Saturday, August 19, 2017

Dallas Stars fantasy preview for 2017-18

Ben Zweiman / NHL.com Staff Writer

FORWARDS

Jamie Benn, LW -- One of the more disappointing fantasy performances last season, Benn finished 30th in Yahoo after being drafted 4.8 on average. He had his lowest point total in a full NHL season since 2011-12, scoring 69 points (26 goals, 43 assists) in 77 games, regressing in plus/minus (minus-9), po
wer-play points (26) and shots on goal (201). But a busy offseason for the Dallas Stars would suggest Benn should return to being a top 10 asset, which could make him a steal should he fall toward the back end of the first round.  

Tyler Seguin, C/RW -- Since his controversial trade from the Boston Bruins to the Stars in 2013, Seguin has been as safe a pick as any in Yahoo fantasy. He has at least 72 points in each of the past four seasons, ranking fifth in points (306) and third in SOG (1,153) in that span. Like Benn, Seguin should see an improvement in plus/minus after the Stars' moves this summer, and makes a lot of sense in the second round if you're targeting Erik Karlsson or Brent Burns in the first. 

Alexander Radulov, LW/RW -- It appears things will only get better for Radulov in his second season back in the NHL. The 31-year-old returned last season from the KHL, signing with the Montreal Canadiens and scoring 54 points (18 goals, 36 assists) in 76 games. Joining Benn, Seguin and the Stars should only increase Radulov's offensive output. He has the potential to reach 60 points, 20 PPP and is a sneaky contributor of penalty minutes (62 last season). 

Jason Spezza, C/RW -- After three consecutive 60-point seasons, Spezza was a victim of the Stars' poor showing in 2016-17. He scored 15 goals, his lowest total in a full season since he was a rookie in 2002-03. To put it simply, he had his worst statistical season since he was a rookie. Spezza is a candidate to shift from center to wing, which could be beneficial should he land on the top line with Benn and Sequin.

DEFENSEMEN

John Klingberg -- Perhaps the only knock on Klingberg's 2016-17 season was his poor SOG total. Other than that, Klingberg did pretty much everything you could have asked out of a defenseman, covering goals (13), assists (36) and PPP (17) adequately. He's a prime bounce-back defenseman who will likely be available much lower than expected. 

Julius Honka -- While fellow Dallas defenseman Esa Lindell has more of a track record, Honka possesses the higher offensive upside. Injuries derailed his 2016-17 season, which could have been an impressive one for the 21-year-old rookie. He was on pace for around 25 points and 175 SOG and will be expected to play behind Klingberg on what should be a very potent power play. Honka is worth a late-round flyer in deeper formats. 

GOALTENDING

Ben Bishop -- Finally, the Stars have a reliable goaltender in Bishop, who had been a Vezina Trophy finalist in two of three seasons prior to 2016-17. During that stretch with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Bishop ranked in the top five in wins (112; T-1st), goals-against average (2.20; 3rd) and save percentage (.922; T-2nd). The additions of defenseman Marc Methot and forward Martin Hanzal suggest Dallas should improve defensively, so another top 5 fantasy finish among goalies could be in the works. 

Others to consider: Esa Lindell (D), Martin Hanzal (C), Brett Ritchie (RW), Kari Lehtonen (G)

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