Center Swaps

[coffee]

Similar to another post, I'm struggling with what to do with a few of my centers. I just picked up Dylan Strome to replace Robert Thomas, but I'm also putting Zegras out there as my 3C, with Cozens on the bench. Would you replace either Zegras or Cozens in my format with any of the following?

Logan Cooley
Anton Lundell
PL Dubois
Teravainen

[coffee]

Any thoughts on this are appreciated. All four of those guys are still available. Thanks in advance!

[RizzeeDizzee]

It's tough. If moves didn't cost money I'd suggest streaming one or both of those spots with the hot hands, but since they're not free you do want to be selective and "correct" when you do make a move.

As for the players available, if you didn't notice, and as I predicated in another thread, once Barkov came back Lundell found himself back centering the third line, so he's likely no longer an upgrade. PLD seems to be doing better I'd have expected, but I worry about him starting to phone it in at some point, plus the reality that he's never had a strong season without surrounding top tier talent. Cooley is not on PP1, and his ice time is on the low side. He likely needs a few more seasons to truly shine, although he and Guenther do seem to be clicking. Teravainen has played ten games, and has points in only three of them. He seems like he has lost his mojo.

So if you were going to make a move, I'd give most consideration to PLD and Cooley, but I'm uncertain either will be an upgrade when all is said and done. Plus, as I noted, moves cost money, giving you incentive to stand pat.

[coffee]

Thanks Rizzee, really appreciate the feedback. Yeah, given that we pay for waiver adds, I like to try and focus on the ones that have a better chance for real improvement (though we get our first 4 for free). Having said that, I run the risk of missing out on a breakout with a cautious approach, but not sure there's a needle-moving move here.

[RizzeeDizzee]

Thanks Rizzee, really appreciate the feedback. Yeah, given that we pay for waiver adds, I like to try and focus on the ones that have a better chance for real improvement (though we get our first 4 for free). Having said that, I run the risk of missing out on a breakout with a cautious approach, but not sure there's a needle-moving move here.

Yes, I'd say none of the four screams "pick me up or you're guaranteed to regret not having done so." But at the same time, I'm not sure how many possible pick-ups will meet that criteria so if you wait you end up just doing nothing. Also, if a 100% home run pick-up becomes available, you'd need to sniff them out before other GMs in your league, which is no guarantee unless there is waiver wire priority.

[coffee]

Likely my last post on this - a few other centers that are also available. Some are not on great teams per se so my +/- may suffer (more), but they would also be replacing guys on arguably worse teams (Zegras or Cozens):

Sean Monahan
Josh Norris
Gabe Vilardi

Trying to identify who has staying power vs. a hot start in deciding if it's worth grabbing one and dropping either Zegras or Cozens.

[RizzeeDizzee]

If - BIIIIGGGG if - Viladri can somehow stay healthy he should outperform both. Norris has fared well, but I'm not loving his lower SOG rate. Still, if he can stay healthy - also a BIIIG if - he too should be an upgrade. As for Monahan, I think Columbus will come back to earth and I would not be looking to add most of their forwards. So Vilardi and Norris depend entirely on your risk tolerance. Yet again I also remind you to always ask yourself "why is this guy available and not on another team" before you make any move.