
As with the New York Rangers squad in real life, there are a pile of expectations on their players for fantasy hockey owners. Some dramatic changes to the roster over the summer have changed the dynamic of the team. As a result, certain players will see their fantasy stock skyrocket—or crash down to earth.
One Rangers fantasy staple is gone: Derek Stepan is now in Arizona. Others, like Rick Nash, are slowly fading from fantasy relevance. On the bright side, new young talent is on the verge of breaking through.
After years of team built on a core of veteran—if young—forwards, the Rangers are moving forward with a revamped defensive group, and that impacts other players across the board.
Related Story: Can the Rangers replace Stepan's production?
Losing relevance
The New York Rangers have had two players routinely drafted high over the past four years: Henrik Lundqvist and Rick Nash. After Lundqvist’s worst season yet and yet another injury-riddled campaign for Nash, they’re plunging down the draft board this season.
However, that may be a little hasty, and both could be bargain picks.
Lundqvist in particular might see a resurgence, with the strongest defensive unit he’s had in years to play behind. His performance in the second half of the season and in the playoffs makes it clear he still has gas in the tank. Though Lundqvist is currently projected to go in the fourth or fifth round in most drafts, he still has top-two-round potential.
Nash is a different story. It seems safe to assume that he won’t be reaching the 40-goal heights of 2014-15 ever again, as injuries mount and Father Time does his thing. It doesn’t help that Nash is historically a poor power play producer, which is where aging scorers often keep their stats afloat (see: Jarome Iginla).
In fact, Nash may not be worth drafting at all in normal formats. If it’s a deep league, he should be snatched up with a late-round pick. Otherwise, he should be on watch lists in case he breaks out and stays healthy.
Related Story: Lundqvist set to climb all-time wins list
New kids on the block
The only skater for the New York Rangers who projects near the top of fantasy drafts is newcomer Kevin Shattenkirk. Coming off a career-best 56-point season, he’ll be primed for top power play minutes and even strength time alongside Ryan McDonagh.
Expecting 50+ points from Shattenkirk once again is reasonable. A boatload of power play points will just increase his value by year end.
While Shattenkirk’s fantasy importance remains strong, his arrival does knock McDonagh down a rung or three.
The Rangers captain’s power play minutes will go down significantly this season. Between the emergence of Brady Skjei and the acquisition of Anthony DeAngelo, McDonagh may not be seeing much power play time at all.
Related Story: Will McDonagh and Shattenkirk last as a pairing?
Diamonds in the rough
Rick Nash is longer be the face of the New York Rangers forward group. That’s a good thing, though, because fantasy-relevant Rangers are slipping through the cracks.
Chris Kreider enjoyed a breakout, 28-goal year last season, and could do even better this year. On top of that, he’s the highest-rated Rangers forward in Yahoo at 64…but he’s picked on average at 145.
If you’re in a hits/PIMs league, Kreider’s value gets another big boost.
The perennially underrated Mats Zuccarello is a virtual lock for 15-20 goals and 40+ assists. Nevertheless, his average draft position is 142. Zuccarello puts up power play points, too, and should find chemistry with Kevin Shattenkirk.
The Rangers have several other forwards who aren’t on fantasy radars but should score 50-60 points. The likes of J.T. Miller, Kevin Hayes, Mika Zibanejad, and even Pavel Buchnevich are worth taking a look at in later rounds. In keeper leagues, Buchnevich is an especially intriguing option.
Next: Rangers' Traverse City prospects roster announced
While it’s not clear who will end the season as the most valuable Ranger in fantasy hockey, the Rangers nonetheless have several candidates who should be on every owner’s radar.