During the season it is important to keep an eye on the transaction wire in the NHL to stay abreast of players who have been recalled from and sent down to the AHL. Young prospects that have impressed in the minors sometimes only need a chance at the NHL, and what may have started as a short term recall can quickly become a permanent roster fixture. Here are three players who have been called up to their NHL clubs recently.
Melker Karlsson, San Jose Sharks - Centre 25% owned
Karlsson was recalled on Monday by the Sharks and made his season debut on Tuesday. While Karlsson was held pointless he had three shots and delivered five hits playing 15 minutes on a line with Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski. It was somewhat of a surprise that Karlsson didn’t receive a roster spot to start the season as he was impressive last year when he arrived playing in 53 games recording 24 points in that span. Karlsson is a solid candidate to begin producing at a consistent pace, especially if he can hold down a spot on a line with the Joe’s!
Andreas Athanasiou, Detroit Red Wings - Centre 15% owned
I have long been a fan of AA since seeing him in junior. His blazing speed and ability to control the puck and make plays at top speed are skills that translate well in the NHL. He has highlight reel goal scoring abilities and made his pro debut last season in Grand Rapids. After a strong rookie pro season he was a standout in training camp and in several preseason games. AA scored his first career goal in his second game, and while he has the ability to score works of art goals, it was no Rembrandt as it is one Holtby should have had.
Frank Vatrano, Boston Bruins – Left Wing 22% owned
Vatrano exploded out of the gates with Providence in his rookie season scoring ten goals in ten games. A goal-a-game scoring pace over ten games is sure to get you a look at the next level, and sure enough he scored his first career NHL goal in his first game. Vatrano is playing on a line with David Krejci and Loui Eriksson and could hold down that role as David Pasternak is injured.
Old, but not obsolete
When choosing between young, unproven players with upside and veterans who are on the decline I usually lean towards the younger player. However if you need more reliable, predictable production for the short term, here are three grey beards who are widely undrafted and available that still have some gas in the tank
Scott Gomez, St. Louis Blues – Centre 8% owned
Gomez won a contract after a successful audition with a PTO and has seven points in ten games this season. With four points in the last three games the veteran has been providing consistent and modest production all season. If he is filling out one of your last forward roster spots with a cap hit of $550k producing a point per game, that’s great value.
Martin Havlat, St. Louis Blues – Right Wing 8% owned
The Martin Brodeur effect is in full force in St. Louis as Marty has signed two of his old teammates from the Devils in Gomez and Havlat and gave Dainius Zubrus a shot as well with a PTO. While Zubrus didn’t work out, Gomez has been a success and after two games, Havlat has one goal while averaging a modest seven minutes a game. Havlat has a two way contract and if the Blues are healthy Havlat may end up either in the press box, or in the minors. Havlat is also knows as Mr. Glass so one way or another expect him to be a short term solution should you claim him as a free agent in your league.
Shane Doan, Arizona Coyotes – Right Wing 27% owned
With plenty of ink being used to write about an impressive young group of coyotes in the desert in Max Domi, Anthony Duclair and company don’t overlook old man Doan. No, I am not suggesting Doan will score 30 goals but he can be counted on for decent production and he provides solid peripheral stats as well. So far he has seven points including three power play points, 33 shots on goal, 28 hits and 16 penalty minutes this season.
Making the most of their opportunity
Sometimes a player just needs a break to show what he can do, and occasionally they get that chance. Perhaps injuries force them up the depth chart, or it could be a change of team or Coach. Whatever the reason, here are three players making the most of their opportunity.
James Reimer, Toronto Maple Leafs – Goalie 39% owned
The Leafs seem hell bent on anointing Jonathan Bernier as the number one goalie and Reimer has had a struggle finding starts since Berniers arrival. Now that Bernier is on the shelf with an injury, Reimer has been handed the ball and he is running with it. In two games against the Dallas Stars Reimer was outstanding, in his last two starts against Dallas and Washington his save % has been .947 and .935. It would be very difficult to take him out of the net right now, even if Bernier returned.
Kyle Palmieri, New Jersey Devils – Right Wing 56% owned
Palmieri is riding a hot streak of nine points in his last seven games, and being over 50% owned you may not be able to add him at this point. However, if he is available you will likely not find a better option. He is only 24 years old and his point per game pace is trending up steadily over the past three years. He has been playing regularly on a line with Jiri Tlusty and Travis Zajac and the unit has had chemistry.
Charlie Coyle, Minnesota Wild – Centre 48% owned
Coyle seems to be the beneficiary of the injury to Zach Parise and he has two points in the last two games. Coyle has promising offensive skills and needs a chance in the top play in the top nine or top six to showcase his abilities. Lately he has been playing with Mikael Granlund and Jason Pominville and making the most of it.
All ownership numbers based on Fantrax leagues
All line combinations are from Frozen pools via Dobber Hockey