Welcome to Fantrax’s NHL usage trends for December 12th — a tactical breakdown of deployment trends that matter. We’re spotlighting key ice time changes, power play promotions, and line shakeups that could swing matchups and unlock hidden value. Whether you’re grinding in deep leagues or scanning for streaming upside, these shifts offer actionable insight for fantasy managers looking to stay ahead of the curve.
More Fantasy Hockey Analysis: | Goalie Streamers | NHL Usage Trends | Buy-Low, Sell-High | NHL Schedule Preview | Fantasy Hockey Cold List | Prospect Report | NHL Injury Report | Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire
NHL Usage Trends
Jacob Fowler, G – Montreal Canadiens
The most talked-about call-up of the NHL season, and he didn’t disappoint. Fowler held a shutout for two periods and then held on for a 4-2 win. Along with the win, he made 36 saves for a cool .947 save percentage (SV%).
He was 10-5 with 3 shutouts, a 2.07 Goals Against Average (GAA) and a .919 SV% in 15 starts for the Laval Rocket. His call-up is more about the struggles of Sam Montembeault and Jacob Dobes than his strong play – not taking anything away from his play with Laval this year. But, Montembeault and Dobes have been subpar – at best this season.
The Habs play back-to-back games Saturday and Sunday, so expect him to get one of those starts.
Ryan Greene, LW/RW – Chicago Black Hawks
The offensive numbers don’t pop off the screen with 10 points through 30 games. However, 55% of his ice time at even strength has been with Connor Bedard.
He’s a big reason we’ve seen a decline in production from Ryan Donato, LW/RW. This was his spot last season. Averaging just over a minute per game on the second power play unit, Greene’s offensive value is limited right now. For leagues that use prospects and allow you to yo-yo them up and down from the minors, he’s a quiet option that could sprinkle in modest value. Perhaps the offence upticks a bit as the season progresses.
For now, he’s hindering Ryan Donato more than providing significant fantasy value.
Darren Raddysh, D – Tampa Bay Lightning
Raddysh is flying right now. He’s picked up three goals in his last two games and now has 22 points in 25. To say he is making the most of Victor Hedman’s injury might be an understatement.
Once Hedman returns, Raddysh’s production will drop, but not to the point you will want to return him to the waiver wire. He was my sleeper pick to become a 50-point defenceman this year. In multi-cat pools, he’s painful to own. He doesn’t really hit or block. At least he’s averaging two shots per game.
Stephan Noesen, LW – New Jersey Devils
Looking for short-term value? Noesen might be your answer. He saw a three-minute bump in ice time last night, including 3:46 on the power play. Timo Meier has taken a personal leave of absence, so there’s no timetable for how long he’ll be out. It also means there’s no timetable for the increased role for Noesen.
Last year, Noesen scored 11 power-play goals and had 15 power-play points. So, he’s had success in this role before.
Sean Durzi, D – Utah Mammoth
It’s been an underwhelming return from injury for Durzi, with just two points in nine games. In the past three though, we’ve seen his ice time increase to a season high of 24:19. Don’t expect him to take over Mikhail Sergachev’s spot on the Mammoth’s first power play unit. I do expect him to begin producing more offence as he settles in.
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