Welcome to the first edition of the Last Word On Fantasy Hockey Report. Today we will look at the top fantasy hockey performers in the NHL over the past week. Some of these players will be good trade targets. Others will be available as short or long term adds off your waiver wire.
Last Word On Fantasy Hockey Report
John Tavares Shines and More
John Tavares broke out in a big way after a long five-game drought. He led his New York Islanders with seven goals and three assists for 10 points in only four games. As one of the NHL’s top centres, it’s highly unlikely Tavares would be still available in your league. If you can trade for him do it. He’s a good bet in a contract year to exceed his three-year points per game average of 0.898
Red hot Jakub Voracek put up six points (two goals and four assists) in his last three games. Playing the opposite wing to a rejuvenated Claude Giroux doesn’t hurt. New top line centre Sean Couturier (three goals and three assists for six points in three games) is also making the most of his opportunity so far this season. This line looks like an experiment gone right for the Philadelphia Flyers. Voracek might not be available in your league, but there’s a fair chance Couturier is still on the wire. Don’t sleep on it.
A Deeper Dive
If you are looking for some players that are almost certainly available in your league look no further than Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Sven Baertschi and Phillip Danault. Pageau had a nice run for the Ottawa Senators with a goal and four assists for five points in three games. Meanwhile, Vancouver Canucks winger Baertshi scored four times and added a helper to also tally five points in three games played last week. Phillip Danault had a monster game for the Montreal Canadiens with four points (two goals and two assists) on Saturday night. That gives the centre six points in his last five games. All three of these players are playing in their respective teams “top six” and getting their share of power play time.
While Pageau and Baertschi are playing hot and could serve as nice short-term adds to fill holes on your fantasy team, you might want to snag Adrian Kempe before it’s too late. Kempe put up five points (three goals and two assists) in his last four games for the Los Angeles Kings. He also scored a hat-trick the week before on his way to a four-point game as the Kings beat the Montreal Canadiens 5-1. With nine even strength points in 11 games, Kempe should be considered in most one-year leagues. In any keeper league where he is still unowned, he is a definite add.
Ryan Getzlaf recently returned from injury and looks no worse for wear. The stud centre scored a goal and added four assists for five points in his four games since returning. It’s possible an impatient manager dropped him during his stint on IR in your league. If so, why are you still here?
Main Photo: NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 25: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders skates against the Boston Bruins at the Barclays Center on March 25, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Bruins defeated the Islanders 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
