Fantasy hockey rankings – Who will step up for the St. Louis Blues?

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The St. Louis Blues can be going through some adversity for the following month and a half. With their No. 1 offensive defenseman, a top-six heart and a top-line winger all taken out of the equation for at the very least 4 weeks, some gamers are going to have to select up some slack. Double “some” qualifier is utilized in that earlier sentence as a result of it is not fairly as simple as that.

Torey Krug has put in essentially the most time this season on the Blues first unit energy play and he is anticipated to overlook as much as six weeks with a lower-body harm. Vladimir Tarasenko has the second-most power-play ice time this season and is anticipated to overlook 4 weeks with a hand harm. Ryan O’Reilly sits third in five-on-five ice time and is anticipated to overlook six weeks with a foot harm.

That’s plenty of key minutes to fill. However not all of these minutes have been become fantasy success. Krug is a top-60 defensemen with 1.8 fantasy factors per sport (FPPG) this season, which remains to be helpful in most leagues (however solely simply within the shallower codecs). Tarasenko is a bit more locked into lineups with 1.9 FPPG, which is near high 80 for forwards. O’Reilly, alternatively, hasn’t supplied a lot this season. With 1.2 FPPG general and 1.0 FPPG through the previous month, O’Reilly is already in a spot to be reduce from rosters. Positive, when you have limitless injured reserve or nobody else harm, you possibly can stash him. However chopping bait is okay.

For extra context, the Blues have two five-on-five traces which have managed to attain double-digit objectives collectively. One featured Tarasenko with Pavel Buchnevich and Robert Thomas, the opposite featured O’Reilly with Brandon Saad and Josh Leivo.

Now, fortunately for the Blues, they’ve unfold their offense out over three traces and have the forwards to soak up the hit up entrance by shortening to a extra conventional and stronger high six, somewhat than a high 9. It is possible Thomas, Buchnevich and Jordan Kyrou get first crack at being a brand new high line, whereas Saad joins Brayden Schenn and Ivan Barbashev for a second line. It is from the perfect high six within the league, however contemplating the accidents to O’Reilly and Tarasenko, it is not unhealthy.

I do not assume this negatively impacts on Buchnevich, Thomas or Kyrou in fantasy. That’s nonetheless a rock strong trio. In virtually 59 minutes collectively at five-on-five this season (per MoneyPuck), they’ve the perfect objectives per 60 minutes of any Blues mixture (5.1). And with Justin Faulk prepared and prepared to step up as an skilled power-play quarterback, there may be little to be involved with for the fortunes of those gamers.

Faulk, ultimately, could get a pleasant bump in manufacturing. Whereas he has extra general power-play time that Krug already this season, nearly all of it was with the crew’s second unit. Whereas Colton Parayko ought to see extra power-play time with the second unit, it is not someplace to search for manufacturing. However Parayko is already a borderline fantasy play, so it is likely to be simply sufficient to bump him into rivalry for a short-term roster spot in some leagues. Each defensemen have averaged 1.8 fantasy factors per sport (FPPG) up to now 4 weeks, so this uptick to every of their roles ought to assist push them towards 2.0 FPPG till Krug is again.

Barbashev seems to be like he is likely to be the best choice to take the power-play ice time that may usually go to Tarasenko. He is a better promotion over Schenn as a result of it leaves Schenn to take faceoffs on the second unit. Barbashev, nonetheless, would actually need to start out connecting on the facility play to get into the fantasy combine. He sits at 1.2 FPPG on the season and 1.4 FPPG over the previous 4 weeks, so greater than a small uptick in manufacturing can be required right here.

Jake Neighbours was referred to as up from the AHL to take a ahead spot and he does have upside to push for a top-six function over Saad or perhaps even Barabashev. He performed extra of his time in 13 video games earlier this season on a line with Schenn, so perhaps he pushes into a type of spots. He has the pedigree of a top-six winger. Nonetheless 20 years outdated, he has 14 factors in 19 video games this season as an AHL rookie.

Nonetheless this performs out, it may even have an enormous push towards what the Blues do on the commerce deadline. O’Reilly and Tarasenko are each free brokers on the finish of this season and can each nonetheless command important salaries going into their age-32 season. If the Blues, who’re presently exterior the playoff image within the Western Convention, cannot rally round this setback and play some impressed hockey between now and mid-February, it is likely to be simpler for the crew to drag the plug on the season and get one thing again for O’Reilly and Tarasenko on the deadline. However, if the Blues do rally it is smart for the crew to face pat and take the wholesome reinforcements for a playoff push.

Ahead notes

Jason Robertson, W, Dallas Stars (down seven spots to No. 14): On the plus facet, having a down month now means “solely” 2.1 FPPG for Robertson. After scoring three objectives on Dec. 1, Robertson would solely handle three extra for the remainder of the month. However he stored his fantasy factors respectable and now has an opportunity for one more scorching streak to maintain him among the many elite.

Alex DeBrincat, W, Ottawa Senators (up 9 spots to No. 40): Secure to say DeBrincat is totally settled in to his new digs. After eight factors in eight video games in October and simply 9 factors in 14 video games in November, DeBrincat posted a extra DeBrincat-esque 19 factors in 14 video games in December. And Josh Norris, who can be his heart, is now travelling with the crew once more.

Travis Konecny, W, Philadelphia Flyers (up seven spots to No. 45): Earlier than the season, I had Konecny as one among my massive bounceback gamers. Then Sean Couturier was injured for the majority of the season and I did not assume Konecny may nonetheless get there with out the crew’s high heart. He is proving me mistaken and proper. With 2.7 FPPG, Konecny is really among the many elite fantasy producers, Couturier be damned.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C/W, Edmonton Oilers (up 17 spots to No. 50): It was a little bit of a sluggish ramp-up for Nugent-Hopkins on the facility play. After solely posting one power-play tally and 12 power-play factors throughout the primary two months of the season, he managed 5 power-play objectives and 12 factors in December alone.

Jordan Kyrou, C/W, St. Louis Blues (up 33 spots to No. 59): The accidents to Ryan O’Reilly and Vladimir Tarasenko are going to place the Blues offense squarely on the shoulders of Kyrou and Robert Thomas for the following month and a half. Kyrou’s 2.9 FPPG over the previous month says he can reply the bell.

J.T. Compher, C/W, Colorado Avalanche (up 12 spots to No. 210): Even after the Avs get all their wholesome our bodies again, Compher has greater than confirmed his mettle as a key piece of this crew’s high six and the inner alternative for what they misplaced when Nazem Kadri signed with the Calgary Flames. He is nonetheless going to get secondary power-play time and a job within the high six even after everyone seems to be again.

Calle Jarnkrok, C/W, Toronto Maple Leafs (enters high 250 at No. 216): Proper earlier than he got here again from harm, the Leafs traded Denis Malgin to the Avalanche primarily clearing the spot on the second line with John Tavares and Mitch Marner for Jarnkrok. He has not dissatisfied, with a degree in all 5 video games since then (three objectives and 4 assists).

Protection notes

Aaron Ekblad, D, Florida Panthers (down six spots to No. 56): Like the remainder of the Panthers, Ekblad had a fairly tough December. That is possible due in no small half to catalyst Aleksander Barkov taking part in on and off for less than half the crew’s video games. With Barkov again to well being, this is hoping the Cats can discover their groove once more, as a result of 4 assists in 14 video games doesn’t look good on Ekblad.

Morgan Rielly, D, Toronto Maple Leafs (up 46 spots to No. 117): Again from a knee harm, Rielly returned to his function as the highest defender for the Leafs this previous week. That mentioned, he didn’t instantly reclaim his function on the highest power-play unit, because the Leafs have been glad to proceed with their five-forward high unit. Rielly wants that power-play entry, so hopefully he can get again there.

Erik Gustafsson, D, Washington Capitals (enters high 250 at No. 181): The harm to John Carlson coincides with Gustafsson getting on a heater, so he is a must-add in all leagues till he get extra readability over how a lot time Carlson will miss after taking a puck to the face earlier than the vacation break.

Goaltender notes

Frederik Andersen, G, Carolina Hurricanes (up 9 spots to No. 118): One thing has to come back to a head quickly with this goaltender scenario. Andersen has been training with the crew for nearly a month now, however nonetheless not wholesome sufficient to return? The apparent reply is to commerce out Antti Raanta, however that is simpler mentioned than executed with a 33-year-old goaltender, although the Canes do appear to be showcasing him with consecutive begins and consecutive shutouts over the break. Nevertheless it goes to point out what we have been saying within the fantasy realm for a while now: It would not matter who’s on this crease, because the Hurricanes play such a powerful possession sport that it helps goaltenders of all stripes to thrive. That does not make it any simpler to be sure to have the correct one in fantasy. What is the recommendation? Maintain on to Andersen and maintain on to Pyotr Kochetkov, and do not get enthralled by Raanta’s little run of success not too long ago.

Stuart Skinner, G, Edmonton Oilers (up 30 spots to No. 138): Nonetheless being utilized because the crew’s No. 1 goaltender, Skinner must be on rosters in the intervening time and it is OK to drop Jack Campbell if it’s essential. That mentioned, new calendar and contemporary begin in thoughts, it would not be a shock to see the Oilers strive yet one more time to get Campbell going within the crease following the vacation break. It is value paying further shut consideration to the Oilers outcomes this week in case it’s essential pounce on Campbell on the free-agent pile.

Pheonix Copley, G, Los Angeles Kings (enters high 250 at No. 231): Might he really be the Kings reply within the crease? Copley is as much as eight wins versus one loss this season. Whereas his ratios aren’t one thing to jot down house about general, they’re inflated by his one massive loss in his third sport in opposition to the Buffalo Sabres (you understand, the league’s high offense). I am stashing Copley the place I can at this stage. He is just a little outdated (30) to really draw comparisons to what Andrew Hammond did in 2014-15 or what Jordan Binnington did in 2018-19 (which is begin the yr within the AHL, come up halfway by means of the season and win their crew into the playoffs), however it’s arduous to not get a few of these vibes from Copley’s early returns.

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ESPN fantasy NHL top-250 rankings

1. Connor McDavid, C, Edm (F1)
2. David Pastrnak, RW, Bos (F2)
3. Leon Draisaitl, LW, Edm (F3)
4. Auston Matthews, C, Tor (F4)
5. Rasmus Dahlin, D, Buf (D1)
6. Connor Hellebuyck, G, Wpg (G1)
7. Kirill Kaprizov, LW, Min (F5)
8. Tage Thompson, C, Buf (F6)
9. Roman Josi, D, Nsh (D2)
10. Nikita Kucherov, RW, TB (F7)
11. Cale Makar, D, Col (D3)
12. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Col (F8)
13. Mikko Rantanen, RW, Col (F9)
14. Jason Robertson, LW, Dal (F10)
15. Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, TB (G2)
16. Elias Pettersson, C, Van (F11)
17. Matthew Tkachuk, LW, Fla (F12)
18. Alex Ovechkin, LW, Wsh (F13)
19. Steven Stamkos, C, TB (F14)
20. Igor Shesterkin, G, NYR (G3)
21. Mikhail Sergachev, D, TB (D4)
22. Ilya Sorokin, G, NYI (G4)
23. Tristan Jarry, G, Pit (G5)
24. Brad Marchand, LW, Bos (F15)
25. Linus Ullmark, G, Bos (G6)
26. Mitchell Marner, RW, Tor (F16)
27. Charlie McAvoy, D, Bos (D5)
28. Brady Tkachuk, LW, Ott (F17)
29. Timo Meier, RW, SJ (F18)
30. Sidney Crosby, C, Pit (F19)
31. Bo Horvat, C, Van (F20)
32. Kyle Connor, LW, Wpg (F21)
33. Aleksander Barkov, C, Fla (F22)
34. Mika Zibanejad, C, NYR (F23)
35. Jack Hughes, C, NJ (F24)
36. Josh Morrissey, D, Wpg (D6)
37. Erik Karlsson, D, SJ (D7)
38. Jakob Chychrun, D, Ari (D8)
39. Jake Oettinger, G, Dal (G7)
40. Alex DeBrincat, LW, Ott (F25)
41. Alex Pietrangelo, D, Vgk (D9)
42. Pierre-Luc Dubois, C, Wpg (F26)
43. Juuse Saros, G, Nsh (G8)
44. William Nylander, RW, Tor (F27)
45. Travis Konecny, RW, Phi (F28)
46. Brayden Point, C, TB (F29)
47. Alexandar Georgiev, G, Col (G9)
48. Roope Hintz, C, Dal (F30)
49. Mats Zuccarello, RW, Min (F31)
50. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Edm (F32)
51. Logan Thompson, G, Vgk (G10)
52. Adam Fox, D, NYR (D10)
53. Jake Guentzel, LW, Pit (F33)
54. Jack Eichel, C, Vgk (F34)
55. Valeri Nichushkin, RW, Col (F35)
56. Aaron Ekblad, D, Fla (D11)
57. Sebastian Aho, C, Automotive (F36)
58. Tim Stutzle, LW, Ott (F37)
59. Jordan Kyrou, C, StL (F38)
60. Brock Nelson, C, NYI (F39)
61. Victor Hedman, D, TB (D12)
62. Dylan Larkin, C, Det (F40)
63. Patrik Laine, RW, Cls (F41)
64. J.T. Miller, C, Van (F42)
65. John Tavares, C, Tor (F43)
66. Filip Forsberg, LW, Nsh (F44)
67. John Carlson, D, Wsh (D13)
68. Seth Jones, D, Chi (D14)
69. Andrei Svechnikov, LW, Automotive (F45)
70. Moritz Seider, D, Det (D15)
71. Zach Hyman, LW, Edm (F46)
72. Elias Lindholm, RW, Cgy (F47)
73. Thomas Chabot, D, Ott (D16)
74. Joe Pavelski, RW, Dal (F48)
75. Jeff Skinner, LW, Buf (F49)
76. Noah Dobson, D, NYI (D17)
77. Dougie Hamilton, D, NJ (D18)
78. Nico Hischier, C, NJ (F50)
79. Vitek Vanecek, G, NJ (G11)
80. Logan Couture, C, SJ (F51)
81. Miro Heiskanen, D, Dal (D19)
82. Patrice Bergeron, C, Bos (F52)
83. Jacob Trouba, D, NYR (D20)
84. Artemi Panarin, LW, NYR (F53)
85. Drake Batherson, C, Ott (F54)
86. Mark Scheifele, C, Wpg (F55)
87. Alex Tuch, RW, Buf (F56)
88. Johnny Gaudreau, LW, Cls (F57)
89. Ville Husso, G, Det (G12)
90. Kris Letang, D, Pit (D21)
91. Rasmus Andersson, D, Cgy (D22)
92. Tomas Hertl, C, SJ (F58)
93. Artturi Lehkonen, LW, Col (F59)
94. Anze Kopitar, C, LA (F60)
95. Evgeni Malkin, C, Pit (F61)
96. Ilya Samsonov, G, Tor (G13)
97. Shayne Gostisbehere, D, Ari (D23)
98. Martin Necas, C, Automotive (F62)
99. Darcy Kuemper, G, Wsh (G14)
100. Pavel Buchnevich, RW, StL (F63)
101. Matt Murray, G, Tor (G15)
102. Alec Martinez, D, Vgk (D24)
103. Justin Faulk, D, StL (D25)
104. Jake DeBrusk, LW, Bos (F64)
105. Nick Suzuki, C, Mon (F65)
106. Jacob Markstrom, G, Cgy (G16)
107. Claude Giroux, LW, Ott (F66)
108. Quinn Hughes, D, Van (D26)
109. Jamie Benn, LW, Dal (F67)
110. David Krejci, C, Bos (F68)
111. Gabriel Landeskog, LW, Col (F69)
112. Chris Kreider, LW, NYR (F70)
113. Brandon Montour, D, Fla (D27)
114. Carter Verhaeghe, C, Fla (F71)
115. Ivan Provorov, D, Phi (D28)
116. Joel Eriksson Ek, C, Min (F72)
117. Morgan Rielly, D, Tor (D29)
118. Frederik Andersen, G, Automotive (G17)
119. Darnell Nurse, D, Edm (D30)
120. Brandon Hagel, LW, TB (F73)
121. Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Wpg (F74)
122. Clayton Keller, C, Ari (F75)
123. Pyotr Kochetkov, G, Automotive (G18)
124. Cole Caufield, RW, Mon (F76)
125. Jonathan Huberdeau, LW, Cgy (F77)
126. Jesper Bratt, RW, NJ (F78)
127. Dylan Cozens, C, Buf (F79)
128. Brent Burns, D, Automotive (D31)
129. Anders Lee, LW, NYI (F80)
130. Nazem Kadri, C, Cgy (F81)
131. Vincent Trocheck, C, NYR (F82)
132. Max Pacioretty, LW, Automotive (F83)
133. Mark Stone, RW, Vgk (F84)
134. Cam Talbot, G, Ott (G19)
135. Filip Hronek, D, Det (D32)
136. Adam Larsson, D, Sea (D33)
137. Bryan Rust, RW, Pit (F85)
138. Stuart Skinner, G, Edm (G20)
139. Mathew Barzal, C, NYI (F86)
140. Kevin Fiala, C, LA (F87)
141. Sean Durzi, D, LA (D34)
142. Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Min (G21)
143. Jared Spurgeon, D, Min (D35)
144. David Perron, RW, Det (F88)
145. Devon Toews, D, Col (D36)
146. Troy Terry, C, Ana (F89)
147. Kevin Hayes, C, Phi (F90)
148. Rickard Rakell, C, Pit (F91)
149. Sam Reinhart, RW, Fla (F92)
150. Matty Beniers, C, Sea (F93)
151. Nick Schmaltz, C, Ari (F94)
152. Karel Vejmelka, G, Ari (0)
153. Shea Theodore, D, Vgk (D37)
154. Andrei Kuzmenko, LW, Van (F95)
155. Spencer Knight, G, Fla (G22)
156. Robert Thomas, C, StL (F96)
157. Nicholas Paul, C, TB (F97)
158. Hampus Lindholm, D, Bos (D38)
159. Lawson Crouse, LW, Ari (F98)
160. Matt Boldy, LW, Min (F99)
161. Michael Bunting, LW, Tor (F100)
162. Andre Burakovsky, LW, Sea (F101)
163. Noah Hanifin, D, Cgy (D39)
164. Anthony Duclair, LW, Fla (F102)
165. Tyson Barrie, D, Edm (D40)
166. Tony DeAngelo, D, Phi (D41)
167. Patrick Kane, RW, Chi (F103)
168. David Savard, D, Mon (D42)
169. Boone Jenner, C, Cls (F104)
170. Neal Pionk, D, Wpg (D43)
171. Phillip Danault, C, LA (F105)
172. Jake McCabe, D, Chi (D44)
173. Matt Duchene, C, Nsh (F106)
174. Jordan Binnington, G, StL (G23)
175. Vince Dunn, D, Sea (D45)
176. Jonathan Marchessault, LW, Vgk (F107)
177. Sam Bennett, LW, Fla (F108)
178. Chandler Stephenson, C, Vgk (F109)
179. J.J. Moser, D, Ari (D46)
180. Jared McCann, LW, Sea (F110)
181. Erik Gustafsson, D, Wsh (D47)
182. T.J. Oshie, RW, Wsh (F111)
183. Viktor Arvidsson, RW, LA (F112)
184. Taylor Hall, LW, Bos (F113)
185. Ben Chiarot, D, Det (D48)
186. Jeff Petry, D, Pit (D49)
187. Evgeny Kuznetsov, C, Wsh (F114)
188. Owen Tippett, RW, Phi (F115)
189. Ryan Hartman, RW, Min (F116)
190. James van Riemsdyk, LW, Phi (F117)
191. Dominik Kubalik, LW, Det (F118)
192. Drew Doughty, D, LA (D50)
193. Adrian Kempe, C, LA (F119)
194. Tyler Toffoli, RW, Cgy (F120)
195. Jakub Vrana, C, Det (F121)
196. Joel Edmundson, D, Mon (D51)
197. Carter Hart, G, Phi (G24)
198. Brayden McNabb, D, Vgk (D52)
199. Brock Boeser, RW, Van (F122)
200. Teuvo Teravainen, RW, Automotive (F123)
201. Trevor Zegras, C, Ana (F124)
202. Jordan Eberle, RW, Sea (F125)
203. Tyler Johnson, C, Chi (F126)
204. Luke Schenn, D, Van (D53)
205. Craig Anderson, G, Buf (G25)
206. Reilly Smith, RW, Vgk (F127)
207. Marcus Bjork, D, Cls (0)
208. Adam Henrique, C, Ana (F128)
209. Alex Iafallo, LW, LA (F129)
210. J.T. Compher, RW, Col (F130)
211. Ian Cole, D, TB (D54)
212. Alexander Romanov, D, NYI (D55)
213. Jake Sanderson, D, Ott (D56)
214. Gustav Forsling, D, Fla (D57)
215. Tom Wilson, RW, Wsh (F131)
216. Calle Jarnkrok, C, Tor (F132)
217. Sergei Bobrovsky, G, Fla (G26)
218. Martin Jones, G, Sea (G27)
219. Gabriel Vilardi, C, LA (F133)
220. Ryan Pulock, D, NYI (D58)
221. Zach Parise, LW, NYI (F134)
222. Colton Parayko, D, StL (D59)
223. Jean-Gabriel Pageau, C, NYI (F135)
224. Scott Laughton, C, Phi (F136)
225. K’Andre Miller, D, NYR (D60)
226. Daniel Sprong, RW, Sea (F137)
227. Evan Rodrigues, C, Col (F138)
228. Mike Matheson, D, Mon (D61)
229. Sean Monahan, C, Mon (F139)
230. Filip Gustavsson, G, Min (G28)
231. Pheonix Copley, G, Wsh (0)
232. Marcus Pettersson, D, Pit (D62)
233. Dmitry Orlov, D, Wsh (D63)
234. Michael Rasmussen, C, Det (F140)
235. Noel Acciari, C, StL (F141)
236. Jordie Benn, D, Tor (D64)
237. Rasmus Ristolainen, D, Phi (D65)
238. Matt Benning, D, SJ (D66)
239. Jonas Siegenthaler, D, NJ (D67)
240. Morgan Frost, C, Phi (F142)
241. Antti Raanta, G, Automotive (G29)
242. Esa Lindell, D, Dal (D68)
243. Kaiden Guhle, D, Mon (0)
244. Cam York, D, Phi (D69)
245. John Klingberg, D, Ana (D70)
246. Brandon Tanev, LW, Sea (F143)
247. Olli Maatta, D, Det (D71)
248. Rasmus Sandin, D, Tor (D72)
249. Scott Mayfield, D, NYI (D73)
250. Kyle Okposo, RW, Buf (F144)

Simply missed

Dropped out

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