Philipp Grubauer, G (77) -- Although his numbers looked good last season (2.64 goals-against average, .917 save percentage), that was thanks to a strong finish - he went 9-2-2 with a 1.44 GAA, .956 SV% and all three of his shutouts in his final 14 games. However, he ranked last in the NHL in save percentage (.890; minimum 20 games from start of season to Feb. 15) and third to last in GAA (3.42) over his first 23 games. He was the full-time starter in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and continued his strong play against the Calgary Flames (1.90 GAA, .939 SV%) before regressing against the San Jose Sharks (2.60 GAA, .914 SV%). Grubauer is among the top 15 fantasy rankings at his position and will be the clear No. 1 goalie for the first time in the NHL but carries risk playing behind a young defense.
Cale Makar, D (94) -- If this past postseason is any indication, Makar could be a valuable fantasy defenseman for a long time to come. After his sophomore season with the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the Hobey Baker Award winner joined the Avalanche in the Western Conference First Round, scoring a goal in his NHL debut in Game 3 against the Flames and finishing with six points (one goal, five assists) in 10 playoff games. Makar gains fantasy appeal from the Avalanche trading Tyson Barrie to the Toronto Maple Leafs; Makar could play on the first power play with Colorado's elite forwards and produce at least 40-45 points.
Nazem Kadri, C (157) -- After consecutive 32-goal seasons, Kadri regressed last season (44 points; 16 goals, 28 assists) with Toronto. With the arrival of elite center John Tavares, Kadri found himself playing in a third-line role behind Tavares and Auston Matthews. But after being traded to the Avalanche for Barrie, Kadri is primed for a top-six, power-play role for a team that lacked secondary scoring last season. Kadri can feasibly score at least 25 goals with at least 100 hits and 200 SOG, making him a potential steal in late rounds.
Other players to consider in late rounds or off waiver wire: Samuel Girard, D (201); Andre Burakovsky, LW/RW (233); Bowen Byram, D (248); J.T. Compher, C/RW; Nikita Zadorov, D
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