Fantasy Hockey: Risers & Fallers (Week 4)
Does anyone else remember doing sleight of hand when they were a kid and someone was handing out toothpaste, or something weird like that?
Yeah, that’s what some fantasy owners think of their listings in November.
But to be fair, some of you feel good. It’s comparable to when people were handing out king size chocolate bars. Talk about hitting the jackpot.
Happy Halloween!
ELEVATORS
Stuart Skinner, G, Edmonton Oilers (OWNER: 25%)
Lost in the Jack Campbell signing reshuffle is the fact that Skinner has really emerged in 2021-22 as a reliable option for the Oilers. And it’s carried over to this season. In four appearances, the 23-year-old posted a 2-1-0 record to go along with a 1.59 goals-against percentage and .955 save percentage. Take a flyer.
Scott Wedgewood, G, Dallas Stars (IMTAINED: 3%)
Jake Oettinger was injured on Saturday, which means Wedgewood could be in line for increased playing time for the next few moments. That said, just keep in mind the 30-year-old is off to a rocky start (0-2-1, 4.29, 0.880), so be careful. Funny enough, I wouldn’t sleep on Anton Khudobin either. The veteran is currently buried in the AHL. In the meantime, Dallas is expected to provide an update on Oettinger’s status at some point today. Keep an eye out.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C/LW, Edmonton Oilers (OWNER: 87%)
Is it just me or is nobody talking about Nugent-Hopkins’ fantastic start? In nine outings, he was a category coverage monster tallying five goals, six assists, 11 points, six power-play points, two game-winning goals and 28 shots. Come on, NHR. Get out. I buy.
Chandler Stephenson, C/RW, Vegas Golden Knights (DETAINED: 61%)
Surprise, surprise, Stephenson’s fantasy stock is on the rise again. He was money in the bank centered on Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone last season, now he’s thriving on Jack Eichel’s wing. I like this guy and I like value, especially if he keeps going up to the shotgun with Eichel. Honestly, talk about hidden gems. Unfortunately, largely due to Connor Hellebuyck, Stephenson saw his six-game point streak come to an end on Sunday.
Vince Dunn, D, Seattle Kraken (33% DETAINEE)
The Vince Dunn breakout season that we’ve all been trying to pontificate for years might finally be upon us. In 10 games, the 26-year-old has registered one goal and seven points. On top of that, dating back to the end of last season, Dunn has 22 points in his last 33 outings. More importantly, he continues to be the Kraken’s first power-play unit quarterback. Seattle is no joke this season.
FELLERS
Sam Reinhart, C/RW, Florida Panthers (OWNER: 87%)
With two points – two assists – in nine outings, the 26-year-old is off to the worst start imaginable. Also, his current line deployment isn’t the best either. In recent matches, Paul Maurice has chosen to stack Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, which obviously negatively impacts Reinhart’s short-term value. It’s a long season, however, he’ll figure it out eventually. Personally, Reinhart is a guy I would try to buy on the cheap as soon as possible.
Elias Lindholm, C, Calgary Flames (OWNER: 95%)
Predictably, it takes Lindholm some time to get used to his new linemates. In seven outings, he has just two goals and three points. If you owned it, I wouldn’t care. I love the player and I love what surrounds him in Calgary’s top six. Be patient.
Alexis Lafrenière, L/W, New York Rangers (OWNER: 43%)
After a strong showing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last year, it was an inauspicious start for the former first overall pick. In 10 outings, despite top-notch assignments, he scored a meager two goals and five points. This one is simple: Until Lafrenière demonstrates some level of consistency, I step aside.
John Klingberg, D, Anaheim Ducks (OWNER: 70%)
After collecting two assists in his debut for the Ducks, Klingberg hasn’t scored a point in eight games since. Anaheim was a mess. If this continues for another week or two, I would consider dropping Klingberg altogether. Simply put, there are much better options (see Brandon Montour) readily available on the waiver thread right now.
Teuvo Teravainen, LW/RW, Carolina Hurricanes (HELD: 83%)
It’s fitting that Halloween is today as Teravainen is off to a horrific start with no goals and three assists in eight games. That said, I remain cautiously optimistic that he will show signs of life soon, provided he continues to ride the shotgun with Sebastian Aho, of course.
