Evgeny Kuznetsov is a player to keep an eye on for fantasy hockey 2022
Fantasy football draft season is here but soon you’ll be drafting players for fantasy hockey. As far as Washington Capitals players to draft, and we did a top 3 the other day, the player to go with this fantasy season that checks all the boxes is Evgeny Kuznetsov.
After being the subject of trade rumors one year ago, Kuznetsov went on a complete revenge tour and won back the respect and love of fans who took him for granted.
For fans that always loved Kuznetsov, they got to have that “I told you so” moment.
Kuznetsov bounced back from a nine goal season the year before to 24 goals last season. He has the potential to score 30 this season and if he does you better make sure you’ve already drafted him for your fantasy team.
In addition to 24 goals, Kuznetsov had 54 assists for 78 points. It was the second best season statistically for the bird man since 2017-18, the year they won the Cup. That year Kuzy had 28 goals and 56 assists for 83 points.
Part of the reason fans wanted him traded was because of his high cap hit and his inconsistency on the ice. There was also his behavior off the ice. But last year every Caps player entered COVID protocol at least once. The previous year he was on it twice.
Then there’s the playoffs Kuznetsov has shown he can perform on the game’s biggest stage. Even before the Caps won the Cup, Kuznetsov was clutch with a game winner in Game 7 against the New York Islanders.
That year saw him score five goals in 14 games. In 2016-17 he had five goals and five assists for 10 points. In that run to the Cup he led the Caps with 20 assists along with 12 goals for 32 points.
The last three years? Meh let’s not talk about it. But last year in the first round against the Florida Panthers he did have two goals and three assists for five points in those six games. Not too shabby and definitely not his fault the Caps lost that series.
Must Read. Breaking down the Capitals must-see games of 2022. light
As far as players to draft though, Kuzy is your guy. He’s got it all and can even help your power play and penalty kill.