Dylan Burhans & Noah Pedrazzoli continue their Islanders fantasy hockey rankings with a focus on the defensemen
It’s official: hockey is back this month. As training camp approaches, Noah Pedrazzoli and Dylan Burhans dive into fantasy hockey rankings for the New York Islanders. For those looking to bolster their fantasy teams, Hockey Night in New York will break down the top forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders for this upcoming season.
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Noah Dobson (RD)
Burhans: Noah Dobson is the number one defenseman on the Islanders. With 170 points in 237 games played (0.72 P/G) over the past three seasons, Dobson can see himself in the Norris conversation this season. Expect Dobson to build upon his break-out season last year and lead the blueliners in points.
Pedrazzoli: Noah Dobson, after his clear breakout year, is probably the second most valuable player on the Islanders regarding fantasy value. Looking to draft a quality offensive defenseman with Norris-caliber talent, Noah Dobson can clearly offer those services after posting 70 points in 79 games last season and his role as the quarterback of the Islanders powerplay. Dobson is a player that will only increase in value and will continue to shine as a star not only on the Islanders blueline, but in the league’s spotlight as an elite point-producing defenseman which is a clear hot commodity in fantasy hockey.
Noah Dobson (courtesy Sammi Silber, THN)
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Alexander Romanov (LD)
Burhans: After being acquired in a trade from Montreal, Alex Romanov has developed into a steady force on the back end. Despite his lower offensive numbers (57 points in 236 games played for 0.24 P/G), Romanov has solidified himself as the shutdown d-man on the top pair. His 171 blocked shots were second on the team, and his 157 hits ranked fourth. Don’t let his prowess as a defensive defenseman fool you, though. Last season, Romanov tied his career high in points (22), which he set in his first year on Long Island.
Pedrazzoli: Alexander Romanov is a very sneaky pick when it comes to drafting a defenseman in fantasy hockey. Romanov is a Swiss army knife of sorts in which he can serve as a trigger from the blueline or lay a devastating hit on an incoming forward. Hits and blocks are commonly overlooked in fantasy hockey as managers strive to claim all the hot offensive-defensemen that can score goals from Cale Makar to Dougie Hamilton. While that is the right mindset, should Alexander Romanov still appear on the draft board, he would easily be one of the best sleeper defensive picks in the draft. Romanov is a quality two-way defenseman who had 7 goals, 15 assists last season.
“Reilly is easily a worthwhile investment if a fantasy team needs to fill an additional defensive roster spot.”
– Noah Pedrazzoli
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Mike Reilly (LD)
Burhans: Finishing up the defensive corps is waiver-pickup Mike Reilly. Over the past three Seasons, Reilly scored 42 points in 141 games played (0.30 P/G). Now the quarterback of the Islanders’ second PP unit, Reilly will almost certainly put up more points this year.
Pedrazzoli: Mike Reilly was a welcome surprise for the Islanders after being picked up on waivers early last season by putting up the best offensive numbers of his career (6 goals and 18 assists in only 59 games). Reilly wasn’t just one of the best offensive defensive weapons on the team, he was the Islanders’ saving grace for the 2024 season. As a result, General Manager Lou Lamoriello rewarded him with a one-year, one-way contract worth $1.25 million. Reilly is easily a worthwhile investment if a fantasy team needs to fill an additional defensive roster spot. He has tremendous upside in his role as quarterback of the Islanders second power-play unit and carries speed, an accurate and powerful shot, and tenacity on the ice.
Honorable Mention: Ryan Pulock (RD)
Burhans: As an Honorable Mention, look out for Ryan Pulock. Despite his struggles under Lane Lambert, Pulock still put up a respectable 66 points in 196 games played (0.34 P/G) over the past three seasons. If he can find his game under Patrick Roy, expect a return to form for the two-way defender.
Pedrazzoli: Ryan Pulock is still an incredible defenseman and an important piece in the Islanders arsenal. With his cannon of a shot (which was declared the hardest in the NHL this past season by the league itself), Pulock is a weapon that can provide shutdown defense and a clap-bomb goal from the blueline that will leave fans starstruck. His numbers have declined in recent years, but he has also been plagued with injury as well. He still managed to post 5 goals and 14 assists for 19 points in 58 games this past season (comparable to Mike Reilly), which means when Ryan Pulock is healthy, he will continue to be a staple on the Islanders blueline alongside partner Adam Pelech.
Catch the latest episode of HNiNY as the boys spoke to Brian Compton of nhl.com about the summer & training camp
Hockey Night in New York returns to cover the New York Islanders all season long with hosts Sean Cuthbert and Stefen Rosner live from Floored Media in Rockville Centre Sundays at 8PM ET! Regular episodes being Sunday October 6th!