Just like that, we're already approximately one-eighth of the way through the 2026-27 NHL regular season. While there's still plenty of racetrack ahead, it's no longer too early to assess how some players are contributing -- or not -- to your fantasy team's success. With the help of Evolving Hockey in providing Individual Expected Goals (ixG) and Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) metrics for skaters and goalies, here's a handful of players to consider jettisoning already, plus a few early underachievers worth hanging onto a little longer.
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Look elsewhere
Alex Ovechkin, F, Washington Capitals (0.9 FPPG, 87.1% rostered, 1.94 ixG): On this stacked Capitals' roster, the greatest goal scorer of all time doesn't need to produce like he has in the past. Which is handy, since he won't -- 13 shots through nine games! -- from his position on Washington's third line. At 41 years old, Ovechkin is back for one last tour to win another Cup, not chase down personal milestones. He'll produce in moderate fashion on the power play, and not too much else otherwise. Drop him and pick up second-year Ryan Leonard instead.
Matthew Knies, F, Columbus Blue Jackets (1.2 FPPG, 70.9% rostered, 2.56 ixG): After an explosive debut in which he potted two goals and an assist on four shots, the former Maple Leaf has since delivered essentially zilch. He isn't shooting and the team itself is an unsuccessful mess. How long until coach Rick Bowness shuffles Knies off the top line and power play out of desperate necessity? Not ages, that's for sure. While there's a handful of valuable fantasy performers on the worst team in the East, the 24-year-old power forward isn't one of them. Not right now.
Dylan Cozens, F, Ottawa Senators (1.1 FPPG, 74.7 rostered, 3.52 ixG): When fellow Senators forward Nick Cousins has more goals than your fantasy performer in Ottawa, it's a bit concerning. Sure, the second-line center is going to get on the board sooner rather than later, but what are your expectations of Cozens? Twenty goals? Maybe 25? On Travis Green's well-balanced roster, that's the expected haul. If you're battling in a shallower league, there may be superior available options with higher ceilings.
Karel Vejmelka, G, Utah Mammoth (0.8 FPPG, 92.6% rostered, -1.87 GSAx): The Mammoth are rumored to be in the market for a goaltending upgrade for good reason. If Utah's offense didn't average a seventh-best 3.73 goals/game, there's no way their No. 1 netminder would boast a winning record. Harboring a .871 save percentage and 3.04 goals-against average, he simply hasn't been good enough. Take another netminding route before Vejmelka's negative integers start to affect your weekly record.
Brandon Bussi, G, Carolina Hurricanes (-0.7 FPPG, 73.8% rostered, -1.46 GSAx): Helping his squad to a Stanley Cup victory is all fine and good but it's a fresh new season. One in which the still relatively inexperienced goaltender has struggled. Pyotr Kochetkov has been better (6-0-0) and GM Eric Tulsky is also thought to be on the hunt for another goalie to improve his squad. At minimum, right now I'd flip Bussi for Kochetkov, if possible.
Sergei Murashov, G, Pittsburgh Penguins (-1.4 FPPG, 55.2% rostered, -2.04 GSAx): Zero wins, along with a .883 save percentage and 3.50 goals-against average isn't the best start. Especially when your tandem mate is seeing more action and pocketing victories, including a shutout of the Panthers on Thursday. While the rookie netminder continues to develop, there are better goaltending options out there right now.
See also:
Jakub Dobes, G, Montreal Canadiens (-2.7 FPPG, 57.9% rostered, -3.9 GSAx)
Give it a minute
Sidney Crosby, F, Pittsburgh Penguins (1.3 FPPG, 96.8% rostered, 4.16 ixG): It almost feels like it should be against the law to suggest one of the greatest players of all time may no longer be suited for all fantasy leagues. But Crosby isn't shooting (much) or scoring. The Penguins collectively potted eight goals in their past two games and their captain didn't figure in on a single one of them. He also logged a season-low 16:39 in Thursday's win over Florida. I'm not ready to panic yet, but if Pittsburgh's superstar doesn't pull out of his funk by the second week of November, it will be time to take another direction.
Pavel Dorofeyev, F, New York Rangers (1.3 FPPG, 85.8% rostered, 6.1 ixG): The player some of us call Scorofeyev is going to be just fine. It's a new team, a new system, and a new coach. A little more time to adjust isn't too big an ask. The fact Evolving Hockey pegs the former Golden Knight at the top of their Rangers ixG table is also rather reassuring. Skating in the top six and on the No. 1 power play, Dorofeyev will start racking up goals soon enough.
Wyatt Johnston, F, Dallas Stars (1.6 FPPG, 95.6% available, 4.26 ixG): Getting that first one against Winnipeg on Thursday is going to help a whole heckuva lot. Skating more than 20 minutes/game on a top line and power play, and shooting a-plenty, the 23-year-old will start peppering his daily scoresheet with pleasing consistency. In fact, Johnston makes for an attractive trade target in leagues where his current manager might be feeling prematurely frustrated.
Brayden Point, F, Tampa Bay Lightning (1.1 FPPG, 82.8% rostered, 3.14 ixG): After last year's mediocre campaign, this season was supposed to be different; more like his successful seasons of old. Well, not so far. While the limited number of shots is one concern, falling off the top line, which includes Nikita Kucherov, is another. Still, Point remains on the club's No. 1 power play and the Lightning have competed in only nine contests. I'm giving the gifted center another couple of weeks before making any harsh decisions.
Timo Meier, F, New Jersey Devils (1.3 FPPG, 80.6% rostered, 4.73 ixG): It may be time to accept that the New Jersey version of Meier doesn't equate the model we enjoyed in San Jose. Still, the winger is shooting up a storm with the fifth-most shots in the league (43), and has little -- one goal -- to show for his efforts. No chance that 2.3% shooting percentage doesn't plump up in short order. Wait for Meier's inevitable productive eruption, then consider moving on before his next cooling off period.
Bowen Byram, D, Chicago Blackhawks (1.1 FPPG, 71.6% rostered, 0.33 ixG): While it's frustrating to wait out Byram's healthy return, I still want to see what he can accomplish when consistently sharing the ice with Connor Bedard. In their one overlapping game together, the defenseman rifled four shots on net and earned a power-play assist. Listed as day-to-day, his return shouldn't be too far off.