Fantasy Hockey Gains from the 4 Nations Face-Off
The NHL returns to action this Saturday, but not before the climactic 4 Nations Face-Off championship game between Canada and the United States in Boston on Thursday night. The pre-tournament game between these two nations was an unforgettable spectacle, marked by three fights in the first nine seconds—a nod to classic, gritty hockey.
Shea Theodore: A Star on the Sidelines
Shea Theodore, the star defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights, is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury, believed to be an arm or wrist issue. While he is listed as week-to-week, Theodore’s value remains high for fantasy managers. If you are in a head-to-head league and comfortably in a playoff position, now might be the time to acquire him. Theodore’s return is expected by late March, if not earlier, and he will likely be in peak form for the fantasy playoffs. This season, Theodore has been stellar, tallying seven goals and 41 assists in 55 games, including two goals and 19 points on the power play. His scoring prowess places him fourth among defensemen and fourth in power-play points. Given his current injury, the cost to acquire Theodore is more manageable, making him a valuable asset for the crucial stretch of the fantasy season.
Artturi Lehkonen: Ready to Rebound
Artturi Lehkonen, a winger for the Colorado Avalanche, had a disappointing showing at the 4 Nations Face-Off, with only one assist and limited ice time. However, his performance with the Avalanche this season has been strong. Lehkonen has 23 goals and 33 points in just 45 NHL games and is set to return to the top line alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas. Despite minimal impact on the power play, his average of 2:48 of ice time with the man advantage suggests potential for growth in the coming weeks. Lehkonen’s overall production and role within the Avalanche make him a valuable player to consider for your fantasy roster.
Brady Tkachuk: A Revitalized Force
Brady Tkachuk, a winger for the Ottawa Senators, has been on fire during the 4 Nations Face-Off, particularly while playing alongside his brother Matthew. Tkachuk’s performance has been highlighted by two goals in the opener against Finland and a physical presence, including a brawl with Sam Bennett. This season, Tkachuk has 21 goals and 23 assists in 56 games, demonstrating his offensive and defensive versatility. He is second in the NHL with 101 penalty minutes and eighth in hits with 188. Although he recently went through a 10-game scoring slump, Tkachuk has shown signs of regaining his form with three goals and six points in his last seven games leading up to the tournament. His revitalized play makes him a must-have for any fantasy manager looking for a late-season boost.
Brock Nelson: A Trade Opportunity
Brock Nelson, a center/winger for the New York Islanders, is a player whose value is currently at its peak with his current team. There are whispers of a potential trade, especially if he is dealt to a team like Toronto, where he might not see as much ice time on the top power play unit. Nelson has proven his ability as a 30-plus goal scorer in the NHL, but his role and effectiveness could diminish with a new team. If you are looking to capitalize on his high value, now might be the time to trade him. For instance, a deal involving Nelson and a 12th-round pick for Alexis Lafreniere and a ninth-round pick could be a win-win for both parties.
Elias Pettersson: In Need of a Reset
Elias Pettersson, a forward for the Vancouver Canucks, has struggled this season, posting only 11 goals and 23 assists in 49 games. His performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off was equally disappointing, with no points in three games. Pettersson’s current form is a far cry from his previous seasons, and it’s unclear if he will turn things around in Vancouver. A change of scenery might be in his best interest, as well as that of the Canucks. If you are considering a trade, a deal involving Pettersson for Zach Hyman and Alexander Romanov could be a viable option, given the potential for a rebound in a new environment.
Juuse Saros: Time to Move On
Juuse Saros, the goaltender for the Nashville Predators, is experiencing his worst season in the NHL. With a record of 11-23-6, a 2.95 goals-against average (GAA), and an .898 save percentage, Saros has not shown signs of improvement. His recent performance, including a 0-5-0 record with a 4.43 GAA and an .862 save percentage in his last six appearances, suggests a continued decline. The Predators are not playoff-bound, and Saros might see less playing time as the season progresses. If you have Saros on your fantasy roster, now might be the time to trade him for a more reliable goaltender, such as Mackenzie Blackwood.
In summary, the 4 Nations Face-Off has provided valuable insights into the current form of several key players. For fantasy managers, the tournament highlights players like Shea Theodore, Artturi Lehkonen, and Brady Tkachuk, who are worth acquiring for their potential impact in the final stretch of the season. Conversely, players like Brock Nelson, Elias Pettersson, and Juuse Saros may be better off traded while their value is still relatively high.
