Fantasy Fallout: Lucic rises with new linemates McDavid and Eberle
Here are the fantasy repercussions following Milan Lucic singing a seven-year deal worth $42 million dollars with the Edmonton Oilers.
Lucic has never been a fantastic scoring option in fantasy. Only twice has he produced above 60 points, both of which came back in the 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 seasons. Though unspectacular, Lucic has been a serviceable.
The power left-winger finished with 59, 44, and 55 points in his past three season with Los Angeles. Excluding the lockout season, the former Bruin has also reached the 20 goal plateau in all but one of the past six seasons.
Expect things to change for the better in Edmonton.
The bruising forward will likely form a line of must-watch hockey alongside wunderkind Connor McDavid and Jordan Eberle. As it would be with anyone lucky enough to play beside McDavid, Lucic's value will be on the rise. Expect his last year's ADP of 135 and point total of 55 to take significant jumps.
Firstly, Lucic should see a slight rise in ice-time on Edmonton's top line. Playing on Los Angeles' second line, Lucic averaged between 16 and 17 minutes. That should elevate closer to 18-20 as a top-three forward in Edmonton. As per usual, an increase in ice-time means an increase in opportunity and scoring.
Projecting Lucic's 2016-17 season, assuming it's a healthy one, should see him approach the 30-35 goal mark. A nice increase in assists will also follow. Ultimately, 70 points seems like a reasonable target for Lucic. That would be a 15 point increase from last year.
Lucic's ADP for the upcoming season should reside around the 90-100 mark, though it wouldn't be a surprise to see him snatched up earlier come draft day. The appeal of playing alongside McDavid brought Lucic to Edmonton, and it will entice fantasy owners to reach for Lucic.
Considering Lucic's durability -- he's missed just nine games in the past six seasons -- and his consistency in terms of point total, reaching for Lucic might not be that bad of an idea.