Updated July 18, 2011
Brad Richards may have been the most high-profile NHLer named "Richards" to switch locales this off-season, but he isn't the only one.
The Flyers dealt their captain Mike Richards to the Los Angeles Kings right before the NHL Draft, a move that is most certainly worth a review from a fantasy hockey perspective. So let's see what kind of affect Richards' arrival in LA-LA land has in fantasy hockey circles.
- Mike Richards: Despite some off-ice controversies with the media, Richards put forth a solid, if unspectacular, 23-goal, 66-point season a year ago in Philly. It was the first time in three years his goal total dipped under 30, though he recorded four more points than he did in 2009-10. He was also a plus player (+11) and notched 3 shorthanded goals, adding some weight to his fantasy hockey value. This season in LA, Richards, 26, will be extra motivated to prove that the Flyers made a huge mistake in trading him, plus he will play with a strong group of forwards, not dissimilar to those he skated with in Philadelphia. The question is: will his production be in the same 65-point range as it's been the past two seasons or can he climb back to the 30-50-80 career-year of 2008-09? The answer lies somewhere in the middle, I believe. Richards will be flanked by skill---perhaps even old Flyers' teammate Simon Gagne---and his pride will push him towards a strong season. Considering his value in shorthanded and power-play situations---to go along with his overall production---Richards will be a strong second-tier fantasy hockey forward this season.
- Anze Kopitar: The No. 1 center in LA, Kopitar has been nearly a point-per-game player for the past four seasons. Last year he recorded 73 points in 75 games, though his goal total dropped by nine from the previous season to 25. I can see Kopitar benefiting greatly from having Richards center the second line as opponents will have to figure out ways to deploy their top defensemen and checking forwards instead of loading up against Kopitar's line. Look for Kopitar to gain a little extra boost and finish at just above a point-per-game pace in 2011-12.
- Jarret Stoll: Last year Stoll averaged 17 minutes of ice-time at center and recorded a 20-goal season to go along with 43 points. With Kopitar and Richards both likely to receive 20 minutes of ice-time per game, Stoll's playing time---and playing time in key situations---could very well be diminished, as would his numbers. This is not a huge problem for fantasy hockey owners because Stoll would be---at best---a late round pick anyway.
- Brayden Schenn: Considered by many to be the top NHL-ready prospect, Schenn was traded by LA to Philly as part of the Richards trade. Turning 20 in August, Schenn would have likely made the Kings roster if not traded, but should still be set for regular NHL duty with the Flyers as a center for a team that no longer has Richards nor Jeff Carter in the middle. Schenn should see some quality minutes, and based on his 34-65-99 numbers in 59 games in the WHL last year, he should net some points in his rookie season, especially playing on a very skilled team. You never want to draft a rookie too high in a fantasy hockey draft, but Schenn should be at the top of your rookie wish-list this fall.
Send your fantasy hockey comments and questions to jimcerny@gmail.com