RADIO
Hey RotoBallers. Here is my week 16 rundown of NHL Forwards, Defensemen and Goaltenders whose fantasy hockey values have been rising and falling over the past week of action.
The rising players can be considered fantasy hockey sleepers or waiver wire pickups, depending on your league size and format. For those trending downward, it might be time to look elsewhere for production. Be sure to check back each week for more fantasy hockey analysis.
NHL Players Rising after Week 15 of Fantasy Hockey
Mike Hoffman (F, OTT) - 11% Owned
Attending an all-star game can be a boost of confidence for a young player like Mike Hoffman. The rookie has been playing some solid hockey this year and that type of mid-season recognition could provide some extra validation, not that he needs it. Hoffman has 25 points, 104 SOG and an outstanding +19 rating through 43 games played. His playing time continues to fluctuate and he is averaging just over 14:00 minutes per game. If that number rises in the second half of the season, Hoffman could be quite the fantasy force.
Seth Jones (D, NSH) - 16% Owned
Inconsistency has plagued Seth Jones throughout the early part of his career, but the young defenseman is starting to come into his own. He has stepped up his game following the injury to Ryan Ellis. Jones has skated at least 20:00 minutes in seven straight games, including four games with over 23:00 minutes. He has 15 points this year, but five of those have come in his last five contests. He is now a +11 on the season and would be a healthy addition to any fantasy squad.
Petr Mrazek (G, DET) - 39% Owned
The Red Wings will continue to ride with Petr Mrazek as Jimmy Howard remains sidelined. Mrazek has 10 wins in 15 games played, including five in his last six starts. Though owners should monitor him closely, as Mrazek has allowed four goals in consecutive games despite picking up the victory both times. Mrazek is playing well enough and may be worth a look for fantasy owners in need of goaltending help.
NHL Players Falling after Week 15 of Fantasy Hockey
Tyler Bozak (F, TOR) - 65% Owned
To be honest, the entire Maple Leafs team could be listed under the "falling" category. Tyler Bozak is just one of Toronto's struggling skaters. He is pointless in six straight games and 10 of his last 11. Bozak is a -10 in the month of January. Until the course is righted, fantasy owners should abandon ship.
Erik Johnson (D, COL) - 61% Owned
This one isn't so much due to poor play, but lack of play. Erik Johnson is having a stellar season, but he missed the all-star game due to injury and has now been placed on injured reserve. The veteran defenseman will undergo knee surgery and could be out for up to two months. Fantasy owners may want to look for a replacement to eat up some of those minutes.
Sergei Bobrovsky (G, CLS) - 69% Owned
A goaltender's worst nightmare is a groin injury and Sergei Bobrovsky has just that. It's tough to put a timetable on that sort of injury but the Blue Jackets are guessing he will sit for four-to-six weeks. Backup Curtis McElhinney and recent recall Anton Forsberg will absorb the goaltending duties for the foreseeable future.
