Fantasy Report Card - Florida Panthers
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theScore will be giving out fantasy report cards discussing the fantasy value of key players on each of the 30 teams. This edition focuses on the Florida Panthers.
ANA | ARI | BOS | BUF | CGY | CAR | CHI | COL | CLB | DAL | DET | EDM | FLA | LA | MIN | MTL | NAS | NJ | NYI | NYR | OTT | PHI | PIT | SJ | STL | TB | TOR | VAN | WAS | WPG
G Roberto Luongo
Luongo has continued to be the master of consistency. He has a career .919 SV% and a 2.49 GAA. His numbers this season? Eerily similar: .918 SV%, 2.44 GAA. The win column has been the only thing hurting him in fantasy this season, but that's by no fault of his own. Grade: B+
C Aleksander Barkov
Barkov got off to a slow start this season, tallying just five points in his first 12 games. Since those first 12 games, he has met preseason expectations, recording 22 points in 23 games. Look for him to continue at a near point-per-game pace for the remainder of the season. He is that talented. The late-season return of Jonathan Huberdeau will significantly boost his fantasy value. Grade: B-
C/LW Jonathan Marchessault
Marchessault was one of the best surprises in the early going of the season, picking up five goals and five assists through his first seven games. Playing on a line with Barkov has really helped his fantasy production. As a player who likely went undrafted in your league, it's hard to be disappointed with the production he has given you thus far. Grade: A-
C Vincent Trocheck
Trocheck had a breakout season in 2015-16 with 25 goals and 28 assists in 76 games. Just 23 years old heading into this season, he was expected to build upon this success. Instead, he has regressed, especially in the goals, assists and +/- columns, despite getting more ice time. His hits salvage his value in banger leagues, but overall he has been a disappointment. Grade: C-
RW Jaromir Jagr
It's really hard to be angry at Jagr's dip in production this season. Anyone with a brain knew his 18.9 shooting percentage from last season wouldn't hold up considering it was the highest of his career since 1996-97. Huberdeau's injury has also had an impact on Jagr's regression. It's safe to assume being 44 years old also has something to do with it. Grade: C
RW Reilly Smith
Smith came into this year with two 50-point seasons in his last three campaigns. Though he is receiving more ice time, it doesn't seem as though he will again crack the 50-point plateau, barring a nice streak. He doesn't have fantasy value in any sort of format. Grade: D
LW Jussi Jokinen
Any leagues in which Jokinen is still owned likely aren't very active. He has done absolutely nothing offensively after recording a 60-point season in 2015-16. Grade: F
D Keith Yandle
Yandle has been remarkably consistent, posting between 41 and 59 points every season (excluding the lockout-shortened season) since 2009-10. That streak could be in jeopardy, as he has 15 points in 35 games This is quite disappointing considering it was a foregone conclusion that he would receive more ice time in Florida. That has been the case, but the production has not been there. Grade: D+
D Aaron Ekblad
For the third consecutive season, Ekblad's goal total could increase, but his assist total could decrease. This is a strange trend to say the least. He is on pace to set career highs in shots and ice time, so the goal total isn't surprising. It's hard to be angry with a D who could wind up scoring 20 goals, taking 250 shots, dishing out 160 hits and blocking 70 shots. Grade: B
Player to Watch - D Michael Matheson
Matheson isn't worth adding in any leagues just yet, but it is worth keeping your eye on him. He has three goals and nine assists from the back end, with seven of those being primary helpers. The 22-year-old is already playing big minutes and he can contribute with a handful of hits and blocks each week.
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