With the Nashville Predators constantly finding fresh bodies to fill gaps opened due to injury, it can be difficult to keep on top of which players are getting the greatest opportunity to contribute to your fantasy hockey lineup. Follow after the jump as we take a look…
Note: I’ve moved this feature to Mondays to better align with most fantasy hockey pools.
J.P. has at least escaped the 4th line for the time being, but is stuck in a secondary role at both even-strength and on the power play. While apparently healthy, he’s just not producing much at the current time, and isn’t likely to get more opportunity, either. Status: Caution (ice time)
Erat is back in the lineup again, but hasn’t been able to assert himself offensively, with just 8 shots on goal in his last 7 games. That said, he gets more ice time on the power play and may be able to get rolling tonight against the Blue Jackets, an opponent against which he has been nearly a point-per-game player over the course of his career (13 goals, 26 assists in 44 games). Status: Good To Go
He’s still leading the Nashville defense in scoring, so it’s about time we included Franson in our coverage here. While he doesn’t get a load of ice time, that’s largely a function of Barry Trotz sheltering him to play against weaker opposition. He’s getting a decent amount of power play ice time, and is firing the puck on net with regularity. If you’re craving depth on your blueline, Franson could fill the void. Status: Good To Go
Preds fans are going goo-goo for Goc, and with 3 goals and an assist in the last four games, he qualifies as “on fire” by Nashville standards. What is surprising, however (as noted by OtF member wrandsw earlier today) is that Marcel got over two minutes of power play work at Carolina on Saturday, just as Barry Trotz lauded his versatility. David Legwand’s latest injury opened up an opportunity, and if he does indeed continue to get major PP ice time, Goc could well enjoy a career year. Status: Short-Term Sleeper Pick
Fantasy hockey owners might get frustrated with Hornqvist’s 5 goals so far, and think about trading or cutting him. Don’t. He’s leading the Predators in shots on goal, and is creating headaches for other teams even when he doesn’t have the puck. The effort is there, and the results should come. Status: Good To Go
A lower-body injury suffered in Montreal has kept him out of the last two games, and it is hoped that he’ll dress Wednesday vs. St. Louis. Stay tuned to see if he indeed starts playing later this week. Status: Out Of The Lineup
No news is probably bad news for any hope of Lombo playing soon. We have yet to hear if he’s even been cleared to start exercising, as he gets re-examined each week. At this rate, I personally don’t expect to see him play for the rest of the calendar year. That’s not inside scoop here, just speculation based on how long he’s been out, and how long he’d need to get back in shape. Status: Out Of The Lineup
Where would the Preds be without Cal O’Reilly, who is playing at a 60-point pace? In a world of hurt, that’s where. His line with Steve Sullivan and Patric Hornqvist is the only one producing consitently right now, and he’s orchestrating the main power play unit as well. Hey, even if the Predators’ PP is 3rd-worst in the league, that’s got to be worth something, right? Status: Good To Go
Apparently recovered from his early-season leg injury, Rinne might be heating up with his recent shutout in Montreal and recent strong shootout performances. With four games this week he might yield one to Anders Lindback, so keep an eye out for game-day updates. Status: Good To Go
Just as with Hornqvist, don’t get discouraged by seeing just 10 points so far for Sully. His line is putting shots on net every night and he’s used in every conceivable offensive situation. You didn’t draft him with 80-point expectations, right? Then just hang on. Status: Good To Go
Evidently he re-aggravated his knee injury in Montreal, which is not good at all. Supposedly he’s expected to play Wednesday against St. Louis, but at this point we’ll have to watch and see if this injury becomes a lingering concern. Status: Out Of The Lineup
Just one goal and no assists in his last 8 games… yikes! Perhaps nobody on Nashville feels the pinch of their pop-gun power play more than Weber. He logged a career-high 30:51 at Carolina on Saturday, so the pedal is to the metal. Keep playing him, what other choice do you have? Status: Good To Go
Earlier this year Wilson wrote in a blog post that his goal was to earn a point in every other game, a 41-point pace. That isn’t happening so far, and despite all of the injuries striking the team, he hasn’t earned a prominent role either on the wing or up the middle. He may break out with a short-term burst of output at some point, but every-night consistency isn’t there yet. Status: Caution (Ice Time)
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