Memo to discouraged fantasy owners: We’re in this together.
At this point, the better question may be, “who isn’t in COVID-19 protocol?”
It’s been a hell of a week in the NHL world, one that’s seen multiple outbreaks (60-plus players and staff) and numerous game postponements. And sadly, this could be the tip of the iceberg, given the unprecedented transmission rate of the Omicron variant.
No need to talk in fantasy, the reality is that there’s not much that can be done to navigate through these unpredictable waters. All you can do is take it one day at a time and hope for the best moving forward for your squad.
Speaking of which, next time you put together a roster for the Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Pool, take a quick glance at Twitter or Sportsnet.ca for the latest news and information on teams and players. Suffice it is to say, a lot is happening right now.
Now to your questions.
@ChrisBr68036098 asks: I picked up Tuuka. Will he be back sooner or later? Is it worth stashing him?
For starters, I’d say it’s pretty much inevitable that Rask will be signing with the Bruins. It’s more a matter of when.
At this point, stashing Rask is a sound strategy, especially given the fact that Jeremy Swayman is now in Covid protocol. This is sheer speculation on my part but I wonder if this development will help to expedite the process between the two parties, provided Rask is feeling up to it, of course.
Given your current crease situation, I’d be heavily inclined to accept that offer. All things considered, it’s a reasonable trade for both sides, even if Pastrnak is able to return to top-end form. Simply put, you badly need a goalie and Andersen’s a big-time upgrade over anything you currently possess. To compound matters, the Swayman news doesn’t help you in the leverage department either, so I’d pull the trigger before it’s too late.
@CarloConforti2 asks: Is Stolarz a worth waiver pickup behind John Gibson?
With Gibson down, Stolarz is definitely worth taking a flier on. Quietly, the 27-year-old Ducks backup is off to a superb start (6-2-1, 2.13 GAA, 0.932 SV%, 2 SO). Having said that, once Gibson is able to return, it’ll be his crease again, there’s no debate to be had. Stolarz, a career journeyman, has been a nice story so far this season. It’s been great to see. Too bad that Zegras kid has overshadowed him.
@TayMacKenzie14 asks: Nic Backstrom close to return, worth giving a shot?
More than a shot. If he’s available, pick Backstrom up immediately. The veteran centre, who tallied 53 points in 55 games last season for the Capitals, will see plenty of attachment to Alex Ovechkin moving forward. The 34-year-old Backstrom figures to be a top-75 fantasy file by the season’s end. Do it up.
@mybigtrousers asks: Who to drop with Backstrom coming off IR? Bennett, Granlund, Mangiapane (COVID), M. Foligno. Thanks!
If it were me, I’d drop Foligno. There’s no doubt he’s off to another solid start, but of the four players mentioned, I think he has the lowest offensive ceiling. And that’s not an indictment on the player either, I just like the other three guys a bit more. Cut bait.
@ReiandShaesDad asks: Is it time to give up on Taylor Hall?
Tell you what, we’re definitely getting to that point. Having said that, now’s not the time to jump ship on Hall. With Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron both sidelined indefinitely due to Covid, Hall figures to be a mainstay on the top-line alongside David Pastrnak for the next little while. If this opportunity doesn’t get him going, I don’t know what will.
Monitor closely, with an itchy trigger finger.
@StoneShow2 asks: What should I do with Tyler Seguin? Do you see the Stars turning it around?
Remember that Taylor versus Tyler debate? Yeah, time’s flying, it’s been a while since either player has been very fantasy relevant. At any rate, Seguin has really struggled out of the gates, he’s really fallen off. I would drop him, you can find better on the waiver wire right now.
Hold onto Ehlers.
Call me an optimist but the Danish speedster has potted five goals in his past six outings. Clearly, he’s starting to heat up, and with captain Blake Wheeler out indefinitely due to injury, the Jets will need more of that moving forward.
Be patient.
@TFindlay96 asks: Best fantasy goalie not named Vasilevskiy or Hellebuyck for the next five seasons?
Igor Shesterkin.
@agonyofdatweet asks: Martin Necas? Acquire, drop, or hold?
Although he’s been teetering in drop territory for a while, I think you almost have to hold onto Necas for the time being, especially given the rapid rise of Covid cases around the league. Think of it this way, who are you dropping him in favour of? At this point in the season, most standard waiver wires are extremely watered down, yours is likely no different.
Sit tight, lots of hockey ahead.
@alex_klepsa26 asks: I need a sleeper goalie or a good idea for trade. PLZ HELP!
Petr Mrazek. Pavel Francouz. Chris Driedger. Anthony Stolarz. Hope that helps.
