Many fantasy hockey leagues have either entered the playoffs or are nearing the end of the regular season, and managers can’t afford to roster any underperformers going forward. Listed below are three players that fantasy hockey managers need to drop to the waiver wire, or should avoid altogether if they’re available.
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Week 19 Fantasy Hockey Cold List
Scott Wedgewood – Colorado Avalanche
Despite Scott Wedgewood being considered a goalie for Team Canada at the Olympics earlier this season, he’s no longer a reliable hand in the crease for fantasy managers. Since Mackenzie Blackwood returned from injury in the middle of January, Wedgewood has slowly been transitioned to the backup position and is no longer starting on a nightly basis. Although the 33-year-old will still provide strong numbers playing on a dominant Avalanche team, managers can’t risk rostering a goalie who may only start once a week.
Morgan Reilly – Toronto Maple Leafs
Although Morgan Reilly’s plus/minus has been concerning because of Toronto’s recent struggles, being one of the team’s point leaders among defensemen continues to keep him rostered in many leagues. However, with the Maple Leafs’ power-play continuing to disappoint, and the team allowing over three goals per game since the Olympic break, there are few benefits for managers to keep Reilly.
In his last five games, Reilly has only recorded 1 point, and he’s contributed on the power-play just twice since the beginning of the year. Additionally, outside of blocks, Reilly doesn’t positively affect many other fantasy categories and should be replaced with a more consistent defenseman.
Rickard Rakell – Pittsburgh Penguins
Rickard Rakell has been a solid fantasy hockey asset for most of the year, but now that he’s no longer playing with Sidney Crosby, who was injured at the Olympics, his point production has diminished. Similar to Reilly, Rakell has only tallied 1 point since the three-week break, and has been insufficient on Pittsburgh’s first power-play unit. At the very least, Rakell shifting to center has allowed him to pick up face-off wins for managers, but otherwise, he’s been unable to provide significant value.
Moving ahead, managers should be focused on rostering talent that has proven to be consistent, as keeping players who lack production could be the difference between winning a championship and being eliminated in the first round. Make sure to return next week for another edition of the Cold List.
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