Frozen Fantasy: Planning Ahead

Oh, what a year. Yep, it's been all about "the anniversary" in the last few days. But hockey has survived, even if some people we know and love haven't.

The sun comes every day, regardless of what's going on.

We've all gotten used to empty – or virtually empty arenas. Ditto canned crowd noise and crazy, intense rivalries that just didn't exist before.

Enjoy it because that last part is going to end. Some NHL teams need the gate and TV revenue that comes with the visiting Leafs and Habs, and even Oilers.

But before then, we have the trade deadline. COVID isn't done with us and it's going to affect the deadline in strange ways.

Who will need to quarantine? Will we be able to afford to wait for that or will it kill our season?

I don't know if there's anything we can do to insulate our rosters, especially if there are only a few bench spots in many leagues.

My early plan? I'm not going to overthink – it's a hang the toes over the proverbial board and just enjoy the waves approach. Yeah, it's already my personality, but I don't know if I could manage the stress otherwise.

I've already had Patrik Laine benched and that has really hurt me in my goals-heavy league. I can't dwell. Torts is Torts.

I've already missed some critical roster locks in daily. Kirill Kaprizov's first career hattie Friday was a sight. Too bad he was on my bench.

This week is already lost. But I'm still having fun.

What are your plans with the deadline looming? Go for broke? Let it ride? Move on to baseball? LMK.

Now let's take a look at who caught my eye this week.

Noel Acciari, RW/C, Florida (2 percent Yahoo!) – Last Saturday, Acciari went off – three goals in about 12 minutes of ice time. Fantasy managers didn't bite. The versatile veteran isn't a sexy pick, but we can't forget his Cy Young effort last year. Acciari potted 20 goals and just seven assists in 66 games and all came the hard way – at even strength, save one while shorthanded. He's useful as a depth helper – 20-goal potential can't be overlooked.

Nick Bjugstad, RW/C, Minnesota (3 percent Yahoo!) – Bjugstad has a point in four of his last five games. He's never become the scorer he was projected when drafted, but he's responsible and talented. So with a guy like Kirill Kaprizov around, Bjugstad is a good fit. Victor Rask has been the top pivot, but Bjugstad saw time with the hot rookie on Friday night. That's what intrigues me. He's not going to deliver reams of points, but we could be looking at decent complementary production. And depending on the COVID list, you might need that.

Devan Dubnyk, G, San Jose (16 percent Yahoo!) – Double-D put up a strong performance Friday night – a shutout is a shutout, regardless of who it's against. And it came on the back of a win over the Blues, too. Martin Jones has had some ugly outings lately and the Sharks will definitely roll the hottest hand. Use him in matchups, but just remember – big blocking goalies can be exposed with the pace of today's game, especially as they age. And Dubnyk is at that age. Still, I like him right now. The Sharks want to salvage some pride, even if the veterans could be moved. The net will be under pressure going forward, but this is about short-term gain (and maybe a lucky roll for a few more weeks).

Shayne Gostisbehere, D, Philadelphia (13 percent Yahoo!) – Ghost caught lightning in a bottle in 2017-18 and then promptly smashed it. He's never been the same guy again and that's OK. We all know to not overrate him. But he's starting to warm up. Gostisbehere has three points - including two on the PP - heading into play this weekend. Grab him if you can absorb his hit to your plus-minus.

Adin Hill, G, Arizona (2 percent Yahoo!) – Bye, bye taxi – hello opportunity. Darcy Kuemper's knee injury puts him week-to-week and that means Hill will get a shot at pushing Antti Raanta for playing time. Raanta, who is an impending UFA, scuffled in late February-early March and the Yotes need to figure out if Hill can be their number two man instead. The team isn't great, but they're not awful either. They need some homegrown talent, given their many challenges. I think Hill gets a long leash to prove he's worthy. That alone makes him valuable in matchups.

Clayton Keller, LW/RW, Arizona (47 percent Yahoo!) – Keller had a six-game, eight-point streak snapped Thursday. Three of those points came on the power play. You don't often get a waiver shot at a talented top-line scorer, so see if he's out there in your league.

Scott Laughton, LW/RW, Philadelphia (16 percent Yahoo!) – Laughton brings a little bit of everything to a roster – scoring, shots, hits, faceoff wins – and guys like that are gold if you can roll them off your bench. He's become an important part of Philly's top six and he, Travis Konecny and Kevin Hayes now form the Moustache Line.  I still don't get that trend – go clean or go full Jumbo Joe, that's what I say. Laughton has five points (two goals, three assists) in the five games heading into Saturday. He's quickly becoming one of the Flyers' best forwards, so get on board now before you lose your chance.  

Jason Robertson, LW, Dallas (4 percent Yahoo!) – Stars fans, this is your future and it's very, very bright. Robertson went off this week with a two-point performance Sunday and followed it up with a four-point explosion Tuesday. He's known for his sniping, but his smarts are supreme. And that's very quickly translating into NHL success. Kirill Kaprizov and Tim Stutzle get most of the Calder love, but Robertson is gaining fast. His 0.76 points/game is second best among first-year players. He can help you right now and for keeper managers, get this guy in your sights fast. The Stars have found their replacement for Jamie Benn (minus the aggressiveness).

Kevin Shattenkirk, D, Anaheim (28 percent Yahoo!) – Evan Berofsky flagged this guy to you earlier this week. Rightfully so. Shattenkirk is no defensive wizard, but he knows how to push the puck and run a PP. The Ducks are among the league's worst and they've struggled in their last 10. Veterans will be traded and youth will prevail. Shattenkirk will either shuffle to another (better) team or be a pillar to help the youngsters grow their game. He's valuable, as long as plus-minus isn't a worry.

Riley Sheahan, C/LW/RW, Buffalo (0 percent Yahoo!) – No, I'm not nuts. This training camp tryout is going to slip onto the top line to fill Jack Eichel's skates. Yes, that's a sad statement on the Sabres and their talent level. But Sheahan isn't a stiff. And maybe he can fire up Taylor Hall and Sam Reinhart. Someone has to at this point.

Back to your plan.  

Make one. Just don't be afraid to change it.

I'm going to go for it. I have Alexander Radulov coming off injury this weekend. If he doesn't perform fast, I need to ignore his name and look to the wire.

If Vincent Trocheck gets traded to Canada, I don't think I'm waiting on him. I don't know what I'll do if the same happens to Filip Forsberg.

ARGH. Plan ahead. But stay flexible. My tumbling gut needs some snacks. And a brew.

Good plan.

Until next week.