Fantasy: 5 moves you need to make in Week 8
Every Monday, theScore will offer a weekly fantasy hockey column detailing five moves you should make. Ownership percentages and position eligibility are courtesy of Yahoo.
Drop Ilya KovalchukTeam: Kings
Position: LW/RW
Ownership: 68 percent
Kovalchuk played just 6:20 in the Los Angeles Kings' 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night due to what bench boss Willie Desjardins said was a coach's decision. Here's a look at Kovalchuk's numbers before and after John Stevens' firing:
| Stat | Stevens | Desjardins |
|---|---|---|
| GP | 13 | 10 |
| G | 4 | 1 |
| A | 7 | 2 |
| P | 11 | 3 |
| S | 33 | 16 |
| ATOI | 19:11 | 15:15 |
Kovalchuk had three points in Desjardins' debut but has been held off the scoresheet since. Drop him now, as his lack of production and Green Jacket-caliber plus/minus rating (-13) is detrimental to your lineup.
Scoop up Shea Weber
Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Sport / GettyTeam: Canadiens
Position: D
Ownership: 57 percent
Weber could return to the Montreal Canadiens' lineup Tuesday against the Hurricanes. He hasn't played in over 11 months due to foot and knee injuries, so it's possible it takes him some time to get back up to speed.
However, Weber's biggest weapon, his shot, shouldn't be impacted by his ailments, and he'll likely get every chance to unleash his howitzer on a 30th-ranked power play that could desperately use a trigger man.
If Weber is sitting on the waiver wire, he needs to be added, but until we see how he performs after missing nearly a year, it's not worth giving up any trade assets in order to acquire him.
Take a flier on Dylan Strome in deeper/keeper leaguesTeam: Blackhawks
Position: C
Ownership: 3 percent
Strome was dealt to the Chicago Blackhawks along with Brendan Perlini in exchange for Nick Schmaltz on Sunday night. The former third overall pick has failed to make any impact whatsoever at the NHL level, tallying 16 points in 48 career games.
A change of scenery isn't going to solve Strome's lack of foot speed, so expectations should be tempered. However, the highly skilled center wasn't exactly given a fair shake in the desert, as he was routinely stuck on the Arizona Coyotes' fourth line.
It appears Strome will be given a chance to center Chicago's second line, reuniting him with his former Erie Otters linemate Alex DeBrincat. Strome needs to be surrounded by quickness, and it's possible that he and DeBrincat could regain the chemistry that made them one of the OHL's most prolific duos from 2014-15 to 2016-17.
Strome isn't worth adding in standard 10- or 12-team leagues - at least not yet - but he's worth picking up in leagues with 14-plus users or keeper leagues.
Add Alex Tuch
David Becker / National Hockey League / GettyTeam: Golden Knights
Position: RW
Ownership: 32 percent
Tuch has 17 points in as many games this season, but his hot start hasn't caught on with fantasy users, as he's owned in less than one-third of leagues. He's been especially hot of late, picking up five points in his last three contests, forming great chemistry with linemate Max Pacioretty along the way.
The Golden Knights only have three games this week, but all of their opponents (Blackhawks, Oilers, Vancouver Canucks) struggle mightily to keep the puck out of the net.
Pick up Austin Watson in banger leaguesTeam: Predators
Position: LW/RW
Ownership: 6 percent
Watson netted a hat trick on Sunday, and while he isn't known for his offensive production, he could continue to provide modest contributions while skating on the club's first line with Filip Forsberg and Ryan Johansen.
Moreover, Watson excels in leagues that include hits, blocks, and PIMs, so any time he can find the back of the net is a bonus. He has six points in as many games since returning from suspension.
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