Players to watch in key stat categories for opening night; season preview podcasts
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NHL.com identifies fantasy players to watch in key stat categories for upcoming games and props. For more coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy.
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Player to watch for goal: Jake DeBrusk, F, VAN (vs. CGY) — The forward, who signed a seven-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks in the offseason, could be poised for a career year playing on the top line and first power-play unit with elite center Elias Pettersson. DeBrusk led the Canucks with three goals in the preseason and was tied for their most points (four in three games). The Calgary Flames traded goalie Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils in the offseason and, even with Markstrom last season, allowed the 10th-most goals per game (3.26) in the NHL.
Player to watch for point: Jeff Skinner, F, EDM (vs. WPG) — The forward, who signed a one-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers after his previous contract was bought out by the Buffalo Sabres, is expected to start the season on the second line with elite center Leon Draisaitl and another offseason addition in wing Viktor Arvidsson. Skinner did not have any points in the preseason but has bounce-back appeal considering he had an NHL career high in points (82) with the Sabres just two seasons ago and has 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 32 career games against the Winnipeg Jets.
Player to watch for shots on goal: Calum Ritchie, F, COL (at VGK) — The Avalanche forward had three points (two goals, one assist) in four preseason games and was tied for their second-most shots on goal (11). Ritchie and fellow rookie Nikolai Kovalenko have made the opening night roster and are expected to play on the second line with center Casey Mittelstadt and also on the second power play with defenseman Devon Toews.
Player to watch for power-play point: Vincent Trocheck, F, NYR (at PIT) — The New York Rangers forward is coming off an NHL career high in points (77; second on Rangers behind linemate Artemi Panarin’s 120) and had his second-best totals in power-play goals (11; tied for 25th in League) and power-play points (24). Trocheck plays on a first power-play unit that includes forwards Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider (18 power-play goals last season; tied for fifth in NHL) and defenseman Adam Fox; New York ranked third in power-play percentage (26.4) last season.
