Welcome back! We're coming up to the Four Nations tournament…or is it championship? Either way, we're close to the start of that event and I'm curious as what implications they'll be for fantasy. For now, let's dive in and see what's what this week.

The Immediate Fix (Grab this guy and use him for the next several days)

Drew Doughty, D, Los Angeles Kings (Rostered in 44% of ESPN leagues, 27% Fantrax, 14% Yahoo) – Doughty made his season debut the other night against Florida. Having been sidelined with an ankle injury, I wasn't sure what his ice time would look like and was encouraged seeing him skate for over 23 minutes and taking top power-play duties.

I went with an Immediate Fix here instead of a Building Block for Doughty, because I do want to monitor his ice time and production before I'd say to make an add for a player that you may only roster briefly. If Doughty is right, you'll get top power-play opportunities along with plenty of hits and blocked shots. In the past, I've rostered Doughty for both of these reasons, but in a sport where goals and assist are essentially random, it's always good to have a player that produces hits and blocked shots to suffice. If you're league is like mine, then you'll quickly notice that the defensemen pool is light right now, Doughty could be a quick solution for your team. Bet you guys won't guess who the Odd-Man Out is going to be? Quick hint – Also a defenseman for the Kings.

The Building Block (Buy now, sit back and enjoy the production)

Brayden McNabb, D, Vegas Golden Knights (Rostered in 55% of ESPN leagues, 34% Fantrax, 26% Yahoo) – So yes, the defense in most leagues is a little weak, but one bright spot might be McNabb. The eye test backs up what the stats are telling me: McNabb could be a solid addition moving forward.

I watched the Vegas game last Sunday night against Florida and watched as what felt like multiple rush attempts where McNabb was able to crash the net while also getting in a couple of good looks off a draw in the offensive zone. He has three points in five games for the Knights, and while I do wish he was on either power play unit, he does at least get time on the penalty kill. I currently roster Colton Parayko who provides me with plenty of shots with hits and blocks mixed in and McNabb is an excellent comparable to him. With 90 hits and 113 blocks, if the shots aren't landing, he will still be able to provide you with a good peripheral game.

The Odd Man Out (His short-term value is cause for concern)

Brandt Clarke, D, Los Angeles Kings (Rostered in 57% of ESPN leagues, 86% Fantrax, 44% Yahoo) – Did you guess Clarke earlier? I did really think that Doughty's return would not diminish Clarke's role for the club as significantly as it has in one game. Apparently, he is now also on the trade block. Los Angeles, make it make sense.

I've been encouraged by Clarke's play for most of this season, the season started out great for him, as he right now sits at 24 points on the season. That's in the neighborhood of MacKenzie Weegar, Noah Dobson (mend quick), and Travis Sanheim. For a 21-year-old, Clarke has looked impressive, so I was very surprised to see random tweets saying that the Kings were looking to deal him.

He's the Odd-Man out then for two reasons. The first being that he has lost his spot as the top power-play defensemen. The second would be if he does get dealt, what will his situation look like for the rest of this season? If he can land somewhere that allows him to be able to produce on the power play in a larger role then he may go from a good situation to a better one. He could also be moved to a team that limits his use, which to me would also be the case now in Los Angeles. Hand up here, I don't understand fielding trade offers but sure, go ahead. Looking at you to pick up the phone, Detroit.

The Anchors (They’ll do nothing but disappoint even over the long haul)

Jeremy Swayman, G, Boston Bruins (Rostered in 80% of ESPN leagues, 95%, Fantrax, 96% Yahoo) – This morning, Swayman was dropped in my fantasy league. When this happens to a player with high roster numbers I must investigate it as an Anchor situation. I watch a good amount of Bruins games and must think they are in a much better spot in the standings than they are now if Swayman was not in net. Anchors away.  

There's a couple of players that come to mind for me that need a do-over for the season, and Swayman is one of them. I really do not understand what is going so wrong here. He guards the post well, is constantly aware of where people are lining up pre-faceoff and is coming off a very nice fantasy season. He is now 3-6-1 in his last ten starts with a 3.03 GAA and .895 SV%, both career lows. The only thing I can point to is missing camp has really set him back and with no indications right now that things are going to improve, it may be the right time to either trade him or look for a different option on waivers.

Love ‘Em (These squads are sure to pay dividends in the coming days)
This period runs through January 3 – February 9

Utah – We're out on Wasatch, but maybe in on Outlaws. Regardless, we're in on the Utah Hockey Club going forward with two games this week and four coming up the following.    

Colorado – The algorithm loves the western Canada road trip, as the Avs will be on the road in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.

Tampa Bay – Back-to-back Love 'Ems for the Bolts! With four games on the schedule for next week, they're on my radar as a club to target. Could end up good or bad, but unhappy my Tampa power play stack fell flat versus the Hawks.  

Leave ‘Em (These squads will leave fantasy owners sorely disappointed in the short term)

Buffalo – Two players on the same line each scoring a hat trick was awesome to watch. That said, moving forward the Sabres aren't on the schedule as much which is temporarily taking me off of them.   

Winnipeg – Two games next week for Winnipeg is a stinker for those rostering Connor Hellebuyck in fantasy. I stand with all of you in that regard.  

Minnesota – With all their injuries, $15M dead cap space, difficult schedule, the fact the Wild are where they are in the standings is incredible. They are a Leave 'Em for now, though, but could be back on the other side of things next week.

*For continued fantasy news and notes, follow me on Twitter @ndySanz.