Most fantasy hockey leagues just passed the halfway point of the season, and with every matchup becoming more important, managers need to be aware of which underperformers to acquire and which overachievers to trade. Listed below are this week’s buy low/sell high options that could change the trajectory of your team going forward.
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Fantasy Hockey Buy Low / Sell High
Matthew Knies – Toronto Maple Leafs
Matthew Knies was red hot through the first two months of the season, but he’s struggled to find himself on the scoresheet in December. In his first 7 games of the month, Knies only scored 1 goal and has recorded just 3 points. Additionally, playing on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 30th-ranked power-play isn’t helping, as Knies hasn’t contributed on the man-advantage since October.
In spite of his fantasy production as of late, now is the perfect time to buy the young left winger, with managers continuing to grow frustrated with his game. Knies is scratching 30 points this season despite his recent slump, and playing on Toronto’s top line will hopefully lead him to turn things around. Those looking to roster Knies should target him ahead of the Christmas break before he snaps his cold streak and managers become less willing to make a trade.
Noah Dobson – Montreal Canadiens
Similar to Knies, Noah Dobson has disappeared through December, having recorded just 2 points in 9 games. Although he’s playing 20 minutes a night, Dobson hasn’t been the offensive threat the Montreal Canadiens were used to watching during the first two months of the season. That said, the 25-year-old might be the best underperforming defenseman to target before he returns to his former self.
Despite being unable to consistently appear on the scoresheet, Dobson is an elite blocker, having recorded 80 so far this season. Moreover, the Canadian star isn’t afraid to shoot the puck, proving on multiple occasions this year that he can finish a game with 3-4 shots on net. Looking ahead, managers should look to trade for Dobson while he’s only adding peripheral value in hopes that he begins scoring again soon.
Fantasy Hockey Sell High
Juuse Saros – Nashville Predators
During the Nashville Predators’ worst run of the season, when they almost lost 9 games straight in November, Juuse Saros was nearly a droppable goaltender. Wins are hard to come by in fantasy hockey, but through his last 7 games, Saros has picked up 5 wins and has helped the Preds get over .500 in December.
Although many are thrilled to see Saros find his game, it’s unlikely that Nashville will continue to impress, with the team still suffering from many defensive issues. Therefore, managers with Saros should take advantage of his recent play and trade him for a goaltender on a better, more consistent team.
Anton Lundell – Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers have finally started to find their game, and Anton Lundell is proving to be not only a major part of their success but a player who supports almost every fantasy category. Just in the last month, Lundell has tallied 11 points, 20 hits, 125 face-off wins, and has taken 36 shots on goal. A player as complete as Lundell can be useful in deeper leagues, but could also be traded for better talent.
Although managers would likely hesitate to part ways with Lundell at the moment, it would be wise to trade him for a top point-getting centerman. Lundell’s peripheral value is off the charts, but for those looking to acquire point producers, now is the perfect time to exchange his secondary utilities for elite scoring.
The Christmas season is when many fantasy owners start to decide whether to buy or sell moving forward, making the next week the best opportunity to capitalize on some of the options above. Make sure to return after the holiday season for more buy low/sell high advice heading into the new year.
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