Sleepers - Defense and Goalies

Unlike forwards, defensemen and goaltenders tend not to burst onto the scene right away, as they need time to fine-tune the defensive responsibilities that they have to their team. But here are some players that you could target in the mid to late rounds of your draft that have the upside to produce beyond their preseason draft ranking.

Tyson Barrie, D, COL

After a 38-point breakout season, Barrie should already be on the fantasy radar. However, keep in mind that his total was over only 64 games. Barrie started the season with a minor role under new coach Patrick Roy’s system, and he even spent some time in the AHL following numerous healthy scratches. Once he was able to find his way back, it was full speed ahead. The only downside is that Barrie is currently an RFA without a contract, which is something to keep in mind when drafting him.

Christian Ehrhoff, D, PIT

During the past three seasons in Buffalo, Ehrhoff was more fantasy bust than fantasy stud. However, that could change with a move to the Penguins. Last season was especially disastrous for Ehrhoff, who recorded a -27 for the visibly rebuilding Sabres. After being “rewarded” with a buyout from the Sabres, Ehrhoff signed a one-year contract with the Pens to provide yet another weapon for a team that already boasted the league’s top power play last season.  

Derrick Pouliot, D, PIT

Pouliot is good enough for the NHL right now, according to Pens’ new coach Mike Johnston (ProHockeyTalk). Pouliot won’t be such a sure thing to crack the Pens’ roster, but it is worth mentioning that Johnston was also Pouliot’s junior coach. It’s not often that a defenseman scores over a point per game in any league, but Pouliot managed to do so for Portland in the WHL last season (70 points in 58 games). Remember Pouliot’s name in keeper leagues if he doesn’t crack the roster this season. Both Pouliot and fellow young defenseman Olli Maatta are recovering from offseason surgery, but the Pens now have offensive firepower from the blueline that is the envy of just about any team. 

Seth Jones, D, NSH

Young defensemen usually need some time before they develop into bona fide NHL stars (anyone drafting Aaron Ekblad this season should keep this in mind). Jones was no different last season, scoring 25 points with a -23 last season. Jones should only improve this season, and there’s no reason he shouldn’t be in the Preds’ top four. Even as a rookie, Jones was able to average nearly 20 minutes of icetime per game. 

Jacob Trouba, D, WPG

In his first NHL season, Trouba demonstrated moments of brilliant play and perhaps would have been a fantasy add if not for an injury that sidelined him for a month. As it was, Trouba scored 29 points in 65 games in 22 minutes of icetime. The Jets aren’t especially deep on the blueline, so expect Trouba to improve on that icetime number this season. Trouba also can provide value in hits and blocked shots.

Jake Muzzin, D, LA

To statheads, old-school writers such as Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun are Public Enemy #1. Simmons is known more for picking on Mikhail Grabovski, but another player he has singled out recently is Muzzin, who he describes as being the “second best Corsi player… who benefits primarily by being Drew Doughty’s partner” (Toronto Sun). You can’t deny that a player’s fantasy value is at least somewhat tied to other players who are on the ice at the same time, though. Muzzin is a viable option in fantasy leagues that count hits (169 last season), and his six goals in 26 playoff games last season mean that he is capable of reaching a double-digit goal total this season. 

John Gibson, G, ANA

Gibson played only three regular-season games for the Ducks last season, yet he may be ready to take over as the team’s starting goalie this season. The Ducks turned to Gibson in Game 4 of the second round of the playoffs, and Gibson delivered with a shutout. With Jonas Hiller off to Calgary, Gibson will battle with Frederik Andersen for the starting goalie job. Expect the two to split time, at least in the beginning, but Gibson’s strong play in the World Juniors would make it seem that he is the Ducks’ goalie of the future. 

Jake Allen, G, STL

As in Gibson’s situation, the exit of an established starting goalie creates an opportunity for Allen. Also like Gibson, Allen starred in the World Juniors and earned a gold medal. Allen was the AHL’s goalie of the year last season, leading the league with 33 wins, a 2.03 goals-against average, a .928 save percentage, and seven shutouts. Unfortunately like Gibson, he may need to split time with another established NHL goalie, which in Allen’s case is Brian Elliott. But as I mentioned in my previous article, I believe Allen is the goalie the Blues turn to come playoff time.