As far as best contracts in the league go, Roman Josi‘s is near the top of the list. Josi, who is nearing the end of a 7/28 deal signed in 2013, has developed into a true #1 defenseman. Josi scored two goals and an assist on five shots in the 5-3 win over the Stars. Josi is currently up to #6 on the player rater for defensemen, in the range that we expected from him. He’s not in the top tier, but he’s firmly in tier two now and going forward. Josi looks like a good bet to set career highs in both goals (15) and points (61). Let’s take a look at what else happened on Tuesday night:
Henrik Lundqvist – 43 saves on 44 shots in the 2-1 win over the Hurricanes. The King stay The King! Well, not really, but Hank is probably a top 10 goalie all-time. Regardless, the Rangers are playing better lately so I’d put him a tier above desperation.
Marcus Johansson – Goal and an assist with eight shots. Johansson is an elite streamer over the next week as the Devils give him huge minutes in the hope of boosting his trade value.
Jesper Bratt – Goal and an assist. Still a middling streamer.
Mirco Mueller – Two assists. And there’s your annual Mueller update!
Ryan McDonagh – Goal and an assist with three shots. He’s really slowed down offensively which isn’t a big surprise. He thrived with Hedman out, but McDonagh is more of a fringe option now who suits certain team builds.
J.T. Miller – Goal and an assist with three shots. I had high hopes for Miller this season but it really hasn’t panned out. Miller is a middling streamer at best with his shot rate.
Sean Couturier – Two assists with two shots. Few players in the league are hotter than Couturier.
Jonathan Huberdeau – Two goals and an assist with six shots. Huberdeau is somehow -21 this season but he’s crushing across the board otherwise. His shot rate is through the roof lately which could take Huberdeau to another level going forward.
Aleksander Barkov – Goal and two assists with four shots. It’s very interesting that Barkov is getting smoked at even strength this year. When Barkov is on the ice, the Panthers are getting an .876 save percentage. That is truly remarkable.
Frank Vatrano – Two assists with two shots and two PIM. Streamer success! Vatrano is a borderline hold while he’s playing with Huberdeau and Barkov.
Boone Jenner – Two assists with two shots. Nice player in deep leagues or a solid streamer in hits/blocks leagues, but Jenner is a bottom end guy for standard 10-12’ers.
Josh Anderson – Goal and an assist with four shots and two PIM playing over 22 minutes. I’m buying a ton of Anderson stock right now. If this is what happens going forward if Artemi Panarin (sick) is gone, Anderson is going to have massive value. Also, check out Torts’ press conference about Panarin being out on Tuesday. Amazing stuff.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi – Two assists with two shots. We’re starting to see the signs from Kotkaniemi which is why he’s a great dynasty option. For now, he’s only a bottom end streamer.
Tyler Bozak – Two assists with three shots. Bozak has played well over the last couple weeks but I’m still passing on him.
Jaden Schwartz – Goal and an assist with four shots. Schwartz is picking it up again with six points in the past six. We know the upside so I’m putting Schwartz as an elite streamer with the chance to turn into a hold again.
Ryan Miller – 31 save shutout in the 4-0 win over the Wild. He’s played very well this season while healthy. Congrats to Miller for becoming the winning-est goaltender in USA history. Given how bad the Ducks are, I’m putting Miller in desperation level.
Ryan Ellis – Three assists with two shots, +4. He hasn’t been as good as last season but Ellis has been a solid option throughout. It’s bottom end, but I’m holding. Really wish that shot rate would go back up.
Jason Spezza – Goal and an assist with five shots and two PIM. Easy pass at this point in his career.
Esa Lindell – Goal and an assist with two shots. Nice player in real life but doesn’t do much in fantasy.
Leon Draisaitl – Two assists with four shots. Draisiatl played over 26 minutes in this game. I know it went to OT, but still! Draisaitl has been spectacular this season. He looks like a guy who is ranked in the 20-30 overall range going forward. He’s still only 23 so it might even get better.
Wednesday Streamers:
Drake Caggiula (1.4%) – He’s playing with Kane and Toews right now and gets to go against the Red Wings. Enough said. Dominik Kahun is a great option on line two as well (bonus streamer today!).
Danton Heinen (2.5%) – I’ve highlighted Heinen a bunch over the last week. He’s an elite streamer while on the first line with Marchand and Bergeron, no matter the matchup or the size of the slate.
Tyler Bertuzzi (7.6%) – Getting as many guys in the Red Wings – Blackhawks game seems like a good move. Bertuzzi is on the first line right now, making him a strong option along with Andreas Athanasiou.
That’s all for now guys. With only four games tonight, I’ll be back on Friday recapping all of the action from the next two nights. As always, feel free to ask any questions, leave any comments, or give any suggestions below. Thanks for reading, take care!
