Fantasy Hockey: Risers & Fallers (Week 4)
Anyone else remember going trick-or-treating as a kid and someone would give out toothpaste, or something weird like that?
Yeah, that’s how some fantasy owners feel about their rosters heading into November.
But to be fair, some of you are feeling good. That’s comparable to when people would give out the king size chocolate bars. Talk about hitting the jackpot.
Happy Halloween!
RISERS
Stuart Skinner, G, Edmonton Oilers (OWNED: 25%)
Lost in the shuffle of the Jack Campbell signing was the fact that Skinner really emerged in 2021-22 as a reliable option for the Oilers. And that’s carried over to this season. In four appearances, the 23-year-old has posted a 2-1-0 record to go along with a 1.59 goals-against and 0.955 save-percentage. Take a flier.
Scott Wedgewood, G, Dallas Stars (OWNED: 3%)
Jake Oettinger got hurt on Saturday, which means Wedgewood could be in-line for an uptick in playing time over the next little while. That said, just be mindful that the 30-year-old is off to a turbulent start (0-2-1, 4.29, 0.880), so proceed with caution. Funny enough, I wouldn’t sleep on Anton Khudobin either. The veteran is currently buried in the AHL. Meantime, Dallas should be providing an update on Oettinger’s status at some point today. Keep tabs.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C/LW, Edmonton Oilers (OWNED: 87%)
Is it just me or is no one talking about Nugent-Hopkins’ fantastic start? Through nine outings, he’s been a category coverage monster compiling five goals, six assists, 11 points, six power play points, two game winning goals and 28 shots. Pop off, RNH. Pop off. I’m buying.
Chandler Stephenson, C/RW, Vegas Golden Knights (OWNED: 61%)
Surprise, surprise, Stephenson’s fantasy stock is on the rise once again. He was money in the bank centering Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone last season, now he’s flourishing on Jack Eichel’s wing. I love this guy and I love the value, especially if he continues to ride shotgun with Eichel. Honestly, talk about hidden gems. Unfortunately, mainly because of Connor Hellebuyck, Stephenson had his six-game point streak come to an end on Sunday.
Vince Dunn, D, Seattle Kraken (OWNED 33%)
The Vince Dunn breakout season we’ve all been attempting to pontificate for years now might finally be upon us. In 10 games, the 26-year-old has tallied one goal and seven points. In addition to that, dating back to the end of last season, Dunn has 22 points in his past 33 outings. Most importantly, he continues to quarterback the first power play unit for the Kraken. Seattle is no joke this season.
FALLERS
Sam Reinhart, C/RW, Florida Panthers (OWNED: 87%)
With two points – both helpers – in nine outings, the 26-year-old is off to the worst start imaginable. Additionally, his current line deployment isn’t the greatest either. In recent games, Paul Maurice has elected to stack Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk together, which obviously negatively impacts Reinhart’s short-term value. It’s a long season, however, he’ll figure it out eventually. Personally, Reinhart’s a guy I’d try to buy-low on as soon as possible.
Elias Lindholm, C, Calgary Flames (OWNED: 95%)
As probably expected, it’s taking Lindholm a bit of time to get used to his new linemates. Through seven outings, he has just two goals and three points. If you own him, I wouldn’t sweat it. I like the player and I love what’s around him in Calgary’s top-six. Be patient.
Alexis Lafreniere, LW/RW, New York Rangers (OWNED: 43%)
After a strong showing in last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, it’s been an ominous start for the former first overall pick. In 10 outings, despite receiving top notch assignments, he’s tallied two measly goals and five points. This one’s simple: Until Lafreniere demonstrates some level of consistency, I’m fading.
John Klingberg, D, Anaheim Ducks (OWNED: 70%)
After notching two assists in his Ducks debut, Klingberg hasn’t registered a point in eight games since. Anaheim’s been a mess. If this continues for another week or so, I’d contemplate dropping Klingberg altogether. Simply put, there are far better options (see Brandon Montour) readily available on the waiver wire right now.
Teuvo Teravainen, LW/RW, Carolina Hurricanes (OWNED: 83%)
It’s fitting that today’s Halloween because Teravainen’s off to a horrifying start with no goals and three helpers in eight contests. Having said that, I remain cautiously optimistic that he’ll show signs of life soon, provided he continues to ride shotgun with Sebastian Aho, of course.