Key Injury Replacements

When a top 6 forward is injured it has a significant impact on fantasy leagues. These injuries provide replacement players with an opportunity to make the most of their increased time on ice with the 1^st and 2^nd line. Those that can cope with competing against the other team’s top lines will thrive in their new roles. Let’s take a look at the latest injuries and how it will affect fantasy leagues:

1. Jordan Staal: Sidney Crosby’s injury has led Malkin to be bumped up into the 1^st line and Staal centering the 2^nd line. Since coming back from injury, he has excelled in his new role with 6 points and 8 PIMs in 5 games. He’s an elite defensive forward whose penalty killing prowess makes him valuable. He’s owned in 96.8% of fantasy leagues so pick him up if he’s free.
2. Brooks Laich: Nicklas Backstrom’s is out indefinitely leading a huge void at centre that Laich has tried to fill. If Ovechkin can somehow find his scoring touch, Laich could be the benefactor to the greatness that was Ovi. The Caps are also trying out Mathieu Perreault as their first line center. Unless you start seeing Ovi lighting it up, don’t pick up either of these players.
3. Danny Cleary: Pavel Datsyuk’s will be missing the next 2 weeks to recover from arthroscopic knee surgery. His injury leaves room for Cleary to occupy a top 6 spot as he returns from injury. Before he was out, he was on a mini-tear with 6 points in 6 games. He’s owned 27.2% of ESPN Fantasy Hockey Leagues.