Tune in to this article series for fantasy predictions and analysis on the top 5 sophomores at every position. Using NHL guidelines, a sophomore is anyone who played more than 25 games last season, and who qualified to compete for the Calder trophy. The crop of players entering their second full season can be ripe with potential and often is the type of off the radar pickup that can propel your fantasy team atop the standings. Last year, second year players such as Jaden Schwartz, Brandon Saad, and Gustav Nyquist broke out, while Nail Yakupov and Calder Trophy winner Jonathan Huberdeau were victims of the sophomore slump. Who will it be this year?

Left Wing
Center
Right Wing
Defenseman
Goalies

5. Patrick Maroon, LW, Anaheim Ducks

An underrated acquisition for the Ducks back in 2011, Maroon followed up 4 excellent years of seasoning in the AHL with his first full season in the NHL. Playing primarily alongside Mathieu Perrault and Teemu Selanne, Maroon posted a respectable 29 points in 62 games. He’s shown he has the capability of complementing skilled players by using his large body and solid hands, and figures to remain a top 6 option for coach Bruce Boudreau. Following the departure of both Selanne and Perrault, Maroon figures to be a complementing forward to the fantasy goldmine of Getzlaf-Perry, or slotting in down a line with newly acquired Ryan Kesler. His 101 minutes spent in the sin bin add fantasy versatility while sporting the upside of playing for a proven Anaheim Ducks squad.

Final Thought: 76 GP, 19 G, 25 A, +14, 132 PIM Continue reading