Fantasy Report Card - Minnesota Wild
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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 Minnesota Wild.
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 Devan Dubnyk
Dubnyk is a good goalie, but I don't think anybody saw this coming. If he keeps up his play, he will edge out Carey Price for the Vezina Trophy. Not bad for someone who was considered a fringe top-10 goalie heading into the season. Grade: A+
C Eric Staal
Many thought Eric Staal was "done" after a 39-point season in which he totaled just six points in 20 games upon being traded to the Rangers. He has silenced those critics by leading the Wild in scoring through the first 33 games of the season. Those who scooped him up in the final rounds of their draft in hopes of a bounce-back season are reaping the benefits. Grade: A
LW Zach Parise
Every year it seems Parise is drafted highly because of two good years he had with New Jersey when he was younger and faster. Injuries have really slowed him down over the past few years and this season has been no different, as he's already missed seven games. His production has drastically tailed off to the point where he is hardly fantasy-relevant. Grade: D-
C/RW Charlie Coyle
Coyle is enjoying a breakout a breakout year in his first full season playing on the wing. At 6-foot-3, 221 pounds, playing on the wing is a better fit for him. His positional and statistical versatility has made him a valuable fantasy asset. Grade: B+
C/LW Mikael Granlund
Granlund has taken a small step forward in his development. He is still just 24, but I think based on his talent, many thought he would be further along at this point in his career. He doesn't shoot the puck a whole lot or provide anything in secondary categories, but he has put up enough points to be worth owning in deep, standard leagues. Grade: C+
LW/RW Nino Niederreiter
Niederreiter was the fifth-overall pick all the way back in 2010, but the offensive side of his game seems to finally be coming around this season. He is on pace to set a career high in points. He has great value in banger leagues, as he has tallied at least 129 hits in four straight seasons, and will likely surpass that total once again this year. Grade: B
C Mikko Koivu
The depth of the center position has really flushed away any sort of value Koivu would have. His three consecutive 60-plus point seasons seem like a distant memory now. His pass-first mentality always makes him a risky daily fantasy play. Grade: C-
D Ryan Suter
Suter doesn't appear to be primed for a second consecutive 50-point season, but anything is possible with the ice time he logs. The workhorse is a very steady option in both season-long and daily formats. He has a high +/- and contributes with shots, hits and blocks. Grade: B
D Matthew Dumba
Dumba is on pace for roughly the same numbers he put up last season. He still has a chance at eclipsing 30 points, but it's not looking good as of now. He is still just 22 years old, but it doesn't appear as though he is ready to make the leap into fantasy relevancy. Grade: C
Player to Watch - D Mike Reilly
Reilly is currently in the AHL, but in his nine games with the big club this season, the team averaged 10.81 SCF60 (scoring chances for per 60 minutes) while he was on the ice - the fourth-best mark on the club. If the young, offensive-minded blueliner gets called back up, add him in keeper leagues.
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