While it was more devastating news to the Columbus Blue Jackets than it was to fantasy hockey owners, word that Kristian Huselius will miss 4-6 months after tearing a pectoral muscle during an off-season workout is not welcome news from a fantasy hockey perspective.
Huselius has been a consistent second-tier offensive producer in fantasy hockey leagues for the past decade. In seven of his nine NHL seasons he has scored at least 20 goals, and three times he has bettered 60 points. In Calgary back in 2006-07, Huselius produced a career-high 34 goals and career-best 77 points, while amassing 14 power play goals.
While he has not approached those heights since, he has always been a solid second-level fantasy hockey performer. You pretty much know exactly what you are going to get from Huselius, year-in and year-out.
Even last year, when he was slowed by various injuries, Huselius still scored 14 goals---6 on the power play---in 39 games. Yet again he proved to be a valuable and consistent fantasy hockey performer in terms of goals, power play goals/points, and overall points.
Next season Huselius should not be an option in your fantasy draft---unless you use your last pick on him and can place him on IR. Huselius will not play until late November at the earliest; and keep in mind that not only is he coming off the torn pec, he also missed 43 games last year AND had off-season hip surgery.
All of the injury buildup needs to be taken into account when Huselius finally does return to action next season. But he's now on same team with newly acquired Jeff Carter and stud teammate Rick Nash, along with new power play quarterback James Wisniewski, which will positively affect his numbers.
But you have at least 4-6 months before you need to make any decisions on Huselius.
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