We might be headed into a major youth movement as several veterans who had optimistic outlooks in fantasy seem to be drifting into obscurity. Guys like Zach Benson, Matthew Knies, John Jason Peterka or Luke Evangelista have all risen to relevance while vets like Jonathan Huberdeau, Tyson Barrie, or Brayden Schenn continue to be frustrating players on many rosters in fantasy. This week we’ll take a gander at some players that fit that mold.

Let’s get into it:

ADD

1. Matheiu Joseph (RW) – We’ve mentioned Joseph here before, but it’s worth noting again that he’s now up to 15 points while owned in less than 10% of (Yahoo! leagues). He’s also a +10 on a pretty inconsistent Ottawa team. While he doesn’t shoot a ton, he’s on a line with Josh Norris and Drake Batherson, who’s on a heater in his own right. They have a couple good matchups with Columbus and Seattle later this week.
2. Lawson Crouse (LW/RW) – Was never bullish on the winger, but he’s forced my hand as he’s racked up five goals in his last six contests. He’s owned in about 37% of leagues so there’s still a shot at getting him. The part that should give confidence is his linemate Matias Maccelli who is the quintessential pass-first winger and Crouse’s willingness to rip shots whenever he can. He faces Tampa Bay, Colorado and St. Louis this week which should afford him plenty of opportunities.
3.  Jake Neighbors (LW) – Speaking of the Blues and the aforementioned youth movement, Neighbors was recently elevated to a top-six role and has cashed in (six points in his last five games). He’s only owned in about 4% of leagues and gets to face Minnesota, Buffalo and Arizona this coming week.

DROP

1. Andrei Kuzmenko (LW,RW) – he was scratched the last couple games and is running a little cold. It’s been a starkly different kind of year for the young Russian, as he’s not firing the puck very much and is mostly looking to distribute. I think this will do him some good in the end, but if you need goals, you should look elsewhere – he’s stuck three total.
2. Dylan Cozens (C,RW) – it’s been an inconsistent year for the entire Sabres team and their young centerman in Cozens. He’s at nine points and can’t seem to get rolling, even as he’s been elevated to the top line with Tage Thompson out of the lineup. You can move on.
3. Logan Thompson (G) – he’s owned in 73% of leagues which surprised me given he’s dropped his last four and doesn’t get super regular starts. I’d start to look at other options like Jonathan Quick or Ukko-Pekka Luukonen.

I also want to include some big time misses – Shayne Gostisbehere and Pavel Buchnevich. These guys were worth being patient for.

Honorable Mentions

Add: Tom Wilson, Ukko-Pekka Luukonen, Ross Colton

Injury Notables: Hertl, Grubauer, Walman