Charlie McAvoy, D -- He has a chance to take the next step in fantasy after Torey Krug left the Bruins to sign with the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 9. McAvoy, who covers hits (1.9 per game in NHL career), could join the upper echelon of fantasy defensemen if he seizes the coveted first power-play spot with exposure to Bergeron, Pastrnak and Marchand. McAvoy is ranked behind his former teammate Krug (56) in fantasy entering this season but should improve his points-per-game average (0.50) and score at least 50-55 points this season with a ceiling of finishing in the top 10-15 at the position.
Jake DeBrusk, LW/RW -- He scored an NHL career-high 27 goals in 68 games in 2018-19 but took a step back last season (19 goals in 65 games). He has yet to reach his full potential through three NHL seasons, especially in the postseason (23 points in 49 games). But with Pastrnak and Marchand each expected to miss time, DeBrusk could start the season on Bergeron's wing and become a fantasy steal with power-play exposure to the Bruins' top liners once the unit is back at full strength.
Other players to consider in later rounds or off waiver wire:Jaroslav Halak, G; David Krejci, C; Craig Smith, RW; Matt Grzelcyk, D; Ondrej Kase, RW
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