Calgary Flames fantasy preview for 2019-20

As part of NHL.com's 31 in 31 series, the fantasy hockey staff identifies relevant players from the Calgary Flames. For more fantasy coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy and subscribe for free to the NHL Fantasy on Ice podcast.

Flames 31 IN 31: [Season preview | 3 Questions | Top prospects | Behind the Numbers]
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Johnny Gaudreau, LW (NHL.com rank: 18) -- The Flames left wing finished second in scoring (99 points) at the position behind Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins (100). Fantasy owners should target Gaudreau in the second round of standard, 12-team fantasy drafts expecting him to cover five of the six standard categories on a strong top line and first power play.
Matthew Tkachuk, LW (44) -- The Flames left wing finished 28th overall in Yahoo last season with NHL career-highs in points (77), power-play points (24) and SOG (207) in 80 games. He brings added value with 104 hits and should be targeted in the 50-60 range of standard, 12-team drafts, especially at such a scarce position.
Sean Monahan, C (65) -- The Flames center shattered his previous NHL career high (64 points in 2017-18) with 82 points (34 goals, 48 assists) in 78 games. He remains underrated in fantasy at the deep center position and could be available outside the top 60 with even strength and power-play exposure to Gaudreau.

Mark Giordano, D (74) -- The Flames defenseman won the Norris Trophy last season and had an NHL career-high in points (74), second at the position behind Brent Burns of the San Jose Sharks (83). Giordano also led the NHL with a plus-39 in 78 games skating mostly with TJ Brodie on the top pair.
Elias Lindholm, C/RW (112) -- The Flames forward broke out in his first season with the Flames, scoring 78 points (27 goals, 51 assists), 26 on the power play, in 81 games. It's worth noting Lindholm's shooting percentage was high (14.8 percent) compared to his NHL career average (10.1) and previous high in points was 45, suggesting he could drop off in production.
David Rittich, G (151) -- The Flames goalie had an NHL career-high 27 wins last season but has room to improve his peripherals (.911 save percentage, one shutout) in 45 appearances. He'll have an opportunity to be a true No. 1 goalie after backup Mike Smith signed with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1. Goalie Cam Talbot could challenge Rittich for playing time, but the latter is more than five years younger and should get a chance to earn 50+ starts, potentially returning high value in later rounds.
Other players to consider in late rounds or off waiver wire: Mikael Backlund, C (239); Cam Talbot, G; Noah Hanifin, D; TJ Brodie, D
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