The NHL season is entering its quarter-mark, prompting fantasy managers to make strategic decisions regarding their rosters. With a significant amount of data already available, assessing player values is essential for success. This week’s analysis highlights the Avalanche and Islanders as they face challenging schedules.
Fantasy Player Outlook: Key Targets
Here are notable players to consider for fantasy leagues, including waiver wire potentials and trade candidates.
Early Season Adds
- Mats Zuccarello, RW, Minnesota Wild – Rostered: 23.3%
Zuccarello has returned from injury, averaging a point per game. He plays on the top line with Kirill Kaprizov. - Pavel Zacha, C, Boston Bruins – Rostered: 44.5%
With 17 points in 22 games, Zacha’s role has expanded due to an injury to Elias Lindholm. He remains a valuable asset.
Young Players to Watch
- Emil Heineman, LW, New York Islanders – Rostered: 42.1%
Acquired via the trade involving Noah Dobson, Heineman has scored nine goals early in the season. - Artyom Levshunov, D, Chicago Blackhawks – Rostered: 10.8%
A highly regarded rookie, Levshunov has tallied 10 points as the Blackhawks show unexpected success.
Buy-Now Candidates
- Juraj Slafkovsky, RW, Montreal Canadiens – Rostered: 67.8%
Slafkovsky, the former first overall pick, is poised for a second-half surge despite a slow start. - Ryan O’Reilly, C, Nashville Predators – Rostered: 64.1%
O’Reilly has produced 13 points and could see increased value if traded to a contender.
Players to Avoid
- Zeev Buium, D, Minnesota Wild – Rostered: 36%
Buium’s production has dwindled, and he has only one point in his last seven games. - Shane Pinto, C, Ottawa Senators – Rostered: 75.4%
Pinto has only scored two goals in his last 11 games, a stark decline from his early-season performance.
NHL Team Outlooks for the Upcoming Week
Analyzing the schedule from November 21–27, certain teams stand out for superior matchups.
Matchup Favorites
- Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche maintain a strong position in the league with a favorable upcoming schedule. - New York Islanders
The Islanders have a chance to solidify their wild-card spot during a critical homestand. - Vegas Golden Knights
Facing a struggling Utah Mammoth followed by the Montreal Canadiens may boost their standings.
Matchup Killers
- Edmonton Oilers
Despite star players, the Oilers are facing a difficult run against tough opponents like Florida and Dallas. - Montreal Canadiens
Their recent struggles include four straight losses, adding more hurdles in the coming schedule. - Calgary Flames
With only six wins, the Flames are expected to continue their dismal performance against challenging matchups.
These insights will help fantasy managers navigate their rosters as the season progresses. For the latest hockey news and in-depth coverage, stay connected with El-Balad.
