RADIO
Hey RotoBallers. Here is my week 17 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 16 of Fantasy Hockey
Cedric Paquette (F, TB) - 4% Owned
Five goals in three games is considered red-hot. Cedric Paquette may have found the scoring touch, but fantasy owners may want to hold off on adding Tampa Bay's young forward, for now. He is averaging just over 13:00 minutes of ice-time per game and does not see much time on the Lightning power-play. However, his stock is on the rise and he could be in line for more playing time if the offensive surge continues. Keep an eye on the young sniper.
Ryan Murray (D, CLS) - 3% Owned
Knee injuries have sidelined Ryan Murray for most of this season after an impressive rookie campaign a year ago. Murray posted 4 G, 17 A in 66 games last season, including seven power-play points. He has returned to the Blue Jackets lineup and notched an assist in his first action since November. Fantasy owners should monitor his status going forward. If he can stay healthy, Murray will be a solid blue line option for the remainder of the season.
Jake Allen (G, STL) - 35% Owned
Back-up goaltenders typically do not have a whole lot of fantasy value. Jake Allen is an exception to that rule. He has won his last three games and now has a 14-5-2 record on the year. Brian Elliott continues to see the starting duties, but Allen is a solid play whenever he gets the nod. For fantasy owners looking for a spot-start goaltender, Jake Allen is a great option.
NHL Players Falling after Week 16 of Fantasy Hockey
Keith Yandle (D, ARI) - 95% Owned
While his 34 points are among the top ten for defensemen in the NHL, Keith Yandle's -24 rating is in the bottom ten of the league. He logs a ton of minutes and produces regularly on the power-play, but Yandle hasn't posted a positive rating in 16 straight games. Sixteen! Ouch.
Kevin Shattenkirk (D, STL) - 96% Owned
Kevin Shattenkirk was enjoying an All-Star caliber season before suffering an abdominal injury last week. He will be forced to undergo surgery and is considered week-to-week. Stash Shattenkirk on the bench until he is healthy.
Michael Hutchinson (G, WPG) - 57% Owned
A stellar start to the season won Michael Hutchinson the starting job in Winnipeg, but his last three starts have been forgettable. Hutchinson allowed four or more goals in each of his last three games. Ondrej Pavelec will take over for the immediate future until Hutchinson proves he can stop the puck again.
