Dallas Stars top-line forward Roope Hintz is out with an upper-body injury. The Stars will begin a New York tour tonight with the New York Islanders. According to head coach Pete DeBoer, it does not appear to be long-term; however, Hintz is not on the road trip.
Roope Hintz not on trip with upper body injury. Pete DeBoer said he does not believe it is long term.
— Mike Heika (@MikeHeika) January 10, 2023
Fantasy Hockey Implications of Roope Hintz‘s Injury
The top line of the Stars remains one of the most dangerous in the NHL. Alongside Joe Pavelski and All-Star Jason Robertson, Hintz has 44 points in 40 games this season. He is also a special teams threat with 14 power-play points and two shorthanded goals.
The fantasy hockey owners of Hintz are going to miss his production. For them and the team, it is promising that it does not appear to be a lengthy absence. But everyone will need to figure out how to replace his production. For fantasy hockey owners, they should look no further than who will replace him on the top line.
Tyler Seguin To Fill In on Top Line
Tyler Seguin skated between Pavelski and Robertson in Dallas’ 5-1 victory against the Florida Panthers on Sunday after Hintz left in the first period. This morning he was in that same position in the morning skate.
There is also the possibility of Seguin joining the number one power play unit to replace Hintz. Seguin is having a slight bounce back after consecutive disappointing seasons. Skating primarily on the second line, he has 26 points in 41 games. Those numbers are not eye-popping, but he is currently fourth on the Stars in even strength points, behind the trio of the top line.
He also does not get ample time on Dallas’ fourth-ranked power play, as the top unit has been responsible for the vast majority of the ice time and goals.
With his ability to contribute at even strength and possibly joining the top power-play unit, Seguin picks up some fantasy hockey value in this two-game window. More importantly, his 57.6 oZS% will rise closer to Hintz’s 65.1. Seguin is also better on the dot than Hintz and Pavelski, who share faceoff responsibility for the top line.
If both the top line and the top power-play unit can start with the puck more often, Seguin most likely gets even accidental benefit from being with Pavelski and Robertson. All this considered, what is the offensive output expected of the Stars against the Islanders and New York Rangers?
Impressive Defence Versus Impressive Offence
The New York squads rank eighth and ninth in the league defensively. The Stars rank fifth offensively. The New York squads are top three on the penalty kill. As mentioned, the Stars have the fourth-best power play. It will be a great test for all.
Yet the Islanders have lost three of their last four, giving up four goals in each loss. The Rangers have won three of their last four but have given up three goals in three of those games. There is an opportunity for Seguin to be highly productive on the top line/power play.
Seguin Is Widely Available in Fantasy Hockey Leagues
Currently, Seguin is rostered by 66% of ESPN fantasy leagues and 52% of Yahoo leagues. He has gone four straight without a point, meaning ownership dropped slightly from last week.
That is the longest stretch without a point this season for him. Statistically, he is due for points just based on averages. Playing larger minutes, next to dangerous offensive weapons, with higher oZS%, and top power play minutes, it would not be unexpected to see a very productive road trip for Seguin and fantasy hockey owners of his. Need to slide Hintz to your IR spot and pick up a rental? Look no further than right here.
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