An interesting development at Buffalo Sabres practice as we saw Jiri Kulich next to Tage Thompson and Josh Doan on the top line. This one has many layers here so stick with me. First, Kulich is a former first rounder and only 22 years old so if he can be Thompson's wingman, the Czech forward is only owned in 1% of Yahoo leagues. Who was taken off that top line? Ryan McLeod. And he wasn't just demoted, he was rotating on the wing on their fourth line.

McLeod's name has been swirling around the trade mill as part of a package for Connor Hellebuyck and as the smoke has started to increase with that fire, the team may have done this as injury protection until they can finalize the details. McLeod has really blossomed in Buffalo, recording back-to-back 50-point seasons, but I do not believe a trade to Winnipeg would increase his value. 

The Sabres are also close to the return of Jason Zucker. For those in deeper leagues, Zucker was a fixture on their power play last season and would add some razzle to the team's top-9. Rasmus Dahlin was also back at practice, so Owen Power Breakout Season is on hold.

The Jets would be looking at multiple pieces in return for their star netminder, but whoever gets moved, it would likely open a spot for one of their bright, young forwards. Whatever the trade ends up being, look out for Dobber's write up on the deal right after it occurs.

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Pavel Zacha of the Boston Bruins did not play Saturday night, and no details were ever truly given about the situation, but he returned on Tuesday in his usual top line and top PP role. However, we may have been given a glimpse into the future with Fraser Minten and James Hagens as the one-two punch down the middle. Zacha is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season so the B's may look to shop and deal the veteran center if they can't come to an extension.

After a dismal start, Minten has sometimes been riding shotgun with David Pastrnak and recorded six points in his last five games, firing 14 shots on goal, with six hits and five blocks. Hagens has impressed with the minimal amount of minutes he has been given and has contributed across the board. As the season moves along, the American center should be given more responsibility so keep him on your radar, especially if Zacha ends up being traded.

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This week, our light days are the typical Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday and we have four teams that play on two of those nights: Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, and Chicago Blackhawks.

Roman Kantserov season is back on as Connor Bedard made a quick and early return from his offseason injury. In Bedard's first game, Kantserov scored two goals and has been playing with the Chicago captain at five-on-five and with the extra man, while only being owned in 12% of Yahoo leagues. 

If you are in a bangers league, one player I like this week is Josh Anderson. Offensively, he is on a career year pace with four goals and six points through nine games, but he also has been credited with 18 hits and 19 shots on goal. The Habs winger is only 5% owned throughout the Yahoo platform.

From the Panthers, I like Anton Lundell in this spot. Only 10% owned in Yahoo, but they play the Ottawa Senators (Brady Tkachuk's return), Pittsburgh Penguins, and Chicago Blackhawks. All three of these contests will be filled with plenty of emotion and all three of the organizations can be scored on. This would be great timing for Lundell to get off the schneid.

Finally, on the Avs, I like Jaden Schwartz this week. Only 13% owned in Yahoo, the veteran leader is playing a complimentary role on this offense and has recorded six points in nine games. He even got some even strength run with Nathan MacKinnon on Tuesday night. The Band-Aid boy is in a bit of a cold streak as of right now, but he will draw some nice, light matchups to pad some stats.

Again, if you have any line up questions or want to chat trade discussions, please send me a message on Twitter so that we can chat some hockey (@LAM1926)!

Have a great week y'all!