Fantasy Hockey 2016: 3 replacements for Jonathan Huberdeau

With Jonathan Huberdeau out, here are some viable replacements for him in fantasy.

A trend fantasy pick this year in many ESPN and Yahoo fantasy leagues is Florida Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau. Coming off a career season and playing with a much better blue line behind him, a 30 goal season seemed plausible. However, thanks to an ankle injury, he will miss the next three to four months.

Nothing can be more crippling to one’s chances in fantasy hockey than an injury to someone like Huberdeau. It can, however, not be the worst thing in the world if you have the right replacement. Those who win in fantasy hockey leagues are the same ones who replace their inevitable injured players the most efficiently.

It will be hard to replace someone who finished in the top 25 among all wings in scoring last season. However, it’s not impossible. Here are three viable replacements for Jonathan Huberdeau while he rehabilitates.

3. Ryan Strome

Ryan Strome of the New York Islanders is primed to get some big minutes this season. Someone was going to get all the minutes Frans Nielsen got, and it appears Strome will be a part of the solution. He is owned in merely 6.4 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues, making him a very intriguing option.

Strome struggled last season with just 28 points. However, he will get much more playing time this season. Strome has done well in his career when his role is set in stone. Last season, Islanders head coach Jack Capuano had him all over the lineup. Strome has done well in preseason and should be a second line wing moving forward. He might even get some time alongside John Tavares, which is a great way to boost your fantasy numbers.

Sure, Strome is an undeniable risk. But he’s worth taking a flyer on.

Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

2. Sam Bennett

Sam Bennett of the Calgary Flames is owned in 48.1 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues. So he might be more of a trade option, depending on how big your league is. Regardless, he’s another great option to replace him. Chances are, you can get him for a pretty reasonable price as well.

There is one primary reason to target Bennett, even if you don’t need to replace Huberdeau. Bennett could have a breakout season this year. In his first full NHL season, Bennett had 18 goals and 36 points in 77 games despite averaging a shade over 15 minutes a night. He averaged 1.67 points per 60 minutes at even strength despite having less than ideal line mates. Bennett will see an increase in his ice time this year, slotting in as the Flames second line center.

He will likely be flanked by Matthew Tkachuck on the left side and Troy Brouwer on the right side, though Michael Frolik could also slot in on the right side. Bennett should see some favorable competition, especially if the Flames re-sign Johnny Gaudreau.

If you want a solid target to replace Huberdeau while potentially sticking with your fantasy team for the rest of the year all the while being reasonably priced, Bennett’s a perfect guy.

Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

1. Alex Galchenyuk

It’s a bit baffling, but somehow Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk is only owned in 76.9 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues. How 23.1 percent of leagues could justify not having a 30 goal scorer on one of their teams is confusing. But if he’s somehow available, he’s a perfect replacement for Jonathan Huberdeau.

Huberdeau brought goals to the table as a wing. Galchenyuk is technically a left wing (according to ESPN), but he’s a center. He’s coming off a very impressive 2015-16 campaign, during which he was one of the few bright spots for the Canadiens.

Galchenyuk had 30 goals and 26 assists for 56 points last season. He should do even better this season with a (hopefully) healthy Brendan Gallagher next to him. Galchenyuk finally got consistent line mates last season, and boy did it show in his results.

Sure, Galchenyuk will be the hardest to get of the trio. He will cost you quite a bit in a trade. But if you’re looking to hit a home run when replacing Jonathan Huberdeau, Galchenyuk is a great option. Who knows? Maybe someone who owns him doesn’t realize just how good he is and you might get lucky. Galchenyuk is probably the best realistic replacement for Huberdeau unless you really want to go diving into waivers.