While you may be an avid fan of a particular NHL team -- and keep up to date on all the news and rumors regarding that franchise -- there are 29 others playing in 2016-17.As a fantasy owner, it can be a bit daunting to keep tabs on everything.Thats where the Fantasy 30 comes in -- a rundown of the most fantasy-relevant updates on every team. Heres whats happening around the NHL this week.Anaheim Ducks: Goalie John Gibson simply refuses to roll over and hand the No. 1 baton to Jonathan Bernier. Just as the call for less Gibson and more Bernier amplified again this week, the former turned in an outstanding 39-save performance in Tuesdays 2-1 win over Carey Price and the Canadiens. However, Bernier has still been the more consistent of the two this season, and is in little danger of seeing his fair share of starts dwindle anytime soon. Frankly, the 28-year-old merits ownership in a larger number than his current eight percent of ESPN leagues.Arizona Coyotes: After sustaining an upper-body injury during Tuesdays 2-1 overtime loss in San Jose, Oliver Ekman-Larsson is considered a maybe for Thursdays tilt with the Los Angeles Kings. Ensure the Coyotes No. 1 defenseman is, in fact, competing before enlisting his services in leagues with daily lineup adjustments or DFS play.Boston Bruins: Ryan Spooner was given a chance earlier this season. At present, depth forward Tim Schaller is trying his best to make the most of the position. But really, the Bruins are clearly in the market for a more suitable character to slide in on the left side of David Krejci and right wing David Backes. If/when they find such a skater -- within their own system or via the trade market -- anticipate bigger scoring numbers from all involved, particularly the talented, streaky centerman.Buffalo Sabres: To the pleasure of his fantasy owners and Sabres fans alike, Jack Eichel looked no worse for wear in his post-high ankle sprain debut, scoring a goal and an assist (both with the extra skater) in Tuesdays 5-4 victory over the Senators. More importantly, he felt good (enough) doing it. Im a little bit tired, but Im just happy to be back in the swing of things, Eichel said, via the Buffalo News. The ankle felt really good, so I think thats a plus. As discussed in Tuesdays Waiver Watch, the young centers return also bolsters the respective fantasy value of those around him -- including linemate/roommate Sam Reinhart, who is owned in a mere 23 percent of ESPN leagues.Calgary Flames: It appears the Flames arent proactively looking to trade Dougie Hamilton after all. Speaking with TSN radio, Brian Burke implied hed rather swallow a thousand suns than deal the towering, fleet-of-foot defenseman. Actually, the clubs president of hockey operations specifically said that while the Flames would consider moving Hamilton for an overwhelming return -- suggested package: 20 first-round draft picks -- they werent actively shopping the 23-year-old. Considering Maple Leafs winger James van Riemsdyk probably isnt worth more than a dozen first-rounders, we can put that rumor temporarily to bed. Leading Calgarys blueliner ranks with 12 points and 68 shots (and sitting second with 26 penalty minutes), Hamilton is likely staying put for the time being.Carolina Hurricanes: Placed on IR with a concussion, Jordan Staal could be out a while; theres no current timetable for his return. To plug the gaping hole at center, coach Bill Peters has shifted Teuvo Teravainen to the middle, while hauling winger Lee Stempniak up from a depth position. Third-line center Derek Ryan is also seeing additional minutes with the man advantage.Chicago Blackhawks: Suffering from a minor back injury, Jonathan Toews is loosely expected to return Saturday in Philadelphia after missing a handful of games. That means 22-year-old Vincent Hinostroza is in line for one more whirl as a top-six center, against the Devils on Thursday.Colorado Avalanche: Honestly, we thought hed be back by now. However, Gabriel Landeskog isnt likely to return for the Avalanche until Saturday -- at the outside earliest. I dont want to say hes not day-to-day still. I think, Im hoping hes more day-to-day than week-to-week, coach Jared Bednar said following Wednesdays practice, per NHL.com. But now we have the ability to put him on IR retroactive and he can come off at anytime, but as you saw again today, hes not skating. Hes not going to play tomorrow. Thats all I know right now. In Landeskogs place, Rene Bourque is skating on the left side of top center Nathan MacKinnon. Which isnt ideal, to put it mildly.Columbus Blue Jackets: After a somewhat rocky months-long start to their relationship, Brandon Saad appears to be competing his way into coach John Tortorellas good graces:He has a personality (long pause), hes a different guy, Tortorella said this week, per the Columbus Dispatch. Hes a little laid back, but the last three or four games Ive seen him compete harder than any Ive seen him compete any time since Ive known him from last year through (now). And, thats been a battle between him and I as far as how hard I want to him to play.It wasnt long ago that Saad was in perceived danger of sitting as a healthy scratch. Now, on the top line with Alexander Wennberg and Nick Foligno, the 24-year-old has six goals and 11 assists through the first quarter of the season. Dont underestimate the former Blackhawks fantasy value moving forward, especially if he remains on the right side of Tortorella.Dallas Stars: Coach Lindy Ruff isnt shying away from booting John Klingberg to the press box as way of expressing his disappointment with the top defenseman. The 24-year-old was a healthy scratch for the second time in little more than a week, Tuesday versus the Red Wings. While we dont expect this trend to endure, make sure Klingberg is actually playing before activating him in daily adjustment leagues.Detroit Red Wings: With Brendan Smith (knee) on the injured shelf for four weeks, defenseman Ryan Sproul is projected to carry more responsibility for a spell. Although skating as a third-pair D-man aside Jonathan Ericsson, the 23-year-old is also seeing quality minutes with Detroits man advantage. The former Sault-Ste. Marie Greyhound was heralded for his offensive contributions in the OHL, and has since accumulated 91 points in three AHL regular seasons (213 games).Edmonton Oilers: The latest shuffling in Edmonton sees Leon Draisaitl join the sizzling forward pair of Connor McDavid and Milan Lucic, which has resulted in Jesse Puljujarvi, once again, falling to the fourth unit. If possible, make sure Draisaitl is active on your roster against the Jets Thursday, and consider him a potential asset in DFS competition.Florida Panthers: Through no fault of his own (obviously), new Panthers forward Seth Griffith could benefit from the firing of head coach Gerard Gallant. As discussed in Elliotte Friedmans 30 thoughts column, interim head coach (and GM) Tom Rowe might experiment with expanding Griffiths scoring horizons:As Jeff Marek pointed out, one of Floridas first changes could be going to four forwards and one defenseman on the power play. (Gallant preferred two defenders.) Also, watch Seth Griffiths usage. The Panthers claimed him off waivers from Toronto, then sent Jared McCann to the AHL to prevent him from being exposed once again. Curious to see if Rowe gives Griffith a longer look on a more offensive line.By no means are we suggesting you rush to acquire Griffith for your own fantasy squad -- the 23-year-old former Maple Leaf/Bruin has accomplished little at the NHL level to date. Just monitor the situation for now.Los Angeles Kings: As anticipated, Marian Gaborik has ascended to the Kings top line alongside Anze Kopitar following a brief, post-injury warm-up. Owned in a mere 8.8 percent of ESPN leagues, the veteran winger still has the goal-scoring wherewithal to contribute in a good portion of fantasy leagues.Montreal Canadiens: Skating with a variety of linemates to date, Max Pacioretty has only five goals (10 assists) to show for his efforts this campaign -- well off pace for a sniper with 30-plus tallies (nearly 40 in 2013-14) in his past four complete seasons. However, with an analytical glint in his eye, Adam Gretz suggests Habs fans, and Paciorettys fantasy owners, shouldnt fret yet.Through Monday he has a team best 53.9 Corsi for percentage (almost identical to what he has done in recent seasons) while the Canadiens are outscoring their opponents when he is on the ice. His assist numbers are also right in line with the rest of his career. So the team is still scoring goals and producing positive results when he is on the ice. That is a good thing because he is obviously a very big part of that. The big difference is right now is the puck is not going in the net off of his stick.TL;DR version: The goals will come. Be patient.Minnesota Wild: Despite a recent desultory showing by his top line, coach Bruce Boudreau doesnt seem eager to disassemble the combo of Zach Parise, Eric Staal, and Charlie Coyle. Theyre good players and theyre all professional and theyre going to get back on track, Boudreau said following Tuesdays 5-4 loss to the Canucks, per the Star Tribune. Equally annoyed with themselves, this trio is primed for an inspired performance against the reasonably generous Flames in Calgary on Friday. Take note, DFS competitors.Nashville Predators: Updating the latest injury news out of Nashville, Thursday: Defenseman Ryan Ellis is skating, and forward James Neal is not. Filling the top-six void left by Neal, 20-year-old Kevin Fiala scored a goal on four shots against the Avalanche Tuesday. Fantasy owners in deeper leagues may want to take a flier on the former first-round draft selection -- and current AHL standout -- as long as he remains in that slot.New Jersey Devils: Recovering from knee surgery, Taylor Hall hopes to return to the Devils lineup Saturday, if not earlier. Today it felt really good, Hall said earlier this week, per the Record. Today felt better than yesterday. Ill try and be ready for Thursday but, if not, then I hope to play Saturday. If coach John Hynes prefers to leave a red-hot Michael Cammalleri alongside Travis Zajac, look for Hall to potentially join center Adam Henriques line.New York Islanders: Just as the trio was enjoying some growing chemistry between them, the Islanders No. 1 forward line has, once again, been (partially) disassembled. The latest version sees Brock Nelson join John Tavares and Josh Bailey, in substitution for rookie Anthony Beauvillier. Also of note, recent scratch Ryan Strome returns to the lineup as second-line center, adjacent veteran winger Andrew Ladd. Seeking redemption, Strome serves as an intriguing DFS play against the Capitals Thursday.New York Rangers: Even though the two havent regularly played on the same line, J.T. Miller has just one goal and an assist in the five games since center Mika Zibanejad suffered a broken fibula. Coincidence? Larry Brooks of the New York Post thinks not:J.T. Miller is a much better player on the wing than at center, and the Rangers are a better team with Miller on Kevin Hayes right wing. The Rangers are down a top-six center, and there is no doubt that Mika Zibanejads long-term absence has revealed a soft spot in the clubs depth, but shifting Miller to the middle dilutes the teams strength on the wing while only barely addressing a weakness.Perhaps temper your fantasy expectations of Miller until coach Alain Vigneault finds another replacement for Zibanejad down the middle.Ottawa Senators: Designated as day-to-day with a hand injury, Bobby Ryan is expected to sit Thursdays contest with the Philadelphia Flyers. But while young forward Curtis Lazar is projected to see additional quality minutes in Ryans absence, the top-line duo of Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman -- adjacent center Derick Brassard -- is making the majority of noise for the Senators right now (combined eight goals and eight assists in five games). Also worth noting is Mike Condon moves up as temporary go-to netminder, while Craig Anderson takes a personal leave of absence.Philadelphia Flyers: Nick Cousins moment in the top-six sun has since clouded over. Following a brief three-game experiment with Cousins in the second-line center role, coach Dave Hakstol has instead decided to replace an injured Sean Couturier with Brayden Schenn. As such, the dangerous duo of Schenn/Wayne Simmonds deserves an extra-long look in DFS play for Thursdays game against goalie Mike Condon and the Senators.Pittsburgh Penguins: As volleyed about in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, rookie Jake Guentzel may not be long for the Penguins top six. Were not so sure coach Mike Sullivan is ready to pull the trigger on such a change; Wednesdays tilt with the Islanders the exception, the 22-year-old, five-game veteran has been effective alongside Evgeni Malkin. But Guentzels fantasy owners should keep a close eye nonetheless.San Jose Sharks: Dont let his superficial fourth-line role lead you astray; as this chart illustrates, Kevin Labanc is also enjoying some quality ice-time with the likes of Logan Couture. In fact, Couture earned the primary assist on Labancs first period goal in the Sharks 4-1 win against the Kings Wednesday. The 20-year-old old rookie also has two assists in his past four games. Fantasy food for thought, DFS-wise and in ultra-deep leagues.St. Louis Blues: Recovered from an upper-body ailment, versatile forward Alexander Steen is tapped to take over as center between star winger Vladimir Tarasenko and talented sophomore Robby Fabbri -- a move that knocks Jori Lehtera to the third line. Well get a good, first look at the Fabbri/Steen/Tarasenko unit versus the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday.Tampa Bay Lightning: After missing over two weeks worth of games with an upper-body injury, Anton Stralman is likely to make his return for the Lightning Thursday. Tampa has missed Stralmans puck-moving presence, particularly with the man advantage.Toronto Maple Leafs: Tune into any hockey-related broadcast in Toronto, and you wont wait long before hearing about the inevitability of the Maple Leafs moving one of their scoring wingers. Some have speculatively hoisted William Nylander up on the trade block. Others have already, in their own minds, shipped James van Riemsdyk out of town, bags fully packed. Now, while a deal including JVR -- targeting a defenseman in return, most likely -- is supported by legitimate NHL insiders, were not there yet. So the Leafs current dynamic trio of JVR, Tyler Bozak and Mitch Marner remains safe to exploit in the meanwhile.Vancouver Canucks: If desperate for blue-line fantasy help, have a glance at Vancouvers Troy Stecher. With Alex Edler out four to six weeks (fractured finger) and Chris Tanev (lower-body injury) still on the shelf, the 22-year-old rookie is currently enjoying top-pair minutes and a prominent power-play role. Averaging 3.14 shots per game, Stecher relished his first multi-point game versus the Wild on Tuesday. What have you got to lose?Washington Capitals: Heres a succulent tidbit for fantasy owners in competitive keeper leagues: 20-year-old Jakub Vrana is projected to make his NHL debut Thursday on a line with Evgeny Kuznetsov and Andre Burakovsky. Theyre highly skilled and they should have a bond because theyre younger guys, coach Barry Trotz said, per the Washington Post. They can move. They can fly. Well see if that line can do some damage. The former first-round draft pick (2014) has nine goals an seven assists in 18 AHL games this season. If available, he might also be worth a shot in DFS play against the Islanders Thursday.Winnipeg Jets: The Jets are healing. First, fans enjoyed Bryan Littles healthy comeback earlier this week, and now Mathieu Perreault is pegged to suit up after his own lengthy absence. While Little is entrenched as second-line center behind Mark Scheifele, Perreault could re-crack the top six on the wing -- in place of Drew Stafford? -- before you know it. Otherwise, the third-line centers role, along with a prominent gig with the extra skater, is likely in the cards for the 28-year-old. Cheap Stars Jerseys . Those lessons were more than enough to overwhelm the Utah Jazz. Lou Williams scored 25 points and the Hawks continued their offensive upswing as they rolled to an easy 118-85 victory over the Jazz on Friday night, winning their third straight and for the fourth time in five games. Stars Jerseys China . Brett Kulak and Jackson Houck of the Vancouver Giants were each charged with assault causing bodily harm on Aug. 18, according to the B.C. court services. https://www.cheapstarsonline.com/ .Y. -- Syracuse has turned up the defence at the right time all season, and when High Point threatened to pull off a monumental upset the second-ranked Orange did what they do best with their quick hands and savvy play. Dallas Stars Pro Shop . The veteran safety was a starter for the Bengals from 2008-2012. He totaled 41 tackles and three interceptions while starting all but four of the 13 games he played last season. Fake Stars Jerseys . Blackwood, 28, has played the last three seasons in the San Diego Padres system, including the past two summers with Class AA San Antonio of the Texas League. SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants want to make sure Madison Bumgarner never goes elsewhere.San Francisco general manager Bobby Evans spoke with Bumgarner and reached out to the ace left-handers representatives to let them all know the Giants are ready to begin discussions on a new contract.Bumgarner signed a $35.56 million, six-year deal through 2017 that includes $12 million club options for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.We want to make sure Madison is here for the long haul, Evans said Thursday. Well certainly be available when theyre ready to talk. We continue to exchange volleys. Were ready when theyre ready. Ive even talked to Madison. Were very clear.MadBum pitched a four-hitter in a 3-0 road win against the New York Mets in the wild-card game last week to continue his October dominance, then had a no-decision in Monday nights 6-5, 13-inning Game 3 victory against the Cubs. Chicago eliminated the Giants the next night.The 27-year-old left-hander went 15-9 with a 2.74 ERA this season. Two years ago, his spectacular postseason instantly put him right up with the best ever in October. In 2014, he tossed 270 innings, including 21 with two wins and a save in a World Series that went to Game 7 against the Kansas City Royals.His value to the Giants, its sort of incalculable, said CEO Larry Baer, noting hes already fielding questions about when the pitcher will get a statue. Hes been a tremendous asset for us. Hes done historic things.The Giants like to keep around their homegrown players well into the future.In April, first baseman Brandon Belt received a $79 million, six-year contract that takes him through the 2021 season. Shortstop Brandon Crawford signed a $75 million, six-year contract last November through the 2021 season.I have spoken with Madisons agent about what the timing would be, Evans said. Again, this is a conversation Ive had with each of his representatives that hes had this year. Timing on that I cant speak to.While the sting of falling short in the playoffs was still felt by the brass two days later -- the Giants would have played a Game 5 on Thursday back at Wrigley Field -- a team that clinched the second wild card on the seasons final day was credited for sticking it out through a tough second haalf.ddddddddddddThe group still hates to lose as much as they like to win, and thats a powerful statement, said Brian Sabean, executive vice president of baseball operations.Manager Bruce Bochy insists his health is good and he is ready to get exploring out in the mountains this offseason and prepare to win another championship. He spent a night in a Miami hospital in August but insists he is strong and energized to improve at age 61.Nobody is hurting more than this team and myself that were not playing tonight with a chance to move on, Bochy said. Im hungry to get back to the World Series, win another one. I couldnt feel better to be honest.San Francisco is strongly considering promoting from within the organization to fill spots in left field -- with Jarrett Parker or Mac Williamson -- while Eduardo Nunez and Conor Gillaspie are likely to play third. Nunez, whose strained right hamstring limited him down the stretch and in the playoffs, is someone Evans likes on an everyday basis with his fire offensively and athletically, and I think he did a really nice job defensively.Its important to value our internal options, Evans said, noting both third basemen are very strong options for us at third. Thats most likely the direction well go.Finding a closer will be a top priority, with Evans saying he would explore every opportunity to make sure that no ninth inning goes unstaffed.Well find ways to improve our bullpen. We have a good core there for years to come, he said. An overhaul would be a tremendous overstatement.Game notes Buster Posey is likely to play regularly behind the plate despite down power numbers this season: 14 homers and 80 RBIs. ... Third-base coach Roberto Kelly and first-base coach Bill Hayes will not return to those duties. Evans said it hasnt been determined whether they will remain part of the organization in reassigned roles. ... Evans said he has exchanged messages with one National League West club with a managerial opening -- either Arizona or Colorado -- regarding bench coach Ron Wotus. ... San Francisco plans to offer a contract to reliever George Kontos. ' ' '
