MORE FANTASY COVERAGE:
BLUE JACKETS SIGN GAUDREAU
The Columbus Blue Jackets signed elite wing Johnny Gaudreau to a seven-year contract, drastically upgrading their top-line and first power-play talent for this season. Gaudreau, who was tied for the second-most points (115) in the NHL last season, loses some fantasy appeal going from Calgary Flames, who were previously a Stanley Cup contender, to the Blue Jackets, who could now be closer to the postseason mix but play in the difficult Metropolitan Division.
That said, Gaudreau remains a fringe top 50 overall fantasy player for this season, and the signing gives forward Patrik Laine (56 points in 56 games) an even higher fantasy gear as his potential linemate on the opposite wing. Gaudreau should also drastically increase the fantasy ceiling of whichever center plays on his line at even strength, whether Boone Jenner, Jack Roslovic, Cole Sillinger or rookie Kent Johnson (No. 5 pick in 2021 NHL Draft).
Jenner is the front-runner to land on the top line with Gaudreau and Laine at even strength; he scored 30 goals for Columbus in 2015-16, is coming off his best points-per-game average (0.75 last season; 44 in 59 games) and covers hits (2.3 per game in NHL career). The addition of Gaudreau also positively impacts the fantasy value of defensemen Zach Werenski, who should now be considered a top 20 option at the position, breakout candidate Adam Boqvist (11 goals in 52 games last season) and goalie Elvis Merzlikins, who joins the top 250 rankings as a deep sleeper.
Although most Flames players lose at least some fantasy value from Gaudreau’s departure, the move opens up a coveted left wing spot on the top line with elite forwards Matthew Tkachuk and Elias Lindholm. The top candidates to fill the LW1 void include Tyler Toffoli and Andrew Mangiapane, and the first power-play spot left by Gaudreau could go to Mangiapane, Mikael Backlund, Blake Coleman or Noah Hanifin.
OILERS SIGN CAMPBELL
The Edmonton Oilers signed goalie Jack Campbell to a five-year contract, significantly improving their outlook at the position for this season as their clear starter. Campbell should be considered a top 10 fantasy goalie upon joining the Oilers, who reached the Western Conference…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at "ice hockey" – Google News…