Jonathan Marchessault, C/LW (74) -- The duo of Marchessault (75 points to 59) and center William Karlsson (78 to 56) regressed after each had a breakout season in 2017-18. But unlike Karlsson, who dipped from 43 goals in 2017-18 to 24 last season, Marchessault only scored two fewer goals (27 to 25) and had strong SOG (278) and hits (98) totals. With line stability, dual eligibility and less pressure behind Vegas' new top line, Marchessault should bounce back for 60-65 points and finish among the top 75 overall fantasy players.
Shea Theodore, D (123) -- He had NHL career highs in points (37), SOG (202) and tied his previous best in PPP (nine) last regular season before an impressive postseason (eight points, four PPP in seven games) on PP1 with Stone, Pacioretty, Stastny and right wing Alex Tuch. Especially after the Golden Knights traded defenseman Colin Miller (13 PPP in 65 games) to the Buffalo Sabres, Theodore is a breakout candidate who should lead Vegas defensemen with at least 45 points and 20 PPP.
Paul Stastny, C (132) -- The 33-year-old center was another playoff standout from the Golden Knights, who lost in seven games to the San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference First Round; Stastny had eight points (three on power play) in the series with frequent exposure to Stone, Pacioretty and Theodore. Stastny, who was close to a point-per-game player when healthy last season (42 in 50 games), is ranked just ahead of Karlsson because the former has superior linemates. Stastny has a ceiling of returning to the 70-point range for the first time since 2009-10 (NHL career-high 79 with Colorado Avalanche).
Other players to consider in late rounds or off waiver wire: William Karlsson, C, VGK (161); Reilly Smith, RW (164); Nate Schmidt, D (245); Alex Tuch, RW; Cody Glass, C
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