As the NHL season marches forward, some lesser-known players are surging up the fantasy hockey rankings while previous standouts struggle to find consistency. Let’s highlight a few of the most notable risers and fallers since early November to help you optimize your roster.
Rising Stars Making Their Mark
While top draft picks deservedly get much of the attention, every season introduces new impact players who emerge from relative obscurity. Here are some of the biggest positive movers in the rankings:
Marco Rossi, C, Minnesota Wild
The talented rookie has capitalized on expanded opportunities in the wake of Kirill Kaprizov’s injury absence. Rossi is producing at nearly a 2.2 fantasy point per game clip when Kaprizov is out of the lineup, compared to his still solid 1.8 FPPG on the season. He’s quickly establishing himself as a fixture in Minnesota.
Jackson LaCombe, D, Anaheim Ducks
What a rapid ascent for the rookie blueliner, who has not only secured a top-pairing role but also seized the coveted quarterback spot on the top power-play unit. After being a healthy scratch at times early on, LaCombe’s fantasy stock is soaring.
Brandon Hagel, W, Tampa Bay Lightning
No longer just a complementary piece, Hagel has developed into a fantasy force in his own right for the Lightning. He’s thriving in all situations, currently on pace for a career year, and doesn’t even need top line deployment to stuff the stat sheet. A true breakout performance.
Recognizing Slumping Favorites
Even the most accomplished fantasy assets endure down stretches over a long season. Here are some notable stars who have stumbled lately:
Matvei Michkov, W, Philadelphia Flyers
The electrifying Russian winger has struggled to find consistency in his NHL transition. He’ll flash his tantalizing ceiling one game then disappear for stretches. Patience is key with elite young talent, but Michkov managers were surely hoping for a smoother acclimation process.
Mike Matheson, D, Montreal Canadiens
After a strong start manning the Habs’ top power-play unit, Matheson has seen his role drastically reduced by the emergence of rookie Lane Hutson. The veteran blueliner has managed just 1.7 FPPG since Hutson took over compared to his early 2.6 FPPG pace. A classic case of a new star displacing a trusted option.
Goalie Trends and Depth Chart Movement
As is typical, the goalie landscape remains fluid around the league. Here are some notable nuggets on who’s hot, who’s not, and how the workloads are being distributed.
- Edmonton Oilers: Stuart Skinner ranks 9th in total fantasy points among goalies since the start of December after placing just 37th through October and November. He’s solidifying himself as the top option in a potent offense.
- Florida Panthers: Spencer Knight has been the more reliable netminder lately and saw over 60% of the Panthers’ crease time last week. Keep tabs on this situation as the torch may be getting passed.
- Ottawa Senators: Promising youngsters Leevi Merilainen and Jakub Dobes should be rostered in most formats given their recent impressive play. Linus Ullmark and Sam Montembeault remain the nominal incumbents but their grasps appear to be loosening.
Optimize Your Roster as the Season Evolves
By staying abreast of the latest player trends and making timely moves, you give yourself the best chance to thrive in both the short and long term. Stars will rise and fall, goalie roles will shift, and new faces will force their way into the fantasy forefront.
As a savvy manager, this is your chance to proactively shape your roster before your competition. Acquire ascending assets and shop big names with troubling underlying metrics. The key is to act early and decisively to extract maximum value.
For the latest rankings risers and fallers, bookmark our Fantasy Hockey Player Movement tool and check back frequently. You’ll find up to date player values and recommendations to help you stay ahead of the curve and position yourself for a fantasy championship run.
