Minnesota Wild Players That Make Great Fantasy Steals

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Apr 20, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Zach Parise (11) celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period in game three of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Every fan knows that there are ways to enhance the hockey experience. For a lot of hockey fans, playing armchair GM in a fantasy league is a good way to keep their interest strong throughout an 82-game season. It can also be a good way for new fans to get to know players, and have a stake in whatever game they may be watching.

Whether you’re playing for money or bragging rights, it’s good to have more information when making your selections. Maybe reading this article could help you move from second to first place. Or maybe it can push you from last to second last (which may not be good, if you’re losing the first-overall pick next season).

With about a month until the preseason kicks off, it’s time to take a gander at some buy-low candidates from the Minnesota Wild that could help you win your fantasy hockey league. Anyone can grab a Sidney Crosby first in their pool, but getting great value out of your sleepers is what can win you the league.

Here are some options for you fantasy hockey players that will provide value to your team, but not break your budget.

Next: Jason Pominville

Apr 20, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Jason Pominville (29) celebrates his goal during the second period in game three of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the St. Louis Blues at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Pominville

Pominville is 32 and coming off what can be considered a down year offensively where he had 18 goals and 54 points, and. The right winger, who spends considerable time at the point on the power play, still skates very well and will bounce back for the 2015-16 campaign.

Last season Pominville was near the top of all possession statistics among Wild skaters, and was one of Ben Remington’s three stars of the season from Minnesota, despite his decline in goals. He should be available late in most pools (and possibly still around after the draft for a free-agent addition, depending on league depth), and should rebound to scoring around the 30-goal range again.

Pominville has played a lot with Mikael Granlund over the last two seasons. If Granlund can start to really produce points at the NHL level, the effects will trickle down to Pominville.

Next: Marco Scandella

Apr 24, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Marco Scandella (6) in the game against the St. Louis Blues during the second period in game five of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Marco Scandella

Minnesota’s power play last season wasn’t very effective, finishing 27^th in the league with a 15.8% clip. Scandella had a breakout season despite seeing little time on the man advantage. If head coach Mike Yeo elects to utilize the big shot of Scandella more frequently on the power play, look for the 25-year-old defenseman to build further on his career-best 11 goals and 23 points from a season ago.

Scandella’s 11-goal campaign was tops for Wild defensemen, and 17th best among all NHL defenders. Scandella played a far more confident game last year, showing more poise in all aspects of the game. He may never be a 50-point producer, but the 6-foot-1 blueliner will give contribute to your fantasy team like he does to the Wild. Scandella will rack up some penalties, shot blocks, shots, and goals. He’s a safe bet to help you out further down the depth chart, and carries some reward in case he winds up seeing serious power play time.

Matt Dumba

Another blueliner that broke out in 2014-15 for the Wild was Dumba, who turned 21 over the summer. Dumba didn’t play much during his first stint with the big club last season, but following a recall from a stint with the farm team in Iowa, he found his confidence and was a threat from the point. By year’s end, he had eight goals and 16 points in 58 regular-season games, and another two goals and four points in ten playoff matches.

Dumba promises to be a dynamic threat from the defensive corps for years to come. Later last season he started seeing more time on the power play. Look for this trend to continue, and for Dumba to rack up some point totals worthy of inclusion on most fantasy rosters.

Next: Nino Niederreiter

Apr 2, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Nino Niederreiter (22) against the New York Rangers at Xcel Energy Center. The Rangers defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Nino Niederreiter

At times, last season Niederreiter showed flashes of the elite-level power forward he can become. At other times he just wasn’t much of a factor. “El Nino” still managed 24 goals and 37 points playing as a 22 year old. He’s still learning how to be a factor more consistently and rounding out his game at both ends of the ice, but the Swiss right winger should flirt with the 30-goal mark in 2015-16.

Niederreiter’s value – along with that of some of the other younger Wild players – could be given a boost if he starts seeing more power play time. Yeo will have to give the man advantage a different look for the upcoming season. The main question is what kinda line changes might you see? and who may find themselves in a larger role?

Next: Jason Zucker

May 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Johnny Oduya (27) blocks a wrap-around attempt by Minnesota Wild left wing Jason Zucker (16) during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Zucker

Last season’s runner-up for the NHL’s version of the Cy Young award to the Florida Panthers’ Brandon Pirri, whose 24 points included 22 goals, Zucker played only 51 games but scored 21 goals. That’s over a 30-goal pace for the diminutive, yet rambunctious, left winger.

Zucker, 23, may be only 5-foot-11, 188 pounds, but plays an aggressive game that sees him drive hard to the net and often lay far-bigger players on their rears. Unfortnuately for the Wild, this style may lend to him missing time fairly consistently due to injury. When healthy, there’s no reason Zucker shouldn’t be making an impact on both the ice and in your fantasy lineup.

Next: Must See Wild Games 2015-2016

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