Fantasy Hockey: Risers & Fallers (Dec. 27)
RISERS
Alex Pietrangelo, D, Vegas Golden Knights (OWNED: 96%)
Suffice it is to say, the buy-low window is closing quickly on the former Blues captain, so if you’re interested, you better act swiftly. Since returning to the Golden Knights lineup following a lengthy absence due to a family emergency, the 32-year-old has registered at least a point in four straight outings (one goal, four assists, three power play points).
Travis Konecny, RW, Philadelphia Flyers (OWNED: 62%)
The feisty winger entered the holiday break with three straight two-point efforts (three goals, thre assists, three shorthanded points, one GWG). Additionally, since December 1st, he’s racked up 13 points (eight goals, five helpers) in 12 contests picking up at least a point in all but two of them.
William Karlsson, C/LW, Vegas Golden Knights (OWNED: 34%)
In seven outings since Jack Eichel went down indefinitely, the dual eligible forward has tallied one goal, six assists, two power play points, one shorthanded point, and one GWG. In addition to centering the second power play unit, Karlsson’s been skating with Reilly Smith and Phil Kessel five-on-five. Have a look.
Erik Gustafsson, D, Washington Capitals (OWNED: 27%)
With John Carlson banged up for the Caps, at the very least, Gustafsson should be on your waiver radar. In case you needed more incentive, the 30-year-old has been red-hot lately tallying four goals and three assists over a modest four-game point streak. Stream away!
Mason McTavish, C/LW, Anaheim Ducks (OWNED: 16%)
It’s World Junior time, so it’s only fitting to see McTavish’s name on this list. The sample size is small, but the 19-year-old has notched two goals and six points in the past five games. If this kind of production continues for the next couple of outings, it’s unequivocally go-time. For now, keep close tabs.
FALLERS
Filip Forsberg, LW, Nashville Predators (OWNED: 92%)
For starters, the sniper has just one goal and two assists in his past nine outings. Furthermore, after potting 42 goals in 69 games in 2021-22, he has just nine in 32 so far this season. That’s a 23 goal pace. Forsberg’s been unpredictable over the past few years, but if you’re looking to buy low on someone, he’s a solid target.
Filip Hronek, D, Detroit Red Wings (OWNED: 80%)
Over his past seven outings, Hronek has tallied just one measly point, a meaningless goal against Ottawa in a 6-3 loss. Weirdly enough, considering his impeccable start, the 25-year-old could reach drop territory in the not too distant future if he can’t turn things around quickly here. Monitor closely.
Trevor Zegras, C, Anaheim Ducks (OWNED: 71%)
The 21-year-old has been held pointless in four straight games and has picked up just one goal and three points in his past 10 outings overall. All things being equal, Zegras’ game still doesn’t translate particularly well to the fantasy world. To be fair, some of that has to do with the lack of depth around him in Anaheim’s top-six. Gauge trade interest.
Sam Bennett, C, Florida Panthers (OWNED: 69%)
Despite gaining a recent first line promotion, Bennett’s in the midst of a massive slump. Not only has the 26-year-old not scored in 11 games, but he’s tallied just two assists in that time frame. Having said that, the best course of action here is to hold firm and hope for a better second half. The Panthers need to get healthy!
Andrew Mangiapane, LW/RW, Calgary Flames (OWNED: 32%)
After exploding for 35 goals in 2021-22, Mangiapane is currently on pace for just 16 this season. And simply put, if he’s not scoring, he doesn’t hold much value in the fantasy world. Furthermore, the category coverage just hasn’t been there. Dump out; you can always circle back down the road.