It’s been a busy week in fantasy hockey and a number of NHL players have seen their fantasy value rise and fall. Injuries are inevitable and plenty of stars are currently out of action. Here’s a peek at guys who’ve caught my eye the past week.
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Fantasy Hockey Risers
G Chad Johnson, STL: The Blues are in win-now mode and Johnson has won consecutive starts with a .986 save percentage after shutting out the Sharks on Friday. With Jake Allen struggling, the journeyman backup could see an extended string of starts. St. Louis has the skaters, too.
D Samuel Girard, COL: Recently promoted to the No. 1 power-play unit, Girard has capitalized on the opportunity with two helpers and six shots through his past three contests. He’s combined with superstar Nathan MacKinnon for 4.47 goals per 60 minutes over the past two seasons and should remain a serviceable asset moving forward.
C Drake Batherson, OTT: Currently tied for the AHL scoring lead with six tallies and 13 helpers, Batherson is quickly proving he’s ready for the big time. It’s hard to gauge when his promotion will come, but in dynasty/keeper settings, owners should have the center queued for an add. Batherson is easily the fastest rising prospect outside of the NHL over the past two years.
D Miro Heiskanen, DAL: John Klingberg’s (hand) injury opens the door for Heiskanen to play an even larger role for the Stars over the next month. The rookie has collected an assist in three straight contests and is currently averaging a hefty 22:16 of ice time per game this season.
RW Denis Gurianov, DAL: Another young Star being given the chance to shine, Gurianov is projected to skate in a top-six role after scoring 12 points — six goals – through 11 games in the AHL. The 12th selection in the 2015 draft owns the offensive skills to thrive, and there is enough talent in the Dallas lineup to help the Russian succeed.
C/RW Elias Lindholm, CGY: It seemed like the Swede was on the verge of breaking out for the past five years, so it isn’t surprising to see him flourish in his top-line gig with the Flames. Lindholm has clicked with Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau for 5.43 goals and 18.88 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes, as the trio are establishing themselves as one of the best lines in the league.
LW Anders Lee, NYI: John Tavares leaving the Isles was expected to cripple Lee’s fantasy value, but the 28-year-old winger has hardly skipped a beat to start the season. He’s logging more minutes (18:02 per contest) and has recorded five goals, eight assists, and six power-play points through 15 games. Repeating his 40-goal showing from 2017-18 will be tough, but he’s silenced the doubters and should remain a solid asset.
LW/RW Ilya Kovalchuk, LA: It was a quiet start to the season, but Kovalchuk has racked up three goals and six assists through his past five contests. He’s making his living on the man advantage with six power-play points already and the 35-year-old Russian appears to be an excellent fit with Jeff Carter. The duo has combined for 4.49 goals per 60 minutes while driving possession with a 53.5 Corsi For percentage.
Fantasy Hockey Fallers
D Erik Karlsson, SJ: Apparently playing through a minor-undisclosed injury, Karlsson has been quiet to start the year in teal. He’s collected just seven assists through 17 games while sporting a disappointing minus-11 rating. His shots and shot attempts are up, though, and owners should remain patient. It just might be time to accept that Karlsson is likely headed for a down year.
C/RW William Nylander, TOR: It’s becoming difficult to know what to do with Nylander. All’s quiet on the contract front and it could become a lost year sooner than later. The 22-year-old winger owns oodles of offensive upside, but he’s well behind the eight ball already and may also have to adjust to a new team and city if dealt. It’s not an encouraging situation.
G Jake Allen, STL: With a 4-3-3 record, .879 save percentage, and 3.99 GAA, Allen has played his way out of favor with head coach Mike Yeo and fantasy owners. The netminder had a solid two-year stretch with a 59-35-8, .917, 2.39 marks, but dating back to the beginning of last season it’s been a rough road. You’re starting Allen at your own risk until he proves he’s overcome his lengthy slump.
LW/RW Nikolaj Ehlers, WPG: After recording consecutive 25-goal, 60-point showings, it appeared the Dane was set to take another step forward in his age-22 season. It’s been just the opposite, though. Ehlers has collected three tallies, three helpers and a single power-play point through 15 contests, and it’s going to be a steep uphill climb to repeating the numbers he posted the past two years.
D Kris Letang, PIT: After exploding out of the gate, Letang has recorded just a single assist through his past five contests. Additionally, he missed a game with a lower-body injury, so the lack of production to be related. Given his injury history, it’s definitely concerning. Thankfully his offensive role — including with the No. 1 power-play unit — will prop him up.
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