For the last 14 years (12 with The Hockey News) Dobber has reviewed each team from a fantasy-hockey standpoint and graded them.

This year, due to Dobber’s battle with cancer, he recruited Cam Robinson (of Frozen Pool Forensics fame) to pinch hit. The 15th annual review will appear here on DobberHockey throughout the summer. This is not a review of the likely performance on the ice or in the standings, but in the realm of fantasy hockey.

Enjoy!

Gone – Jimmy Hayes, Colin Miller, John-Michael Liles, Dominic Moore, Joe Morrow, Zac Rinaldo, Alex Grant, Tyler Randell, Brian Ferlin, Chris Casto

Incoming – Kenny Agostino, Paul Postma, Jordan Szwarz, Bruce Cassidy (Head Coach)

Impact of changes – Losing Colin Miller via the expansion process was a slight hit to the Bruins’ backend. The puck-moving 24-year-old is a cost-effective entity at just a million dollars in 2017-18 before becoming an RFA. The swift development of Brandon Carlo and Charlie McAvoy on the right side paved the way for this move, however. Kenny Agostino comes in after a dominant AHL campaign in the Blues’ organization and hopes to get an extended look in an offensive role. Buying out Jimmy Hayes’ contract clears some cap space to allow the team to be buyers down the line, but on paper, the organization hasn’t improved much outside of further developed youth. 

Ready for full-time – Charlie McAvoy had an outstanding draft-plus one campaign. The 14^th overall selection from 2016 led the US to a World Junior Gold and was the engine for Boston University. Upon turning pro, he saw time with Providence of the AHL, six NHL playoff contests with the Bruins recording three assists and seeing over 26 minutes of ice-time. To cap it all off, he earned a spot on the Men’s World Championship squad. The elusive right-handed defender has a bright future for both the Bruins and fantasy squads. Read more about McAvoy here.

Just like McAvoy, Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson has a great shot at walking out of Boston University and into the Bruins’ lineup. The 2015 second rounder owns deft two-way ability with high processing skills and great skating ability. The Swedish centre will look to wrap up a bottom six pivot spot and gain traction as a first-year NHLer. Read more about Forsbacka-Karlsson here

Anders Bjork has witnessed a meteoric rise since being selected in the fifth round in 2014. The American forward was tied for ninth in NCAA scoring last season and like McAvoy, won a World Junior Gold and saw action with the Men’s National team at the Worlds. Bjork will battle in camp for a spot on the left-wing but a stint in the AHL is also a viable destination for the soon-to-be 21-year-old. Read more about Bjork here.

Danton Heinen showed well in his first professional campaign, recording 14 goals and 44 points in 64 AHL contests and kept up with the play in a handful of NHL games. The somewhat undersized centre will be in a camp battle with Forsbacka-Karlsson and will likely split the season between Boston and Providence. Read more about Heinen here.

Fantasy Outlook – The Bruins forward corps remain an impactful fantasy resource with Brad Marchand elevating to superstar status and David Pastrnak not far behind. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci are still competent veteran contributors, while Ryan Spooner and Frank Vatrano can become relevant for stretches. Expect to see a downtick on Marchand’s numbers but he’ll remain a legitimate asset. On the backend, McAvoy looks to have a very bright fantasy future but Torey Krug remains the first power play option. Tuukka Rask may not be the slam dunk top five performer he once was, but continues to be a steady and sound number one in most formats.

Fantasy Grade: B (Last year: C+)

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