Roughly one-eighth of the 2026-27 NHL regular season is complete, and it's time to judge which fantasy players are earning their roster spots. Using Individual Expected Goals (ixG) and Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) from Evolving Hockey, ESPN's Victoria Matiash highlights several early underachievers worth dropping.
At the top of the list is Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. The 41-year-old has managed just 13 shots through nine games and sits on the third line, averaging 0.9 fantasy points per game. Matiash argues he is back to chase another Stanley Cup rather than personal milestones, and suggests picking up second-year Ryan Leonard instead. Matthew Knies of the Columbus Blue Jackets also gets cut after an explosive debut, having delivered little since. The Blue Jackets are struggling, and Matiash sees little chance coach Rick Bowness keeps him on the top line and power play for long.
In Ottawa, Dylan Cozens has been outscored by teammate Nick Cousins, and his expected output of around 20 to 25 goals may be too modest for fantasy managers in shallower leagues. Goaltending is another weak spot. Utah's Karel Vejmelka owns a .871 save percentage and -1.87 GSAx despite strong offensive support, while Carolina's Brandon Bussi has struggled, prompting a suggestion to swap him for Pyotr Kochetkov, who is 6-0-0. Pittsburgh's Sergei Murashov, still winless with a .883 save percentage, also made the cut.
Not every slow start warrants a drop. Matiash advises patience with Sidney Crosby, whose early numbers suggest a rebound may be coming. The message for managers is clear: trust the advanced metrics, act on clear declines, and hold players whose underlying numbers still point to better days ahead.
Source: ESPN NHL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing