Fantasy Focus: Adam Fox has staked his claim as an elite defenceman

Adam Fox is a rare bird. There are very few players we can comfortably compare to the 23-year-old blueliner.

This is due to two facts: Seldom do we see a player take the slow-burning route of playing three post-draft seasons in the NCAA before turning pro and making such a demonstrative and immediate impact on the ice and in the fantasy world. Let alone being dealt twice before ever attending an NHL training camp. 

In fact, I spent way too much time trying to find an accurate comparison that would mesh well for his physical, statistical, and developmental profiles. Really, there wasn't a single one. However, I did from one defenseman who came into the league at a similar age as Fox and made a similar impact.

John Klingberg was just 22-years-old when he stepped in as a rookie for Dallas and produced 40 points in 65 games -- good for a 50-point pace. Last season, as a 21, turning 22-year-old, the first-year Fox played at a 49-point pace. In Year Two, Klingberg went out and clicked at a 63-point pace. Fox, who has been on the warpath of late, is pacing for a stupendous 72-point pace here in 2021.