2021 Metropolitan Division Fantasy Hockey Preview Feat. Chris Wassel

2021 Metropolitan Division Fantasy Hockey Preview Feat. Chris Wassel

In the 25th episode of the Fantasy Hockey Hacks Podcast; Devon, Bruce, John, and Tyler proudly welcome a special guest – Chris Wassel (FSWA Member, RotoBaller, Sports Betting Dime)! Chris will join us for our 2021 Metropolitan Division Fantasy Preview episode; helping the FHH team assess the division. We’ll go over each team’s top fantasy targets, projections, team analytics, team schedule, and more! This should be another entertaining and informative episode that you will not want to miss!

Highlights:

• Special Guest | Chris Wassel – FSWA Member, Full Press Coverage, RotoBaller, Sports Betting Dime & More
• 2021 Metropolitan Division Fantasy Hockey Preview
• Top fantasy targets and projections for each team in the Metropolitan Division
• Notes on team analytics and schedule

Chapters:

• 11:37 – Special Guest Chris Wassel, Fantasy Hockey Thoughts & Predictions
• 1:01:27 – Rapid Fire Segment (2021-2022 Predictions)
• 1:12:40 – 2021 Metropolitan Division Fantasy Hockey Preview
• 1:13:48 – Carolina Hurricanes Fantasy Outlook & Projections
• 1:19:10 – Columbus Blue Jackets Fantasy Outlook & Projections
• 1:22:00 – New Jersey Devils Fantasy Outlook & Projections
• 1:33:23 – New York Islanders Fantasy Outlook & Projections
• 1:41:10 – New York Rangers Fantasy Outlook & Projections
• 1:49:28 – Philadelphia Flyers Fantasy Outlook & Projections
• 1:59:21 – Pittsburgh Penguins Fantasy Outlook & Projections
• 2:04:24 – Washington Capitals Fantasy Outlook & Projections
• 2:11:53 – Projected Metropolitan Division Standings

Twitter | @FHHacks
Instagram | @FantasyHockeyHacks
Questions? Email us at FantasyHockeyHacks@Gmail.com

Hockey News | September 13 – 20

September 14 | Tyler Bozak signs a 1-year $750K contract to stay with the St. Louis Blues. 

September 15 | Paul Bisonnette (Spittin’ Chiclets) joins the TNT broadcast team. 

Bissonnette joins TNT as network rounds out NHL broadcast team https://t.co/64PeuN7wFa pic.twitter.com/bqhli21SVE

— theScore NHL (@theScoreNHL) September 14, 2021

September 17 | Zack Smith officially announces his retirement. 

After 12 seasons in the NHL, Zack Smith has decided to retire.

He opened up to me about his magical 25-goal season with the Sens, his love for the city of Ottawa — and the extreme back pain he’s been dealing with for a couple of years.

A class act. https://t.co/YXlwdqu1Dj

— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) September 17, 2021

September 18 | The Edmonton Oilers and Kailer Yamamoto agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.175M. 

Kailer Yamamoto, signed 1x$1.2M by EDM, is a middle six playmaking winger whose production has benefited tremendously from talented linemates. #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/fRFzj5L1I4

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) September 19, 2021

September 18 | The New York Islanders signed free-agent defenceman Zdeno Chara. 

Zdeno Chara, signed one year by NYI, is a third pairing defensive defenceman who still provides value despite his age and lack of foot speed. #Isles pic.twitter.com/2g5kqzWjgC

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) September 18, 2021

September 18 | The St. Louis Blues signed James Neal and Michael Frolik to PTOs. 

Blues have signed James Neal & Michael Frolik to PTOs

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) September 17, 2021

2021 Metropolitan Division Fantasy Hockey Preview

SPECIAL GUEST | Chris Wassel – FSWA Member, Fantasy Expert

Name | Chris Wassel | Website: RotoBaller, FullPressCoverage.com | Twitter: @ChrisWasselDFS

Chris Wassel is a jack of all trades writer who works at Sports Betting Dime and Vegas Sports Betting. He has also contributed hockey content for NHL TRADE RUMORS, RotoBaller, NumberFire, FantasyData, and Full Press Hockey. 

Topics For Discussion (Chris Wassel):

• Tell Our Listeners A Bit About Yourself: 
  • Where are you from? 
  • Education? 
  • Hobbies outside hockey? 
  • Beverage of choice? 

• Where can our listeners find you on social media? 
• Could you tell us a bit about the publications that you currently work for? What kind of content can our listeners expect to find there? 
• What is your Favourite fantasy format? Season-Long Redraft (H2H, Total Points, Categories), Keeper, Dynasty, DFS, etc.
• Do you prefer Yahoo or ESPN, and why?
• How many competitive fantasy leagues are you in personally? 
• What does the ideal or “perfect” fantasy hockey draft look like to you? Just a general overview would be fine, not round by round. 
• Could you provide our listeners with some of your early mock draft observations? Value picks? Players with inflated ADPs? 
• If you could give listeners one piece of advice for their upcoming fantasy draft, what would it be? 
• Are there a couple players that you are targeting for a break-out season (regardless of division)? 
• Which players do you believe are primed for a bounce-back season? 
• Goaltending Draft Strategy: 
  • What are your thoughts on the Zero G draft Strategy? 
  • Other than Vasilevskiey and Hellebuyck, which goalies are you targeting in the earlier rounds (12-team, standard h2h points)?
  • Where are you targeting goalies in general? 
  • Which late-round goalies do you like best for next season?
• The Internet Asked: 
  • If both are available, do you take Dougie Hamilton or Victor Hedman? Assume standard league.

Rapid Fire Segment – 2021-2022 Predictions

• Who is your pick to win the Norris Trophy? Victor Hedman, TB
• Who is your pick to win the Vezina this year? Andrei Vasilevskiy, TB
• Who is your pick to win the Hart Trophy? Connor McDavid, EDM
• Who is your pick to win the Rocket Richard Trophy? Leon Draisaitl, EDM
• Who is your pick to win the Selke Trophy? Patrice Bergeron, BOS
• Who is your pick to win the Calder Trophy? Trevor Zegras, ANA
• Who is your pick to win the Jack Adams Trophy? Lindy Ruff, NJD
• Who is your pick to win the Presidents Trophy? Florida Panthers
• Stanley Cup Final matchup? Tampa Bay vs. Colorado Avalanche
• Stanley Cup Winner? Colorado Avalanche
• Favourite NHL team? New Jersey Devils

2021 Metropolitan Division Fantasy Hockey Preview

Carolina Hurricanes

36-12-8 (3rd) | GF/GM: 3.13 (11th) | GA/GM: 2.39 (5th) | GF%: 56.63 (3rd) | CF%: 53.93 (3rd) | PP%: 25.6 (2nd) | PK%: 85.2 (3rd)

Schedule Notes: The Carolina Hurricanes have 14 back-to-back sets this season; and 35% of their games are played on “off-nights” (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday). 

Top Targets

📈 Sebastian Aho, C | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 19.6 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 13.7 | PTS. PREDICTION: 40 Goals, 85 Points

📈 Andrei Svechnikov, LW/RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 27.9 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 33.5 | PTS. PREDICTION: 28 Goals, 79 Points

📈 Teuvo Teravainen, LW/RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 138.2 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 66.8 | PTS. PREDICTION: 25 Goals, 65 Points

📈 Vincent Trochek, C | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 154.4 (99% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: N/A | PTS. PREDICTION: 27 Goals, 65 Points

📈 Tony DeAngelo, D | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 144.4 (97% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 127.8 | PTS. PREDICTION: 15 Goals, 54 Points

📈 Frederick Andersen, G | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 1 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 1 | WINS. PREDICTION: 34 WINS, 3 SO

Columbus Blue Jackets

18-26-12 (28th) | GF/GM: 2.39 (29th) | GA/GM: 3.29 (25th) | GF%: 42.14 (29th) | CF%: 46.25 (30th) | PP%: 15.4 (27th) | PK%: 79.0 (21st)

Schedule Notes: The Columbus Blue Jackets have 16 back-to-back sets this season; and 39% of their games are played on “off-nights” (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday).

Top Fantasy Targets

📈 Jakub Voracek, LW/RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 156.3 (99% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 183.1 | PTS. PREDICTION: 15 Goals, 64 Points

📈 Oliver Bjorkstrand, LW/RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 174.0 (87% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 145.5 | PTS. PREDICTION: 29 Goals, 65 Points

📈 Patrik Laine, LW/RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 131.0 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 33.5 | PTS. PREDICTION: 29 Goals, 59 Points

📈 Jack Roslovic, C | 2021 Yahoo ADP: N/A (Undrafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: N/A | PTS. PREDICTION: 20 Goals, 56 Points

📈 Zach Werenski, D | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 113.4 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 86.9 | PTS. PREDICTION: 20 Goals, 50 Points

New Jersey Devils

19-30-7 (29th) | GF/GM: 2.59 (26th) | GA/GM: 3.38 (27th) | GF%: 43.41 (26th) | CF%: 50.21 (13th) | PP%: 14.2 (28th) | PK%: 71 (31st)

Schedule Notes: The New Jersey Devils have 15 back-to-back sets this season; and 37% of their games are played on “off-nights” (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday).

Top Targets

📈 Jack Hughes, C/LW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 145.0 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 183.1 | PTS. PREDICTION: 21 Goals, 55 Points

📈 Tomas Tatar, LW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: N/A (Undrafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 158.2 | PTS. PREDICTION: 25 Goals, 62 Points

📈 Nico Hischier, C | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 160.6 (5% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 183.7 | PTS. PREDICTION: 20 Goals, 53 Points

📈 Yegor Sharangovich, LW/RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 170.1 (4% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: N/A | PTS. PREDICTION: 24 Goals, 48 Points

📈 Jesper Bratt, RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: N/A (Undrafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 230.5 | PTS. PREDICTION: 19 Goals, 49 Points

📈 Dougie Hamilton, D | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 41.3 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 40.1 | PTS. PREDICTION: 20 Goals, 62 Points

New York Islanders

32-17-17 (12th) | GF/GM: 2.71 (21) | GA/GM: 2.23 (2nd) | GF%: 54.87 (9th) | CF%: 48.77 (18th) | PP%: 18.8 (20th) | PK%: 83.7 (6th)

Schedule Notes: The New York Islanders have 19 back-to-back sets this season; and 34% of their games are played on “off-nights” (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday).

Top Targets

📈 Mathew Barzal, C | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 62.2 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 69.6 | PTS. PREDICTION: 25 Goals, 75 Points

📈 Anders Lee, C | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 157.3 (70% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 146.5 | PTS. PREDICTION: 28 Goals, 52 Points

📈 Kyle Palmieri, LW/RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 162.6 (3% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 144.9 | PTS. PREDICTION: 24 Goals, 51 Points

📈 Josh Bailey, LW/RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 172.1 (2% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 144.9 | PTS. PREDICTION: 16 Goals, 52 Points

📈 Brock Nelson, C | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 169.6 (3% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 187.0 | PTS. PREDICTION: 27 Goals, 55 Points

📈 Anthony Beauvillier, LW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 163.3 (3% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 219.1 | PTS. PREDICTION: 26 Goals, 53 Points

📈 Oliver Wahlstrom, RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 163.7 (2% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: N/A | PTS. PREDICTION: 22 Goals, 48 Points

📈 Ryan Pulock, D | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 160.1 (56% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 91.6 | PTS. PREDICTION: 10 Goals, 40 Points

📈 Noah Dobson, D | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 169 (2% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: N/A | PTS. PREDICTION: 6 Goals, 27 Points

📈 Semyon Varlamov, G | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 44.8 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 187.5 | PTS. PREDICTION: 29 Wins, 3 SO

📈 Ilya Sorokin, G | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 57.7 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 187.0 | WINS. PREDICTION: 20 Wins, 3 SO

New York Rangers

27-23-6 (16th) | GF/GM: 3.14 (10th) | GA/GM: 2.77 (13th) | GF%: 53.17 (12th) | CF%: 48.19 (22nd) | PP%: 20.7 (14th) | PK%: 82.3 (10th)

Schedule Notes: The New York Rangers have 15 back-to-back sets this season; and 54% of their games are played on “off-nights” (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday).

Top Targets

📈 Artemi Panarin, LW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 9.8 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 11.9 | PTS. PREDICTION: 32 Goals, 105 Points

📈 Mika Zibanejad, C | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 23.4 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 16.0 | PTS. PREDICTION: 40 Goals, 77 Points

📈 Kappo Kakko, RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 169.2 (3% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 198.1 | PTS. PREDICTION: 21 Goals, 45 Points

📈 Alex Lafrienierre, LW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 165.1 (95% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: N/A | PTS. PREDICTION: 21 Goals, 51 Points

📈 Adam Fox, D | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 25.4 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 123.3 | PTS. PREDICTION: 10 Goals, 65 Points

📈 Igor Shesterkin, G | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 38.9 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 48.7 | WINS. PREDICTION: 30 Wins, 4 SO

Philadelphia Flyers

25-23-8 (19th) | GF/GM: 2.86 (15th) | GA/GM: 3.52 (31st) | GF%: 44.82 (24th) | CF%: 52.13 (8th) | PP%: 19.2 (18th) | PK%: 73.1 (30th)

Schedule Notes: The Philadelphia Flyers have 17 back-to-back sets this season; and 38% of their games are played on “off-nights” (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday).

Top Targets

📈 Sean Couturier, C | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 144.1 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 64.8 | PTS. PREDICTION: 33 Goals, 76 Points

📈 Claude Giroux, C/LW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 156.5 (98% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 93.2 | PTS. PREDICTION: 24 Goals, 68 Points

📈 James Van Riemsdyck, LW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 160.1 (7% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 227.7 | PTS. PREDICTION: 25 Goals, 54 Points

📈 Cam Atkinson, RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 178.1 (57% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 190.8 | PTS. PREDICTION: 26 Goals, 54 Points

📈 Joel Farabee, LW/RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 166.5 (24% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 229.9 | PTS. PREDICTION: 25 Goals, 55 Points

📈 Travis Konecny, RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 167.4 (17% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 75.9 | PTS. PREDICTION: 24 Goals, 64 Points

📈 Ivan Provorov, D | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 120.0 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 83.1 | PTS. PREDICTION: 12 Goals, 45 Points

📈 Ryan Ellis, D | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 119.1 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 108.5 | PTS. PREDICTION: 11 Goals, 42 Points

📈 Carter Hart, G | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 135.0 (98% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 47.3 | WINS. PREDICTION: 30 Wins, 3 SO

Pittsburgh Penguins

37-16-3 (5th) | GF/GM: 3.45 (2nd) | GA/GM: 2.77 (14th) | GF%: 55.46 (6th) | CF%: 50.19 (14th) | PP%: 23.7 (4th) | PK%: 77.4 (27th)

Schedule Notes: The Pittsburgh Penguins have 12 back-to-back sets this season; and 37% of their games are played on “off-nights” (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday).

Top Targets

📈 Sidney Crosby, C | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 17.4 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 16.7 | PTS. PREDICTION: 34 Goals, 87 Points

📈 Jake Guentzel, LW/RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 30.4 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 26 | PTS. PREDICTION: 36 Goals, 85 Points

📈 Brian Rust, LW/RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 110.5 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 128.8 | PTS. PREDICTION:  31 Goals, 69 Points

📈 Evgeni Malkin, C | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 95.6 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 46.3 | PTS. PREDICTION: 24 Goals, 72 Points

📈 Kris Letang, D | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 78.2 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 61.4 | PTS. PREDICTION: 16 Goals, 68 Points

📈 Tristan Jarry, G | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 113.4 (96% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 79.6 | WINS. PREDICTION: 33 wins, 3 SO

Washington Capitals

36-15-5 (7th) | GF/GM: 3.36 (5th) | GA/GM: 2.88 (17th) | GF%: 53.87 (11th) | CF%: 50.39 (12th) | PP%: 24.8 (3rd) | PK%: 84.0 (5th)

Schedule Notes: The Washington Capitals have 13 back-to-back sets this season; and 54% of their games are played on “off-nights” (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday).

Top Targets

📈 Alex Ovechkin, LW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 11.5 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 5.3 | PTS. PREDICTION: 48 Goals, 78 Points

📈 Nicklas Backstrom, C | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 81.7 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 111.3 | PTS. PREDICTION: 18 Goals, 78 Points

📈 Evgeny Kuznetsov, C | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 68.7 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 111.9 | PTS. PREDICTION: 20 Goals, 58 Points

📈 Anthony Mantha, LW/RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 159.0 (99% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 150.7 | PTS. PREDICTION: 25 Goals, 52 Points

📈 Tom Wilson, RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 132.0 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 133.8 | PTS. PREDICTION: 24 Goals, 53 Points

📈 TJ Oshie, C/RW | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 91.9 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 137.0 | PTS. PREDICTION: 27 Goals, 59 Points

📈 John Carlson, D | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 25.4 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 16.7 | PTS. PREDICTION: 15 Goals, 72 Points

📈 Ilya Samsonov, G | 2021 Yahoo ADP: 74.1 (100% Drafted) | 2020 Avg. ADP: 64.7 | WINS. PREDICTION: 29 Wins, 3 SO

Metropolitan Division Projected Standings

Devon

• New York Islanders, 107 Points (49-24-9)*
• Carolina Hurricanes, 104 Points (47-25-10)*
• Pittsburgh Penguins, 100 Points (45-27-10)*
• Philadelphia Flyers, 99 Points (45-28-9)*
• Washington Capitals, 97 Points (44-29-9)
• New York Rangers, 96 Points (44-30-8)
• New Jersey Devils, 84 Points (38-36-8)
• Columbus Blue Jackets, 67 Points (27-42-13)

*Playoffs

Bruce

• Flyers
• Capitals
• Islanders
• Hurricanes
• Penguins
• Rangers
• Devils
• Blue Jackets

John

• Capitals
• Islanders
• Hurricanes 
• Penguins 
• Flyers
• Rangers
• Devils
• Blue Jackets

2021 How To Win Your Fantasy Hockey League Series

• August 8th (Ep. 19) – Guide To Wingers
• August 12th (Ep. 20) – Guide To Centers
• August 19th (Ep. 21) – Guide To Defencemen
• August 29th (Ep. 22) – Guide To Goalies & Zero G Draft Strategy
• September 7th (Ep. 23) – 2021 Fantasy Hockey Guide & The Perfect Draft

BONUS: Dom Luszczyszyn’s (The Athletic) Fantasy Hockey Rankings & Cheat Sheet