This article is part of our Left, Right & Center series.
Welcome to the season recap! This isn't as much a comprehensive review as it is a continuation of regular material with a longer-term emphasis. And similar to every week, a player will be picked at each position in three categories, albeit with different names: Shooting High (biggest fantasy surprise), Press Box Bound (biggest fantasy disappointment), and One to Watch (someone primed to do more).
My no-superstar rule may have been broken below, while a few who were previously mentioned this season were included because they continued to fit the same criteria or completely changed character:
Left Wing
Shooting High: Michael Grabner, NY Rangers
Nobody could have realistically predicted Grabner's resurgence to fantasy prominence. Who would honestly believe someone six years removed from a 34-goal season would be among the league leaders (his 12 goals puts him in a tie for third)? His lack of power-play time may be worrisome, but that shouldn't matter as the Blueshirts (at 85 goals in 23 contests) have frequently been lighting the lamp in all situations (and he tops the NHL with a plus-20). Based on past performance (like the last five years maxing out at 32 points) and the law of averages, one would expect Grabner to slow down sometime soon.
Press Box Bound: Andrew Ladd, NY Islanders
Old dogs can't learn new tricks but you'd figure the ones with the necessary capabilities and resources would at least be able to find their tails. The sad story of Ladd and his troubles
Welcome to the season recap! This isn't as much a comprehensive review as it is a continuation of regular material with a longer-term emphasis. And similar to every week, a player will be picked at each position in three categories, albeit with different names: Shooting High (biggest fantasy surprise), Press Box Bound (biggest fantasy disappointment), and One to Watch (someone primed to do more).
My no-superstar rule may have been broken below, while a few who were previously mentioned this season were included because they continued to fit the same criteria or completely changed character:
Left Wing
Shooting High: Michael Grabner, NY Rangers
Nobody could have realistically predicted Grabner's resurgence to fantasy prominence. Who would honestly believe someone six years removed from a 34-goal season would be among the league leaders (his 12 goals puts him in a tie for third)? His lack of power-play time may be worrisome, but that shouldn't matter as the Blueshirts (at 85 goals in 23 contests) have frequently been lighting the lamp in all situations (and he tops the NHL with a plus-20). Based on past performance (like the last five years maxing out at 32 points) and the law of averages, one would expect Grabner to slow down sometime soon.
Press Box Bound: Andrew Ladd, NY Islanders
Old dogs can't learn new tricks but you'd figure the ones with the necessary capabilities and resources would at least be able to find their tails. The sad story of Ladd and his troubles have been documented, as he now sits at three points in 21 games. Some assumed a recovery was inevitable, what with the surrounding talent up front and, you know, maybe the thought of living up to that gigantic summer contract. Ladd now finds himself on a checking unit with significantly fewer scoring chances. With the Isles also struggling as a whole, there's a chance he'll get shuffled back to a more prominent role. Just don't hold your breath.
One to Watch: Tobias Rieder, Arizona
After a modest return in 2015-16 (37 points playing all 82 games), more was anticipated from Rieder this season. He's been lackluster this year, but his ice time is relatively high of late (averaging over 18 minutes in the last seven games). As a result, the German winger has taken advantage of his extra opportunities (three goals and an assist during that stretch). At 23, the future remains bright for Rieder as part of a core of young and exciting talent in Arizona.
Right Wing
Shooting High: Nick Foligno, Columbus
During a slump, athletes invariably put pressure on themselves to improve. When Foligno followed up his gigantic 73-point season with a paltry 37-point campaign, you can bet he worked hard in the offseason with the hope of recapturing that glory. If Foligno's current stats are any indication (19 points in 20 games, including 10 on the power play), then he's well on his way. The offensive numbers combine with a considerable physical dimension (22 PIM, 31 hits, 11 blocks), thereby making him an invaluable fantasy commodity.
Press Box Bound: Joonas Donskoi, San Jose
Many outlets pumped up Donskoi in the preseason as a sleeper candidate. Last month, this space even urged you to give him a chance after a slow start. And while the Finn immediately picked up the pace (points in four straight from Oct. 25 to Nov. 1), he has subsequently reverted to disappointing owners (two assists in 12 games). His overall ice time is up from last year (by almost a full minute), although his man-advantage time fluctuates significantly on a game-to-game basis.
One to Watch: Loui Eriksson, Vancouver
Remember when Eriksson was having trouble teaming with the Sedins? It seems the solution was a move to a lower line (five goals, 21 shots in his last nine outings), while maintaining significant minutes (over 18 on average overall, including two on the power play). Maybe the former Dallas All-Star (pun intended) will eventually reunite with the Swedish siblings, but for now, Eriksson should be able to contribute regardless of his position in the lineup.
Center
Shooting High: Alexander Wennberg, Columbus
I also don't like to repeat teammates in a column but it's warranted considering the Blue Jackets' power-play proficiency (league-leading 28.3% on 53 attempts). Perhaps Wennberg's hot run (four goals, 15 assists, 10 PPPs) isn't so shocking considering his totals from last season (40 points in 69 games) and the natural progression expected from a top prospect (one who was drafted 14th in 2013). With Ryan Johansen exiled out of Columbus, the young Swede has solidified himself as the new No. 1 center and doesn't look to be challenged for that role.
Press Box Bound: Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington
Based on his outstanding effort from last year (77 points), it may be automatic to assume Kuznetsov is a top-tier contributor. The 24-year old's latest haul (nine points in 21 outings, but only one on the power play) will probably never get him dropped or demoted in real life, yet this trend is troubling following an equally lackluster playoff performance (two points in 12). It's hard to imagine this continuing for Kuznetsov, especially with all the opportunities he still receives. It's understandable if you've considered waiving him in leagues with large starting rosters and/or small benches, but his talent – along with the Caps' talented forward corps – should sway you to hold on.
One to Watch: Nick Cousins, Philadelphia
With Sean Couturier sidelined for at least another month, Cousins (three goals, four assists in 19 games) will be able to show if he can hack it as a top-six forward. The former Soo Greyhound is undersized (5-foot-11, 180 pounds), but had a prolific junior career (103 points in 2012-13), has paid his dues in the Philly system (94 points in 102 games the last two AHL seasons) and possesses the talent to do damage. It's also important to note that Cousins' promotion to the second line has coincided with a spot on the second power-play unit, as well.
