San Jose Sharks Fantasy Outlook

As part of NHL.com’s 30 in 30 series, our fantasy hockey staff is breaking down each team’s fantasy landscape. From most valuable assets to underrated options, impact prospects and more, this guide should help fantasy owners prioritize players for drafts.

The San Jose Sharks took the fantasy world by storm last season, when Burns, Pavelski and Thornton each finished among the top eight players based on standard-league production. Their Yahoo average draft positions (Pavelski 21.5, Burns 45.3, Thornton 142.2) will be much higher this season, but each has an opportunity to replicate his success, given the Sharks’ staying power and depth. Burns was the only player with at least 75 points (11th in NHL), 30 power-play points (T-2nd) and 300 shots on goal (353, 2nd), and led defensemen with 27 goals. Pavelski, second in goals since 2013-14 (116), and Thornton, first in assists in that time frame (177), made magic again on the top line, helping Tomas Hertl have a career season (46 points). Thornton, 37, had his best season since 2009-10, with 82 points (19 goals, 63 assists) in 82 games and continues to show little sign of aging.

Couture, who had a League-best 30 points (11 PPP) in the Stanley Cup Playoffs after an injury-plagued regular season, rounds out NHL.com’s top 20 forwards (27th overall). Considering Couture is cemented on San Jose’s first power-play unit and has strong wing options for his even-strength line, there’s a good chance he’ll hit 70 points for the first time in his NHL career. It’s doubtful you’ll be able to land Burns or Pavelski outside the first round, but Thornton could be available in the second and Couture a round later.

Undervalued: Marc-Edouard Vlasic, D

Vlasic had an NHL career high 39 points (eight goals, 31 assists) last season, despite missing 15 games because of injury. He returned in time for the playoffs and had 12 points (one goals, 11 assists) with a plus-14 rating despite being tasked with defending top goal-scorers in each series. With how strong the Sharks offense looks, you can’t rule out a 50-point, plus-20 season for Vlasic, which would make him a top 10 fantasy defenseman. He carries so much potential in the prime of his career but he’s still not viewed as anything close to a top 20 fantasy player at his position. Take advantage of any opportunity to draft Vlasic as the third or fourth defenseman on your roster. Even though he …

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