Fantasy Hockey: Patrick Kane’s injury makes Andrew Shaw a must add
By Matt Shetler
Fantasy Hockey owners everywhere that are heavily invested in Chicago Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane suffered a sharp and stiff kick to the groin last Wednesday when the talented forward got tangled up with St. Louis Blues forward Brenden Morrow.
The result was not good as Kane’s lower body injury will likely result in him missing the rest of the regular season and more importantly, the fantasy playoffs.
Mar 6, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Andrew Shaw (65) during the third period at the United Center. Chicago defeats Columbus 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
While you can’t replace the 29 goals and 40 assists that Kane has tallied this season, there are some available options on the waiver wire that may be able to help your team get by in a pinch.
For the first of those options we stay right in Chicago.
Andrew Shaw, C, Chicago Blackhawks (available in 82 percent of ESPN Leagues)
Even before the injury to Kane, Shaw should have been owned in more leagues.
He was skating on a line with Patrick Sharp and Michal Handzus, and on a top power-play unit with Sharp, Kane, Jonathan Toews and defenseman Duncan Keith.
Shaw netted his 18th goal of the season in Wednesday’s win over the Blues and has 16 assists to go along with that.
He will still be skating on a top line in Chicago and is in no danger of losing his spot on the Hawks’ top power-play unit.
Go out and grab Shaw while you can.
Evgeny Kuznetsov, C, Washington Capitals (available in 84 percent of ESPN Leagues)
Mar 11, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) on the ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
He’s been in the NHL for less than two weeks, but owners in deep leagues should be actively looking to scoop up the 21-year old Russian.
Kuznetsov has played in only seven NHL games, but has already dished out five assists.
That’s a good sign, but that isn’t even the youngster’s strength.
It’s a good sign that he is already skating on a forward line with Nicklas Backstrom and Troy Brouwer, so there should be plenty of opportunities to fill the stat sheet.
Kuznetsov is skilled at scoring goals. Backstrom is one of the best in the business at setting up goals.
At least for the short term, Kuznetsov is a guy that can rack up some points that can help you the rest of the season.
Nicklas Jensen, LW, Vancouver Canucks (Available in 95 percent of ESPN leagues)
Another recent call-up to consider taking a flier on is Jensen.
Jensen has been fantastic since being called up from Utica, tallying three goals and two assists in eight games. With Daniel Sedin returning on Sunday after missing nine games with a hamstring injury, the 21-year-old rookie will get a chance to play with two of the best playmakers in the game.
The Canucks needed some scoring punch and the 21-year old has delivered exactly that early on in his NHL career.
Vancouver coach John Tortorella has had mostly good things to say about Jensen since his recent arrival and if Tortorella goes out of his way to be complimentary of a player it is likely a good sign.