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Here are the fantasy repercussions of Montreal Canadiens RW Brendan Gallagher being ruled out for the next two months due to a broken hand:
Gallagher joins Canadiens Cs Alex Galchenyuk and David Desharnais, RW Andrew Shaw, and D Andrei Markov on the sideline. They represent the teams fifth, sixth, ninth, 11th and 15th-leading scorers. While the team's top-four point-getters in LW Max Pacioretty, RW Alexander Radulov, D Shea Weber, and C Paul Byron are all active, there isn't much further depth.
A top line of Pacioretty, Radulov and C Phillip Danault will remain in tact, but the second line of LW Artturi Lehkonen, C Tomas Plekanec and RW Sven Andrighetto isn't overly attractive. The pass-first Plekanec is never an ideal daily fantasy target due to his basement-level floor. His seasonal value exists only in extremely deep leagues when he doesn't have the privilege of centering the team's top wingers.
Any forward outside of Pacioretty and Radulov can be dropped in season-long leagues. Byron had five goals and six assists in December, but he tallied just 21 shots on goal in 14 games. He doesn't provide enough production in the other categories to warrant a constant roster spot with such inconsistent offensive production.
Galchenyuk participated in his first team practice Friday, but he remains a long way out from returning to game action.
Waiver Wire Options
- C Mikael Backlund, Calgary Flames: Backlund has been thriving while centering the Flames' second line. He has six goals and three assists in his past five games, with three of his nine points coming on the power play. He isn't a high-volume shooter, but while centering young LW Matthew Tkachuk, he should continue to offer viable production.
- RW Justin Williams, Washington Capitals: Williams is back in the top six, skating on the right side of C Evgeny Kuznetsov and LW Marcus Johansson. He has four goals and nine points in his past seven games, while taking an adequate 18 shots on goal. He isn't the physical presence he once was, but he warrants consideration in standard formats.
- LW/RW Anthony Mantha, Detroit Red Wings: Mantha needs to be owned in every type of keeper league. He has five goals on 19 shots over his past six games, adding three assists. He has remained locked into a top-six role with the Red Wings, a team desperate for offense from anyone other than their surprise rookie.
