Braden Holtby, Washington – Holtby is a Top 6 or 7 goalie in the NHL in terms of fantasy hockey. Hopefully the Caps can sign him long term to something reasonable, before arbitration. Because if he gets just the one-year arbitration deal then he’ll use that year by posting a second consecutive 40-win season. And what contract would that lead to? The Caps better lock him in now.

Marcus Johansson, Washington – For four consecutive years Johansson has posted points in the 0.55-0.65 points-per-game range and that won’t change anytime soon. The last two years he had 0.55 and 0.57 points per game. With Justin Williams on the team now and with the two Russian youngsters fighting for ice time, Johansson will see more of the same production – or perhaps a little worse.

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Some minor stuff – Rich Clune signed with Toronto’s farm team the Marlies as he battles back from addiction issues. Landon Ferraro signed with the Red Wings for one year. Tampa Bay signed free agent Jeff Tambellini to a one-year, two-way contract. Remember him?

Nazem Kadri signed with the Leafs for one year at $4.1 million. To me, he’ll either earn his big, long-term contract with a big year. Or Toronto will cut their losses and trade him at the deadline. I think it will be the former.

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Jake Allen‘s two-year contract with the Blues was an interesting one in that he slides underneath Brian Elliott but only barely. Both goalies are signed for the next two years, with Elliott making $2.5 and Allen making $2.35. I’m afraid that for this year it will be more of the same versus last year. I don’t think Allen seizes the job yet and instead we’ll be cursed with a 50-50 split, barring an injury (which tends to hit Elliott often).

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The ground has been broken on the Fantasy Guide! Every year I have to wait until free agency settles down before I can start work (otherwise I’d be redoing much of it). So essentially that means from July 2 until July 31 I calculate, sort, organize, write and edit over 150 pages of fantasy gold, as well as four spreadsheets. From there it’s just a matter of keeping it up to date with the latest camp news, injuries, depth charts, etc. I’m not sure if there are other Guides out there that update, but I can guarantee none will update as thoroughly or as often as mine. After all, this is my full-time job. I do nothing but sit here and wait for hockey news to react to, break down and analyze.

One great way to get this for cheap is to just take advantage of the Draft Kings deal. Get everything for 10 bucks. No tax added and three of the other guides are added free.

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