The acquisition of Erik Karlsson by the Pittsburgh Penguins has undoubtedly sent shockwaves throughout the NHL community. As Kyle Benjamin Dubas, the multi-titled Grand Poobah of Pittsburgh, makes his first significant move in his new role, fantasy hockey enthusiasts are left pondering the implications of this trade. Karlsson, now surrounded by stars like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Jake Guentzel, is expected to thrive with a dynamic scoring side in Pennsylvania. While it may be unreasonable to anticipate a replication of his Norris-winning, 101-point campaign from last year, it’s undeniable that the 33-year-old defenseman will reap the benefits of playing alongside more prolific playmakers and scoring forwards.
One area where Erik Karlsson is likely to see a boost in his production is on the power play. Last season, Karlsson only recorded 25% of his 101 points with the man-advantage, compared to players like Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes who collected 45% of their total points on the power play. With his new team, Karlsson is projected to anchor Pittsburgh’s No. 1 special teams unit, potentially leading to a higher percentage of points earned on the power play. This increase in production carries significant value in most scoring fantasy leagues.
While it’s evident that Erik Karlsson is a top-tier defenseman in most fantasy leagues, the question remains whether he can be considered a top-10 skater overall. Predicting his exact point total is challenging, but a reasonable expectation would be around 80 points, with 35 of them coming from power play contributions. Additionally, Karlsson’s ability to generate over 200 shots and play 25 minutes per game further solidifies his fantasy value.
Players Poised to Benefit
The addition of the offensive-defenseman Karlsson to the Penguins’ roster is expected to have a ripple effect on other players as well. One fortunate skater who could find himself on Pittsburgh’s top power play unit alongside Karlsson, Crosby, Malkin, and Guentzel is Rickard Rakell. Although Reilly Smith, a newcomer to the Penguins, could also make a case for a spot on the top unit. These players, especially Rakell, have the potential to have a breakout season and should be targeted in fantasy drafts.
Bryan Rust is another player who could see an opportunity on the top power play unit. Drafting him accordingly could yield a 65-point season if he secures a consistent role within the top six forwards. Ryan Graves and Marcus Pettersson, if partnered with Karlsson on the top defensive pairing, could see an increase in their production. Both players have the potential to contribute not only offensively but also through blocked shots, making them valuable assets in fantasy leagues.
Fantasy Loser: Kris Letang
While Erik Karlsson’s arrival is a boon for the Penguins, it does come at the cost of Kris Letang. Letang, once a prominent figure on Pittsburgh’s top power play unit and defensive pairing, is now expected to drop down to the second unit. However, Letang’s focus is likely to be on team success rather than personal accolades, as another shot at the Stanley Cup is within reach.
Impact on the San Jose Sharks
With the departure of Karlsson, the San Jose Sharks face a period of rebuilding. Mario Ferraro is expected to be given the opportunity to anchor the team’s No. 1 power play unit, at least initially. However, the Sharks’ uncertain future and ongoing development make Ferraro and Matt Benning late sleeper picks in deeper fantasy leagues.
In conclusion, the acquisition of Erik Karlsson by the Pittsburgh Penguins has significant implications for fantasy hockey. Karlsson’s potential to increase his overall production with a more dynamic scoring side is promising. Additionally, the ripple effect of his presence on the roster will create opportunities for other players to flourish. However, it is essential to consider the potential impact on Kris Letang’s fantasy value and the rebuilding phase faced by the San Jose Sharks. As the NHL season progresses, fantasy managers should closely monitor the performances of these players and adjust their strategies accordingly.
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