This article is part of our Left, Right & Center series.
We hope you received some nice presents over the holidays. And we're not talking about the three pairs of socks or the cheesy sweater with the animal print. C'mon, you deserve more respect than that.
In fantasy, you're bound to get a gift every once in a while. You may not immediately realize the impact, but the benefits eventually become apparent.
The 2011-12 season marked my first in the Yahoo Friends & Family League. Just over a month in, I picked up Brian Elliott off waivers after another owner dropped him. At the time, he was the backup to Jaroslav Halak. But when the Slovak went down soon after, Elliott stepped in and dominated. Under my ownership, he compiled 17 wins with a 1.57 GAA, .939 save percentage and seven shutouts. His performance was a major reason why I took home the title that year.
Of course, the reverse situation may occur. We've already discussed what can happen when players are cut too early or late and the associated consequences. Trying to gauge the correct time to drop someone is a tricky matter and requires plenty of experience and analysis.
So before we flip over to 2017, here are a few more gifts on display and ready for consumption. Have a safe and happy New Year!
Left Wing
Two Steps Forward: Josh Bailey, NY Islanders
The Isles have recently shown signs of life, which has slowly spread through the lineup. One of the beneficiaries is Bailey, who
We hope you received some nice presents over the holidays. And we're not talking about the three pairs of socks or the cheesy sweater with the animal print. C'mon, you deserve more respect than that.
In fantasy, you're bound to get a gift every once in a while. You may not immediately realize the impact, but the benefits eventually become apparent.
The 2011-12 season marked my first in the Yahoo Friends & Family League. Just over a month in, I picked up Brian Elliott off waivers after another owner dropped him. At the time, he was the backup to Jaroslav Halak. But when the Slovak went down soon after, Elliott stepped in and dominated. Under my ownership, he compiled 17 wins with a 1.57 GAA, .939 save percentage and seven shutouts. His performance was a major reason why I took home the title that year.
Of course, the reverse situation may occur. We've already discussed what can happen when players are cut too early or late and the associated consequences. Trying to gauge the correct time to drop someone is a tricky matter and requires plenty of experience and analysis.
So before we flip over to 2017, here are a few more gifts on display and ready for consumption. Have a safe and happy New Year!
Left Wing
Two Steps Forward: Josh Bailey, NY Islanders
The Isles have recently shown signs of life, which has slowly spread through the lineup. One of the beneficiaries is Bailey, who has been regularly placed in a plum role next to John Tavares. 33 games in and the 2008 first-rounder has proven to be quite the playmaker, notching 16 assists. Bailey has also logged significant ice time (over 19 minutes on average, including three on the power play and one on the penalty kill) and is averaging over two shots per game (69).
Broken Wing: Alexander Steen, St. Louis
While Steen's totals (17 points, including seven PPPs) would be acceptable for many forwards, the latest numbers (two assists in nine games) aren't close to his high standards. Plus-minus is often regarded as a trivial stat, yet it still serves as a category in most leagues and Steen's looks hideous (at minus-12). However, his lack of shots on net has been the most troubling (only 44 through 29 contests) and resulted in a lack of goals (just three, putting him on pace for less than 10 after averaging 25 the last three full seasons).
Between the Lines: Kevin Labanc, San Jose
If your knowledge of Labanc consists solely of his first two months in San Jose, then you're not alone. After being selected 171st in 2014, he notched an eye-popping 234 points in two OHL campaigns. The 5-foot-11 winger started the fall in the AHL but was clearly too good for the competition (13 points in eight appearances). While other Sharks are struggling or hurting, Labanc has been improving with experience (including two goals Friday). The kid just turned 21 but hides his youth by displaying confidence well beyond his years.
Right Wing
Two Steps Forward: Mats Zuccarello, NY Rangers
The Little Norwegian That Could has continued to disprove the doubters. After leading the Blueshirts in scoring last season (61 points), Zuccarello is keeping up the pace. He may have encountered a couple brief dry spells but can definitely be characterized as a dependable contributor (11 points, 25 shots, 11 blocks in his last 10 outings). The goal count may be a little light (eight in 36) but that figure should improve as the season progresses.
Broken Wing: Jesse Puljujarvi, Edmonton
Some cried conspiracy when someone as talented as Puljujarvi "fell'"to the Oilers at No. 4 last summer. And while the international junior star has briefly sparkled, he doesn't appear ready to hack it in the NHL just yet (one goal, seven assists over 21 appearances). With all the time spent in the stands (11 healthy scratches) and the club's reluctance to loan him out for the WJC, maybe it's best to give him minutes in the minors. For Puljujarvi to succeed, he must realize this type of play may look nice but developing a more well-rounded game will net more playing time.
Between the Lines: Leo Komarov, Toronto
The scrappy Finn has gained a reputation for his physical achievements, so his scoring skills are often overlooked. It's not as if Komarov has ever excelled offensively (although the 34 points in 52 games with Moscow Dynamo in 2013-14 got everyone's attention) but he showed enough last year (36 points, 130 shots, fifth in the league with 283 hits) to make people think he could develop into a solid two-way player. Despite a recent two-goal outburst, Komarov has fallen way short of these expectations (12 points in 33 contests) even when given sufficient opportunities (averaging over two minutes on both special teams units). He can still provide the muscle (106 hits) but needs to start getting on the scoresheet more.
Center
Two Steps Forward: Mikael Granlund, Minnesota
With all the hype surrounding the Wild's awesome attack (37 goals in their last 10 games), it may be tough to single out one player. But in the case of Granlund, there's no shame in doing so. Beyond his impressive stats (25 points over 33 outings, including 11 in the last nine), he adds a bonus of qualifying at all three forward positions in some leagues -- although center and left wing tend to be his most popular eligibility combo. I guess we shouldn't really be surprised at this type of performance, since he once pulled off this kind of magic.
Broken Wing: Mike Ribeiro, Nashville
We continue our series of underachieving Predators by focusing on a veteran that appears past his prime. Even though he'll soon be 37, Ribeiro has posted solid stats since arriving in Music City (112 combined points the previous two seasons). The numbers in his 17th NHL campaign appear decent (19 points in 33 games) but the last couple weeks have been a nightmare (one point in seven). As a result, Ribeiro's minutes have plummeted (in the 14 range the last three contests). He may never return to past glory, but at least there's room to improve within an exciting Nashville nucleus.
Between the Lines: Nick Bjugstad, Florida
Bjugstad was absent for the first 19 games after breaking his hand in the preseason. The road to recovery has been difficult (only a goal and an assist in 16 appearances) but there's reason to believe he can duplicate his production from the last three years (when he averaged 38 points, 188 shots, and 117 hits). The University of Minnesota product has recently been filling in on the right side and should be able to hold down a top-six spot if he continues to develop.
