Eastern Edge: Trending Up – Part One

Eric Daoust

2015-02-03

Milan Lucic

Eastern Conference players trending up in time for your stretch run.

These days, many fantasy leagues allow in-season roster changes, most notably the ability to add and drop players. These signings from the pool of previously unowned players play a key role in the outcome of these leagues. Obviously, things rarely play out the way we envision at the draft in October. Unexpected players emerge and can help cover for our mistakes at the draft table.

Waiver wire additions are also a good way to take advantage of extreme shifts in player value that go beyond reason. For example, there are always guys that are normally solid fantasy assets but come out of the gate firing blanks. If this goes on for long enough, his owner may give up and send him packing. But at some point the numbers should correct themselves. If your timing is good you can scoop up a viable player in the middle of a hot streak.

With that said, the tracking of trends goes beyond the waiver wire. Higher-end players also go through their share of ups and downs. Their slumps will usually not result in them being released but they could become trade block fodder available at a discount rate. Sometimes owners simply forget how good the player can be and underestimate his true potential. The key is to set your team up to maximize production down the stretch regardless of what happened in the first half.

Boston

Torey Krug (11 pts in 12 GP in 2015, 15 pts in 34 GP in 2014) – Clearly, Krug enjoys a more sheltered role with fewer minutes but less responsibility. This year he was thrust into a more important role when captain Zdeno Chara went down to injury. With Chara back, Krug is playing minutes more similar to last year. During his hot play in 2015, he has averaged just 17 minutes per game, down from his season average of 19.

Milan Lucic (10 pts in 12 GP in 2015, 18 pts in 37 GP in 2014) – Lucic has received plenty of coverage in recent weeks for his poor play in the first half. Most of it can be attributed to the extended absence of longtime linemate David Krejci. With Krejci now back in the fold, Lucic has heated up and is now in line to post some more reasonable final numbers. He still has room for improvement in particular in the goal-scoring department as his shooting percentage still sits 3% below his career average.

Buffalo

Chris Stewart (8 pts in 11 GP in 2015, 10 pts in 37 GP in 2014) – Stewart's play in 2015 has put him back on the fantasy hockey map. In just 11 games since January 1^st he has nearly doubled his previous point output. At this rate he is a very viable fantasy contributor, especially in multi-category leagues. He may still be easy to acquire due to his season totals which still look ugly. Keep in mind that Stewart is still shooting 3% below his career average hinting to a potential for further improvements down the stretch. Plus, a move to a new club could lead to more assists if he is surrounded with better scorers than he has in Buffalo.

Nikita Zadorov (3 pts in 8 GP in 2015, 6 pts in 27 GP in 2014) – Unfortunately the pickings are slim in Buffalo when looking for players that are trending up. It does not look like much but Zadorov has been much better in the new year. His value is still limited to multi-category leagues but if he is able to sustain the uptick in offense he can become a pretty formidable all-around contributor, provided that the league does not count plus-minus. As a former first-round choice, the Sabres will definitely give him the opportunity to contribute if he proves to be ready.

Carolina

Victor Rask (6 pts in 12 GP in 2015, 9 pts in 37 GP in 2014) – Despite disappointing overall numbers, Rask has constantly received solid ice time and has been a fixture on the power play all year. Since the start of 2015 he has rewarded the Hurricanes for their patience with an average of one point every two games. While this total is still not setting the world on fire, it is a clear sign that there is something in Rask and that fantasy owners should be paying attention. The fact that his season average is better than two shots per game will certainly help sustain his current strong play.

Eric Staal (9 pts in 12 GP in 2015, 21 pts in 32 GP in 2014) – Staal has been no stranger to difficult stretches on offense over the years and this one is no exception. While his 2015 numbers are far from elite, the improved production offers a reminder of what Staal has accomplished over the years. He is certainly trending up but there is still an opportunity to buy low, especially in keeper leagues. As the face of the Hurricanes' franchise, ice time and prime opportunities will always be there for Staal.

Columbus

Scott Hartnell (9 pts in 13 GP in 2015, 19 pts in 30 GP in 2014) – Hartnell has adapted well in his first season in Columbus. The transition was certainly made easier by being a frequent linemate of young star Ryan Johansen. While Hartnell is current on pace for 50 points, he has also shown the ability in the past to get red-hot, and has two 60-point years under his belt. The conditions exist for further improvement – despite the good play Hartnell is still shooting close to 2.5% below his career average.

James Wisniewski (7 pts in 13 GP in 2015, 15 pts in 32 GP in 2014) – Usually a very potent offensive blueliner when healthy, Wisniewski had a slow start to the year primarily due to the rash of injuries throughout the Blue Jackets' lineup. The team has been much healthier and more stable of late and it has shown in Wisniewski's production. The overall numbers still look underwhelming so you may be able to buy low if you are willing to assume the injury risk.

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Detroit

UPCOMING GAMES

Dec 27 - 19:12	DET	vs	TOR
Dec 27 - 19:12	BUF	vs	CHI
Dec 27 - 19:12	CBJ	vs	BOS
Dec 27 - 19:12	N.J	vs	CAR
Dec 27 - 20:12	DAL	vs	MIN
Dec 27 - 20:12	STL	vs	NSH
Dec 27 - 21:12	UTA	vs	COL
Dec 27 - 22:12	S.J	vs	VGK