Causeway Crowd
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Boston Bruins: Fantasy hockey sleepers

By jc

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 03: Dallas Stars center Andrew Cogliano (11) and Boston Bruins center Karson Kuhlman (83) chase the puck during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Boston Bruins on October 03, 2019 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 03: Dallas Stars center Andrew Cogliano (11) and Boston Bruins center Karson Kuhlman (83) chase the puck during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Boston Bruins on October 03, 2019 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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matt grzelcyk bruins
BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 25: Boston Bruins left defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (48) sets up for a face off during a preseason game between the Boston Bruins and the New Jersey Devils on September 25, 2019, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Matt Grzelcyk

Torey Krug and Charlie McAvoy are the fantasy darlings of Boston’s defense. Matt Grzelcyk, however, is somebody worth watching.

Grzelcyk enters his fourth NHL season with Boston. He’s never made much of an impact on the scoresheet. Last season, Grzelcyk only had 18 points in 66 games. The year before he had 15 points.

This year should be different for Grzlecyk because his ice time will go up. Grzelcyk averaged a little over 19 minutes on ice last season. Expect this to change this year as Bruce Cassidy continues to manage Zdeno Chara’s workload.

Don’t be surprised if Grzlecyk joins McAvoy on Boston’s top pair this season. In this role, Grzlecyk will see his point production increase. He skates and moves the puck well, so if he plays with Boston’s top forwards, he’ll get plenty of assists.

Also, Grzlecyk may see a lot more power play time this season. The Bruins typically roll with four forwards and one defenseman with the man advantage. Krug anchors the first unit, and McAvoy runs the second. Boston, however, gave up a lot of shorthanded chances against Dallas. Cassidy may choose to put Grzlecyk out with McAvoy on the power play.

Grzlecyk offers some extra value in fantasy leagues that track plus/minus. He was a +9 last season, and this should increase as he moves up the lineup.

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