Fantasy Hockey Outlook: Feb. 7

Story posted February 7, 2023 in CommRadio, Sports by Anthony Desher

We’ve made it past the NHL All-Star Break which means we’re starting the final stretch in the fantasy seasons. Owners will be looking to add players to the lineup to solidify themselves as a contender or fill-in for an injury. Which players on the waiver wire have performed well enough to deserve a chance?

Kirby Dach, Forward, Montreal Canadiens
The change of scenery is really helping Dach this season. He has already reached a career-high 33 points in 51 games, after only scoring 26 in 70 games the year before. He has totaled 82.9 points on the year so far, and before the break, he tallied 14.7 points in six games.

With Cole Caufield out for the rest of the year, Dach could get an expanded role.

Rafael Harvey-Pinard, Forward, Montreal Canadiens
Harvey-Pinard has only played seven games this year, but he is off to a tremendous start. Six points in those seven games give him 18.1 points on the year. He has scored multiple goals in a game twice and scored 7.7 fantasy points against Detroit in late January.

Riding the hot hand is normally the way to go, and with Harvey-Pinard’s ability to rack up the points, he could help win those close fantasy matchups.

Ondrej Palat, Forward, New Jersey Devils
After coming off surgery from a groin injury, Palat has been solid recently. So far through 18 games, he has scored 10 points, six of those points being goals. In his last six games, he’s racked up 14.4 points.

Palat brings a veteran presence to a young Devils team and his experience can help the team succeed down the stretch.

Alexander Romanov, Defenseman, New York Islanders
Romanov doesn’t have offensive numbers that will pop out at you, only having 15 points in 53 games, but he is known to shoot the puck a lot. Those shots make up for a bit of his lack of point production. In the defensive zone, Romanov puts his body on the line, blocking 98 shots so far this season.

Romanov has 86 fantasy points on the year, and will most likely elevate his play as the Islanders battle it out for a playoff spot.

Luke Schenn, Defenseman, Vancouver Canucks
Schenn will be a popular NHL trade deadline target for what he brings on the ice. He brings a strong, steady defensive game to the blue line. 90.5 fantasy points on the year are totaled by his 77 block shots.

He isn’t a huge offensive contributor, but he can shoot the puck from time to time and put up  points every couple of games, having 18 in 50 games. Schenn will be an underrated pickup for whatever team trades for him.

Anthony Desher is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email acd5698@psu.edu.