Melanson has become an NHL staple this season, and likely has already been snapped up in every fantasy pool with hits as a category. The 22 year-old, former 50 goal scorer (2022-2023 split between the Sherbrooke Phoenix and Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the QMJHL) is making his mark for throwing his body around.

The 6-0, 207 lb human missile is averaging nearly five and a half hits over 20 games for the Kraken, eclipsing the four and a half per game put up by Kiefer Sherwood. Sherwood is the known commodity, but in the small sample size this year, Melanson is posting better play driving numbers.

Melanson is seeing less than 10 minutes per night, which at the same time makes his hit numbers more impressive, but casts some potential uncertainty with his longevity of his role with the Kraken.

He is an immediate add in all leagues with hits, doubly so if there’s a salary cap. A rebuilding team could likely move Sherwood for Melanson and an extra piece, selling Sherwood as the surer commodity with more offense, but Melanson is a worthwhile, though not guaranteed investment.

Melanson completed his second AHL season, posting an eight goal, five assist effort across 42 games. He also added 48 penalty minutes in is AHL time, and saw one NHL game. Melanson is one of many Kraken farmhands who have made the leap from junior to the AHL in recent years, with many more to come. As the organizational depth increases and begins to stratify, Melanson’s role becomes a bit murkier. He’s clearly suited to be a gritty winger in the bottom six, and given his age and development advantage over some of the other players in the pipeline, we will likely see him add to his NHL game totals soon. Fantasy managers will have to watch his deployment and check their league settings to see if he will be a worthwhile investment going forward, as at present it isn’t a sure thing.