Fantasy: 5 players to target on the Sabres
With your fantasy draft just around the corner, theScore's Ian McLaren and Darren Kritzer take a look at 5 players you should consider drafting this season.
Top Targets
Cody Hodgson
Let's be honest, Buffalo should not be considered a treasure trove for fantasy owners, but goals will be scored by the Sabres at some point this season, and a 24-year-old Hodgson seems poised to finally live up to the billing of a 10th-overall draft pick.
Hodgson led the Sabres in scoring last season with 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists) in 72 games, with 182 shots, and a rather unfortunate minus-26. Head coach Ted Nolan appears set to shift him from center to the wing, thereby reducing defensive responsibilities and opening up his offensive game.
If the move pays off, Hodgson should eclipse his point total from last season, setting a new career benchmark in the process.
Tyler Ennis
If Ennis' agent is to be trusted (so yeah, a big if), the soon-to-be 25-year-old is on the cusp of becoming a 70-point player.
Ennis has averaged 0.63 points per game since entering the league on a full-time basis in 2010, and he set a career high in goals with 21 last season. He did demonstrate more of an offensive prowess in his junior days, scoring 43 goals and adding 48 assists with the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers during the season prior to being drafted 26th overall in 2008.
More in the present, Ennis led the Sabres in shots (210) and even-strength shot attempts (256) in 2013-14, so maybe his agent isn't simply pumping his client's tires.
Chris Stewart
The 26-year-old winger is on record saying he has a "chip on his shoulder" and that he believes the Sabres are a playoff squad. Again, someone on this team has to score, and Stewart - provided he isn't traded, which may be a bonus - appears ready to shine in a prime role with his new club.
Stewart scores at a 25-goal per 82-game season pace, and had a career-high 36 assists back in 2009-10. He also has the ability to be a 100 penalty minute/hits/shots player, making him a well-rounded fantasy asset.
The fact that's he's entering a contract year is the cherry on top of what should be a delicious slice of cake for fantasy owners.
Proceed With Caution
Let's keep this short and say drafting any Sabre is a risky proposition at best, and Matt Moulson's past numbers should have a John Tavares-sized red flag beside them.
Moving along ...
Take A Flier On
Tyler Myers
Yes, Myers' production has fallen off every year since winning the Calder Trophy in 2010, and yes, his nine goals, 13 assists, and minus-26 last season is not the stuff of championship-winning fantasy hockey teams.
But, Myers - who won't turn 25 until February - may thrive for the rebuilding Sabres, filling the hole left after Christian Ehrhoff's buyout and stepping up as the team's leader on the blue line. If so, a return to double-digit goals and the 40-plus point range isn't out the question.
Even better, maybe Myers is dealt to a team like the Detroit Red Wings or Dallas Stars - both of whom are in need of right-handed defensemen - and he excels in a more positive, winning environment.
Fantasy managers could benefit greatly from a little foresight, stashing Myers away as a fifth defenseman and hoping for either option mentioned above.