[Mailbag] Laidlaw Takes Your pre-Deadline Questions

[metaldude26]

For the team in my sig.
I have an offer of Stamkos and Kuznetsov for my Benn.
Would you accept this?
That would push either Carlson or a Sedin out of my top 6 (keepers).
Thanks!

I don't mind a 2-4-1 when I'm not certain that I'm giving up the best player. Benn is probably the best player but Kuznetsov has the ability to overtake him.

[metaldude26]

I'm having problems finding a gf and was wondering what tips....oh wait hockey deadline questions. Here goes!


I need to drop 5 players come September, which ones you think are my 5 drops?

($30 money keeper in sig, 1 pt for goal, 1pt for assist, 2pts for goalie win)

Goalie: Braden Holtby
Defense: Kevin Shattenkirk, John Carlson, Jared Spurgeon, Anthony Deangelo, Brandon Montour
Forwards: Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, Nathan MacKinnon, Jakub Voracek, Jason Spezza, Corey Perry, Jordan Eberle, TJ Oshie, Andrew Ladd, Nick Foligno, Brandon Pirri, Tanner Pearson, Ryan Strome, Mikko Rantanen, Pavel Buchnevich, Jimmy Vesey, Alexander Radulov, Ilya Kovalchuk

Dating is a skill, same with hockey trading. Cast a wide net, try every avenue. Practice and improve.

As for your drops. Don't decide on this until the offseason because you don't know what will change between now and then.

[metaldude26]

points only, do you take Spooner or Scheifele the rest of the way this year ?

Scheifele is in the better spot as of now.

[metaldude26]

Here's an ethereal one.

Which NHL player sees their fantasy situation improved by the end of the Deadline? For purposes of argument, let's allow both ROS and long-term perspectives into it.

My early money's on Ladd (lined up to be on a powerhouse 1st line, which should confirm a significant UFA contract) but are there others? Drouin? Reimer? Shattenkirk (if rumours are true)?

I actually have Ladd's move as a downgrade. I recognize the Blackhawks as a powerhouse but they do much of their damage either via the Kane line or on the power-play. Despite having the league's leading scorer and second best PP, the Blackhawks are tied for 7th in scoring. He may also not even play with Toews and Hossa, at least not full time and isn't guaranteed top PP minutes like he was in Winnipeg. He also loses three games as the Blackhawks have played 63 while the Jets have only played 60. No one has played more than Chicago or Colorado.

Drouin is the #1 gainer because he'd go from non-existent to potential top line player but even if he starts on the third line for someone that leap from 0 minutes to some minutes is huge.

Realistically, most players who are rentals go from a first or second line spot to more of a depth spot on a contender, which has negative impacts on their fantasy value. One of the big success stories from last year was Jagr going from the meek Devils to a young Panthers team that needed some help to pop. So keep an eye out for that type of situation if you want players who will build fantasy value. Often it's the players on the team who lose guys at the deadline who see a boost because of an increased role. That's why I am hot on Scheifele and Ehlers down the stretch.

[metaldude26]

Okay gang. That's it for the mailbag this week. Thanks for the questions! I hope I helped. Look for another one of these next week.

[Nikerato]

Okay gang. That's it for the mailbag this week. Thanks for the questions! I hope I helped. Look for another one of these next week.

Thanks for your responses!

[GoNucks]

Thanks!

[Zorro]

It's pizza night!

I love Friday pizza nights!! Thanks for the reply..

[Sherpa]

Thanks MD for all the great work!

[DusterDave]

Okay gang. That's it for the mailbag this week. Thanks for the questions! I hope I helped. Look for another one of these next week.

Thanks Steve!

[Fighting_Emu]

Whats up with Gusev??? Is Kase ever gonna play again??? Whats the usage in CLB say about Lehtonens future???

[hockeyrobot]

Whats up with Gusev??? Is Kase ever gonna play again??? Whats the usage in CLB say about Lehtonens future???

Bringing this way back from the dead.

[Eskimo Brother]

Bringing this way back from the dead.

I really hope Steve revives this.

[Fighting_Emu]

Lol- Im such a dumbass- please disregard :P

[WHLinsider]

How do you feel about winning the WHL?