NHL rookies you have to pick up in fantasy hockey for 2018-19

5. F Andrei Svechnikov

Similar in makeup to Zadina, Andrei Svechnikov took the OHL by storm in his rookie year. He missed 24 games with the Barrie Colts due to an early injury as well as his World Junior participation. It’s not a long shot to suggest he could have eclipsed 60 goals had he played the entire year.

Carolina focused heavily on developing their blueline under Ron Francis, but their forward prospects are beginning to come of age. Svechnikov has the ability to jump directly in to the Hurricanes’ top six and play an offensive role.

It’s well known that Jeff Skinner continues to be shopped around. If he is dealt before training camp begins, Svechnikov is a no-brainer depth selection in the later rounds of your draft.

His size and skill appear to be NHL ready, though there are still minor concerns with his defensive awareness. No matter, Carolina boasts an enviable D core which should give the big Russian more leeway in terms of focusing his energy on scoring goals.

Utilizing his frame to thwart opponents, he has soft hands and can beat defenders in multiple ways. After all, 64 of Svechnikov’s 72 points this year were primary points. He’s not a passive contributor and can very much drive the play.

Carolina has the pieces to make a serious run for a playoff spot this year. If they can find some consistent goaltending, it won’t be a surprise to see them in the conversation all year. Svechnikov should be a very noticeable part of their roster.