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Hey RotoBallers. Here is my week 19 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 18 of Fantasy Hockey
Kevin Hayes (F, NYR) - 6% Owned
Rookie forward Kevin Hayes has been excellent over the past few weeks. Not to be outdone by his older brother Jimmy Hayes, who is having a solid season in Florida, Kevin Hayes now has 25 points and a +7 rating in 52 games. Nine of those points have come in his last nine games. While Hayes' playing time has also been on the rise, the Rangers are particularly solid at center. So despite his current scoring streak, Hayes' fantasy value is limited as long as he remains in the bottom six. Keep an eye on him.
Hampus Lindholm (D, ANA) - 24% Owned
Despite having a solid all-around season, Hampus Lindholm is still available in three-quarters of standard fantasy hockey leagues. He has appeared on my waiver wire lists a few times and rightfully so. The young defenseman is developing an impressive two-way game. If the recent injury to Sami Vatanen is serious, Lindholm should see even more responsibility with the Ducks over the next few weeks. Lindholm has 25 points and a +14 rating while skating an average of 21:58 in 55 games this season.
Ben Scrivens (G, EDM) - 8% Owned
After missing some time with a hamstring injury, Ben Scrivens is returning to the Oilers lineup just in time. Backup Viktor Fasth suffered a knee injury on Monday, forcing Richard Bachman into his first action of the season. Scrivens should take over the starting duties in Edmonton and could be an option for fantasy owners if he regains his form. Keep an eye on his play over the next week of games.
NHL Players Falling after Week 18 of Fantasy Hockey
James van Riemsdyk (F, TOR) - 91% Owned
In his last seven games, James van Riemsdyk has zero points and a -6 rating. He also hasn't topped the 20:00 minute plateau in any of those games. JVR is now a -22 on the season. His 43 points in 57 games are impressive, but his fantasy value tanks if the scoring touch continues to evade him. Fantasy owners should not drop van Riemsdyk, but may want to stash him on the bench for a few games.
Cody Franson (D, NSH) - 66% Owned
With his recent trade to the Predators, Cody Franson should be able to improve on his -7 rating. However, he will go from being a top defenseman in Toronto to possibly the fourth or fifth defenseman in Nashville. He very well may be an important part of the Preds playoff run, but his fantasy value will likely take a hit. Monitor his progress going forward, but temper expectations.
Tuukka Rask (G, BOS) - 98% Owned
Only Carey Price is more highly-owned in standard fantasy leagues, but Tuukka Rask certainly isn't playing like a top-tier goaltender. The Boston backstop blew a 3-0 third period lead in his last outing and has now lost his last four starts. He has allowed four goals in each of his last two starts, posting sub-.900 save percentages in both games. He has just 23 wins in 45 starts this season. Rask remains the number one option, but Malcolm Subban has been recalled from the AHL and may see some action going forward.
