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Here's a look at the defenseman landscape in fantasy hockey, after Florida Panthers D Aaron Ekblad suffered a concussion, Saturday night and the ongoing upper-body injury keeping Pittsburgh Penguins D Kris Letang out of the lineup:
It's unclear how long these two defensemen will be out, but if you are out of IR spots, both can be dropped. You cannot afford to have a black hole on your roster during the fantasy playoffs.
There isn't much of a fantasy fallout on Florida's side of things. Alex Petrovic and Jason Demers will see a bump in ice time, but neither are fantasy relevant.
Pittsburgh has already been without Letang for nearly two weeks, so the dust has already settled. Justin Schultz will continue to fill Letang's shoes. Meanwhile, veteran power-play specialist D Mark Streit was acquired at the deadline. He is only quarterbacking the team's second power-play unit, but he does have four points in three games since the trade.
If you don't feel comfortable banking on a 39-year-old D like Streit to replace Letang or Ekblad, consider the following three options:
T.J. Brodie, Calgary Flames
Brodie had back-to-back 40-point seasons the past two years, but this season had been a major disappointment offensively... until now.
On the coattails of Calgary's 14-2-1 run, Brodie has picked up six points in his last six games. The offensive pedigree is there, and Brodie seems to be hitting his stride just in time for the fantasy playoffs.
Calgary will play four games in the first round between Monday and Sunday, March 19, giving Brodie added value for at least the first round of the playoffs.
Jaccob Slavin, Hurricanes
Slavin is already Carolina's leader in average time on ice, but he has taken on an even larger role since veteran D Ron Hainsey was traded to Pittsburgh. In the nine games since his departure, Slavin is averaging 25:25 per game. He has contributed on both the offensive end and defensive end with five assists and 17 blocked shots.
Carolina has the most favorable playoff schedule, with five games coming in the first round, three games in the second round and five once again in the final round. Given his willingness to block shots, he is an ideal pickup in banger leagues.
Ryan Ellis, Predators
Nashville plays only three games this coming week, but Ellis has the ability to be as productive as either two of the previously mentioned players, despite fewer games. The Preds will also play five games during the fantasy finals, giving Ellis long-term value.
He has registered four goals and six assists in his last 13 games. Six of those 10 points have come on the power play. His Monday opponent will be the Winnipeg Jets, who have been shorthanded more than any team in the NHL and own the 28th-ranked penalty kill.
(Photos courtesy Action Images)
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