Do you find your deep-league fantasy squad in dire need of a goal-scoring boost from a top-line winger?
It might be a stretch, but Dallas Stars rookie Alex Chiasson could be that shot-in-the-dark fantasy pickup that can pay off in the midst of a playoff run.
The Boston University product was inserted into the Stars lineup on April 3 in the aftermath of the team's deals sending Jaromir Jagr to the Boston Bruins and Derek Roy to the Vancouver Canucks. Slotted on the team's top line with Jamie Benn and Ray Whitney, the rookie had big shoes to fill. So far, he's made a smooth transition and has already grabbed the attention of fantasy owners in deep leagues.
After earning points and PIMs regularly during his time with the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League this season, the 22-year-old has registered three goals and an assist in his first four games at the NHL level. Chiasson (RW-eligible) scored his first in last Friday's win over the Anaheim Ducks and followed it with a two-goal effort Sunday as the Stars snapped the San Jose Sharks' seven-game win streak at HP Pavilion. He posted an assist in Tuesday's win over the Los Angeles Kings.
Chiasson (owned in less than 2 percent of Yahoo! leagues) has added eight shots on goal, a plus-2 and eight hits in that span. His performance on Sunday was also significant because it displayed the chemistry that he has developed in a short time with Benn and the veteran puck-mover Whitney. Both players assisted on each of Chiasson's goals against the Sharks.
Dallas remains only two points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference. Thus, there are still some meaningful games to be played for the Stars. The team kept the same top-line combination when it knocked off the defending champions on Tuesday, indicating that the coaching staff likes what it's seen from the rookie and just might let this line stick for the remainder of the season.
You might be wondering, "Isn't it a little late to be taking a chance on such an unproven rookie?" But if your team is dealing with injuries and the clock is ticking, it's only logical to take some chances with your season on the line. After all, it's all about who's hot at the right time when it comes to the fantasy playoffs.
---
NHL.com is the official web site of the National Hockey League. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup, the Stanley Cup Playoffs logo, the Stanley Cup Final logo, Center Ice name and logo, NHL Conference logos, NHL Winter Classic name, and The Biggest Assist Happens Off The Ice are registered trademarks and Vintage Hockey word mark and logo, The Game Lives Where You Do, NHL Winter Classic logo, NHL Heritage Classic name and logo, NHL Stadium Series name and logo, NHL All-Star logo, NHL Face-Off name and logo, NHL. TV, NHL Premium, NHL After Dark, NHL GameCenter, NHL GameCenter LIVE, NHL Network name and logo, NHL Tonight name and logo, On The Fly, NHL Awards name and logo, NHL Draft name and logo, Hockey Fights Cancer, Because It's The Cup, NHL Green name and logo, NHL Vault, Hockey Is For Everyone, NHL Thanksgiving Showdown name and logo, NHL Centennial Classic name and logo, NHL Centennial Season logo, NHL100 Classic name and logo, NHL Global Series name and logo, NHL China Games name and logo, and Don't Miss A Moment are trademarks of the National Hockey League. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. © NHL 2018. All Rights Reserved. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. The Zamboni word mark and configuration of the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine are registered trademarks of Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. © Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. 2018. All Rights Reserved. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.