Faceoff Factor

Lehtonen, Havlat Headline This Week's Injury Report

Adam Jennings | Fantasy Corner

Oct 24, 10:26 PM | Hype this story!

This section will be a weekly round-up of injured players with fantasy value and will give you recommendations on what to do with them.

Todd Bertuzzi RW, Ana (Concussion)- There has been no timetable for Bertuzzi’s return, which is good news for fantasy owners. Bertuzzi hasn’t been fantasy relevant for two years, which means this injury is good news for the youngsters (Getzlaf and Kunitz) because they should pick up their ice time. Getzlaf left yesterday’s game early, but early indications are that it is only minor. I’ll keep you posted.

Mathieu Schneider D, Ana (Ankle)- Schneider is likely back in two weeks. Upon his return, expect Schneider to steal Francois Beauchemin’s production. If you have a roster spot, I’d recommend stashing him away.

Kari Lehtonen G, Atl (Groin)- Lehtonen has a strained groin that should keep him out up to six weeks. This isn’t that much of a loss to fantasy teams, as the Atlanta goalie was off to a rough start. If you have Lehtonen, I would drop him as groin injuries usually take longer for goalies to come back from. Think about picking up one of the Columbus goalies (Leclaire or Norrena).

Martin Havlat RW, Chi (Shoulder)- Havlat is to miss at least an additional month. When he’s healthy, Havlat is good for a point a game. It would be worth your while to trade for Havlat and store him on your bench, until he is fully recovered. You should be able to steal him right now from most owners, if you offer a couple of lesser players with hot starts.

Sheldon Souray/Joni Pitkanen D, Edm (Shoulder/Knee)- The two offensive minded Oiler defensemen are both shelved for at least a month. Neither were off to strong starts (a combined four points in 14 games), but, most owners expected each to be top 20 D-men. Edmonton doesn’t have any players that will step and fill either Souray or Pitkanen’s skates. Not to mention, the Oilers have struggled on the power play, scoring only one goal. Both still have value, so don’t cut either one.

Bryan Berard D, NYI (Groin)- Look for Berard to miss a full month due to his groin injury. Berard was filling many fantasy teams’ third defenseman slot, scoring four power play points in five games. Berard is easily replaceable and can be dropped for players like Craig Rivet, Chris Campoli or Jaroslav Spacek.

Martin Straka C, NYR (Finger)- Straka is to miss about a month with a broken finger. So far every Ranger has been fairly disappointing, at least Straka has an excuse. The Rangers will eventually figure out that the point of hockey is to shoot the puck in the net, so keep Straka on your bench or IR spot and know that the Rangers will start filling the net by the time he gets back.

Dany Boyle D, TB (Wrist)- Boyle hasn’t played a game so far, but indications are that he should be back this weekend. If he is somehow available, pick him up. Boyle is a top two fantasy D-man and will greatly help you with PP points. Look for him to have a rough first three game before getting back in rhythm.