This article is part of our The Man Advantage series.
The 2016-2017 NHL season is finally underway, and only the most pessimistic of fantasy players are going to be dissatisfied with their team already. However, maybe you're looking to churn the bottom of your roster for whatever reason, are in a head-to-head league or playing some daily fantasy. If so, here are some players that are available in many leagues with the capability of bringing you some points on the power play.
Elias Lindholm, C, CAR – Young Lindholm struggled like many of his Hurricanes teammates last year. He only had 39 points, which is solid but won't excite most fantasy owners. Here's what's interesting; 16 of those points came with the extra man. Lindholm is only 21 and is a former fifth overall pick. There is clear talent here, and he should still see plenty of time on the power-play this season. Some people think Carolina could take a step forward this year, if they do, Lindholm should clear 20 power-play points, perhaps easily.
Jared McCann, C, FLA - McCann only had three power-play points last year. So why is he on the list? Well, for one, McCann played last season as a 19-year-old rookie and he's in line for more responsibility this year. Two, the Panthers added Keith Yandle this offseason, which should really help their power-play. Finally (and most importantly), with Nick Bjugstad and Jonathan Huberdeau both nursing long-term injuries, power-play time will likely open up for McCann. Things will change when his two injured
The 2016-2017 NHL season is finally underway, and only the most pessimistic of fantasy players are going to be dissatisfied with their team already. However, maybe you're looking to churn the bottom of your roster for whatever reason, are in a head-to-head league or playing some daily fantasy. If so, here are some players that are available in many leagues with the capability of bringing you some points on the power play.
Elias Lindholm, C, CAR – Young Lindholm struggled like many of his Hurricanes teammates last year. He only had 39 points, which is solid but won't excite most fantasy owners. Here's what's interesting; 16 of those points came with the extra man. Lindholm is only 21 and is a former fifth overall pick. There is clear talent here, and he should still see plenty of time on the power-play this season. Some people think Carolina could take a step forward this year, if they do, Lindholm should clear 20 power-play points, perhaps easily.
Jared McCann, C, FLA - McCann only had three power-play points last year. So why is he on the list? Well, for one, McCann played last season as a 19-year-old rookie and he's in line for more responsibility this year. Two, the Panthers added Keith Yandle this offseason, which should really help their power-play. Finally (and most importantly), with Nick Bjugstad and Jonathan Huberdeau both nursing long-term injuries, power-play time will likely open up for McCann. Things will change when his two injured teammates return, but for now McCann has a chance to rack up a few points with the extra man.
Jarome Iginla, RW, COL - There is nothing fun about owning Iginla. You've probably done it a dozen times already. He's 39 and can't put up the numbers he used to but can still put the puck in the net with the man advantage. Iginla had 19 power-play points last season, and he's slated to still be a top-six forward for the Avalanche. At the end of the day, the majority of Iggy's value is due to his role with the man advantage, so make you choose your spots and cash in.
Martin Hanzal, C, ARI - With all the young players -- you can call them "pups" if you want to be cute -- guys like Hanzal may not be the priority for the Coyotes anymore. However, Hanzal had 13 power-play points last season despite only playing in 64 games. More to the point, Hanzal is 6-foot-6. He's the kind of big guy teams like to put in front of the net with the man advantage. If that happens, he'll be sure to pile up a few points.
Cam Fowler, D, ANA - The bloom is sort of off the rose for Fowler and people don't get excited about him anymore. He's been surpassed by fellow Anaheim blueliners Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen in terms of fantasy value. However, if there is one thing Fowler does well, it's rack up power-play points. He had 17 last year as a blueliner, and has 81 in his career. When the Ducks have the extra man, the American rearguard is generally roaming the point, providing plenty of opportunity for production.
Jared Spurgeon, D, MIN - Bruce Boudreau tends to boost a team's offensive output. If we presume Boudreau can work some of his magic with the Wild, their power play should get a bit better, and that will help guys like Spurgeon. The diminutive defenseman has been a solid contributor with the extra man in his career, with 13 power-play points (including five goals) last season and a total of 51 in his career. Furthermore, Spurgeon finished the season with a plus-11 rating, which is a nice perk since often power-play specialists don't have the greatest plus/minus.
