Special to Yahoo Sports
Vacations can be great, but then you have to come home and head back to work. No more relaxation and winter escapes. You’re stuck in the cold, and that’s where you’ll be until summer.
But being away doesn’t give an excuse to stop checking on fantasy. If I can set up weekly free-agent bids and lineups while attending a Scrabble tournament in New Orleans, so can you.
Here are a few players to fit into your lineups. Not all of them are guaranteed to succeed, but everyone on this list should be readily available.
(Rostered rates as of Jan. 19)
Forwards
Johnny Gaudreau, Columbus Blue Jackets (Yahoo: 49%)
It’s strange to see Gaudreau at less than 50% coverage, but that’ll happen when he’s known for his scoring and shooting and neither has been consistent this season. The Columbus connection may not be alluring, yet their forward corps is stacked with young talent. While regular center Boone Jenner has been out, Gaudreau has alternated alongside Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger while posting three assists and nine shots in his last two games in a combined 43 minutes. Jenner is slated to return Friday, so perhaps the partnership with Gaudreau can once again flourish.
Mikael Backlund, Calgary Flames (Yahoo: 33%)
There are a few Flames who could have filled this slot, as they’ve potted 39 goals while winning seven of 10 contests. So let’s highlight Backlund as he keeps producing while not receiving enough attention. Need proof? There’s the 10 goals, 12 assists, 98 shots, and 300-plus faceoff wins since Nov. 4. Or his significant roles on both special-teams groups while logging over 19 minutes a night. Backlund isn’t that proficient on the power play, though his efforts elsewhere make him a worthy addition to any lineup.
Sam Bennett, Florida Panthers (Yahoo: 31%)
Bennett was first profiled at the end of November after working his way back to full fitness. Since then, he’s gone off for 17 points, 58 shots, 47 PIM and 33 hits. Bennett may only be on Florida’s backup man-advantage, but he’s continued as the regular center for Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe at even strength. As long as that trio remains intact, Bennett is good for sufficient cross-category contributions.
Ross Colton, Colorado Avalanche (Yahoo: 20%)
Kudos to Valeri Nichushkin for entering the Player…