The Fantasy Hockey season is starting to ramp up and so are the injuries. Some players are going to be out for an extended period, but that opens the door for others to step up and seize their chance. There are a couple of players on the waiver wire that should be on your roster moving forward. Let’s take a look at those names and continue to build momentum throughout the week. 

 

 

 

Fantasy Hockey Week 5 Injury Report


Matvei Michkov - Philadelphia Flyers - John Tortorella

Matvei Michkov isn’t dealing with an injury, he’s, unfortunately, being coached by John Tortorella. The rookie has been a healthy scratch the last two games despite having ten points in 13 games. He’s a talented player, but Tortorella seems determined to teach the kid something. Rookies are going to struggle at some during the year and a learning curve is expected, but it’s hard to trust Michkov to produce and grow if he isn’t playing. Fantasy owners should stay patient for now, but be prepared to move on if he continues to be out of the lineup.

Jake Walman - San Jose Sharks - Upper-body

Jake Walman has missed the last two games--one due to injury-- and we don’t know if he will be ready for San Jose’s next game Monday against the Flyers. His first absence was a “coaching decision” but the second was due to an upper-body injury. We don’t know when Walman may have suffered this injury, but it looks like it’s nothing too serious. Hopefully, he can make a return to the lineup on Monday and continue his strong start to the season.

Brayden Point - Tampa Bay Lightning - Lower-body

Brayden Points has missed the last two games due to a lower-body injury and there is no sign that he is ready to make a return soon. He hurt himself last Sunday against the Jets and hasn't played since. He was seen on Thursday at morning skate, but that’s about it. The team is calling his injury day-to-day so it sounds like he’s not going to miss an extended period of time. Tampa Bay doesn’t play again until Thursday, so hopefully, he can suit up for that game.

Auston Matthews - Toronto Maple Leafs - Upper-body

The Toronto Maple Leafs have moved Auston Matthews to IR with an upper-body injury. The Leafs captain has missed the last three games and was only recently spotted at practice. The move to injury reserve frees up some money for Toronto to call up a player if needed, so there’s no concern that he isn’t progressing from his injury. Toronto has won three games in a row since Matthews has been out of the lineup, so they may not rush him back until he is 100%. Look for another update on his status before Tuesday’s game against Ottawa.

Mark Stone - Vegas Golden Knights - Lower-body

It’s a little early for Mark Stone’s back to be acting up, but here we are. We don’t know that it’s a back injury, but the veteran forward has been dealing with that issue now for the last few seasons. Stone has been off to a blazing start-- scoring six goals and adding 15 assists-- so losing him for an extended period hurts the team and fantasy owners. For now, we will assume that this isn’t a chronic injury and that the captain can return to the lineup soon, but fantasy owners may want to start drawing up a backup plan.

 

 


 

Fantasy Hockey Week 5 Waiver Wire

Jack Roslovic - Carolina Hurricanes - Yahoo!: 11% owned

When did Jack Roslovic become elite again? Was he ever elite? All that aside, the Carolina forward has nine goals in 13 games this season and is seeing some time on the second power play unit. His ice time is on the lower end, but he’s finding a way to get onto the score sheet. He will cool off at some point, but for now, a fantasy team that needs some offence would be wise to scoop him up.

Stefan Noesen - New Jersey Devils - Yahoo!: 38% owned

All that skill in New Jersey and Stefan Noesen is the guy? The veteran winger has put together some impressive performances and now has 14 points in 17 games this season. His ice time has also been increasing, which has led to the forward having games with six and seven shots on goal. I don’t think anyone expected this offensive explosion from him, but it’s a nice surprise. He should be on a fantasy roster until he comes back down to earth.

Brendan Gallagher - Montreal Canadiens - Yahoo!: 1% owned

There are no shortage of problems with the Montreal Canadiens, but Brendan Gallagher isn’t one of them. The veteran winger has seven goals on the season while playing less than 15 minutes a night. He’s not the player he once was, but he’s finding ways to get onto the scoresheet. The increase in production may force the coaching staff to give him more looks so he may not cool off right away. He isn’t going to rack up a ton of points or shots, but you know with Gallagher, he’s going to give you everything he’s got. He’s worth picking up in deeper formats.

Marc Andre Fleury - Minnesota Wild - Yahoo!: 23% owned 

In his final NHL season, Marc-Andre Fleury is out there playing hockey and having fun. He’s also recorded three wins in a row and now has a respectable 2.70 GAA and a .904 SV%. Minnesota is one of the best teams in the league, so that helps keep Fleury’s value high. He isn’t going to see a ton of action, but when he does play, he’s making the most of it. The veteran net minder is worth considering in deeper formats as a spot start option.