And now for our recent volunteer to be interviewed, Mr. Rebel…
Are you happy with how you have built your team after taking it over last year?
I'm happy with it for the most part. As always with any fantasy team, there are areas of need to fill, trades/moves you wish you had or had not made, and if the goal is to win back some money and win a championship, well then I'm still a little short of the goal. All in all though, I like the roster I have at the moment, as it should have a solid competitive window, can compete with any team on any given week, and still has a couple solid prospects coming up the pipeline.
What advice would you give the new GMs in the league after being in their shoes last year?
I think this is a really fun league, and that the great group of GMs really enhances the fantasy experience here. I will say that the more you reach out, getting to know other GMs, and just keeping in contact, really helps with general league discussions, and doesn't hurt for when you're trying to make a change to your roster.
The rules are also worth re-reading again now that we're in-season and the new GMs have their feet wet. I know I got burned by the max-five goalies rule, and maybe one or two others in-season.
Also, make sure your Cs are in the C slots and not in the F slots. Sometimes that can make the difference in a match!
What draws you into play fantasy hockey, as in why do you enjoy it?
I love board games, strategy games, and most sports, so fantasy hockey is kind of an amalgamation of all of that. I grew up with hockey, and have found a lot of enjoyment in becoming an avid fantasy GM. I find it rewarding in that it gives me something to spend some spare time on, it introduces me to a bunch of really interesting people in my leagues, and it also can be something pleasant to fall back on when you're having a terrible day.
Who is the team you support in NHL?
I follow the Leafs and the Predators the most. I grew up with my dad being a casual Leafs fan in Toronto, so following them was inevitable. When I really started watching a few games, Paul Karina was mesmerizing to watch on the ice. I followed his run with the Ducks to the finals in 2003, and then when he moved to the Predators in 2005 I kept watching him there. I also followed the rest of the team more at that point, guys like Vokoun, Timmonen, etc, and ended up just continuing to be an avid Nashville follower over the years as the Timmonen era turned over to Weber's time, and now to Josi.
Who on your fantasy team will break out and surprise this year?
Brassard has already been a bit of a nice surprise, but it's kind of hard to make those kind of statements about guys who have played half a dozen games already. I think Calle Jarnkrok should surprise a bit as well with a bit more of an offensive role in Seattle, and a healthy Pavel Francouz should exceed expectations too. Otherwise most of my guys are either too young to make an impact, have high expectations already (McMichael/Dobson), or are already in/past their prime.
Who is untouchable on your team?
I never have untouchables, but I think there are a few guys like Marchand, Huberdeau, Dobson, and Campbell that are extremely valuable to my team this year and next, that I doubt I would receive an offer sufficient enough at any point that would entice me to move them.
Considering Hertl is the only player left from my initial squad I took over, I guess it at least shows I can hold onto someone for over a year!
How’s fatherhood treating you Alex?
Fatherhood is great and also difficult. It's already super rewarding though, and I can tell that is only going to continue to grow exponentially.
I'm super lucky to have a wife that cares as much as she does, and that we're generally on the same page about how we want to approach all the important things. I'm also very lucky to have the happy and healthy baby I do. She's three months not and is already sleeping 7-9 hours straight at night.
How has your perspective on life changed since becoming a Father?
I don't think my perspective has really changed. I think my priorities have shifted a bit, and there's less time for my own things and to get stuff done around the house, etc, but there wasn't some huge enlightenment or anything with the arrival of my daughter. Family has always come first, and still does, now there's just another one to plan around, worry about, and consider when making decisions.
I was also a little caught off guard at how much having a baby does take over your life though, so I guess in that way my perspective has shifted in that things that used to take up a lot of my spare thinking time, I have hardly any brain power left for.
Why on Earth did you choose to take on Toews $10m contract?
When you have a top of bargain contracts elsewhere on your roster, you can take a chance on a big ticket like Toews. Worst case is he doesn't pan out and I suddenly have 10M in free space to make upgrades.
I hate that I have him on my team during this Blackhawks scandal though. Hoping he starts putting up points so I can trade him.
WHL Championship prediction? NHL Cup Final prediction?
I think I had said Moose before the season, so I'm going to stick with that and have them beating the Nats.
Cup final I had Vegas over Florida before the season. I'm going to stick with that for now, assuming Vegas makes the playoffs....