As we prepare to flip the calendar to November, you may have realized that some of your pre-draft sleepers aren’t panning out like you had hoped. Conversely, players on the waiver wire you may have initially written off as a “flash in the pan” have managed to maintain their production levels as we enter Halloween weekend.
Here are some names whose hot starts are more than just blips on the radar, and can provide meaningful returns to your fantasy hockey team this season. But act fast, these names aren’t likely to be available for much longer…
- Andrew Mangiapane, LW/RW, CAL, 63% owned
With 7 goals in the 7 games, Mangiapane is proving that his breakout at the World Cup was no fluke. After finishing last season with career highs in goals (18) and points (32) in only 56 games, he’s well on his way to shattering those marks in 2021-22. While he’s yet to contribute any assists, his powerplay usage is encouraging and likely to increase if he keeps producing at his current pace.
- Andrew Copp, LW/RW, WPG, 58% owned
Continuing the trend of ownable Andrews, Copp is off to a strong start in Winnipeg with 9pts (5G, 4A) in 7 games. Similar to Mangiapane, he set career highs in goals (15) assists (24) and points (39) last year in a COVID shortened season. He’s currently playing on a line with Stastny and Ehlers, and seeing time on the team’s first PP unit. So long as he keeps his place with those two groups, he’ll have fantasy value moving forward.
- Lucas Raymond, LW/RW, DET, 49% owned
If you haven’t yet, head over to YouTube and check out some of his highlights so far this season. Raymond is dripping with talent, and will get a long leash on a Red Wings team that’s still in the midst of a rebuild. Currently skating on the team’s top line with Larkin & Bertuzzi, and helping run point on the Detroit PP1 group, Raymond could very well be a Calder finalist at season’s end. With 8pts in 8 games, he won’t be available for much longer.
- Kevin Shattenkirk, D, ANA, 66% owned
Once a household name, Shattenkirk struggled through the last couple seasons making him expendable in both New York and Tampa Bay. After a down year in Anaheim last season, Shattenkirk seems to have found himself in the early goings this year to the tune of 3G, 5A (8pts) in 9 games played. That point total is good for 2nd in the league, 1 shy of Roman Josi’s league leading 9pts. Shattenkirk is QBing the Ducks 2nd PP unit, and should post a respectable points total by season’s end.
- Craig Anderson, G, BUF, 29% owned
Let me be clear: At some point, Anderson will become expendable for fantasy purposes. But while he and his Buffalo teammates are riding this current hot streak, you may as well take advantage of it while you can. With 4 wins, a 1.98 GAA, and .939 SV%, Anderson is currently outplaying the likes of Vasilevskiy, Lehner and Binnington who are all essentially universally owned. No one is saying this will remain the case all season, but grab him now if you can, pad some stats, and see if you can sell high to another goaltender desperate owner in your league when the inevitable regression to the mean occurs.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner