Fantasy Sharks: 2024 Projections & Analysis

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Hey fantasy hockey fanatics! Are you ready to dive deep into the 2024 fantasy hockey season and uncover the potential of the San Jose Sharks? This team might not be the first one that jumps to mind when you think about fantasy hockey powerhouses, but trust me, there are definitely some hidden gems and players to watch. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the Sharks' roster, analyze player projections, and give you the inside scoop on who to target in your drafts. Get ready to set sail on the fantasy hockey seas with the Sharks!

Sharks' Season Overview

Before we get into individual player projections, let's take a step back and look at the bigger picture. The San Jose Sharks are currently in a rebuilding phase, meaning they're focusing on developing young talent and building for the future. This can sometimes make it tricky for fantasy owners, as consistent high-end production might be harder to come by compared to teams in their prime. However, rebuilding teams often provide opportunities for young players to shine and breakout, making them valuable late-round picks or waiver wire adds.

Looking at their roster, the Sharks have a mix of veteran players and promising rookies. The team's success this season will largely depend on how quickly their young players can develop and contribute, as well as the performance of their key veterans. From a fantasy perspective, this means we need to identify players who will get significant ice time, power play opportunities, and the chance to rack up points. It's also important to consider potential trades or injuries that could shake up the roster throughout the season, creating new opportunities for players to step up.

The Sharks' coaching staff will also play a crucial role in shaping the team's performance and player deployment. Pay attention to line combinations, power play units, and overall playing style. A coach who favors offensive hockey and gives young players a chance could significantly boost the fantasy value of certain Sharks players. Keep an eye on training camp battles and preseason games to get a better sense of who will be in the lineup and in what role. Remember guys, even on a rebuilding team, there are always players who can surprise and become fantasy relevant. It's our job to find them! — Car Accident Attorneys: Your Guide To Justice

Key Players and Projections

Now, let's get to the juicy stuff – the player projections! We'll dive into some key players on the Sharks' roster and give you our take on their potential fantasy impact this season. Remember, these are just projections, and the actual outcome can vary based on a variety of factors. But hopefully, this will give you a good starting point for your draft preparation. — La Crosse County Jail: Who's In Custody?

Forwards

  • Tomas Hertl: Hertl is arguably the Sharks' top forward and a key offensive driver. He's a consistent scorer who can contribute in all offensive categories. Projections place him around 60-70 points this season, making him a solid mid-round pick in most fantasy leagues. Hertl's value is further boosted in leagues that count faceoff wins, as he's a reliable center in that department.
  • Logan Couture: Couture, the Sharks' captain, is another important veteran presence on the team. While his scoring pace has slowed down a bit in recent years, he's still a valuable player who can contribute offensively. A realistic projection for Couture is around 50-60 points. He's a good target in the later rounds of your draft, especially in deeper leagues.
  • William Eklund: Eklund is one of the Sharks' top prospects and a player to watch closely this season. He's a highly skilled forward with excellent playmaking abilities. If Eklund gets a chance to play in the top-six and on the power play, he could have a breakout season. Projections vary widely, but if things break right, he could reach 40-50 points. He's a high-risk, high-reward pick in the later rounds.
  • Fabian Zetterlund: Don't sleep on Zetterlund, guys! He showed flashes of brilliance last year and could be poised for a bigger role this season. He's got a knack for scoring goals and isn't afraid to shoot the puck. Keep him on your radar as a potential waiver wire pickup or late-round flier. A 30-40 point projection might be a conservative estimate if he gets the right opportunities.
  • Filip Zadina: Zadina is a former top prospect who's looking to revitalize his career in San Jose. He's got the talent, but consistency has been an issue. If he can find his game, he could be a valuable fantasy asset. A 35-45 point projection is within reach if he clicks with his linemates and gets power play time.

Defensemen

  • Erik Karlsson (Traded): Note: Erik Karlsson has been traded since this content was initially written. His fantasy value now depends on his new team and role. Previously, as the Sharks' top defenseman, Karlsson was a fantasy stud when healthy, capable of putting up huge offensive numbers. He had a Norris Trophy-winning season recently, showcasing his elite offensive skills.
  • Mario Ferraro: Ferraro is a solid defensive defenseman who logs big minutes for the Sharks. While he doesn't provide a ton of offense, he can be valuable in leagues that count hits and blocked shots. Expect around 15-20 points offensively, but his value lies in his peripheral stats.
  • Shakir Mukhamadullin: Mukhamadullin is a young defenseman with offensive upside. He's got a good shot and can contribute on the power play. He's a player to monitor closely, as his role could increase throughout the season. A 20-30 point projection is a reasonable expectation if he gets consistent ice time.

Goalies

  • Mackenzie Blackwood: Blackwood is the Sharks' likely starting goalie. He's got the potential to be a solid NHL goalie, but consistency has been an issue in the past. On a rebuilding team, his win totals might be limited, but he could still provide value in leagues that count saves. Projections are highly variable for goalies, but expect a goals-against average around 3.00-3.25 and a save percentage around .900-.910.
  • Kaapo Kahkonen: Kahkonen will likely serve as the Sharks' backup goalie. He's a decent goalie, but his fantasy value is limited unless Blackwood struggles or gets injured. He's not a player you need to draft in most leagues.

Sleepers and Potential Breakouts

Every year, there are players who come out of nowhere and become fantasy stars. On a rebuilding team like the Sharks, there's even more potential for these kinds of breakouts. Here are a few players to keep an eye on as potential sleepers:

  • William Eklund: We mentioned him earlier, but Eklund's upside is so high that he deserves another mention. If he gets a top-six role and power play time, he could be a steal in your draft.
  • Thomas Bordeleau: Bordeleau is another promising young forward in the Sharks' system. He's got great offensive instincts and could make an impact if he gets an opportunity.
  • Henry Thrun: This young defenseman has offensive upside and could be a key part of the Sharks' future blueline. Monitor his progress and see if he can carve out a significant role.

Draft Strategy for Sharks Players

So, how should you approach drafting Sharks players in your fantasy league? Here are a few tips:

  • Target Hertl in the mid-rounds: He's the most reliable offensive player on the team and a good bet for 60+ points.
  • Consider Couture in the later rounds: He's a veteran who can still contribute, especially in deeper leagues.
  • Take a flier on Eklund: His upside is worth the risk in the later rounds.
  • Be cautious with Blackwood: Goalies on rebuilding teams can be risky, but he could provide value in leagues that count saves.
  • Monitor waiver wire: Keep an eye on young players who get opportunities and could emerge as valuable fantasy assets.

Conclusion

The San Jose Sharks might not be a fantasy juggernaut, but there are definitely players on their roster who can contribute to your team. By understanding their situation, analyzing player projections, and identifying potential sleepers, you can gain an edge in your fantasy league. Remember to stay flexible, monitor the team's progress throughout the season, and be ready to pounce on opportunities that arise. Good luck, guys, and happy drafting! — NYT Connections: Hints & Answers For Today's Puzzle