It is crazy to think the season is already more than 10 per cent complete. Where did the time go? More importantly, how will slumping stars such as Corey Perry and Sidney Crosby make up for lost time? Do not worry about those guys.
It is still too early to panic and drop just about anyone but that late-round flyer. Whatever logic you used in making most of your picks still requires more time to see if it proves right. That said, injuries are starting to pile up so folks are looking to the waiver wire for short-term solutions to their woes. Fret not, we have got you covered. It is Waiver Wednesday!
Nazem Kadri, C – 23 per cent owned
We are going to beat this horse until it is dead and then keep on beating it until the stench becomes unbearable. Kadri is the Leafs’ No. 1 centre. He is skating a career-high 18:35 per game and has upped his shooting to more than four shots (SOG) per game. There’s real fantasy value here. He isn’t a mere fill-in. This is a player who should be owned in all leagues. He will challenge for 60 points this season with well over 200 SOG. To quote Dumb and Dumber, “Pick ‘em up!”
Nick Bjugstad, C – 45 per cent owned
It is unlikely that you will find Bjugstad available in a keeper setting, but in one-year formats he is still widely available. That’s good news, particularly if you are an Aleksander Barkov owner needing a replacement. Barkov’s injury has allowed Bjugstad to slide onto the top line alongside the ageless Jaromir Jagr and slick playmaker Jonathan Huberdeau. It is a cushy spot and Bjugstad has the heavy shot and willingness to use it that makes him an excellent fit.
Josh Bailey, LW/RW – Five per cent owned
Bailey periodically receives promotions to the Islanders’ top line alongside John Tavares. It is during these stretches where he can provide real value for fantasy owners. This is one of those stretches. With five points in his past five games, Bailey is on a nice hot streak. The Islanders also have four games over the next week, which makes him a very effective short-term solution.
Frans Nielsen, C – Nine per cent owned
Ryan Strome was reportedly “pissed off” after being a healthy scratch over the weekend. He got back into the lineup later this week, but found that his spot on the top power play unit had been usurped by Nielsen. Nielsen’s been a power play mainstay for the Islanders for many years now. Nielsen has done most of his damage at even strength, where he is clicking with Kyle Okposo. That makes the promotion all the more enticing. Given his renewed offensive role and the Islanders’ heavy schedule Nielsen is a favourable option available in the majority of pools.
Michael Stone, D – 14 per cent owned
This is more of a long-term play as the Coyotes only have one game between now and next Thursday. After that stretch of days off, however, Stone should provide ample assistance. The Coyotes’ troubles with shorthanded goals motivated Dave Tippett to move a second defenceman onto the top power play unit. Enter Stone. He is skating nearly as many minutes as Oliver Ekman-Larsson and boasts a big enough shot to be a genuine asset. More importantly, by next week the injuries the Coyotes are facing up the middle should hopefully have cleared up, allowing them to produce more offence than they did in Boston Tuesday night.
Tomas Hertl, C/LW – 25 per cent owned
It is possible that the low ownership figures for some of the above options are related to positional needs. With centre being the deepest position in the game there are bound to be some good ones floating on the waiver wire. Hertl offers the benefit of left wing eligibility, which may help you get him into the lineup. He is currently filling in for Logan Couture on the second line alongside a rejuvenated Patrick Marleau and off-season acquisition Joel Ward. The Sharks play four games over the next week so if nothing else, Hertl will help you fill up your daily lineup.
Steve is a Managing Editor at DobberHockey. Follow him on Twitter @SteveLaidlaw.
