Fantasy Hockey: Risers & Fallers (Week 18)
ELEVATORS
Vladimir Tarasenko, RW, New York Rangers (DETAINED: 90%)
Yes, that Panarin-Zibanejad-Tarasenko trio on Broadway is going to be a big deal for the rest of the NHL. Plus, look for the Russian sniper, who is on a one-year deal, to get off the ground now that he’s with Rangers. If you can, look to acquire Tarasenko as soon as possible. Attention.
Bowen Byram, D, Colorado Avalanche (OWNER: 55%)
In three outings since returning from injury, the 21-year-old has picked up two assists. Additionally, he has seven points in 13 games so far this season. Also, with Cale Makar out through injury, Byram should have plenty of opportunities to move up the roster. Take a flyer.
Blake Wheeler, RW, Winnipeg Jets (OWNER: 48%)
Over the past seven games, the veteran winger has three goals and 10 points skating mostly on a line with Mark Scheifele and Nikolaj Ehlers. For what it’s worth, Wheeler should be considered a go-to file for the rest of the season. He has 40 points in 44 games, which is not to be overlooked.
Filip Chytil, C/RW, New York Rangers (OWNER: 46%)
For starters, in 16 outings so far in 2023, Chytil has scored at least one point in 11 of them. In total, he had 11 goals and five assists for an average of one point per game during that span. Ride the hot hand. This guy is leaving.
Adin Hill, G, Vegas Golden Knights (DETAINED: 42%)
With Logan Thompson out indefinitely with a lower body injury, it’s Adin Hill’s trick to Vegas for the foreseeable future. The 26-year-old kicked off Sunday afternoon by making 23 saves in a 7-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. If you need a goalie, grab Hill immediately. Lots of winnable games ahead for the Golden Knights.
Ondrej Palat, LW, New Jersey Devils (DETAINED: 28%)
It took a while, but eventually Palat is starting to cook offensively for the Devils. In his last 10 outings, the two-time Stanley Cup champion has three goals, seven assists and 10 points. Unquestionably, Palat is in line for a monster finish, even with Jack Hughes on the shelf for the next few weeks.
FELLERS
Travis Konecny, C/RW, Philadelphia Flyers (OWNER: 82%)
After an incredible first half, the doubly eligible striker fell on hard times. Keeping score at home, Konecny has now been ruled useless in eight consecutive games and nine out of 10. Give him a few more games before you consider a drop here.
Taylor Hall, LW, Boston Bruins (OWNER: 50%)
With Jake DeBrusk on the mend, now is a good time to execute a low buy on Hall. The 31-year-old has collected just three points (two goals, one assist) in the last 10 games. Once DeBrusk is ready to leave, the Bruins should return to a top six of Marchand-Bergeron-DeBrusk and Hall-Krejci-Pastrnak.
Matty Beniers, C, Seattle Kraken (OWNER: 44%)
Holy shit, Beniers is colder than a Canadian winter right now. Calder’s favourite, who has been hurting himself lately, is currently going through an unnecessarily bad nine-game drought. Because of the depth of fantasy hockey in center ice, you’re probably good at cutting the bait here and not waiting.
Seth Jarvis, LW/RW, Carolina Hurricanes (IMTAINED: 24%)
No need to dwell on Jarvis, who has had his ups and downs in his second season after a terrific rookie campaign. Despite his continued top-six deployment, he has scored just two points (one goal, one assist) in his last 10 outings. Do not wait.
