Fantasy Hockey 2013: Midseason Awards

By Adam Pfeifer
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

 

We are a little more than halfway through the compressed 2013 NHL season and fantasy hockey players have a pretty firm idea of where their roster stands. I figured now is an ideal time to highlight the good (and maybe the bad) in my edition of the Fantasy Hockey Midseason Awards.

MVP

Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins: Just one season removed from returning from a scary concussion, Crosby is reminding the hockey world that he is still the best player in the world. Through 26 games, Sid the Kid has a league-high 45 points, eight more than the second place player. Not only is he helping his own owners, but is also benefiting the owners of teammate Chris Kunitz. Crosby has been crucial to the success of Kunitz this season, ranking third in the league with 36 points. The best hockey player in the world is quite deserving of MVP honors… thus far.

Notable Mentions: Kunitz, Steven Stamkos, Tuukka Rask

Fantasy Rookie

Jonathan Huberdeau, Florida Panthers: Huberdeau, one of my sleepers heading into the 2013 campaign, has been proving me right thus far. The 19-year old 12 goals on the season, the most among all first year players. Many believe that this award could have gone to Cory Conacher of the Lightning, who leads all rookies in points (20), however I think not. Huberdeau is playing just as well with far less weapons. The Panthers are one of the lowest scoring teams in the league and have seen some of their key offensive pieces suffer injury. Will Huberdeau keep up his tremendous play? That remains to be seen, but for now, he’s been the best rookie in my book.

Notable mentions: Conacher, Justin Schultz, Vladimir Tarasenko

Waiver Wire Darling

Viktor Fasth, Anaheim Ducks: Raise your hand if you knew who this guy was before the season started. If you raised your hand, well, you’re a liar. There is no doubt that Fasth has been the free agency gem of the year thus far, and a huge reason why the Ducks are arguably the best team in hockey (yes I’m serious). Fasth is sporting a ridiculous record of 10-1-1 along with a 1.92 GAA and a save percentage of .929. Those are some scary good numbers. You might say he’s off to a fast start? Anyone? Bueller?

Breakout Player

Nazem Kadri, Toronto Maple Leafs: Not exactly the Maple Laughs anymore, eh? The Leafs are a top five team in the Eastern Conference, thanks in large part to the emergence of Kadri. In 26 games played, the 22-year old has 11 goals and 14 assists, ranking him inside the top 20 among all players in points. Kadri sees the ice extremely well and has some budding offensive talent alongside him to help him remain relevant in fantasy land. His plus-14 rating certainly helps his value as well.

Notable mentions: Jakub Voracek, Matt Moulson, Andrew Ladd

Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy columnist for Rant Sports.

You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.

 

 

 

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