Lafrenière’s Production; Montreal’s New Goaltending Tandem; Tough Schedule for St. Louis, and More

Welcome back to ‘Lining Up’ as the Trade Deadline is in the rearview mirror and the stretch run of the NHL regular season, and fantasy hockey season, is officially on. We have the information you need when scouring the waiver wire. Managers, let’s leer ahead at the upcoming weeks in fantasy hockey.

Fantasy Hockey Player Outlook

Which players you should be targeting in your fantasy leagues? Who can be had on the waiver wire, and who should you avoid picking up? Check out the fantasy hockey players’ outlook for the next 10 days.

*Note: All stats are courtesy of ESPN Fantasy Hockey.

Mid-Season Adds (Claim these players on the waiver wire)

Alexis Lafreniere, LW, New York Rangers, Rostered-22.6%

Since the Olympic break, Lafrenière has looked more like the number one pick he was drafted to be. With the Rangers heading into a retool and Panarin now gone, it appears as though the team will be building around and leaning on him more moving forward.

Shane Pinto, C, Ottawa Senators, Rostered-41.5%

Pinto has gotten back to his goal-scoring ways as of late. With the Senators pushing for a playoff spot, expect him to be a big part of their resurgence moving forward.

Young Players to Build Off (Young players who are hot right now)

Jakub Dobes, G, Montreal Canadiens, Rostered-24.7%

Dobes has been red hot as of late for the Montreal Canadiens. He seems to find ways to win even when he’s not on his game. The team has lost faith in starter Samuel Montembeault. Dobes and rookie Jacob Fowler have the reins moving forward in Montreal’s crease.

Ryan Ufko, D, Nashville Predators, Rostered-0.1%

Ufko has produced at every level he’s been at, with the NHL being no exception in his first few games. The Predators rookie has three points in his four games for Nashville, including a highlight-reel first goal. He’s a player to keep an eye on for the future.

Steer Clear (Players you should avoid in fantasy leagues, or sell immediately if you own them)

Samuel Montembeault, G, Montreal Canadiens, Rostered-40%

Montembeault has lost the starter’s crease in Montreal moving forward. Dobes and Fowler are playing much better than him right now, and he’s fallen out of favour with head coach Martin St. Louis. There’s no reason for managers to use a roster spot on him during the playoffs.

Jordan Kyrou, RW, St. Louis Blues, Rostered-65.2%

Kyrou has struggled this season for St. Louis and has only two points since the Olympic break. He’s a dynamic player with high upside, but he isn’t living up to his full potential in St. Louis right now, with the team struggling. Managers should look for a more reliable option for playoff time.

NHL Team Outlooks

Analyzing the upcoming week’s schedule and looking at which NHL teams are expected to have a strong week and who will be in tough. Which teams’ players should you be buying stock in, and which teams should you avoid at all costs? Take a peek at the NHL team outlook for the upcoming week.

*Note: This week’s analysis runs from Mar 13-Mar 19. The weekly fantasy matchup runs from Mar 16-22. Teams that play more games during the week/matchup often gain favor in the schedule analysis.

Matchup Favorites (These teams will pay dividends in the coming games.)

Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens are rolling right now to the tune of three straight wins as they inch closer to Buffalo and Tampa Bay in the Atlantic Division standings. Their upcoming homestand will play in their favor.

Ottawa Senators

The Senators’ recent play has many wondering if they can make a strong playoff push down the stretch. Their next few games will allow them to continue knocking on that door.

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets have had a disappointing season to say the least. However, thanks to their recent play coupled with a weak Western Conference, playoffs aren’t out of the question in Winnipeg.

Matchup Killers (Avoid players from these teams at all costs in the upcoming games.)

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins are without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin for now. Without their two stars, their schedule will be tough as they try to cling to a playoff berth.

St. Louis Blues

The Blues have been playing well down the stretch, but still find themselves in the league basement. They head on the road where they will be in tough down the stretch.

Washington Capitals

The Capitals essentially forfeited any playoff hopes when they opted to be sellers at the deadline. Their play since the Deadline has been lacklustre, so don’t expect that to change with a tough upcoming schedule.