NHL 2018 Week 3 Fantasy Hockey Report

This is my week three fantasy hockey report for those competing in head to head categories or rotisserie leagues. There are both standard and deep league acquisition targets, along with some suggestions for sell high, buy low, and players to be concerned about. This is more of a “waiver wire” report, looking for those who are more likely to be available in your league as opposed to the universally owned players. I also do not recommend any players who play 2 games or less over the next 7 days (Monday to Sunday), with a preference for those with 4 or more games.

Best Standard League Adds (20% to 65% Yahoo ownership):

1) Juuse Saros, Nashville, (42% Yahoo ownership): If you need a goalie in any league, add Saros. Pekka Rinne was placed on the IR and will miss some time, which will put Saros on the ice behind that awesome defense until Rinne returns. Certainly anyone who owns Rinne should be scrambling to add Saros.

2) Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg, (29% Yahoo ownership): This kid was a strong addition to teams in deep leagues last season, but has seen his stock climb into standard league relevancy. The Jets have played 8 games with Morrissey collecting 7 PTS, with 3 on the power play. His shots and hits are nothing special, which matters less when he’s scoring. The Jets have a great schedule next week.

3) Bo Horvat, Vancouver, (37% Yahoo ownership): Horvat is generally a low-end center for standard leagues, except for this week the Canucks play 4 games against some bad defenses. He’s got 5 PTS in 7 GP and is a good week 3 target, especially if your league counts face off wins.

4) Chris Kreider, Rangers, (51% Yahoo ownership): Through 7 GP, Kreider has scored 4 goals, 6 PTS, with 22 shots, 13 hits, averaging 17:27 of ice time. He is going to help you in multiple categories, including power play on the Rangers top unit. Kreider is a long term add, not someone who made the list simply for a great schedule.

5) Alex Edler, Vancouver, (37% Yahoo ownership): Edler is not a great real-life defenseman, but since the rest of the Canucks defense blows, Edler is thrust into a bigger role and puts up great fantasy numbers. Gets a ton of ice time (including power play), shoots often, hits and blocks. Canucks play 4 games this week against some bad defenses.

Best Deep League Adds (under 15% ownership):

1) Kailer Yamamoto, Edmonton, (6% Yahoo ownership): McDAVID ALERT! It has been reported that Yamamoto will earn a promotion to the top line with Connor McDavid, which makes him addable in almost every format. That ownership could be 60% by the end of the week. It’s only a bonus that the Oilers play 4 games next week.

2) Linus Ullmark, Buffalo, (5% Yahoo ownership): There is competition in the Buffalo goal, with the starters edge going to Carter Hutton. Keep an eye on Ullmark though, who has played 2 games with 2 wins, stopping 55 of his first 56 shots to start the season. The rookie needs to be more than 5% owned, especially if you also own Hutton.

3) Adam Lowry, Winnipeg, (6% Yahoo ownership): If your league counts hits and face-off wins, then Lowry is probably already owned. The big man has also scored 5 PTS in 8 GP to go with 20 hits and the Jets have a great schedule next week. That makes him borderline ownable in standard leagues next week, but probably not long term.

4) Brandon Tanev, Winnipeg, (9% Yahoo ownership): Through 7 GP, Tanev has 30 hits to go with 4 PTS and 15 shots. Any league that counts hits, this guy could win you the category by himself next week. It’s unlikely he will be able to sustain that hitting pace for the entire season, but ride the freight train in the short term.

5) Sam Girard, Colorado, (5% Yahoo ownership): Girard is a young kid on the rise. His shot and hit numbers are low and he’s only put up 3 PTS in 7 GP, but he’s seeing time on a potent power play and the Avs play 4 games next week. This is a great short-term target in deeper leagues.

The 1% (best adds 1% owned or less):

1) Markus Granlund, Vancouver: This guy is certainly worth a shot next week in deep leagues with the Canucks playing 4 games. His PTS and shots may be a bit low, but he’s averaging 16:27 of ice time and has short term opportunity.

2) Casey Cizikas, Islanders: Having already spent time on IR, Cizikas did not start the season healthy. That hasn’t stopped him from scoring 5 PTS in his last 3 GP. Should start to see more ice time now that he’s producing points.

3) Mike Reilly, Montreal: On a team that lacks any quality depth on defense, Reilly has been averaging almost 23 minutes of ice time per game with 3 PTS and a +4 rating. He’s a serviceable defenseman for deep leagues.

Sell High:

1) Kasperi Kapanen, Toronto: The Finnish player has been a popular add to fantasy teams over the past 2 weeks, seeing his ownership skyrocket to 66% with 8 PTS in his last 6 GP. He loses most of that value as soon as William Nylander returns. The problem is, everyone knows this, so you may have some trouble finding a buyer willing to pay an inflated price. It’s still worth trying.

2) Tomas Tatar, Montreal: Tatar’s stock had fallen very low over the summer, after he was scratched in the playoffs and dumped on Montreal. But suddenly he’s red hot for the Habs, with 8 PTS in his last 5 GP. That’s risen his ownership to 54%. Probably a good time to make a few trade offers.

Buy Low:

1) Victor Hedman, Tampa: The reigning Norris Trophy winner has only scored 1 point through the first 5 games. If you own him, don’t panic. It’s possible that whoever does own him in your league lacks patience.

2) Mark Scheifele, Winnipeg: The Jets franchise center has been playing a ton and has only put up 3 PTS in 7 GP. It’s been a slow start, but it is only a matter of time before he gets hot.

Be Concerned:

1) Anze Kopitar, LA: Kopitar was a prime bust candidate heading into the season, and so far he has only 2 PTS in 6 GP and was scratched in the Kings last game. Clearly he is not 100% healthy.

2) Patric Hornqvist, Pittsburgh: The Pens have played 6 games and Hornqvist has scored just 1 point with declining ice time. The last 3 GP have seen his ice dip under 15 minutes, which is not what you want from a 70% owned player. He may be droppable in standard leagues.