This article is part of our Left, Right & Center series.
On this most holiest of voting days, remember the decisions you make ultimately have consequences. It goes without saying this concept also applies when it comes to fantasy.
Don't do anything hastily. Beating others to the latest breakout performer on the waiver wire is commonplace; reacting to a rumor should be avoided until multiple sources have been confirmed.
Every transaction should have a contingency plan. If a player doesn't work out or gets hurt, you better have backups ready to fill in. Hopefully, you won't have to resort to any emergency trades, because that's where you'll often lose significant value.
Below, you'll see a few recent winners, losers, and incumbents-in-training. See someone you like? Put a checkmark beside his entry because your vote really matters. Make this column great again. Read early, read often:
Left Wing
Two Steps Forward: Jonathan Marchessault, Florida
When Jonathan Huberdeau went down in exhibition, the search began to find his replacement on the top line. Fortunately, the first choice has been the right one. And while the Panthers and his linemates may be struggling, Marchessault has been lights-out. The NHL's Third Star for October has notched a point in nine of 13 games (seven goals and six assists) and fired a bunch of pucks on net (37 shots). So one should expect that even when Huberdeau returns, the mighty mite (all 5-foot-7 of him) will remain useful.
Broken Wing: Teuvo Teravainen, Carolina
Some considered the summer acquisition of Teravainen from a cash-strapped Chicago
On this most holiest of voting days, remember the decisions you make ultimately have consequences. It goes without saying this concept also applies when it comes to fantasy.
Don't do anything hastily. Beating others to the latest breakout performer on the waiver wire is commonplace; reacting to a rumor should be avoided until multiple sources have been confirmed.
Every transaction should have a contingency plan. If a player doesn't work out or gets hurt, you better have backups ready to fill in. Hopefully, you won't have to resort to any emergency trades, because that's where you'll often lose significant value.
Below, you'll see a few recent winners, losers, and incumbents-in-training. See someone you like? Put a checkmark beside his entry because your vote really matters. Make this column great again. Read early, read often:
Left Wing
Two Steps Forward: Jonathan Marchessault, Florida
When Jonathan Huberdeau went down in exhibition, the search began to find his replacement on the top line. Fortunately, the first choice has been the right one. And while the Panthers and his linemates may be struggling, Marchessault has been lights-out. The NHL's Third Star for October has notched a point in nine of 13 games (seven goals and six assists) and fired a bunch of pucks on net (37 shots). So one should expect that even when Huberdeau returns, the mighty mite (all 5-foot-7 of him) will remain useful.
Broken Wing: Teuvo Teravainen, Carolina
Some considered the summer acquisition of Teravainen from a cash-strapped Chicago to be a steal at the time. After all, the kid was 21 (now 22) and had already displayed clutch postseason skills (10 points in 18 games for the Hawks in 2014-15). The first few games looked promising (three in five) but the last six (no points, minus-6) have proven forgetful. The Finn may be relegated to the third unit, but the group – with "veteran" Elias Lindholm (two assists, minus-7) and hotshot Finnish compatriot Sebastian Aho (five assists, but nothing in six games) – should improve if their opportunities expand.
Between the Lines: Anthony Duclair, Arizona
Like teammate and fellow WJHC alumnus Max Domi, Duclair has found his second full season (two points in 11 games) to be more challenging than the first (44 points in 81 games). It may appear the former QMJHL First All-Star Team honoree's ice time has taken a hit, but those numbers (in the 13-minute range) are consistent with previous stats. As long as the 'Yotes maintain faith in their youth, his chances will surely increase. Duclair and his fantasy owners would be set if only he could recreate this rush 40 times a year.
Right Wing
Two Steps Forward: Kevin Hayes, NY Rangers
There's no denying the Rangers (55 goals in 13 contests) are a scoring machine. Forwards on all four lines are benefiting, but the trio of J.T. Miller, Kevin Hayes, and Michael Grabner has recently been the best of the bunch. In particular, Hayes has potted goals in four straight and his last seven outings have been nothing short of outstanding (five goals, five assists, plus-11). The Boston College grad may receive very little power-play duty — none of his 13 points have come with the man advantage — but he's regularly employed on the penalty kill and has one shorthanded marker.
Broken Wing: Joel Ward, San Jose
Ward upped his point totals after moving from D.C. (34) to the Bay Area (43), with his effort in last year's playoffs (seven goals, six assists) prolonging his solid run. Perhaps the lower-body injury that sidelined him near the end of preseason is to blame but Ward has been unable to put anything together (one goal in 12 outings, minus-7). A couple goals (heck, one would do) like this memorable series winner could help him get back on track.
Between the Lines: Jordan Eberle, Edmonton
The career Oiler must be ecstatic with all the surrounding talent, especially when it comes to that Connor McDavid fellow. Even though the first few games looked promising (five points in five games), Eberle has been mainly invisible since except for two power-play assists. He has always been adept at getting pucks on net (38 shots this season, consistently exceeding a two shot-per-game average over his career) and works well with elite talent. Plus, Eberle remains linked to the captain, so there's no reason you should break away from him.
Center
Two Steps Forward: Brayden Schenn, Philadelphia
Schenn regularly lines up as the third center, but slots in on one of the league's deadliest power plays. Since missing the first three games and adjusting back into the flow, the superior Schenn sibling has looked awesome (eight points – including four with the extra man – in seven games). Many forget how tough he can be (23 hits this year, 18 career fights), including his willingness to sacrifice his body to help the team.
Broken Wing: Henrik Sedin, Vancouver
While the Orcas have been horrendous in attack (a league-low 1.56 goal average, including being shut out in five of their last seven), you'd expect the twins (each with six points) to generate more opportunities. Their decline has been obvious in recent years, so maybe it's time for the 36-year olds to hang up the skates. There was a time when the Sedins were automatic starts but that appears to be a faded memory. Centers remain a deep fantasy position, so look beyond Henrik for consistent help.
Between the Lines: Sean Monahan, Calgary
Even with a fresh goaltending crew, the Flames' D can still safely be described as a dumpster fire. The prospects look more promising on the other end, yet a few have underwhelmed. One of them would be Monahan (at a minus-10), who is already into his fourth NHL campaign. Trying to follow up or improve upon the last two seasons (at 62 and 63 points, respectively) may be weighing upon him, although the early point totals (four goals, but only notched his first assist Sunday) aren't awful. As long as Monahan skates similar minutes (almost 19 per game, with 3:32 on the power play), he'll break out soon enough.
