Image courtesy of Jerome Miron/USA Today
Here is my week two add em, drop em for fantasy hockey. If you haven’t picked up James Neal, what are you waiting for?
Add Em!
1. James Neal, F, Vegas Golden Knights: Neal returned earlier than expected from wrist surgery and has been on fire, scoring four goals in three games. He is available in roughly 40% of leagues out there.
2. Tyson Barrie, D, Colorado Avalanche: The puck moving defenseman is available in 45% of leagues. Barrie plays in all situations and is the quarterback of the Avalanche’s power play.
3. Adam Henrique, F, New Jersey Devils: Henrique is a proven goal scorer who is available in 55% of leagues out there. I dropped him last week but that was for James Neal. Henrique is a solid bench piece.
4. Jesper Bratt, F, New Jersey Devils: Bratt is off to a strong start with 3 goals and 2 assists on the season. He is available in over 80% of leagues out there and might be worth adding ASAP while he’s hot.
5. Semyon Varlamov, G, Colorado Avalanche: Varlamov looks like he is fully recovered from his injury issues last season and is playing at high level thus far. He has stopped 66 of 68 shots this season. If you are looking for a back up you can play on a nightly basis, Varlamov is worth the investment.
Drop Em!
1. Alex Galchenyuk, F, Montreal Canadiens: Galchenyuk has yet to register a point through four games and he is a -1 on the season. If you are patient, hold onto to him. Otherwise, look for a more consistent goal scorer. Especially in 10 team leagues.
2. Brian Elliott, G, Philadelphia Flyers: Elliott is one of the most overrated net minders in the league. He has gotten off to a slow start in Philly, a place that is notorious for wearing goaltenders out.
3. Roberto Luongo, G, Florida Panthers: Luongo is owned in under 40% of leagues across the board. I think that’s high. He’s basically collecting a pay check in Sunrise. The only way he should be rostered is if you are in dire need of a back up.
4. Zach Parise, F, Minnesota Wild: Wasting a roster spot this early in the season on the injured Parise makes no sense. Not only that but he is a shell of the player he once was. There are too many good, productive players on the waiver wire who can help you more than Parise can right now.
5. Antoine Roussel, F, Dallas Stars: Roussel is a -1 and has accumulated 10 penalty minutes in two games. Yet somehow, 30% of fantasy players out there own him. Why????? Free up the roster spot for a more productive player please.