After a three-day break, the NHL offers a packed weekend with a combined 28 games. That should keep you busy with your fantasy lineups.
2024 may almost be over, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to sit back and relax. Sneak away from social events to check up on the latest hockey news. And enhance your holiday season by adding some of the players listed below:
(Rostered rates as of Dec. 27)
Forwards
Elias Lindholm, BOS (Yahoo: 36%)
Plenty of expectations were placed on Lindholm after he signed a huge contract with Boston in the summer, as the organization had been lacking a true No. 1 center. He immediately delivered by posting two goals and three assists from his first three games, but the next two months were marked by the same inconsistency the Bruins were suffering through. And with the team recovering the last five matchups, so has Lindholm, with five points, 15 shots, five hits and 49 faceoff wins. Top pivot, top power play, 18 minutes a night. Get him before others figure it out.
Anton Lundell, FLA (Yahoo: 31%)
The Panthers have been blessed with forward depth in recent years that culminated in consecutive Cup Final appearances and their first title. The talent is mainly concentrated within the first two lines, though their third trio centered by Lundell often gets overlooked alongside Eetu Luostarinen’s grit and Mackie Samoskevich’s untapped skill. They may not be producing at a high offensive level, but Lundell has provided across-the-board output with four assists, nine shots, 12 PIM, 13 hits and five blocks across five contests on a 16:45 average while participating on both special-teams units.
Blake Coleman, CGY (Yahoo: 27%)
Betcha didn’t realize Coleman set career-highs last season with 30 goals and 54 points. I know I forgot. The veteran may be slightly behind that pace, yet he’s maintained decent numbers across multiple categories on similarly strong ice time. Coleman is also riding a five-game scoring streak in which he’s added 14 shots, eight hits and four blocks. A versatile player who skates in all situations and accumulates plenty of fantasy stats? Count me in.
Dawson Mercer, NJ (Yahoo: 10%)
Despite increased involvement, Mercer’s points dropped off last year from 56 to 33. The minutes continue to climb, though the numbers haven’t followed. Maybe being in the lower half of the roster at even-strength has hurt his production. But if Monday’s outing…