While the majority of fantasy IR moves made in the NHL recently have not been too concerning, because they tend to be a COVID related absence we know will shorten, Max Pacioretty’s wrist surgery is a huge blow to fantasy mangers.
Pacioretty has been the most productive fantasy player in NHL this season with 16 games. This is despite being hampered by injuries. Although a few players are doing better than Pacioretty in fantasy points per games, he leads by a full point. Auston MatthewsThe league’s best fantasy points per minute (FPP60), is 10.37 to 9.35
We don’t know much about Auston Matthews’ wrist surgery. However, it’s quite common in the NHL. Auston Matthews was unable to play for nine weeks following his August wrist surgery. Sidney CrosbySeven and a half weeks was required after wrist surgery in September. It is likely that Pacioretty will be back to playing in two months.
This gives you the chance to be the ultimate fantasy rope-adope and compete in head-to–head leagues.
As you do not need consistent production in rotisserie, or overall points, I wouldn’t recommend such a strategy for head-to–head leagues. But there may be a future in which the two most productive fantasy players in the last two months are in the injured reserve. This could lead to a situation where they will likely be available at a discount.
While I realize that Jack Eichel will be under tremendous pressure, the stats provided by Pacioretty already show the Golden Knights are a formidable team. If Eichel is able to make his Golden Knights debut before Pacioretty, it will create a dangerous combination at the top. Mark Stone.
The cheapest way to get Eichel and Pacioretty onto your roster is now. Between now and mid-February when Eichel is expected to be back in action, Eichel’s stock should slowly climb. The value of Pacioretty is lowest after surgery, and he doesn’t have a recovery timetable. You may actually be able get Eichel for free, since he is available in 60% of ESPN leagues.
It’s not difficult to burn two IR spots. However, as we have seen this season, and particularly these past weeks, the COVID protocol IR guidelines are extremely helpful for fantasy management. The potential rewards of the Eichel-Pacioretty combo are compelling enough to make it work.
The sacrifice you make to your roster in March depends on how much value you are willing to give up. In head-to-head, it is almost always worth it. You just need to be within striking distance of the playoffs in order for the plan to work.
While I wouldn’t invest in such a venture in points or rotisserie at all, it is still fun to explore. Bold moves are necessary at this stage of your game, if you aren’t already part of the championship.
Fantasy Forecaster: Jan. 3, 9
Five games were removed due to Canada’s arena-capacity limitations. This makes it a slow week. The Montreal CanadiensYou won’t be able to play and you will not receive any compensation. Toronto Maple LeafsThe week’s only four game team would have been this one, but there were two cancellations.
The Buffalo SabresOnly one contest is available, and the rest are closed. Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, Seattle Kraken, Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals Winnipeg JetsAll players must play twice.
Everybody else has three games.
Notes for the team
Buffalo Sabres: Although it wasn’t the complete lineup, we have seen the Sabres debuts. Alex Tuch Peyton KrebsThis week. Both had access key catalysts on the power play and in the lineup so it seems that the Sabres want the opportunity to showcase their new players. We will need to see the game with. Jeff SkinnerTuch could be back in the line-up to establish the plan fully, but it appears that Skinner might be Tuch. Tage ThompsonKrebs was at full strength and Krebs was at half strength. Victor Olofsson Kyle Okposo. This is for deeper leagues and this is not the week to play with them (one match).
Colorado Avalanche: It appears that the Avs will return to their full strength this weekend. This should make them one of the top options for next week’s game. The Avs have three games, with two rating a 10. Valeri NichushkinAlthough he was not available for Friday’s practice, he is an option and the top line remains intact. You can check on the deployment of Nazem KadriCompare J.T. CompherWhen it comes to power play, we’ve been watching to see what the team does when all the forwards are healthy. Bowen ByramCould be back in action for Avs. While his stats were fantasy-worthy, much of it came with this season. Devon ToewsSidelined, so he may not be as attractive now.
Nashville Predators: Predators will be one of the top offensive options for next week. They also have most their bodies back. Roman JosiIt is unknown if he will return to COVID protocol, although it will have been one week. He’s worth taking the chance with the Preds’ first game on Tuesday. In shallower leagues, Matt Duchene, Ryan Johansen?, and Mikael GranlundThey could be readily available and worth using.
Player notes
Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils51% of them are rostered in ESPN.com leaguesThe Devils forward scored his second multi-goal game in a win against the Edmonton OilersDecember 31, 2009. Hughes is the centre of the action, despite the Devils’ inconsistency. They have scored 10 goals since the break.
Mattias Janmark, Vegas Golden Knights, .3% rostered:Janmark has scored in consecutive games, more than doubling his score since the Golden Knights returned to action. Watch out for Janmark in deeper leagues as he takes over. Mark Stone.
Adam Larsson, Seattle Kraken, 24.1% rostered: This could be a buy low opportunity. In eight December games, the Seattle defenseman had averaged 2.7FPPG. However, he has only managed two points in his two remaining games. The Kraken will only be playing one game next week. They will play four the week after that.