Happy Holidays, everyone! It will be a shorter week in the NHL because of the Christmas break, but a fantasy GM’s work is never done and adjustments to rosters will continue. These players could be a gift for your squad when play resumes.
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Kevin Hayes’ ownership has increased from 17% last week to 30%. He has five multi-point efforts during a six-game point streak. Ondrej Kase is still available in 70% of Yahoo leagues, while Paul Stastny can be had in 77% of Yahoo leagues.
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Now, let’s get into this week’s suggestions:
Alexander Edler (VAN) - D - Owned in 33% of Yahoo leagues
Edler has compiled three goals and nine points in 14 games since his return to the lineup from an MCL sprain. That includes seven points in his last nine outings. Edler has been logging time on Vancouver’s top power-play unit. Additionally, he sits just outside of the top-10 in blocked shots with a total of 71 through 24 games.
Bryan Rust (PIT) - LW, RW - Owned in 26% of Yahoo leagues
Rust has been red hot with eight goals and three assists over his last seven matches. He is riding a five-game point streak, which includes three multi-point performances. Rust has been on a roll alongside Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel. He is worth rostering until he cools down.
Erik Gustafsson (CHI) - D - Owned in 19% of Yahoo leagues
Gustafsson has generated four goals and seven points in nine outings this month. He scored two power-play goals during his four-game point streak, which ended this past Friday. Gustafsson hasn’t gone more than one game without a point since Nov. 21 despite missing some outings due to illness and as a scratch. He has seven goals and four helpers in his last 14 appearances. Gustafsson has averaged 21:49 of ice time per game this campaign. He also has 54 blocks and 33 hits in 35 contests.
David Perron (STL) - LW, RW - Owned in 15% of Yahoo leagues
Perron has tallied four goals and one assist in six games since he was made a healthy scratch on Dec. 9 against Vancouver. He was playing with Brayden Schenn and Jaden Schwartz upon his return, but he has been skating alongside Ryan O’Reilly and Alexander Steen of late.
Derek Stepan (ARI) - C - Owned in 12% of Yahoo leagues
Stepan’s promotion to Arizona’s top line could be a good opportunity for him to go on a bit of a roll following the holiday break. He notched one goal and one assist in Saturday’s 6-4 win over Colorado, while playing between Clayton Keller and Richard Panik. The trio combined for two goals and five points in the contest. Nick Schmaltz (owned in 19% of Yahoo leagues) would still be the preferable pickup, though, as he has 11 points in 13 contests since joining the Coyotes. Arizona is one of just two teams to have three games scheduled for this coming week.
Ondrej Palat (TBL) - LW - Owned in 11% of Yahoo leagues
Palat has accounted for four goals and three assists in the past seven games. His three-game point streak came to an end on Saturday, but his exposure to Tampa Bay’s top players at even strength and on the power play makes him an attractive fantasy option. He has seen playing time with Steven Stamkos and Brayden Point over the last few games, while also logging action on the top power-play unit.
J.T. Compher (COL) - C, LW, RW - Owned in 8% of Yahoo leagues
Compher has registered three goals and four assists in the last nine games, including six points over his last six outings. His average ice time per match has increased to 18:13 during that six-game stretch. Compher has been playing on the second line with Alexander Kerfoot and Sven Andrighetto. He has been productive in 2018-19 with nine goals, 15 points and 41 shots in 21 games. Compher is supplying some much-needed secondary scoring behind Colorado’s stacked top line.
Andreas Johnsson (TOR) - LW - Owned in 8% of Yahoo leagues
Johnsson has played the last two games alongside Mitch Marner and John Tavares. He has been filling in for Zach Hyman, who is projected to miss at least three weeks due to an ankle injury. Johnsson collected one goal and two assists in Saturday’s win over the New York Rangers. He also skates on the second power-play unit.
Alex Iafallo (LAK) - LW - Owned in 4% of Yahoo leagues
Iafallo extended his point streak to six straight games on Saturday. He has three goals and five assists during that span. Iafallo has been skating on the first line of the Kings with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. He also sees time on the second power-play combination.
Brandon Pirri (VGK) - LW, RW - Owned in 2% of Yahoo leagues
Pirri has produced three goals in two games with Vegas following his recall from the minors earlier this week. He also had three markers in two appearances with the Golden Knights last year. Pirri has been filling in for injured winger Max Pacioretty on the second line with Paul Stastny. He has been outstanding in the AHL in 2018-19 with a league-leading 41 points in 28 matches. Pirri is making a strong case for himself to stay in the NHL and he has plenty of value if he continues to produce as a top-six forward with Vegas.
