It is reality check time. It is no longer early in the season as we approach the quarter point.
If your fantasy team is sucking due to a slow start I got bad news for you, your team just sucks.
The good news is there is still time to do something about it before you go into full on Connor McDavid/Jack Eichel mode. Trade for some sleeper value players and cut bait on those slow starters or injured players.
This week’s Waiver Wire article will help identify who to cut, and who to add.
Cut Bait Candidates.
Tyler Myers, Buffalo
After 18 games, the former Calder Trophy winner has just two points, no goals and is a minus -9. Since winning the Calder, Myers has been in decline and the team is historically bad right now. The risk in dumping Myers is if he is traded to a team like Detroit and suddenly catches fire. Given his contract, it would be difficult for him to be traded during the season and while he may hold some keeper value, if you can move him and find a more reliable option, do so.
Corey Conacher, New York Islanders
Conacher seemed like found money at the start of the season, playing on the top line with John Tavares. Since his early start he has cooled off considerably and now has a total of three points in 13 games. With Conacher being a healthy scratch now it is time to say good bye.
Cody Hodgson, Buffalo
Another Sabre makes this list, and while the whole team could be named Hodgson stands out among the forwards. With a cap hit of $4.25 million you need more than two points and a minus -10 in 18 games to be considered a fantasy option. Unless you need the cap hit to maintain a legal roster as you tank this season, Hodgson offers no value.
Steve Ott, St. Louis
Ott has bounced around on several lines in St. Louis this season but has failed to find any offense. With just two assists in 16 games and no signs of improving it is time to bail on Ott.
Ales Hemsky, Dallas
There was a lot of hype surrounding Hemsky leading into the season as he and Jason Spezza who were dynamite together in Ottawa were both acquired by Dallas in the off-season. Since then, Hemsky has been on a milk carton scoring a pitiful one assist and no goals in 16 games while posting a minus -7 with a $4 million cap hit. Hemsky is going to be a healthy scratch and really has no business being on your fantasy roster.
Players to add
Mike Hoffman, Ottawa 29% Fantrax Owned
Hoffman has scored well in lower levels and now has seven goals in 13 games for the Sens. While his goal total is impressive he only has one assist, but Hoffman seems to have found a full time NHL job on the “kid line” with Curtis Lazar and Michael Stone. While Hoffman was mentioned in a previous waiver wire post, he bears mention again since his value is high and he is widely available.
Peter Holland, Toronto 17% Owned
Holland might be looking at full time duty with the Leafs on a line with Mike Santorelli and Leo Komarov. The trio is seeing a regular shift suggesting they have the Coaches confidence. The line is reliable defensively, provides lots of energy and now Holland has eight points in 17 games. The Leafs may have given up too soon with Joe Colborne but are about to reap the rewards of being patient with Holland. Don’t sleep on this player if he is available in your league.
Ryan Garbutt 29% owned, Antoine Roussel 57% owned - Dallas
The duo of Roussel and Garbutt are a highly effective pair. While they have much higher value in leagues with greasy stat categories like hits, PIM’s and blocked shots, they even have good value in point’s only leagues that are deep enough. The best part about owning them is watching them play. They pass the eye test as they are impossible to not notice on the ice. They are a factor in almost every game and can be a factor on your fantasy roster as well.
Jimmy Hayes, Florida 14% Owned
Jimmy Hayes has been hot of late in Florida scoring three goals and three assists in his last six games and seeing an average of 13 minutes a game of ice time. While Florida is struggling for offense with players like Alex Barkov, and Jonathan Huberdeau not producing, Hayes has been carrying the mail and delivering fantasy stats.
Trevor van Riemsdyk, Chicago 10% Owned
TVR was a surprise player to make the roster, and while his offense has not arrived yet I assure you it is coming. He has won the confidence of management and Coaches and with the trade of Nick Leddy there is opportunity for TVR to see some power play minutes.