Amidst the excitement of the tournament exists a niche topic which Fantasy Managers can follow along with as we go into the home stretch of the Fantasy season. The impact of the tournament goes much deeper than an NHL All-Star game can. We’re seeing the best NHL players from Canada, Sweden, Finland, and the United States.
Shea Theodore’s injury impact
Shea Theodore (D) – Vegas Golden Knights
Theodore was injured in the second period of Canada’s opening game against Sweden. He was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the tournament and is now being listed as week-to-week.
The veteran defender ranks fourth in points (48) amongst NHL defencemen. He is a major contributor in assists and power play points for fantasy managers. His absence as a defender will be hard to replace.
Managers can look to add Sean Durzi (D) (Utah Hockey Club – 14% rostered) who is likely to be activated from injured reserve following the tournament in hopes of replacing Theodore’s production on the blue line.
Line insight based on 4 Nations lineup
While most players in the tournament are featured on their respective team’s top line or PP1 unit, its interesting to see what roles they occupy amongst the best players from their home country. Here are a few players who’s role in this tournament can provide insight into their fantasy value down the stretch this season.
Artturi Lehkonen (LW,RW) – Colorado Avalanche – 60% Rostered
Team Finland has Lehkonen playing LW on their top line alongside Aleksander Barkov and Mikko Rantanen. Lehkonen plays the same role for the Colorado Avalanche where he leads the team in goals (23) and plus-minus rating (+24). At just 60% rostered, Lehkonen is highlighted by both the NHL and Team Finland as player who must be rostered in all formats.
Rickard Rakell (C,LW,RW) – Pittsburgh Penguins – 74% Rostered
Team Sweden has Rakell playing LW on their top line alongside Mika Zibenajad and William Nylander. Rakell is playing ahead of Filip Forsberg (L2) and Jesper Bratt (L3) who have both out produce Rakell in the NHL this season. While this team placement, Rakell sticks out as a player to own in leagues which recognize HIT and BLK categories. Rakell has 93HIT and 66BLK on the season and add a rare ability to start at all three forward positions.
Auston Matthews (C) – Toronto Maple Leafs – 100% Rostered
Coming into the season, Matthews was the first American centre drafted in most fantasy drafts after scoring 69G in 2023–24. Fast forward to today, and he is playing on Team USA’s second line, notably behind Jack Eichel who has 24 more points than Matthews to date this season. Perhaps more significant by comparison to the gap between he and Eichel is that Matthews ranks fifth in points amongst centers playing for Team USA in this tournament. Capitalize on the name value and success associated with 2023–24 and test the trade market for Matthews.
Sidney Crosby (C) – Team Canada – 100% Rostered
Crosby was chosen to lead Team Canada as its captain for the tournament. He made an immediate impact in Game 1 with 3A, a +1 rating, and was named first star on the night. The buzz surrounding Crosby is palpable across the country in Canada. Already 100% rostered, Crosby will draw significant interest leading into trade deadlines in all formats. A savvy move amidst the excitement is to test the trade market on Crosby, who’s 58PTS to date this season are able to be upgraded from in trade when considered against names who aren’t as formidable.
Standout players from the tournament
Its hard to think that Nathan MacKinnon or Connor McDavid’s value will rise following the tournament, but a few players stand to be recognized at a higher level for fantasy purposes following this event. Here are a few key players you can expect to rise in fantasy value:
Matthew Tkachuk (LW,RW) – Florida Panthers – 100% Rostered
Tkachuk got off to a slow start offensively this season but has been red hot leading into the tournament. He has 8G, 8A in his last 8GP and came out firing for Team USA in game 1 with 2G, 1A, and a whopping 8SOG. With the Americans favoured to win the tournament by oddsmakers, its likely that Tkachuk is referred to as an MVP contender. His fantasy value should skyrocket while playing for the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
Brady Tkachuk (C,LW) – Ottawa Senators – 100% Rostered
The line combination of Jack Eichel and the Tkachuk brothers stands out as the most devastating in the tournament. Brady Tkachuk is the biggest reason for that with a physical presence and power that reminds us of power forwards playing in decades past. His remarkable stat line from USA’s 6-1W against Finland included 2G, 5SOG, 8HIT in a mere 13:39 TOI. Those incredible totals align with his season long totals that include a league leading 234SOG, 188HIT(8th), and 101PIM(2nd). His blend of scoring ability and power are unmatched in the highest tier of today’s NHL. He is a true unicorn.
The tournament format is already stealing fans attention across the four represented nations. The level of hockey we’re seeing is short of nothing in today’s game, save perhaps Olympic level action. Be sure to tune in to every possible minute of the tournament and enjoy it for the spectacle it is.
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