Updated July 11, 2011
In an off-season full of big-name moves, perhaps the biggest was Brad Richards' decision to sign with the Rangers as a free agent.
Let's take a look at several players whose fantasy hockey value is most affected by Richards coming to Broadway.
- Brad Richards: Richards has been better than a point-per-game player in each of his last two seasons with Dallas, and it would be hard to imagine he would better that ratio with the Rangers, though he could and should match it. If he remains healthy it would not be hard to imagine seeing Richards post a 90-point season, figuring 65 or so of those points would come on assists, putting him among the leaders in two vital fantasy categories: points and assists. He will also quarterback the Rangers power play, so he will have a continued strong fantasy presence in power play categories, as well. In short, Richards is reaching his prime and will have the chance to play alongside a world-class winger in Marian Gaborik, so his fantasy numbers should remain as strong as they have ever been before.
- Marian Gaborik: Since we mentioned the enigmatic Gaborik, let's continue with him. Despite coming off a disappointing 22-goal, 48-point season a year ago, Gaborik is a two-time 42-goal scorer, and potentially elite fantasy hockey performer. The theory goes that if he could score 42 goals with Vinny Prospal as his center two years ago, then Gaborik should more than reach that playing on a line with Richards, who is an elite playmaker. If he remains healthy, Gaborik could be looking at a 40-goal, 80-point season. He is a proud man determined to put last year behind him. And now he finally has a true No. 1 centerman to play with at even strength, and a true power play quarterback to feed him with the man advantage. Richards' presence will increase Gaborik's fantasy value, for sure.
- Brandon Dubinsky/Ryan Callahan: Neither of these two is expected to play regularly at even strength with Richards---perhaps Dubinsky will see some action on the left side of Richards and Gaborik---but both will benefit greatly with Richards in the lineup. For one, both can now slot in on the second line without first-line pressures or facing the opposition's top checking units. And secondly, like Gaborik, both Dubinsky and Callahan will get to play with Richards on what should be a revived Rangers' power play. From a fantasy hockey perspective this means Dubinsky and Callahan---both of whose talent and value is on the rise anyway---are looking at 25-goal, 60-point seasons, with increased power play numbers than in the past (keeping in mind that Callahan still led New York with 10 power play goals a year ago), making both players very attractive second tier fantasy hockey performers.
- Derek Stepan: As a rookie last season Stepan scored 21 goals and finished with 45 points. There's a chance he could play some on the left side of Richards and Gaborik, which would greatly boost the kid's numbers and fantasy value. There's also a chance he could center Dubinsky and Callahan, which would also boost his numbers and value. Either way, Stepan will benefit from having Richards in the same lineup, and should turn into a decent second-tier fantasy hockey pick, as could third-year center Artem Anisimov, who also could center Dubinsky and Callahan.
- Marc Staal/Dan Girardi/Michael Del Zotto: Someone has to play opposite Richards on the power play point, and likely one of these three defensemen---or at different times, all three---will fill the bill. The Rangers' power play has been miserable the past couple of years, but should improve greatly with the veteran Richards running the show. Staal, Girardi, and/or Del Zotto (who could start the year in the minors) will benefit and see their fantasy hockey value among defensemen rise accordingly.
- Brian Boyle: Unless he somehow plays top-line left wing, Boyle---coming off a 21-goal season and seemingly on the rise in the eyes of fantasy hockey owners---may actually suffer a bit offensively with Richards in the lineup. With Richards, Stepan, and Anisimov arguably ahead of him on the Rangers' depth chart at center, Boyle may not receive the same opportunities to score as much as he did in his breakout 2010-11 season. Time will tell on this one.
Next we will look at the Richards Factor (Part 2) focusing on the Kings acquisition of Mike Richards.
Send your fantasy hockey questions and comments to jimcerny@gmail.com.