This article is part of our Neutral Zone Wrap series.
Regardless of your league fate, one should always keep an eye out for late-season additions. Whether these players have historically excelled further on, are set to fall into a more favorable position, or have recently returned from injury, a quick boost from a ready recruit could make the difference between fantasy success and disappointment.
We'll include a couple players to consider for the stretch drive. Nobody with 50 percent ownership will be included, but there may be a couple exceptions below (or just one ... oops, gave that away). Also, no one from the previous trade deadline column will be mentioned, but they may be worthy selections if any of the following fail.
(NOTE: Looking for the perfect goalie to change your fortunes? Andrew Hammond (53 percent owned) is way past the point of being considered a sneaky pickup, Alex Stalock (26 percent) and Andrei Vasilevskiy (25 percent) need a injury or miracle to become a regular, and Dan Ellis (6 percent) will only cause you problems. In other words, no netminders for you.)
Josh Bailey, F, NY Islanders (40 percent owned)
Since selecting him with the ninth pick in the 2008 draft, the Isles have patiently waited for Bailey to break out. There have been brief glimpses of stardom since he arrived at 18 but nothing consistent. Fast-forward to the present and not only is he skating on the prestigious first line but is approaching a career high (one away from 38). Bailey is being counted on in
Regardless of your league fate, one should always keep an eye out for late-season additions. Whether these players have historically excelled further on, are set to fall into a more favorable position, or have recently returned from injury, a quick boost from a ready recruit could make the difference between fantasy success and disappointment.
We'll include a couple players to consider for the stretch drive. Nobody with 50 percent ownership will be included, but there may be a couple exceptions below (or just one ... oops, gave that away). Also, no one from the previous trade deadline column will be mentioned, but they may be worthy selections if any of the following fail.
(NOTE: Looking for the perfect goalie to change your fortunes? Andrew Hammond (53 percent owned) is way past the point of being considered a sneaky pickup, Alex Stalock (26 percent) and Andrei Vasilevskiy (25 percent) need a injury or miracle to become a regular, and Dan Ellis (6 percent) will only cause you problems. In other words, no netminders for you.)
Josh Bailey, F, NY Islanders (40 percent owned)
Since selecting him with the ninth pick in the 2008 draft, the Isles have patiently waited for Bailey to break out. There have been brief glimpses of stardom since he arrived at 18 but nothing consistent. Fast-forward to the present and not only is he skating on the prestigious first line but is approaching a career high (one away from 38). Bailey is being counted on in more situations (regular on the second power-play) and, more important, finally looks like he belongs in the bigs.
Milan Michalek, F, Ottawa (23 percent owned)
Old Man Michalek (14 points in 15 games) is quietly having his best run since 2011-12 when he tallied 60 points. There's probably no chance those numbers will be matched, but for now the Czech winger remains a solid option up front. Michalek not only provides an offensive boost but also has been a mentor to Ottawa's young forward corps, which can only enhance his value.
Matt Moulson, F, Buffalo (35 percent owned)
Team ineptitude is always a tough sell. However, in some cases, you can't argue with results. Moulson may no longer be playing garbage man to John Tavares in scenic Uniondale (with three straight 30-goal campaigns), but the points (10 in 11) are still flowing in Chicken Wing Central. While no one would necessarily compare Tyler Ennis to the NHL leading scorer, the 5-foot-9 pivot can still make his teammates look good. You may be scared off by the Sabres' atrocious plus-minus figures (Moulson is only a minus-12), but usually there's no substitute for scoring.
Kris Russell, D, Calgary (59 percent owned)
We're slightly bending the inclusion parameters with Russell, but it's a wonder how he is available in *any* league. Even before Mark Giordano was sidelined for the season, the production from the former Medicine Hat Tiger had been sufficient (20 points, plus-9 in 59). And since the captain left, Russell has not only padded his stat line (eight in eight, plus-6) but is averaging less than 28 minutes a night. He has assumed the reins of the league's 11th best PP (with five PPPs the last two weeks) and isn't set to let go anytime soon. Convinced yet?
Damon Severson, D, New Jersey (27 percent owned)
Had the 20-year old not missed 31 games with a broken ankle, we might be talking about Severson as a potential Calder finalist. That long lull may have prevented him from accumulating valuable experience, but it doesn't seem to have stopped his skills (12 in 32 before, three in six after). The kid already looks like a leader among Jersey's young blueline, and the club will only allow him more opportunities now that their playoff chances are becoming slimmer by the day.
Honorable mention: Cam Atkinson, F, Columbus (34 percent owned); Mathew Dumba, D, Minnesota (21 percent owned); Victor Rask, F, Carolina (4 percent owned); Jakob Silfverberg, F, Anaheim (39 percent owned); Ryan Spooner, F, Boston (16 percent owned).
Next week, we'll see what's on the flipside and advise whom you should avoid the next few weeks. Because, you know, we care.
