Fantasy Report Card - Edmonton Oilers
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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 Edmonton Oilers.
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 Cam Talbot
Talbot leads all goaltenders in minutes played, shots faced, saves and goals allowed. While the Oilers' still-porous defense makes life difficult for him, his assured workload increases his fantasy value. He has a .917 save percentage for the second year in a row, and he's just four wins behind last year's total. The improved team has increased his own value. Grade: B
C Connor McDavid
The league leader in points and assists, McDavid has managed to stay ahead in the league's scoring race. Not much more needs to be said. He'll be either the first- or second-overall pick in next year's drafts. Grade: A+
C/RW Leon Draisaitl
While McDavid's production was expected by most, Draisaitl has stepped up as the team's next-best option. He's just five goals behind last year's total, though he has benefited from a shooting percentage over 17 percent. Keeper league owners should be making every effort to retain his services for the years to come. Grade: A
LW Milan Lucic
Lucic has enjoyed success while on the left side of McDavid, as he's on pace for all the numbers owners have come to expect. The biggest difference, as expected with the move from the Los Angeles Kings to Edmonton, is a minus rating for the first time since 2009-10, while with the Boston Bruins. It's a minor setback to an otherwise well-rounded fantasy campaign. Grade: B+
RW Jordan Eberle
Never an elite scorer, Eberle is a solid depth piece with adequate scoring ability. A third of his points have come on the power play. He's far from an elite fantasy option and at 26 years of age, he has fully established himself. This will need to be taken into consideration for future drafts. Grade: B-
C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Nugent-Hopkins has played in every game so far, something which needs to be considered a victory on its own. Alas, he hasn't proven to be much of a fantasy asset, and he's on pace for around 40 points. He's averaging his lowest ice time since his rookie season. Grade: C
C Mark Letestu
At the age of 31, Letestu is having a career year on the offensive end, largely due to exposure on the top power-play unit. Five of his points have come with the man advantage, while he has also scored two power-play goals. He doesn't contribute enough hits or blocked shots to be an option in either season-long format, but he does have daily fantasy appeal. Grade: B
D Oscar Klefbom
A late-November offensive surge brought Klefbom onto the fantasy radar, but his season-long point total has been fairly lackluster. He is on pace for a career high in points, but he isn't worthy of a permanent roster spot. He should only be streamed during four-game weeks for the Oilers. Grade: B-
D Andrej Sekera
At age 30, Sekera is averaging a career high in ice time. He's on pace for a career high in points, while also operating on the team's top power-play unit. His usage will keep him relevant in all fantasy formats. Grade: B-
Player to watch: RW Jesse Puljujarvi
The fourth-overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Puljujarvi is producing at a level far beneath his peers. Still, he's averaging a point every three games. Keep a close eye on the Oilers' lines, as he's worth consideration whenever given exposure beside McDavid.