NHL hockey is finally here. After a long and busy offseason, it’s about time to drop the puck. It’s time to see who’s got new contracts, who’s sticking around with the same team, new faces in new places, and most importantly, time to renew rivalries and start the long journey for the ultimate price: Lord Stanley Cup.
Additionally, the 2019-2020 season brings another new element to the ice battles: sports betting. For the first time in US history, sports gambling is legal in the United States and many states are allowing on-land based casino gambling. Plus, some states are now offering online betting such as Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Nevada.
Devils’ fans however are in the best position as sports betting sites in New Jersey are by far the greater number.
The start of the new NHL season also brings back fantasy hockey and UnitedGamblers has prepared a very special list with the top 7 sleepers for this NHL fantasy hockey season.
GOALIE
Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators)
Saros won’t be the clear-cut starter for the Preds but it’s very likely Nashville will be using a split time in net during the regular season. Starter Pekka Rinne is turning 37 and his main goal should be the playoffs. Saros has proved time and time again is a very capable backup with the potential to develop into a solid started when Rinne retires. Based on ADP, Saros can be a steal and it’s not out of the picture he gets somewhere between 35-40 starts this season.
DEFENSEMAN
Shea Theodore (Vegas Golden Knights)
It took longer than expected but Theodore is finally turning into a top-caliber NHL defenseman. After 12 goals and 37 points in 78 games last season, Theodore finally stayed with the big club the entire season and stopped being called up/moved between NHL and AHL. Great price at ADP (213), he should get top D pairing minutes and will lead the Golden Knights’ powerplay, piling up points, shots on goals and block shots.
DEFENSEMAN
Dougie Hamilton (Carolina Hurricanes)
Dougie could be in for a breakout season offensively with the Hurricanes. He did have 18 goals and 21 assists last year but it was considered a little bit of a down year since Hamilton has so much potential. He will get plenty of PP time and is known for firing the puck on net, with 259 shots on goal last season. Carolina has a good team and Dougie is a great deal based on his APP.
CENTER
Alex Galchenyuk (Pittsburgh Penguins)
The 3rd overall from the 2012 draft is going to his 3rd NHL team. After being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens, Chucky was traded to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Max Domi. This summer, he was traded again, this time to Pitt in the deal involving Phil Kessel. Galchenyuk is talented but hasn’t lived up to expectations as an NHL center. He could turn into a great winger if he would play with a great center. Oh, by the way, the Penguins have 2 pretty good ones on Crosby and Malkin. Chucky will be fine. ADP 210 can turn out to be a steal.
LEFT WING
Nikita Gusev (New Jersey Devils)
The KHL’s leading scorer has come to the NHL. Can he translate his European success into the North American rinks like Radolov or would he be another Vadim Shipachyov?
Gusev should be fine and will be playing in a rebuilt Devils team which should be good at least offensively. At ADP 231, it’s worth a shot. He should also be pretty cheap in daily fantasy sites. Need to know more about it? Read UnitedGamblers DraftKings site review.
RIGHT WING
Tyler Toffoli (Los Angeles Kings)
High risk, high reward? Nah, more like everyone forgot about him, possible nice reward. Yes, the Kings are not a good team and is seems like LA’s best players are past their prime. Still, Toffoli is only 27 and will be getting top line minutes with the likes of Kopitar, Carter and Kovalchuk. Don’t forget. Tyler will be a top candidate to anchor the powerplay alongside Drew Doughty. So, points will come. If you can’t afford a likely minus on the +/-, Toffoli should be a nice sleeper this season, particularly at RW, a skinny position in fantasy hockey.
EXTRA SKATER
Cale Makar
An obvious choice, Makar is considered one of the favorites for the Calder trophy. He’s poised to take Tyson Barrie spot on the powerplay and could have a great rookie season. His performance in the postseason was just a glimpse of what’s to come for the young blueliner. His ADP (94) however, is a little high but it could easily pay dividends, specially in dynasty/keeper leagues.
