Granlund scored six points (1-5=6) in 19 games with Minnesota this season and registered a goal in his NHL debut vs. Colorado on Jan. 19. The 5-foot-10, 186-pound native of Oulu, Finland has recorded 28 points (10-18=28) in 29 games with the Aeros this season.
The highly touted Finn and 2010 first-round pick had been scratched in four of the past eight games and needed to get playing. He hasn't scored a goal since opening night and had six points in 19 games.
Granlund has all of the potential in the world but has hit a rut similar to what we've seen with other rookies in this shortened season. The best case scenario would be for Granlund to spend some time in Houston playing instead of playing limited minutes with the Wild, where he won't be producing. We aren't downgrading Granlund for keeper league status, yet, but all yearly league owners should have Granlund dropped until he shows some signs of life.
Granlund has struggled to start his NHL career. He is still only 20 years old and is tremendously skilled. He will find his groove eventually but for now he is only valuable in deep keeper leagues until he gets back into the lineup and starts scoring.
Granlund isn't lining up on the most potent scoring line but he has shown that he can dazzle all by himself so he is worth a late flier.