Special to Yahoo Sports
We’ve officially hit the NHL All-Star break. The ceremonial halfway point of the regular season … even though most teams have played at least 60 percent of their games. The stop in action is a perfect time to analyze your fantasy rosters for what they’ve achieved so far and what they can do down the road. Trades may be difficult in some leagues due to deadlines already passing or coming up soon. If that path to acquisitions has been closed, there’s always talent in the free-agent pool.
Let’s look at a few still widely-available players who should be able to make a difference in the second half.
(Rostered rates as of Feb. 3)
Forwards
David Krejci, BOS (Yahoo: 44%)
A player who’s notched 42 points in 46 games for the top team would normally be gone in a large percentage of leagues, but Krejci hasn’t gotten there quite yet. Maybe it’s because he’s not one of Boston’s Big Three up front — or Four if you want to include Taylor Hall. Or it could be the age factor, where people just assume Krejci’s performance will eventually tail off. But it’s tough to argue with a goal and 10 assists from the last nine contests combined with steady minutes, a prominent power-play position and decent offerings in a few categories.
Matty Beniers, SEA (Yahoo: 44%)
Beniers was forced to sit out the last two matchups but should be available when the Kraken resume play on Tuesday. He’s the odds-on favorite to win the Calder Trophy and is projected to end up somewhere in the 50-to-60-point range. There’s no need to tab Beniers as Seattle’s future No. 1 center as he’s already claimed that honor with 17 goals, 19 assists and a substantial 92 shots. The team currently leads the Pacific Division and will need every bit of Beniers’ talent to stay on top and go on a deep playoff run.
Boone Jenner, CLS (Yahoo: 34%)
After a month out of the lineup, Jenner is back to being his best, underrated self while contributing across the board. Playing within a weak Columbus attack will tend to lower one’s rostered percentage, yet there’s a certain perk to teaming up with dynamic wingers like Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine. Jenner hasn’t wowed anyone with his output, though any skater who logs over 20 minutes per game, posts points at a decent rate and averages around three shots and two hits should be much less available.
Scott Laughton, PHI (Yahoo: 31%)
Speaking of multi-tool performers, Laughton has quietly risen to fantasy stalwart this season (of course, that…