The Fantasy Hockey season is both long and, more this year than ever, gruelling. The best managers are taking advantage of this tumultuous time and staying on top of their teams – maximizing their roster moves to make up for the revolving door of players on and off injured reserve. The best managers are also two steps ahead of the competition. Here\u2019s a look at five fantasy hockey storylines to watch for in 2022.<\/p>\n
Jack Eichel<\/a> was constantly in the news in 2021. Between the surgery he wanted and the trade request<\/a> that finally landed him in Vegas<\/a>, it\u2019s clear that hockey is better when Eichel is on the ice. We\u2019re going to see it sometime near the end of February, meaning Eichel should be owned in most fantasy leagues. It\u2019s exciting to think about his potential around an established group of players who have achieved both personal and team success. The latter is something Eichel has never had, which pushes his point ceiling even higher. Two seasons ago, Eichel had a career-high 1.15 points\/game. Over a full 82-game season, that equates to a 94-point season. Despite being an elite player, that pace may be too much to expect from someone who hasn\u2019t played a game in nearly a year, but a point-per-game is reasonable. Eichel is going to be a star in Vegas.<\/p>\n The anticipation of Eichel comes with a downside. We\u2019ll spare you the salary cap talk, but the fact is Eichel isn\u2019t cheap and assuming the Golden Knights stay healthy, someone will need to be sent out the door. The recent Max Pacioretty<\/a> injury news<\/a> could change this. If not, the likeliest of candidates is Reilly Smith<\/a>, who is in the final year of a contract that pays him five million dollars per season. Luckily for Vegas brass, there may be some suiters for the 30-year-old, who\u2019s in the midst of a great season with 26 points in 33 games. If he is indeed the odd man out, he\u2019s not likely to continue this level of production on his new team, so owners should consider selling high before it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n Tuukka Rask<\/a>\u2019s involvement in Bruins\u2019 practices has been well documented. Although he\u2019s still without a contract, Rask could be ready to play games within a few weeks. The likeliest of scenarios would see the soon-to-be 35-year-old sign a one-year contract, effectively meaning the Bruins current tandem of Linus Ullmark<\/a> and Jeremy Swayman<\/a> will be their answer in the crease next season. For this season though, Rask should be owned in all formats and Swayman should be traded as soon as possible. He\u2019s able to be sent to the minors without clearing waivers, which is exactly what is expected to happen. Act now before it\u2019s too late. The Bruins have played a league-low 26 games and based on Rask\u2019s track record, can very well climb up the Atlantic division standings.<\/p>\n Evgeni Malkin<\/a> is roughly a week away from making his 2021-2022 season debut. Even at 35 years of age, there\u2019s no doubt that a healthy Malkin is a productive one. He always seems to be one of the biggest fantasy hockey storylines because his presence is predictably unpredictable. If you\u2019ve followed us at the Fantasy Hockey Bros<\/a>,<\/span> you\u2019re well aware of our thoughts (specifically this writer’s) as it pertains to Malkin and fantasy hockey.<\/span> Simply put, he\u2019s not worth the headache. Malkin hasn\u2019t played every game in a season since 08-09. Since then, he\u2019s missed a total of 247 games.<\/p>\n All that said, if there is any time to ignore that history, it\u2019s now. Malkin is in the final year of an eight-year deal that pays him 9.5 million per season. A good, healthy start to 2022 can mean big things for the superstar Russian as the trade deadline approaches. Maybe he remains a Penguin then and next season, maybe not. Either way, with his age and injury-riddled past, these next few months will be the last time he\u2019s considered an elite fantasy player. Proceed with caution.<\/p>\n Malkin\u2019s contract status is a great segue into the next fantasy hockey storyline \u2013 the trade deadline. Navigating the NHL\u2019s deadline can sometimes be tricky in fantasy. Generally, if you own a productive player with an expiring contract on an underperforming team, you\u2019re in a good spot. Either the player stays with the team and continues helping your fantasy squad, or they go to a contender and are surrounded by more talent. On the other end of that trade is a good player on a great one going to a poor one. Each case is different, as roles and opportunity can change. Take the Anthony Mantha<\/a> for Jakub Vrana<\/a> trade from last season. Mantha had eight points in 14 games last season while Vrana had 11 in 11.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s trade bait board features fantasy-relevant players like Tomas Hertl<\/a>, Phil Kessel<\/a>, Evander Kane<\/a> and Jake DeBrusk<\/a>. All players, given the right opportunity could get a big boost in value by the end of deadline day. Come back here on March 22 and we\u2019ll walk you through the biggest winners and losers of the day.<\/p>\n Speaking of the deadline, the Avalanche are likely to be very active on the big day. They have valuable forwards like Nazem Kadri<\/a> (fourth in league scoring with 38 points), Andre Burakovsky<\/a> (21 points in 25 games) and Valeri Nichushkin<\/a> (16 points in 18 games) on expiring contracts. Both of their goaltenders, Darcy Kuemper<\/a> and Pavel Francouz<\/a>, are also set to become Unrestricted Free Agents at the end of the season. All the while, Avalanche brass need to consider the raise Nathan MacKinnon<\/a> to due next season.<\/p>\n Point is, things are going to change for Colorado in 2022. How does this pertain to fantasy hockey? Someone like Burakovsky could feel the squeeze and be this years\u2019 Vrana. Kuemper could end up on another team or wind up as the backup. Kadri\u2019s contract status could be driving his career-best season at 31-years-old. On the flip side, their cap space this season will allow them to load up, potentially pushing some of these players into lesser roles. Consider these Avs and others’ contract situations to help with fantasy hockey decisions.<\/p>\n Do you have some other fantasy hockey storylines for 2022? Drop them in the comments below!<\/p>\n Main Photo:<\/p>\nThe Goaltending Situation in Boston<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Malkin\u2019s Future in Pittsburgh<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The 2022 NHL Trade Deadline<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Changes Coming in Colorado<\/strong><\/h3>\n