This article is part of our Left, Right & Center series.
It's the season to give thanks. In this fast-paced online environment, there is the temptation to immediately compliment others on acts or accomplishments without really appreciating what they've done. We're often clicking "like" for almost anything, whether important or trivial.
In fantasy, there is the tendency to react negatively to others' transactions. And it's not as if the moves themselves are awful; sometimes, another owner just happens to lash out because they secretly know the move will hurt their squad and/or because they didn't think of it first.
So, during the next month or two, you should set a goal to say a nice word to an owner for something they've accomplished in your league. Heck, it doesn't even have to be transaction-related. You may not like that person or even believe some of their actions are contemptible, but one pleasantry can brighten their day and make you feel better too.
We're approaching the quarter-turn of the season. To celebrate this imaginary milestone next week, we'll be highlighting the biggest surprises and disappointments of the first 20ish games. Now there's something to be thankful for.
But for now, here's the standard fare. That means more winners, losers and in-betweeners:
Left Wing
Two Steps Forward: James van Riemsdyk, Toronto
As much as the attention up front has been focused on the youth, let's not forget there are other talented Leafs who aren't rookies. A "senior" in his eighth season, van Riemsdyk has proven himself to be a dependable scorer in
It's the season to give thanks. In this fast-paced online environment, there is the temptation to immediately compliment others on acts or accomplishments without really appreciating what they've done. We're often clicking "like" for almost anything, whether important or trivial.
In fantasy, there is the tendency to react negatively to others' transactions. And it's not as if the moves themselves are awful; sometimes, another owner just happens to lash out because they secretly know the move will hurt their squad and/or because they didn't think of it first.
So, during the next month or two, you should set a goal to say a nice word to an owner for something they've accomplished in your league. Heck, it doesn't even have to be transaction-related. You may not like that person or even believe some of their actions are contemptible, but one pleasantry can brighten their day and make you feel better too.
We're approaching the quarter-turn of the season. To celebrate this imaginary milestone next week, we'll be highlighting the biggest surprises and disappointments of the first 20ish games. Now there's something to be thankful for.
But for now, here's the standard fare. That means more winners, losers and in-betweeners:
Left Wing
Two Steps Forward: James van Riemsdyk, Toronto
As much as the attention up front has been focused on the youth, let's not forget there are other talented Leafs who aren't rookies. A "senior" in his eighth season, van Riemsdyk has proven himself to be a dependable scorer in Toronto (178 points in 250 games coming into 2016-17). And while hotshot Auston Matthews has lost steam, JVR remains a consistent force with a club-leading 17 points spread over 18 contests.
Broken Wing: Milan Lucic, Edmonton
Lucic got off to a blistering start (seven points, plus-5 in his first eight games), mainly thanks to a spot beside Connor McDavid. He has since hit a few bumps in the road (three in 12, minus-7) and has subsequently been knocked down the lineup. The minutes continue to flow (hovering around an 18-minute average) but the chances aren't materializing. With Edmonton's attacking prowess, Lucic should be able to reclaim some scoring form. And if nothing else, he's always reliable for some physical support (48 hits, nine PIM, which should increase).
Between the Lines: Tomas Tatar, Detroit
After leading the Wings in goals two years ago (with 29), the sky appeared to be the limit for Tatar. He has great wheels and hands, but hasn't been fortunate around the net this season (three goals on 44 shots). Whatever his shortcomings may be, the bottom line is Tatar has the potential to be dangerous, regardless of line arrangement. Not to mention he possesses the superpower to leap defenders in a single bound.
Right Wing
Two Steps Forward: Alexander Radulov, Montreal
Some were skeptical when the Habs lured Radulov back from the KHL, considering his flaky reputation during his previous NHL incarnation in Nashville. Well, whatever happened during those last four years in Russia (where he totaled 238 points and earned two league MVPs) seems to have anointed him with a more mature identity. Not only is Radulov racking up the points (three goals, 13 assists in 17 contests), he's showing a real effort to make others around him better. Can this success translate over an entire season? No one really knows — just enjoy the ride until it goes out of service or needs repair.
Broken Wing: Jarome Iginla, Colorado
Sure, Iginla is old. But even his current numbers (four points in 18 games) are hard to believe. The Avs' youth movement is in full swing, and the former Flame is falling behind the pack. There's no doubting Iginla's experience and leadership skills, but the other pertinent hockey abilities – namely, the ones required to be relevant in fantasy – have fallen by the wayside. It appears as though the days of dominating opponents with strength and speed are long gone.
Between the Lines: Troy Brouwer, Calgary
Brouwer was hailed as Calgary's missing veteran piece when he was signed in the summer at a reasonable rate (four years, $18 million). And while the opening numbers were promising (six points in the first eight games, including two power-play assists and a shorthanded goal), the subsequent stats have underwhelmed (two in 13, minus-8). Brouwer has been a power-play mainstay (averaging 15 PPPs the previous four seasons) and a decent provider of hits (topping 200 each of the last three years) and blocked shots (52 last year), so he can improve if the opportunities keep coming.
Center
Two Steps Forward: Ryan Kesler, Anaheim
The Michigan native has accumulated monster minutes in his third season with the Ducks (over 21 minutes a night) and boasts the stats to match (14 points, including seven PPPs, and a plus-9). Kesler has served as a regular in all situations (including 3:36 on the power play), has proven himself to be a solid leader, and is a perfect No. 2 pivot behind Ryan Getzlaf. Kesler likes to get dirty at times (22 PIM this year, averaging 78 the last three seasons), but maybe shouldn't try his luck against sons of former fighters.
Broken Wing: Derick Brassard, Ottawa
Brassard regularly dazzled on Broadway (60 and 58 points during his final two runs), but has been unable to break out with the Sens (seven points in 18 matches). One could pin his problems on an anemic Ottawa offense (29th in the league at 2.01 goals per game) but there has got to be more behind his troubles. Maybe Brassard hasn't fully acclimated to his new environment or the switch to a more defensive system. However, as long as his ice time remains substantial (3:00 on the man advantage, 18:13 overall), he has the potential to approach respectable numbers.
Between the Lines: Jori Lehtera, St. Louis
In 2014, Lehtera quietly arrived in North America and quickly made an impression (14 goals, 30 assists, plus-21 as a 27-year old "rookie"). A year later, he signed a three-year extension and looked to be a key component in St. Louis for the foreseeable future. Fast forward to this season, where both Lehtera (one goal, two assists in 15 games) and the Blues offense (at 47 goals in 19 outings) have struggled. The Finn could never be described as an elite scorer but should be able to produce more if he hangs around Vladimir Tarasenko long enough.
