Latest info on Byfuglien, Granlund, Karlsson, and more…

Really had to get my Ducks in a row to write this one…

The Big Guns (>75% owned in Yahoo Leagues)

Patrice Bergeron –  A lower-body injury will keep Boston’s captain out of the lineup on Wednesday when the Bruins take on the Avalanche. Unfortunately, Bergeron isn’t having the ideal response to prescribed treatment, and a weekend return (Saturday against the Coyotes or Sunday against the Golden Knights) seems like the best hope at this point.

Dustin Byfuglien – The Jets’ defenseman should be considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury after missing Monday’s game against the Oilers. Winnipeg allowed 13 goals in their first two games, and although it’s a small sample size, big Buff is going to be a big part of improving the team’s defensive numbers.

Mikael Granlund – After breaking out with an impressive 69 points in 81 games last season, many fantasy owners were hoping for more of the same from the Wild forward. They’re going to have to wait at least four more games, after which it becomes more of a day-to-day situation. Expect teams to be extra cautious with rushing their star players back in the beginning of the season, when results seem least important.

Roman Josi – The Predators’ defenseman was not in the lineup as the team beat the Flyers 6-5 on Tuesday night. The good news is that he was a game-time decision, indicating a lack of severity. For now, consider him day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

Erik Karlsson – The Senators’ defenseman continues to skate and make progress from his foot surgery. Although the Sens have struggled to start the season, if they hope to succeed down the stretch it means allowing their best player as much time as he needs to feel 100%.  It seems to be a day-to-day situation at this point, and I would expect Ottawa to have their captain back within the next few games.

The Second Liners (40%-75% owned in Yahoo Leagues)

Zach Parise – It’s always promising to hear that an injured player has been a full participant in practice, and in this case it also means that Parise is getting closer and closer to a return. As of right now, it has been confirmed that this isn’t a back injury, and that there’s a chance he plays Thursday against the Blackhawks. Injuries have seemed to hinder Parise’s production in recent years, so be careful on how attached you are to him this season.

Kyle Palmieri – Will be a game-time decision Wednesday night against the Leafs. The Devils are going to need all hands on deck to remain undefeated as they face a red-hot team from Toronto, so let’s all hope that means Palmieri returns to the lineup.

Patric Hornqvist – The Penguins’ forward was able to actively participate in practice and could be a game-time decision Wednesday night against the Capitals. If he does play, keep an eye on who falls out of Pittsburgh’s top 6, and avoid them like the plague.

Alexander Steen – There’s a possibility the Blues’ forward returns to the lineup within the next four games. He continues to skate and recover from a broken hand, and everything will come down to how he feels when the clock strikes game-time.

The Depth Guys (10%-40% owned in Yahoo Leagues)

Sami Vatanen  – Anaheim’s blue-liner has improved on his original recovery timeline, and should be back before October comes to an end.

Nick Schmaltz – With a fast start to the season (3 points in 2 games), fantasy managers are understandably eager for Schmaltz to get back on the ice with Patrick Kane. An optimistic outlook would see the Blackhawks’ forward return from an upper-body injury on Thursday when Chicago takes on the Minnesota Wild.

Ryan Miller – The veteran goaltender was brought in by the Ducks to take some pressure off of John Gibson, but it doesn’t seem like that pressure will be taken off any time soon. An upper-body injury has prevented Miller from practicing and he won’t be in a position to act as Gibson’s understudy, at least for the immediate future.

David Backes – The Bruins’ forward is about a week into the three to four week timeline for his diverticulitis recovery. Depending on your league settings, it might be wise to drop Backes in favour of some hot free agents, and pick him up again when he is closer to returning.

Patrick Eaves – Eaves will soon ease his way into the lineup, after taking part in his first full practice and finally feeling more comfortable on the ice. With an impressive 14 points in 20 games with the Ducks to end of the 2016-2017 campaign, his fantasy owners are hoping for another productive season.

Boone Jenner – The Blue Jackets’ forward is still not in a position to play, although he continues to skate and recover from a back injury. Unfortunately, there have been few detailed updates in the past few days, so hopefully more information is on its way.

The Mr. Irrelevants (<10% owned in Yahoo Leagues)

Hampus Lindholm – We still don’t have an exact date for Lindholm’s return, but fortunately he hasn’t experienced any setbacks as he recovers from shoulder surgery. He has been making great strides, and the Ducks continue to monitor his shoulder strength in situations of fatigue.

Ian Cole – Won’t be in the lineup Wednesday night against the Capitals, but there’s a chance he plays Thursday against the Lightning.

Nick Ritchie – The young Ducks’ forward seems to be on the verge of a return, as he was a “possibility” on Monday night against the Flames, so it would seem that with each passing day ‘possible’ turns into ‘probable’. Don’t be surprised if he’s ready to go Wednesday night against the Islanders.