Short schedule on a Sunday but some tasty options, including Nino Niederreiter from the Winnipeg Jets
On every game day this season, THN Fantasy be highlighting players and goalies for fantasy managers to stream or roster for the rest of the season. The recommended players and goalies can be used in standard fantasy leagues or for daily fantasy games
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Nino Niederreiter, RW, WPG vs. MIN (6% owned)
Niederreiter is far from an elite scorer, but he has lit the lamp 223 times in 825 contests. The right winger has seen his production decline since he was a member of the Wild from 2013-14 through part of the 2018-19 season.
A former first-round draft of the Isles, fifth overall in 2010, Niederreiter has carved out a long career as a physical winger who has a smidge of a scoring touch. A perfect third liner, Nino showed chemistry with Adam Lowry and Mason Appleton on Opening Night, dishing out a pair of apples.
Samuel Honzek, LW, CGY at EDM (1% owned)
This one is a speculative bet. Yegor Sharangovich landed on injured resrve Monday because of a week-to-week injury, creating a large hole as the Flames' top left wing.
Connor Zary could move from the third to first line, but even if he does, Calgary needs another winger. Honzek, drafted in the first round, 16 overall in 2023, could get the call to fill that spot. Injuries limited him to 33 games in the WHL last season, but Honzel showed he is a slid two-way winger even in that brief action. Take a flier on him if he is promoted.
Pavel Dorofeyev, LW, VEG vs. ANA (5% rostered)
I debated about including Ivan Barbashev, but my colleague, Jason Chen, just covered him, so we decided to go with a different member of the Knights. Dorofeyev showed breakout signs last season, notching 13 goals and handing out 11 dimes in 47 games.
The off-season departures of Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson via free agency opened a top-six wing spot, which now is being filled by Dorofeyev. He benefits from skating with Tomas Hertl, and Alex Holtz, though right now, he is not on either of the team's two power-play units.
Defensemen
Adam Larsson, SEA at DAL (15% rostered)
Larsson, who will always be remember for the one in the 1:1 deal for Taylor Hall, has remained an effective blueliner for the past decade. Recognizing his importance to the team, Seattle re-signed the blueliner to a four-year, $21 million contract in September.
Larsson is the defensive ballast to Vince Dunn, allowing Dunn to maximize his offensive talents while Larsson focuses on the defensive side of the equation. He is good for 150+ blocks and hits while skating more than 22 minutes a game, adding value to leagues that use those categories.
Ty Emberson, EDM vs. CGY (1% rostered)
Emberson, who was waived last season by the Rangers, in a move that made little sense, was claimed by the Sharks and went on to a solid 30-game run for the team. He looked prime to be a possible fixture on the San Jose blueline but was dealt in what can best be described as a youth for veteran and way to meet the salary cap floor move to the Oilers.
Emberson benefits from the trade, as he is paired on the second unit with Darnell Nurse while skating with high-end talent.
Owen Zellweger, ANA at VEG (9% rostered)
Like Samuel Honzek, this is a speculative highlight. Zellweger, a second-round pick, 34 overall in 2021. skated in 26 games as a rookie on the Anaheim blue line last season. He brings massive offensive talent to the table but is learning the defensive side of the game.
No guarantee exists he will dress Opening Night, as the Ducks are loaded with young defenseman, but if he does, Zellweger could see a spot on the one of the two power-play units, where he excels.
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