The New York Rangers face a tough stretch after losing star defenseman Adam Fox and elite goaltender Igor Shesterkin to lower-body injuries. Fox is due for re-evaluation on Jan. 31, likely missing time until after the Olympic break, while Shesterkin is week-to-week. Fantasy managers must stash Shesterkin on IR, as he leads the NHL in goals saved above replacement (24.3 GAR) and wins above replacement (3.8 WAR) per Evolving Hockey. This opens the door for backup Jonathan Quick to take over.
Quick has been solid with a .919 save percentage and 2.23 goals-against average in limited action. Available in over 90% of ESPN leagues, he’s a strong streaming option for teams needing goaltending stability. The Rangers’ road success suggests they can keep games tight at home too, especially with J.T. Miller returning from an eight-game absence.
New York Rangers: Stream Jonathan Quick
Jonathan Quick remains capable despite his age. The 39-year-old future Hall of Famer boasts 7.3 GAR and 1.2 WAR this season. New York must support him defensively to rack up wins.
Rangers fans feel the sting of these injuries in a tight Eastern Conference race. Their 20-18-6 record kept playoff hopes alive until now. Quick’s experience could bridge the gap until Shesterkin returns.
For fantasy rosters, Quick addresses holes left by Shesterkin. Check ESPN’s goalie depth chart for updates. His availability makes him a no-brainer add.
Teams like the Rangers highlight why backups matter. Our analysis of top NHL backup goaltenders shows Quick’s value aligns with rising 1B options.
Quick’s proven he can win when given chances. Managers believing in New York’s bounce-back should start him confidently.
Carolina Hurricanes: Drop Frederik Andersen, add Brandon Bussi
Frederik Andersen has struggled mightily, winless since Nov. 6 with a .867 save percentage, second-worst among goalies with 10+ games. His 3.43 GAA drags fantasy points down—starting him has cost 19 points compared to sitting idle.
Hurricanes players feel more confident with Brandon Bussi in net. The 27-year-old rookie steps up with Pyotr Kochetkov out for the season. Carolina’s elite status ensures Bussi sees heavy minutes.
Bussi is a prime waiver target if available. The East contenders need crease reliability down the stretch. Watch if they ride Andersen in relief or seek external help.
Andersen’s woes underscore poor team confidence. Skaters have voiced bolstered play behind Bussi. Drop him now to free roster space.
Carolina’s depth makes Bussi intriguing. Pair him with ESPN fantasy rankings for broader strategy.
St. Louis Blues: Bench Jordan Binnington
Jordan Binnington mixes brilliance, like a shutout against Montreal, with disasters, such as seven goals to Chicago. Video from that game questioned his commitment versus backup Joel Hofer.
Blues issues extend beyond the crease, but Binnington’s inconsistency hurts fantasy. Olympic hopes might boost him later, but avoid for now.
He’s someone else’s headache until consistency returns. St. Louis needs on-ice fixes first.
Binnington’s highs and lows frustrate owners. Stream cautiously, but bench in tough matchups.
Team Canada’s netminder has pedigree, yet current form demands patience.
New Jersey Devils: Upgrade from Jacob Markstrom to Jake Allen
Jacob Markstrom’s nightmare against the Islanders—nine goals on 24 shots—nets minus-15 fantasy points. Coach Sheldon Keefe leaving him in signals deeper issues like lackluster effort.
Markstrom has zero fantasy points this season total. Rumors swirl of changes behind the bench or front office.
Jake Allen offers an upgrade. He’s steadier amid Devils’ turmoil.
This blowout swung 30 points with Ilya Sorokin’s shutout. Avoid Markstrom until stability hits.
New Jersey mirrors recent Sabres’ post-change bumps. Monitor closely.
Winnipeg Jets: Sit Connor Hellebuyck until wins return
Connor Hellebuyck shines individually, but the Jets’ 3-14-5 skid since Nov. 21 and 10 straight losses doom him. The Hart/Vezina winner can’t win alone.
Bench him until the team rebounds. Winnipeg has talent to recover.
Hellebuyck’s no-fault liability hurts weekly. Prioritize streamers.
Jets remain good enough long-term, but short-term pain persists.
Hot waiver options around the league
Strong performers available in ESPN leagues include:
- Jet Greaves, Columbus Blue Jackets (15.2 GAR, 2.4 WAR)
- Dan Vladar, Philadelphia Flyers (15.1 GAR, 2.4 WAR)
- John Gibson, Detroit Red Wings (5.3 GAR, 0.8 WAR)
- Joseph Woll, Toronto Maple Leafs (4.9 GAR, 0.8 WAR)
- Karel Vejmelka, Utah Mammoth (0.1 GAR, 0.0 WAR)
These netminders deliver value now. Check ESPN’s most added/dropped for trends.
Prioritize high-GAR options for your roster.
Injuries and slumps reshape fantasy goalie landscapes monthly. Quick and Bussi offer immediate help, while patience pays with Hellebuyck. Monitor team contexts via daily lines and projections. Strong goaltending decisions propel playoff pushes—adapt quickly to stay ahead.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.