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theScore will be giving out fantasy report cards discussing the fantasy value of key players on each of the 30 teams. This edition focuses on the Carolina Hurricanes.
ANA | ARI | BOS | BUF | CGY | CAR | CHI | COL | CLB | DAL | DET | EDM | FLA| LA | MIN | MTL | NAS | NJ | NYI | NYR | OTT | PHI | PIT | SJ | STL | TB | TOR | VAN | WAS | WPG
G Cam Ward
Still frustratingly volatile and prone to absolute stinkers, Ward's overall numbers this season have been among the best of his (regular season) career. His save percentage is the highest it has been since 2011-12, while his goals against average is his best yet. He has matched his shutout total from the last four seasons. An improved Hurricanes' defensive system will continue to support his performance. Grade: B+
LW Jeff Skinner
With the best supporting cast he has arguably ever had, Skinner is on the best points pace of his career. He is taking nearly four shots on goal per game, maintaining a shooting percentage right on his career average. His ice time is at its highest level since 2012-13, and he has matched or topped his power-play production from each of the past two seasons. He's a must-hold in all formats. Grade: A
C Victor Rask
Rask is breaking out in his third season, as he has been the primary center for Skinner. His moderately-high shooting percentage is similar to last season and could have some sustainability. His ice time is up for a second consecutive season since entering the league, and he remains beside Skinner on the top PP unit. Grade: A-
C/LW Jordan Staal
Unlike the two players before him, Staal has taken a rather large step back this season. He is averaging a mere two shots on goal per game, which is actually up slightly from last season, but a small drop in his shooting percentage makes a replication of his 20-goal campaign unlikely. His ice time is up, but his power-play production is down. The emergence of Rask has pushed Staal back into a defensive role. Grade: C-
C/LW/RW Teuvo Teravainen
Teravainen's increased role in his first season with the Hurricanes hasn't led to the breakout offensive campaign many predicted. He's averaging a little more than 16 minutes per game, which, while a career best, is insignificant. His shooting percentage is easily the highest of his career, but he is taking less than two shots per game. There's no reason to hold on. Grade: D-
LW/RW Lee Stempniak
Stempniak used a grossly-inflated shooting percentage to burst out of the gate with four goals in October, but he has rapidly regressed, scoring just two goals since. His SH% is still above his career rate, and he's shooting less often than last season. There's nothing to see here. Grade: F
LW/RW Sebastian Aho
Aho hasn't lived up to the needlessly-high billing of countryman Teemu Selanne, who offered a preseason claim of Aho having the best shot of any of this year's rookies. To his credit, he is attempting over two shots per game. His role remains minimal with little time spent with Carolina's top offensive players. He's an option only in deep keeper leagues. Grade: D+
D Justin Faulk
Faulk is headed toward another down season, though he has been able to remain relatively healthy so far. He's averaging less than a 1/2 point per game, with significantly less power-play production than he enjoyed last season, when 12 of his 16 goals came via the man advantage. He is still among the top offensive contributors from his position, but he hasn't moved into the elite class owners expected. Grade: B-
D Jaccob Slavin
Slavin's production has been very similar to Faulk's, though he has just a single goal. He is taking little more than one shot per game. He is worth an occasional spot on a daily fantasy roster in the proper matchup, but he shouldn't be owned in any season-long league. Grade: C
Player to watch: D Noah Hanifin
While Hanifin is playing on just the third pairing at 5v5, he bumps up to the top power play unit, promoting his offense. More than half of his production has come with the man advantage. Less than 17 minutes of ice time per game significantly caps his upside. His minus-8 rating may continue limiting his 5v5 exposure, but he has the potential to become a legitimate fantasy asset if his role does indeed grow.
