It’s good to take a break. Recharge your senses. And do absolutely nothing. Now I know why they call it a staycation. (I’d also like to thank the frigid weather for keeping me at home.)
But there’s no rest for the NHL. I mean, other than the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, it’s business as usual for fantasy hockey. Let’s look at the market for players to boost your rosters.
(Rostered rates as of Jan. 24)
Forwards
Juraj Slafkovsky, MON (Yahoo: 51%)
Slafkovsky may be underperforming offensively relative to his rookie season, but he’s been consistent with at least one point in 10 of his last 18 games. The shots are a little low, though he’s ramped up the hits of late (32 since Dec. 31) and still gets to team up with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Slafkovsky also appears with the duo on the top power play and potted a PPG Tuesday. Be patient — the output will come.
Stefan Noesen, NJ (Yahoo: 39%)
Net-front PP presences are sometimes overlooked in fantasy as they tend to miss out on the scoring (unless a tip or scramble is involved). Noesen has often been front-and-center on Jersey’s lead man-advantage, and it’s paid huge dividends so far, as he has 12 PPPs — nine of those goals. He started lower down the lineup but has since moved up to a regular place alongside Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt. Needless to say, that’s a very favorable position that should result in more points.
Pierre-Luc Dubois, WAS (Yahoo: 39%)
All eyes may be focused on Alex Ovechkin’s upcoming record-breaking event, yet there are other Caps who’ve helped in the team’s amazing run. And Dubois has been the hottest of the bunch, going off for seven goals, 17 assists, 46 shots, a plus-17 and 192 faceoff wins during his last 25 contests. That’s pretty amazing when you consider he doesn’t skate with The Great 8 on either even-strength or while up a man. Get Dubois since he’s primed to continue as a key part of a strong Washington forward unit.
Pavel Zacha, BOS (Yahoo: 23%)
We’re going back to Zacha the same way Morgan Geekie was first brought up during December, and it has everything to do with David Pastrnak’s offensive explosion the last two months. Zacha has usually partnered his fellow Czech teammate while reaping the benefits over that stretch by posting 21 points on 19:19 a night. Even with the fantasy glut at center, it’s still baffling how he’s available in three of every four Yahoo…