NHL players are dropping like flies. Your fantasy hockey lineups are getting depleted. But there’s no need to panic.
We’ve got you covered with a bunch of mainly-available selections who can fill in and produce right away (or, at least, soon enough).
(Rostered rates as of Nov. 22)
Forwards
Pavel Buchnevich, STL (Yahoo: 50%)
Buchnevich is only gone in half of Yahoo! leagues. That may seem shocking for a forward who’s averaged nearly 70 points over the last three seasons until you realize he’s only at 12 a quarter of the way through the 2024-25 campaign while the Blues rank 29th in goals per game. Buchnevich’s responsibilities remain substantial, though he’s a little light on shots compared to career numbers. Robert Thomas came back from an extended absence Tuesday and combined with the ex-Ranger on a power-play goal. If that duo stays intact and can pick up their usual scoring haul, this could be the last time you’ll be able to get Buchnevich for free.
Tyler Seguin, DAL (Yahoo: 43%)
The Stars’ first line woke up Wednesday, combining for three goals and four assists. The team ranks top-10 in offense, though they’ve been carried by their second trio as Matt Duchene leads the way with 21 points, Mason Marchment sits second at 18 and Seguin isn’t far behind at 15. The former second-overall selection isn’t the player he was during his early Dallas days when he regularly posted between 70-80 points, yet he’s reliable for at least 50 while averaging at least two pucks on net a night. His two power-play goals to begin the year aren’t bad either.
Patrik Laine, MON (Yahoo: 37%)
After over 11 months without a competitive game, it appears Laine is close to returning, as he participated in a full practice Wednesday. His Habs debut may not come for a few more weeks, but you may want to stash him now. There’s always a chance Laine will be sidelined again, though his upside — especially in a loaded top-six and elite man-advantage — would be high.
Kiefer Sherwood, VAN (Yahoo: 34%)
A 29-year-old undrafted player coming in with 58 career points across six seasons and three locations may not sound like the most intriguing fantasy prospect. The Canucks make for Sherwood’s fourth franchise, and the stats have been flowing with 10 points, 38 shots and a league-leading 115 hits. Most of his contributions have come in the lower half of the lineup, which led to a promotion once Brock…