The trade deadline has passed, and many fantasy hockey owners have benefitted from their players moving from one NHL team to another. But trades are not the only area where fantasy hockey owners can receive a boost down the stretch of the season. Many important players are also closing in on returns from injury.
Let's take a look at some of the most important injured players, from a fantasy hockey perspective, and see what the current status of each is.
Chris Pronger
Reports out of Philly are that Pronger should be able to return to the Flyers lineup on Thursday against the Maple Leafs. Pronger returned to full practice on Monday and is greatly benefitting from four consecutive off-days in the schedule before Thursday's game. If you have Pronger on your fantasy hockey team, activate him in time to play later this week.
Mike Green
Yesterday---just one day after Caps coach Bruce Boudreau said Green would miss a week after absorbing a hard hit to the head courtesy of Rangers center Derek Stepan---Washington GM George McPhee reported that Green would be out "at least a couple of weeks". No one is officially saying the word "concussion", but this is Green's second "head" injury, and certainly is a major cause of concern for the Capitals, as well as for fantasy hockey owners. Needless to say, make sure you have Green inactive and monitor his situation.
Brad Richards
The hoopla of trade rumors has finally died away, now Richards just has to return to game action for the Stars. Richards, who had suffered a mild concussion, has been skating with the team, with word out of Dallas that he could return in time for Friday's game in Anaheim. In the midst of a splendid season---he is the NHL's ninth leading scorer with 63 points in 56 games---Richards' return to health is vital to the Stars playoff push, not to mention his huge importance to owners that have him in their repsective fantasy hockey leagues. Monitor closely. His return seems imminent.
Marian Gaborik
Unlike Richards, Gaborik does not seem close to a return from his concussion. Gaborik skated on his own for a bit a few days ago, but hasn't been able to return to the ice since. Rangers GM Glen Sather said the other day that he was confident Gaborik could return soon, even though he suffered a setback with his health this weekend. Do not look for Gaborik---who has struggled with just 17 goals and 38 points in another injury-marred season---any sooner than next week at the absolute earliest.
Brian Rafalski
Rafalski is definitely out of tonight's game against the Ducks due to back spasms, so he will miss his third straight game with the injury. He is listed as day-to-day on the Red Wings injury report, but back woes are very difficult to gauge. Keep a close eye on Rafalski's situation because the veteran is still a fairly important defenseman in most fantasy hockey leagues (33 assists, 37 points, and +14 in 50 games).
Jaroslav Halak
The Blues netminder, who has been sidelined with a fracture in his hand, took some shots from his teammates yesterday, but still is not yet ready to return to action. Even though he has cooled considerably after a hot start (19 wins, 2.63 GAA, .907 save percentage), Halak is needed in goal by the Blues, who have received uneven play from Ty Conklin and Ben Bishop. Halak is also still a pretty important No. 2 goalie in most fantasy hockey leagues, so his return down the stretch is quite important.
Send your fantasy hockey questions to Jim at jimcerny@gmail.com