Articles / Fantasy Hockey Mailbag: Ranking Prospect Defensemen; Shesterkin, Nichushkin, Beniers, and Nečas; Stolarz vs. Woll; Trading Kaprizov, and More – Part 1

Fantasy Hockey Mailbag: Ranking Prospect Defensemen; Shesterkin, Nichushkin, Beniers, and Nečas; Stolarz vs. Woll; Trading Kaprizov, and More – Part 1

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Dobber Hockey
Aug 20, 2025 12:00 PM

Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by Dobber Hockey. Read the full original article here →

In the latest edition of Dobber Hockey's fantasy mailbag, several key topics were addressed, including the ranking of top prospect defensemen and the future of established stars like Igor Shesterkin and Valeri Nichushkin. With the fantasy season approaching, fans are left wondering which young talents will make an impact and which veterans might slip in their production. The discussion highlighted the potential of Matty Beniers and Martin Necas, both of whom are poised to be pivotal players for their respective teams this season.

Shesterkin, recognized as one of the top goalies in the NHL, was analyzed not just for his skills but also in terms of his value in fantasy leagues. The pressures of being a standout player in New York can weigh heavily, and it will be interesting to see how he navigates another season. Meanwhile, Nichushkin's promising performance during the playoffs last year has led to increased expectations for his contributions to the Colorado Avalanche’s offense.

Another topic of interest was the debate surrounding trading Kirill Kaprizov, with opinions varying on whether he should be a cornerstone for the Minnesota Wild or if a move would be beneficial. The article also explored the goaltending situation with prospects like Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll, emphasizing their potential roles in future seasons. As fantasy managers gear up for drafts, understanding these dynamics is crucial for success in the upcoming season.