This article is part of our NHL Waiver Wire series.
Fantasy maintenance often involves obvious changes, like lineup swaps and roster adds/drops. But there are moments when more subtle actions are required. Whether it's a tweak of the lineup or a slight switch in strategy, even the smallest moves can prove to be important.
And if there's anything we've learned from John Tortorella's recent announcement concerning Artemi Panarin's health, sometimes discretion is necessary. Don't reveal your plans, unless they involve your intentions to totally dominate your league…or that you've stopped competing for the season.
With the assumption you're still trying, here are a few NHLers that can assist your fantasy goals:
(Ownership rates/stats as of Feb. 21)
Forwards
Yanni Gourde, TB (Yahoo: 65%, ESPN: 88%, CBS: 84%): After debuting as one of last year's biggest surprises, Gourde has encountered a slight letdown in the current campaign. 37 points in 61 games would never be considered awful, although it's a level below 64 in 82. But with a place in the top-six and a bit part on the second power play, the undrafted firecracker has tallied four goals and two assists in his last seven. As Gourde is prized for his work ethic and tenacity, he should remain in the upper half of the Bolts' depth chart.
Reilly Smith, VGK (Yahoo: 43%, ESPN: 78%, CBS: 75%): Smith served as a key component of the Golden Knights' march to the Cup, totaling 82 points over the regular season and playoffs. His minutes have been bumped up a bit, yet
Fantasy maintenance often involves obvious changes, like lineup swaps and roster adds/drops. But there are moments when more subtle actions are required. Whether it's a tweak of the lineup or a slight switch in strategy, even the smallest moves can prove to be important.
And if there's anything we've learned from John Tortorella's recent announcement concerning Artemi Panarin's health, sometimes discretion is necessary. Don't reveal your plans, unless they involve your intentions to totally dominate your league…or that you've stopped competing for the season.
With the assumption you're still trying, here are a few NHLers that can assist your fantasy goals:
(Ownership rates/stats as of Feb. 21)
Forwards
Yanni Gourde, TB (Yahoo: 65%, ESPN: 88%, CBS: 84%): After debuting as one of last year's biggest surprises, Gourde has encountered a slight letdown in the current campaign. 37 points in 61 games would never be considered awful, although it's a level below 64 in 82. But with a place in the top-six and a bit part on the second power play, the undrafted firecracker has tallied four goals and two assists in his last seven. As Gourde is prized for his work ethic and tenacity, he should remain in the upper half of the Bolts' depth chart.
Reilly Smith, VGK (Yahoo: 43%, ESPN: 78%, CBS: 75%): Smith served as a key component of the Golden Knights' march to the Cup, totaling 82 points over the regular season and playoffs. His minutes have been bumped up a bit, yet the output – 10 goals and 24 assists over 55 outings – has fallen short of expectations. Although, like Gourde, those numbers still count as respectable. And with a steady dose of first-line duty in all situations – including 13 PPPs – Smith should be more widely owned.
Kasperi Kapanen, TOR (Yahoo: 41%, ESPN: 52%, CBS: 75%): When Kapanen reeled off a couple decent runs in the fall, there was the assumption his stats would tail off once William Nylander signed. Two small dry spells since Dec. 6 have been counteracted by some solid play, which has led to more responsibility. It would be a pleasure to play with any of Toronto's top three centers, but being regularly set up by Auston Matthews has its perks. Kapanen has taken advantage of this opportunity by collecting seven points in his most recent seven contests.
Bryan Rust, PIT (Yahoo: 29%, ESPN: 17%, CBS: 43%): There's been the temptation to include Rust in this column since December, but it's often tough to recommend a skater who maintains next to no presence on the man-advantage – a place where the Penguins have thrived in recent years. But when you're caddying for Sidney Crosby and have already surpassed your career-high in goals, a longer look is warranted. Rust has stabilized his value in his last 10 matchups by potting five markers while directing 21 shots on net and dishing out 18 hits.
Robert Thomas, STL (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 2%, CBS: 15%): It may have taken a while for the production to get rolling in St. Louis, but the rewards are finally paying off for Thomas. After two stellar seasons in the OHL, the 2017 first-rounder was immediately thrown into the NHL fire. Maybe the pressure got to Thomas, who only recorded four assists during his first 15 league appearances. But the York Region native would go on to collect 16 points over the next 32, including four on the power play – where he now represents the Blues' top group-of-five.
Lucas Wallmark, CAR (Yahoo: 1%, ESPN: 1%, CBS: 2%): Wallmark was passed over during his first year of draft eligibility in 2013, but was picked by the 'Canes at #97 on his second attempt. The Swede remained at home for the next two seasons, then crushed the AHL with 101 points over 112 games. Wallmark earned a full-time position in the bigs, where he's participated in all 60 contests while accumulating 21 points. The 23-year old moved up a line in Jordan Staal's absence, so more will come when he gets used to the added responsibility.
Sam Gagner, EDM (Yahoo: 0%, ESPN: 0%, CBS: 2%): After a disappointing stay in Vancouver, Gagner has returned to the city where he skated for the first seven seasons. The former sixth selection stayed active after the Canucks tried to waive him by racking up 37 points in only 43 AHL appearances. Gagner saw minimal minutes in his Edmonton debut but doubled that total for Game 2, including 4:03 while up a man. The Oilers hypothetically remain in the race for a postseason berth, so wait and see how the lines shake out before taking a chance on any of their non-elite forwards.
Rudolfs Balcers, OTT (Yahoo: 0%, ESPN: 0%, CBS: 1%): With Ottawa projected to conduct a fire sale leading up to Monday's Trade Deadline, a couple vacancies may open in the upper half of their depth chart. One of the prime candidates to benefit from this situation would be Balcers, who was acquired in the Erik Karlsson deal. The Latvian arrived in the Sens organization after logging 23 goals and 25 assists for San Jose's AHL affiliate, then continued his success this year with 28 in 38 at the same level. Balcers has displayed plenty of talent in limited time with the parent club, contributing two goals and two assists during his last five.
Defensemen
Justin Schultz, PIT (Yahoo: 33%, ESPN: 44%, CBS: 69%): Leg surgery has limited Schultz to seven appearances, but he came back last weekend and has notched two assists in three games. Based on all the points and the two Cups he's earned while in Pittsburgh, the Anaheim draftee will eventually recover his usual role. Before that happens, you might want to grab Schultz while he's still available in roughly two of every three Yahoo leagues.
Zdeno Chara, BOS (Yahoo: 7%, ESPN: 14%, CBS: 18%): Chara was once a god standing above the opposition with his giant size and shot, but his heyday ended long ago. Scoring studs like Torey Krug and Charlie McAvoy have taken over the offensive D duties in Boston, relegating the 6'9" defender to a secondary role. And even though Chara isn't used anymore as the net presence on the power play, he has been able to chip in with a goal and two assists through his last five outings.
Erik Cernak, TB (Yahoo: 5%, ESPN: 2%, CBS: 6%): If you're looking for a premier fantasy scoring blueliner, then Cernak isn't your guy. But if you'll looking for help in a couple secondary categories, then the Slovakian skyscraper (not to be confused with Chara) will work. He's only registered two goals and seven assists over 37 contests, but he's also posted a plus-17, 51 blocks, and 134 hits – including a whopping 49 in his last 11. And with the Lightning averaging close to four goals a night, Cernak can almost find the scoresheet if he just stands in the right place.
Victor Mete, MON (Yahoo: 0%, ESPN: 1%, CBS: 7%): Mete hasn't been able to duplicate his junior numbers so far in Montreal, but he may be getting the opportunity to start on that path. The diminutive defenseman has seen his minutes increase thanks to an even-strength partnership with Shea Weber and a very recent promotion to join the veteran on the top power play. The 2018 WJC gold medalist probably won't be rushed to supply sufficient stats, although he qualifies as an appealing commodity in keeper formats.
Goaltenders
Cam Ward, CHI (Yahoo: 21%, ESPN: 8%, CBS: 23%):Corey Crawford's heroics may be a distant memory and Collin Delia looks to be the future, but Ward represents Chicago's current leading goaltending participant. The 34-year old has won seven of his last eight appearances, while posting a .916 save percentage during that stretch. Crawford is being tipped to return soon after missing action since mid-December, but the Blackhawks should continue to ride the hot hand in Ward with them back in the playoff hunt.
Ryan Miller, ANA (Yahoo: 9%, ESPN: 3%, CBS: 8%): The Ducks' horrendous 2019 has been well documented, what with a 5-14-0 record and the absence of underappreciated savior John Gibson over the last five contests. After missing 26 straight, Miller has stepped back in as if Anaheim's defensive problems had been solved. America's all-time victory leader has taken both of his recent efforts, including an impressive 31-save shutout at Minnesota. Gibson will undoubtedly reclaim his throne upon his return, but Miller should see the bulk of the starts until then.
Players to consider from past columns: Dylan Strome, James van Riemsdyk, Nino Niederreiter, J.T. Miller, Alex Galchenyuk, Nico Hischier, Mikael Backlund, Jonathan Drouin, Max Domi, Marcus Johansson, Jakub Vrana, Jake DeBrusk, Brady Tkachuk, Dominik Kahun, Gustav Nyquist, Frank Vatrano, Mats Zuccarello, Travis Konecny, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Nazem Kadri, Brendan Gallagher, Colin White, Jack Roslovic, Sam Reinhart, Brock Nelson, David Krejci, Andreas Athanasiou, Darnell Nurse, Nate Schmidt, Erik Gustafsson, Miro Heiskanen, Jacob Trouba, Jared Spurgeon, Ivan Provorov, Travis Sanheim, Ryan Pulock, Will Butcher, Brandon Montour, David Rittich, Linus Ullmark, Jacob Markstrom, Robin Lehner, Jordan Binnington, Carter Hart, Curtis McElhinney, Anders Nilsson
