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October 31, 2023, 1:21 am
Last week, I preached patience. This week, we want results. Some things may surprise, even scare you, but it is Halloween after all. I should add that if you’re in a good spot in the early season standings, please take these with a grain of salt. If you need to catch a wave and can’t afford to exercise much patience, then maybe consider these fair warnings.
Let’s get into it:
ADD
- Mikey Anderson (D) – Do I respect a grown man still using Mikey? More so in hockey than in other sports, I’d say. More importantly, I respect this man’s game and cannot believe he’s owned in less than 20% of (Yahoo!) leagues – he is on a three-game point streak on a high-flying team in LA. Altogether, he has one goal and seven points, a +5 rating while adding in 11 blocked shots.
- Mason McTavish (C, LW) – Apologies to Ridley Grieg who held this spot last week and was victimized by my memory/spelling skills. Regarding McTavish however, he’s getting scooped up quickly right now (still less than 40% owned) after racking up five pts in his last four games on 11 shots, while being a +3 skater.
- Cam Atkinson (RW) – After missing some time due to injury, he returned and already has five goals and eight points. He’s currently owned in less than 30% of leagues. Philly has been playing well and although you can never be too sure with their head coach, you can be confident Atkinson will get consistent ice time and scoring chances.
- Matthew Poitras (C) – Now, I know the Center position is a little flush with names this year and at present, but this rookie is a name to keep on your “Watch List”. He only has five points right now, but seems to be getting comfortable within his role which averages close to 16 minutes of ice time and is finding himself in great scoring areas. He also can create on his own.
DROP
- Gustav Forsling (D) – owned in almost 60% of leagues, he’s struggled to get on the scoresheet. He’s capable of getting hot, but for now, and if you really need to make room for current production, this one is pretty safe. He did get his first goal and point the other night, so if you’re holding out hope and can afford to, be more patient.
- Adam Larsson (D) – he’s pointless and a -4 skater. Sure, he can block shots and has value in ‘banger’ leagues, but if you need offense, you can cut bait. Seattle is struggling to get consistent scoring from all over, so this wouldn’t be a rash decision by any means.
- Justin Faulk (D) – I hate to keep doing this to the defensemen, but this is simply the reality – the Blues stink and Faulk isn’t helping. Whereas he is not racking up minuses like last year, he’s not shooting as much as you’d like. With one assist on the young year, it’s pretty safe to look elsewhere for a more productive D-man.
- Jonathan Huberdeau (LW) – This is mostly for +/- leagues, but overall, still might be in consideration. Huby has five points but an abysmal -10 rating. I really thought he’d be a sneaky candidate for 100+ points and a comeback season of sorts, but it’s not looking so great of a prediction. The team is headed toward seller mode already and #10 isn’t exactly a bright spot.
Honorable Mentions
Add: Ivan Provorov (D) (20%), Evander Kane (LW) (I might have jumped the gun), Owen Tippett (RW) (40%)
Drop: Rickard Rakell (RW) (50%), Matty Beniers (C) (54%)…guys, Beniers is a safe drop right now.Injury Notables: Matheson, Chabot, Levi, Hischier, Hall, Zucker