As the NHL season heats up, savvy fantasy hockey managers are always on the hunt for the next breakout star to add to their roster. But knowing who to pick up and who to let go can be a daunting task. Fear not, we’ve scoured the league to bring you the top players trending up and down the rostership charts.
Rising Stars to Add
Connor McMichael, C, Washington Capitals
The hockey world is abuzz over Connor McMichael’s stellar play for the resurgent Capitals. The young center has seen his rostership skyrocket from a mere 1.3% at the start of the season to a whopping 74.6% currently. If he’s still available in your league, pounce now before it’s too late.
McMichael’s vision and hockey IQ are off the charts. He’s only scratching the surface of his potential.
– NHL Scout
Kevin Lankinen, G, Vancouver Canucks
Thrust into the starting role due to Thatcher Demko’s injury, Kevin Lankinen has seized the opportunity and run with it. The 27-year-old Finn has posted a stellar .933 save percentage in his 12 appearances, vaulting him into the fantasy hockey spotlight. His rostership has exploded from 0.4% to 69.7%.
Brandt Clarke, D, Los Angeles Kings
Rookie defenseman Brandt Clarke is making waves on the Kings’ blue line. The 21-year-old has posted an impressive 14 points in 22 games while averaging over 21 minutes of ice time per night. His rostership has climbed from a paltry 2.4% to a robust 71.4%. Jump on the Clarke hype train while you still can.
Veterans on the Decline
Unfortunately, father time spares no one, not even fantasy hockey stalwarts. Here are some aging veterans who have fallen out of favor with the fantasy crowd:
- Frederik Andersen, G, Carolina Hurricanes (-33.6% rostership)
- Elias Lindholm, RW, Boston Bruins (-22.2% rostership)
- Patrick Kane, RW, Detroit Red Wings (-22.9% rostership)
While their names still carry weight, declining performance and reduced roles have made these former fantasy studs droppable in many formats. It may be time to move on to younger, high-upside options.
Goalie Roulette
Goaltending is notoriously difficult to predict in fantasy hockey, with backups often outshining starters. Here’s a quick breakdown of some fluid situations to monitor:
| Team | Goalies to Watch |
| Boston Bruins | Jeremy Swayman (67.1% owned), Joonas Korpisalo (95.3% owned) |
| Carolina Hurricanes | Pyotr Kochetkov (58.4% owned), Frederik Andersen (46.5% owned) |
| Calgary Flames | Dan Vladar (96.9% owned), Dustin Wolf (60.8% owned) |
Timeshares and injuries have created some interesting opportunities for bold fantasy managers. Grab these goalies for some spot starts.
Power Play Specialists
For those in leagues that count power play points, here are some widely available options to juice your totals:
- Jamie Drysdale, D, Philadelphia Flyers (97.2% available)
- Frank Nazar, C, Chicago Blackhawks (99.4% available)
- Kent Johnson, C, Columbus Blue Jackets (57.0% available)
While they may not be household names yet, these youngsters are earning prime minutes with the man advantage. Stash them now and enjoy the PPP boost later.
Fading Stars to Cut Bait On
Sometimes you just have to know when a slumping star isn’t going to turn it around. According to our algorithms, these high-profile players are prime drop candidates:
- Chris Kreider, LW, New York Rangers (87.3% owned)
- Evgeni Malkin, C, Pittsburgh Penguins (88.3% owned)
- Brayden McNabb, D, Vegas Golden Knights (51.4% owned)
Between age, declining roles, and lack of supporting cast, these fading stars are weighing down fantasy rosters. Unless your league is very deep, you’re better off gambling on upside.
There you have it, the players the fantasy hockey community is clamoring for and running from. Remember, you can’t get attached in this game. As the legendary Wayne Gretzky once said, “go where the puck is going to be.” In fantasy hockey, that means being proactive with your adds and drops. Ride your rising stars, cut your dead weight, and may the fantasy gods smile upon your roster.
