Fantasy Hockey: Risers & Fallers (Week 9)
RISERS
Jeff Petry, D, Pittsburgh Penguins (OWNED: 72%)
With Kris Letang on the shelf indefinitely after suffering a stroke last week, unsurprisingly, Petry was promoted to first pairing and PP1 duties. The veteran has three points – all assists – in his past five outings. Petry should have no problem picking up a few extra points on the power play —at the very least.
Blake Wheeler, RW, Winnipeg Jets (OWNED: 59%)
After a very slow start, the former captain of the Jets has been on fire, which has caused his stock to climb considerably in recent days. On Sunday, Wheeler extended his point streak to a modest five games (three goals, eight assists, 11 points), which is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Jump back in.
Matty Beniers, C, Seattle Kraken (OWNED: 43%)
In his past 10 outings, the 20-year-old pivot has been a stat stuffing machine with five goals, 12 points, a plus-11 rating, one game winner and 23 shots on goal. After an up and down October, Beniers has really found his groove, and as expected, he projects to be a major player for the Calder Trophy this season.
Dylan Cozens, C, Buffalo Sabres (OWNED: 38%)
Don’t look now but contract year Dylan Cozens has really started to find his way offensively. Thanks to his two-point outing on Sunday night, the 21-year-old, who’s slated to become a restricted free agent next summer, now has five goals and 14 points in his past 11 games. In addition to centering Buffalo’s first power play unit, Cozens has found a nice home behind Tage Thompson up the middle. I’m buying.
Spencer Martin, G, Vancouver Canucks (OWNED: 26%)
With Thatcher Demko on the shelf for at least the next six weeks, Martin will get a shot to be the No. 1 guy for the first time in his young NHL career. In 11 appearances this season, the 27-year-old is 7-2-1 with a 3.08 goals-against and 0.901 save-percentage. For what it’s worth, Vancouver has won four of its past six.
Dan Vladar, G, Calgary Flames (OWNED: 11%)
The 25-year-old, who’s started four of the past six games for Calgary, is 3-4-1 on the season with a 2.61 goals-against and 0.915 save-percentage. If you’re looking for a cheeky streamer option, Vladar’s your guy, especially with Jacob Markstrom struggling mightily to start the season.
FALLERS
Victor Hedman, D, Tampa Bay Lightning (OWNED: 99%)
Attention fantasy owners: Go out and send a trade offer for Hedman immediately. The 31-year-old, who was bumped off PP1 recently in favour of Mikhail Sergachev, has just one measly assist in the past 12 games. It’s a long season, the points and favourable deployment will come. Nothing to see here. BUY NOW.
Nazem Kadri, C, Calgary Flames (OWNED: 88%)
Mercifully, Kadri ended a nasty seven game pointless drought on Saturday night against Washington with an assist. Furthermore, in his past 12 outings, he’s mustered just four points (one goal, three assists). Suffice it is to say, now’s an excellent time to execute a buy-low, there’s no way this continues.
Jack Campbell, G, Edmonton Oilers (OWNED: 69%)
It’s hard to believe, but at this point, Campbell’s reaching drop territory. In addition to the fact that it’s not early anymore, Stuart Skinner has emerged as a far more consistent option for the Oilers. In 13 appearances, Campbell’s posted a grotesque 4.12 goals-against to go along with an even uglier 0.872 save-percentage. Ouch.
Tony DeAngelo, D, Philadelphia Flyers (OWNED: 65%)
After a hot start, DeAngelo has just five points (one goal, three assists) in his past 16 outings. Additionally, he’s currently mired in a nasty 11-game goalless drought. That said, this is an easy hold for me. The Flyers will get healthier.