Fantasy Hockey: Risers & Fallers (Week 2)

The puck just dropped, and already, the injuries are starting to mount around the NHL.

The good news for affected fantasy owners is that it’s early enough in the season that you should have no problem finding suitable replacement options on the waiver wire.

On top of that, you just never know, the next player you pick up could go on to have a breakout season ala what Troy Terry did in 2021-22.

RISERS

Ilya Samsonov, G, Toronto Maple Leafs (Owned: 82%)

In less than a week, due to Matt Murray’s groin injury, Samsonov went from backup to Toronto’s indefinite No. 1 goalie moving forward. Any way you slice it, this is a huge opportunity for the 25-year-old to grab the Toronto net. Early on, he’s won both of his starts surrendering four goals while posting a 0.926 save-percentage. Samsonov could make all three starts for the Leafs this week. Take a wait and see approach.

Ivan Provorov, D, Philadelphia Flyers (Owned: 55%)

The 25-year-old, who’s battled consistency issues the past few seasons, has been a stat stuffer in his first two games (three assists, plus-five, nine shots on goal, nine hits, 11 blocks). The Flyers play four times this week, so at the very least, it could be wise to give him an extended look and see what happens.

Andre Burakovsky, LW/RW, Seattle Kraken (Owned: 36%)

Burakovsky, who’s fresh off winning a Stanley Cup with Colorado, has a goal and three assists through three contests to start his Kraken career. Most importantly, he’s been seeing plenty of ice with projected rookie of the year candidate Matty Beniers. Also, Seattle has a four-game slate this week.

Travis Konecny, RW, Philadelphia Flyers (Owned: 28%)

Through two outings, the 25-year-old has notched three goals, one assist, one powerplay point, one game winning goal and six shots on net. Additionally, he’s been a fixture in the top six as well as PP1. As mentioned above, take advantage of that busy Flyers schedule this week!

David Krejci, C, Boston Bruins (Owned: 25%)

In his return to the NHL after playing all of last season in his native Czechia, the 36-year-old is off to a blazing start with a goal and four points over his first two outings. In addition to skating on the first power play unit, Krejci’s been centering a line with fellow countrymen David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha. They’ve been unstoppable. You guessed it, Boston plays four times this week.

Reilly Smith, RW, Vegas Golden Knights (Owned: 16%)

Skating on Vegas’ top line with Jack Eichel and Phil Kessel, Smith is off to a solid start with two points – one goal, one assist – a plus-3 rating and 14 shots on goal. Furthermore, he’s been skating on PP1 with the big boys, which only helps to further strengthen his fantasy stock. The Golden Knights play three games this week.

FALLERS

Johnny Gaudreau, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets (Owner: 100%)

The Jackets lost Patrik Laine due to an elbow sprain for up to a month not even halfway through their season opener. That, in turn, is not good news across the board, especially for Gaudreau fantasy owners. With all due respect to Justin Danforth, who’s Gaudreau supposed to pass the puck to now?

Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Minnesota Wild (Owner: 96%)

Considering how terrible the Wild have looked defensively so far, it could be a good time to execute a buy-low on Fleury.

Another tough outing for Marc-Andre Fleury, he's now surrendered 11 goals on 44 shots to start the season. #MNWild

— Nick Alberga (@thegoldenmuzzy) October 16, 2022

This guy’s a gamer, there’s no way this will continue. The Wild might not be as deep as they were last season, but they’re still a really good team.

John Carlson, D, Washington Capitals (Owned: 99%)

Like his squad, Carlson’s off to a very slow start. Through three outings, he’s pointless with five shots on goal and a minus-3 rating. Monitor this closely, because if the lack of production continues, the 32-year-old could emerge as a stealth buy-low target. For what it’s worth, Carlson’s ADP was 38.8; mid-to-late third rounder.

Matt Murray, G, Toronto Maple Leafs (Owned: 55%)

At this point, unfortunately, it’s a broken record with Murray. The 28-year-old just can’t stay healthy.

Leafs Matt Murray has been placed on injured reserve for the 7th time in less than 5 years

— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) October 15, 2022

On Saturday night, the Leafs announced he’ll miss at least four weeks with a groin injury. Even when he’s able to return, I’m not sure fantasy owners will be in a rush to own him again. Simply put, there’s just too much risk associated with this file to invest right now. Stick him on your IR and see what happens.