Fantasy hockey: Injuries and returns shake up top six in

Victoria Matiash, Fantasy HockeyNov 15, 2024, 01:37 PM ET

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- ESPN.com Fantasy Contributor since 2010
- Part-time anchor at NEWSTALK1010

Invested fantasy managers are justified in feeling as frustrated about Auston Matthews and his current injury as devoted fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Not only do we know little about whatever is ailing the Leafs’ captain, other than it’s an upper-body issue, but there’s no determined timeline in sight. While not presently shelved out for an extended period of time, he still isn’t skating. Recognised for holding his health-related cards closely tucked to his chest, Matthews is again disclosing zero hints as to when we can expect him back. As of Thursday, those outside the organization – i.e. all of us – are being notified on a need-to-know, game-by-game basis. Yes, it’s annoying.

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Here’s what we do know: Matthews has missed five contests so far. Next up is Saturday’s tilt with Connor McDavid and the rest of the visiting Oilers. After Max Domi was given a turn, John Tavares is now serving as Matthews’ most recent replacement at center on a scoring line with Mitch Marner. The unfortunate injury suffered by Max Pacioretty — who is listed out long term — has resulted in a further shuffling of the top-six. Which now includes Bobby McMann on Tavares’ other wing and Matthew Knies skating alongside Domi and William Nylander.

Promoted from the bottom-six, McMann stands to personally benefit most from this current configuration. After scoring an unprecedented 15 goals in 59 games this past season, the former minor-leaguer has hardly been heard from this fall. Until he fired six shots on net two games ago. And then scored (primary assist: Tavares) on eight shots in Wednesday’s 4-3 OT win over the Capitals. Managers in deeper leagues might want to strike when the McMann iron is hot. Based on his fourteen shots in two contests alone.

As for Matthews, fantasy managers can only tuck him away on IR until his return. Or burn a bench spot. No one is dropping this guy. One the upside, there’s word out of Leafs’ camp that once the ailing issue is healed, it will be resolved fully. So, there’s that. Until then? We wait.

Other key injury notes from around the league:

Colorado Avalanche: With all that’s going on in Colorado, the Avs might merit a column all their own. First off, one of the game’s more dangerous power forwards is expected back on the ice imminently after an extended absence. Suspended six months while in Stage 3 of the player assistance program, Valeri Nichushkin is projected to lace them back up against the visiting Capitals Friday. When healthy and active, Nichushkin is a difference-maker for the Avalanche and fantasy squads alike. He shoots, he scores, he hits, he punches in points on the power play. If somehow available in your league — as he is in 60% of ESPN Fantasy competition — pick him up immediately. Like, right now.

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Forward Jonathan Drouin is also anticipated to return after being activated off injured reserve. With both Nichushkin and Drouin back, Colorado’s top-six takes on quite a different look, benefiting the club’s second-line center most of all. Splitting a pair of rookies — Nikolai Kovalenko and Ivan Ivan — in recent play, Casey Mittelstadt is about to get a boost from likely competing with Nichushkin and/or Arturri Lehkonen and/or Drouin. With just the one helper in four games, Mittelstadt has become available in almost a third of ESPN Fantasy competition.

Last bits from Denver: While forward Ross Colton remains on track to return from a broken foot in early to mid-December, there’s still no timeline for Gabriel Landeskog. Unless armed with a plethora of IR spots, fantasy managers might start to think about giving Landeskog a roster pass once more. Unless we hear more positive tidings in the next while.

Vancouver Canucks: From all angles, the latest injury to Brock Boeser feels hideously unfair. As if this player hasn’t endured enough on that front, and others. Out indefinitely after being clobbered in the head by L.A.’s Tanner Jeannot (suspended three games), Boeser isn’t expected to return to play anytime soon.

Without Boeser in the lineup, the Canucks called up Jonathan Lekkerimaki from the minors, who already has a goal and five shots to show for his first two games in the NHL. The 15th overall draft pick (2022) is skating on a top line and power play with J.T. Miller. A obvious dynasty addition, Lekkerimaki should also be contemplated as a fantasy performer in deeper re-draft leagues.

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Montreal Canadiens: In happier recovery news, Patrik Laine (knee) is back skating and facing a return to competitive play in the foreseeable future. As early as the end of November, according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports. That’s two weeks away. Destined to immediately fill a top-six role for a club that’s languishing in the Atlantic basement, Laine will be relied upon to provide some scoring pop straight off. He won’t remain available in more than 71% of ESPN Fantasy leagues for long.

Vegas Golden Knights: Yes, there’s always cause for concern when Mark Stone is kept out of the lineup because of a physical issue. The prominent forward’s injury history is far too colorful. However, the club still sounds relatively optimistic that Stone will be back in action sooner rather than later after losing three games to a lower-body issue. Hopefully Friday against Utah. If not, Sunday versus the visiting Capitals. If not by that point, then we panic. Averaging 2.9(!) fantasy points/game in ESPN Fantasy standard leagues, Stone is a key component of one of the best forward lines — with Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev — in the game.

In the crease, Ilya Samsonov isn’t expected to miss much more time with whatever is proving a bother these days. Since Adin Hill has played just okay is recent competition, the Golden Knights’ other goalie should get some regular opportunities once ready to roll again. Fantasy managers craving solid goaltending should certainly give Samsonov a look.

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Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricanes might have goalie issues once more. With Frederik Andersen already listed as week-to-week with a lower-body ailment, Pyotr Kochetkov is now reportedly dealing with a physical issue after leaving Wednesday’s contest against Utah. If this ends up as more than some minor tweak, third-stringer Spencer Martin is about to get a lot busier for one of the best teams in the East. As you might imagine, the 29-year-old remains overwhelmingly available in ESPN Fantasy competition. At minimum, he might be worth streaming in a more favorable matchup. Again, if Kochetkov is belabored by something significant.

Other notes:

While Drew Doughty remains out, rookie defenseman Brandt Clarke continues to put up solid fantasy figures as the Kings’ go-to on the top power play. Despite averaging 2.3 fantasy points/game, Clarke remains there for the grabbing in a quarter of ESPN Fantasy leagues.
Also, keep a view of what’s going on with L.A. goalie Darcy Kuemper, who left Wednesday’s game in Colorado with some concern. Doesn’t sound too serious at this point, but merits monitoring.
At last check, neither star forward Tage Thompson nor No. 1 goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are expected to miss significant time with their respective worries. Fingers crossed.
Defender Alec Martinez is back to business for the Blackhawks. If your league rewards blocked shots, Martinez deserves consideration.
After missing three games, Tampa’s Brayden Point is considered a possibility for Saturday’s contest against New Jersey. Probably ending Nick Paul‘s recent run in Tampa’s top-six.
Forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau — rostered in only 6% of ESPN competition — continues to rock out with three goals and two assists in five games as a top-line substitute in Mathew Barzal‘s absence. Barzal projects to miss approximately another four weeks.