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 – Ryan Murphy, Eddie Lack, Michael Leighton, Connor Brickley, Matt Tennyson, Danny Kristo, Jay McClement

Incoming – Justin Williams, Scott Darling, Marcus Kruger, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Josh Jooris, Jeremy Smith, Keegan Kanzig, Brenden Kichton

Impact of changes – Very few teams improved their squads to the extent in which Carolina did. The Hurricanes added impact pieces throughout their lineup starting with Scott Darling who appears set to take the reins in net after multiple disappointing campaigns from Cam Ward. Darling has fared exceedingly well in a back-up position with Chicago, posting a .924 save percentage in 2016-17 and a career mark of .923. Marcus Kruger will now anchor the defensive responsibilities down the middle and Justin Williams’ second go around in Raleigh will add veteran leadership and secondary scoring. Trevor van Riemsdyk will add solid depth to an already deep blue line. With the continued development of the team’s young core and the shrewd offseason additions, Carolina appears set to truly challenge for a playoff spot in 2017-18.

Ready for full-time – After four stellar seasons in the QMJHL, Nicolas Roy will make the jump to the professional ranks this fall. The powerful centre slid all the way to the fourth round in 2015 due to some concerns about his skating. Fast forward two seasons and his skating issues appear to be far in the rearview. Roy will battle in camp of a for a bottom six position, but with a full roster of proven NHL centremen its more likely he starts his career in the AHL. The 20-year-old has a very bright future. Read more about Roy here.

Valentin Zykov has taken a well-worn path to the NHL. The Russian winger played his draft- plus one and draft-plus two seasons in the CHL followed by two more AHL campaigns. The offensively-driven 22-year-old will look to push for a spot in camp, but the addition of Williams and the already young core may make that difficult. Injuries have played a role in his development thus far, so a healthy 2017-18 is crucial. He’ll be an early call up when injuries strike if he can’t crack the lineup out of the gate. Read more about Zykov here.

Aleksi Saarela came to the Hurricanes in a 2016 mid-season trade that sent Eric Staal to the Rangers. The highly-talented 20-year-old has posted strong offensive seasons in Finland’s top tier the last two years, leading the team in goals in 2016-17. Upon crossing the pond last spring, he managed to rack up an impressive six goals and 10 points in nine AHL contests for Charlotte. Saarela has top six upside and has a good shot at cracking the lineup in the fall. Read more about Saarela here.

Fantasy Outlook – The Hurricanes are becoming something of a sexy pick for hockey junkies. They boast a very young and very talented defense corps and a burgeoning crop of high-ceiling forwards but they lack a true superstar. Jeff Skinner, Sebastian Aho, and Elias Lindholm lead the charge up front while Justin Williams, Jordan Staal and Victor Rask can each streak their way to relevance. On the back end, Justin Faulk has proven to be a quality fantasy asset in the past but needs to remain healthy and consistent. Noah Hanifin and Jaccob Slavin bring nice secondary offence from the blue line. With that defense in front of him, Scott Darling has the potential to be a top-half starter and should be targeted as a solid number two for your fantasy squad. This is a team that will continue to trend upwards.

Fantasy Grade: C+ (Last year: D+)

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