Fantasy Hockey Risers and Fallers: Ullmark, Kindel, Kreider and More

Roles are shifting and a few familiar names are moving in opposite directions. With goalies changing teams, veterans slowing down, and a rookie forcing his way into relevance, fantasy managers need to react quickly. Let’s break down which trends around Linus Ullmark, Ben Kindel, Chris Kreider, Patrick Kane, Dmitry Orlov, and Tristan Jarry actually matter for the rest of the season.

What’s New & Why It Matters

Linus Ullmark has started to stabilize in net for the Ottawa Senators, looking much closer to the reliable starter fantasy managers remember. A renewed grip on the starting role and better recent form make him relevant again in most formats. On the flip side, Tristan Jarry has stumbled since his move to Edmonton, turning what looked like a potential upgrade into a situation where volume may not offset shaky play.

Up front, rookie center Ben Kindel is quietly building a strong first season in Pittsburgh, producing consistently despite a third-line label. In Anaheim, Chris Kreider has worked his way out of a mid-season funk and is again performing like a dependable top-six winger. Meanwhile, Patrick Kane is battling inconsistency and lingering health concerns in Detroit, making him a much riskier fantasy bet than his name value suggests.

On the blue line, Dmitry Orlov hasn’t turned his power-play quarterback role in San Jose into big numbers yet. Still, his deployment remains valuable enough that managers should be patient rather than cutting bait in most leagues.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

In pure scoring formats, Ullmark’s resurgence is less critical than in categories leagues, but a stable goalie can still be the difference between climbing or slipping in the standings. If he continues to lock down the crease in Ottawa, he’s a viable starter or high-end backup, especially for teams that have been streaming goalies all season.

Kindel is the most interesting forward riser for points-only. Even from a third-line center spot, his steady rookie production suggests real offensive instincts and the potential for more if he earns additional minutes or power-play exposure. In deeper points leagues, he’s already worth a roster spot; in shallower formats, he’s at least a high-priority watchlist name if his role grows.

Kreider’s rebound in Anaheim should calm any panic. As long as he’s anchored in the top six and involved on the man advantage, his track record as a finisher and net-front presence keeps him in must-roster territory. Treat the earlier slump as a buying window rather than a sign of decline.

Kane is where name value can hurt you. In points-only leagues, he still has enough playmaking ability to pop for stretches, but the combination of inconsistency and health risk makes him more of a fringe starter than an automatic lineup lock. If someone in your league still views him as a star, this is a chance to move him before the next dip.

Orlov’s lack of production is frustrating, but his continued role as power-play quarterback in San Jose keeps the door open for a late-season run. In points-only formats with shallow benches, you can consider swapping him for a hotter option, but in most standard and deep leagues he’s a hold unless his deployment changes.

Categories / Bangers

In multi-cat leagues, Ullmark’s value spikes. A starting goalie on a middling team is still incredibly useful when he’s trending in the right direction. If your ratios are shaky, adding him as a volume starter with upside makes sense, especially if you’ve been leaning on risky tandems or backups.

Jarry, by contrast, is a classic sell-high candidate. The move to Edmonton initially suggested more win potential, but his post-trade performance hasn’t matched that narrative. If another manager is still buying the idea of a strong starter on a high-powered team, use that perception to flip him for a more stable skater or goalie. Use the NHL Trade Analyzer to gauge fair value before you pull the trigger.

Kreider remains a strong multi-cat contributor when he’s going—goals, shots, and the kind of physical presence that often translates into peripheral stats. With his form returning, he’s exactly the type of winger you want locked into your lineup for the stretch run.

Kane is more replaceable in bangers leagues. He doesn’t offer much in hits or blocks, and when the points aren’t there, he becomes a drag on your roster. Unless your league is very deep, you can justify benching or even cutting him for a winger who contributes across more categories.

Orlov’s appeal in categories formats is tied to his potential for power-play points plus whatever secondary stats he brings. If your league heavily rewards blocks and hits, his floor is a bit safer; if not, his current production leaves him closer to a fringe D option. Still, the power-play role means he’s worth holding unless a clearly better multi-cat defenseman is available.

Dynasty / Keeper

Kindel is the clear dynasty winner here. A rookie center who’s already scoring consistently in Pittsburgh is exactly the type of player you want to stash before the breakout becomes obvious. If he eventually climbs into a top-six role or sees more power-play time, his long-term ceiling jumps significantly. In dynasty and deep keeper formats, he should already be rostered; if not, correct that now.

Ullmark is more of a medium-term play in keepers. Goalies are volatile, but a starter regaining form in Ottawa has value for the next couple of seasons. He’s not an untouchable asset, but he’s worth keeping if your league doesn’t heavily penalize goalies for team quality.

Jarry’s dynasty outlook is murkier. A rough stretch after a trade doesn’t erase his talent, but it does raise questions about long-term stability. In keeper formats, he’s more of a hold-and-evaluate piece than someone you aggressively shop or cut; you don’t want to sell at the absolute bottom unless the return is strong.

Kreider is a known quantity in dynasty: a reliable veteran scorer whose value will slowly decline with age but remains very useful in the near term. He’s the type of player contending teams should hold, while rebuilding squads can consider moving him for younger assets.

Kane’s dynasty value is the most concerning. With inconsistency and injuries already creeping in, his long-term outlook is shaky. If you can still get a meaningful future piece for him, it’s a reasonable time to cash out rather than hoping for a late-career renaissance.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Linus Ullmark – Add (all but shallowest leagues): Regaining form as Ottawa’s starting goalie, giving you volume and renewed stability in net.
Ben Kindel – Add/Watch (deep and dynasty): Consistent rookie scoring in Pittsburgh makes him a priority stash with upside for more responsibility.
Chris Kreider – Hold/Trade target (standard): Back on track in Anaheim’s top six, offering reliable goals and strong category coverage.
Tristan Jarry – Sell-high (all formats): Declining play in Edmonton makes this a good time to explore trades before his value slips further.
Dmitry Orlov – Hold (standard and deep): Power-play quarterback role in San Jose keeps his breakout potential alive despite recent stagnation.
Patrick Kane – Watch/Drop (shallow to standard): Inconsistent production and health concerns make him expendable if a more stable scorer is available.

Fantasy Takeaways

Prioritize adding Ullmark where available; his rebound in Ottawa positions him as a viable fantasy starter again.
In dynasty and deep leagues, stash Kindel now before a potential role increase makes him universally rostered.
Use Kreider’s return to form as either a stabilizing force in your lineup or a chance to acquire him at a slight discount.
Shop Jarry as a sell-high candidate while his perceived value as Edmonton’s starter still outpaces his recent results.
Be patient with Orlov’s slow production as long as he holds the power-play quarterback role, but don’t hesitate to move on from Kane if safer options exist.

Source: Rotowire.com. See the original for full details.