NHL fantasy update
The National Hockey League schedule continues to truck along and player are starting to get more-and-more comfortable in their roles. Meanwhile, a number of star players have started to step up, lighting the lamp with the consistency they were expected to,
while certain role players and rookies continue to make a name for themselves into the second week of the campaign.
Injuries
Drew Doughty – Defenseman
Los Angeles Kings all-star defenseman Drew Doughty will not travel with the team on their upcoming road trip, as it is rumoured the youngster suffered a concussion after taking a hard hit in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Doughty is expected to
earn his second Norris Trophy nomination this season and therefore is not worth dropping. However, it is unlikely the youngster will be placed on the IR and therefore he will be filling a hole on your bench. In his absence expect Jack Johnson and Davis Drewiske
to get more playing time.
Marian Gaborik – Forward
New York Rangers all-star forward Marian Gaborik has been forced out of the line-up with an injury and it is not clear when he will be able to make his return. The Slovak is prone to injury and is always a difficult fantasy selection. Gaborik has yet to
go on the IR and will therefore remain on your bench until his status is updated. The injury to Gaborik will likely give Artem Anisimov a bigger role, perhaps getting moved to the club’s top line. The youngster has been playing well this season, earning three
points in four games and could be a major contributor with Gaborik out.
Hot Streak
Matt Cullen – Forward
One of the biggest surprises this season has been the strong play of Minnesota Wild forward Matt Cullen. Cullen has notched three goals and five assists in only five games this season to lead his team in scoring. The Wild’s power play has been nearly unstoppable
this year and Cullen is benefiting from the special teams effectiveness. Cullen could be a solid pick-up if he is able to maintain his scoring touch.
Rostislav Olesz – Forward
The Florida Panthers Rostislav Olesz has been turning heads this season, notching five points in only four games with very limited ice time. The winger has made the most of his chances playing a reduced role this season and if he is able to continue his
strong play he could get a shot on special teams in place of the scoreless Michael Frolik. Olesz currently leads the team in points and could be a strong keeper-league pick.
Cal O’Reilly – Forward
The Nashville Predators have chosen to go with 24-year-old Cal O’Reilly on their top line and its paying off for the youngster. So far this season O’Reilly has managed to accumulate four points in five games playing with Steve Sullivan and J-P Dumont. If
O’Reilly is able to continue contributing he could be a staple on the first line for the rest of the season and a great pick-up in fantasy leagues.
Rookie
Mark Letestu – Forward
25-year-old Mark Letestu currently leads all rookies in scoring with four goals and three assists in only seven games this season. Letestu has been filling the role of third line centre this season and is doing a great job. The youngster has the ability
to put points on the board as he notched 55 in 63 games last season with the Penguins American Hockey League affiliate the Wilkes-Barre Penguins. Expect Letestu to maintain his role as third line centre even after Jordan Staal’s return, as Staal is expected
to jump to the wing on the second line.
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