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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 Detroit Red Wings.
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 Petr Mrazek/Jimmy Howard
Mrazek took a step back this season, relinquishing starts to Howard. Howard is currently sidelined by injury for the second time this season. Mrazek's fantasy contributions have been rather unhelpful, but a full workload and his vast potential keep him worthy of a roster spot. Prepare to switch back to Howard once he's back to full health. Grade: C-/A
C/LW Henrik Zetterberg
The eldest member of the Red Wings' offense is once again their top fantasy asset. Zetterberg is on pace to top last season's 50 points while taking more than two shots on goal per game. His shooting percentage continues to be below his career average, a normal result of aging in the NHL. He's a key asset in leagues counting faceoff wins. Grade: B+
C Frans Nielsen
Nielsen has been a pleasant surprise to fantasy owners in his first year away from the New York Islanders. He is averaging a similar amount of ice time and is on pace for another 20-goal season. His assists have dropped due to inferior complementary talent and the Red Wings' depth at the center position. Grade: B
C/RW Dylan Larkin
Larkin is among the year's biggest disappointments, as he has accumulated just 13 points in 34 games. He should score 20 goals once again, but he currently has just three assists on the year. He is taking more shots, but his blocked shots and hits have decreased significantly. Grade: D
LW/RW Thomas Vanek
Vanek got off to an incredible start to the season, but he has since spent time on the sideline due to injury and otherwise regressed. He's averaging his lowest ice time since his rookie season and taking fewer than two SOG per game. He's no longer a consistent option. Grade: D
LW/RW Gustav Nyquist
Nyquist's role has changed, switching from goal scorer to playmaker. After scoring seven power-play goals last season, he doesn't have single one this year. He's not a reliable source of hits or blocked shots and is only an option in very deep leagues. Grade: B-
LW Tomas Tatar
Tatar scored a hat trick three games before the start of the break, helping salvage his first-half production. His seven goals on the year become much less impressive with this under consideration. He should be left on the waiver wire in all formats. Grade: D-
D Mike Green
The Red Wings' unimpressive team offense makes Green little more than a boom-or-bust daily fantasy option. Owners desperate to use all four defenseman slots can consider him in season-long leagues, but most can do just fine without him as well. Grade: C+
D Ryan Sproul
Six points in 18 games for Sproul. The 23-year-old has some long-term potential, especially while learning from Green this season, but he is a long way away from being a fantasy option in any format. Grade: F
Player to watch: LW/RW Anthony Mantha
Mantha didn't make the team out of preseason, but he has 11 points in 19 games since being called up from the AHL. He is averaging nearly 16 and a half minutes of ice time, but he has minimal power-play opportunity and hasn't produced anything of note. He is a strong option in keeper leagues, but he lacks standard value.
