We’ve reached a point where some teams have shown what their identity is or can be and others that are going to have flashes but are not serious people. And then…there are the San Jose Sharks. In both reality and fantasy, they are the Sahara Desert. Things are getting dramatic in multiple Canadian locker rooms – Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Ottawa are all having a hard time getting back on track and it’s leaking into the mainstream echo chambers. It’ll be interesting to see where things go. I say all that to say, these things effect line construction and shuffles. It’s obvious but needs to be said as we delve into some names to pay attention to.

Let’s get into it:

ADD

1. Tomas Novak (C) – Owned in just 10% of leagues (Yahoo), but has racked up six goals and nine points over the first 10 games. He needs to be more consistent with shots but it’s obvious he possesses a finishing touch and a nose for making plays as the anchor on that 2nd line in Nashville.
2. Quinton Byfield (C,LW) – Up to 10 points now, he’s showing his real worth as a guy who can handle two positions as he’s playing wing on the 1st line on a DEEP Kings team. He’s owned in 27% of leagues and it’s shooting up so if you need flexibility, scoop him up.
3. Marco Rossi (C) – I know the position is a little diluted, but Rossi is on the top Minnesota line and has 6 points in his last 6 games. He’s on a bona fide heater. He’s owned in 16% of leagues so could be a fun stock to ride on its way up as the Wild try to start a win streak.
4. Matthew Knies (LW) – There’s something about being named Matthew and playing hockey – the odds of being good seem to be good. Knies could be the latest addition to this list as he was elevated to the top line in Toronto recently and immediately hit the scoresheet three times last night. It’s a riskier add seeing as he has scored all his points in three games, but playing next to Matthews and Marner makes it an easier decision.

DROP

1. Trevor Zegras (C) – He’s dropping in league ownership but still above 50%. I hope I stir up some people for this but he has just two points thus far despite getting top line minutes. It’s not getting as much attention because the Ducks are showing they’re being more competitive than initially projected.
2. Tristan Jarry (G) – heavily owned in leagues, I don’t understand it when there are better options out there. Pittsburgh is not a good defensive team and clearly cannot win consistently. He has a sub-.900 save percentage to boot. It’s a no for me dawg.
3. Stuart Skinner (G) – Edmonton is dreadful as a team and it starts at the goaltender spot – Skinner has a .856 save percentage and yet is owned in almost 60% of leagues. Let. It. Go. You’re better off not having a goalie.
4. Ilya Samsonov (G) – it’s a goalie hat trick today and it’s mostly because I hadn’t realized so many people are stuck believing in these teams that don’t block shots nor play defense. Toronto is exactly this type of team and Samsonov is not helping with his .855 save percentage. They will win more than Edmonton, but I’d rather have a backup like Quick or Daccord. Crazy, I know.

Honorable Mentions

Add: Ivan Provorov (D) (20%), Niederreiter (16%), Owen Tippett (RW) (40%)
Drop: Rickard Rakell (RW) (50%), Buchnevich (48%), F Gustavsson (84%)

Injury Notables: Hischier, J Hughes, Chytil, Hart, Duchene