Evgeni Malkin has a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee. The injury was suffered Friday night after crashing into the boards on a Tyler Myers hit. This leaves a huge hole at forward on every fantasy roster who owns Evgeni Malkin, so the question is- what’s next?
Analysis: This season ending injury isn’t one to be taken lightly as Malkin is a top five to seven fantasy forward. You may want to consider turning to Tampa Bay winger Teddy Purcell. Purcell has recorded 4 goals, 5 assists, 13 SOG and is plus 5 in his last five games. Obviously he cannot sustain this pace but I don’t see him falling off the fantasy hockey planet either. New Jersey winger Brian Rolston has tallied 5 goals, 8 assists, 28 SOG and is a plus 7 in his last 11 contests. Finally, San Jose winger Devin Setoguchi has been on fire his last five games with 4 goals, 3 assists and 22 SOG.
Projection: If you’re in need in the goal department I would put my faith in Devin Sotoguchi to supply a goal at least every third game. From an assists and especially a plus/minus perspective I would pick up Brian Rolston, the Devils are 7-1-2 in thier last ten games. The wildcard here is Teddy Purcell. Tampa’s offense is scary and Purcell should continue to benefit from the attention Stamkos and St. Louis demand. Purcell is fully capable of averaging almost a point per game from here on out.