Neutral Zone Wrap: Barkov At The Moon

Neutral Zone Wrap
Evan Berofsky, RotoWire.com

Before we begin with the upcoming subject matter, let's flash back to the previous column. You know the one where I predicted downturns for a few players - most notably St. Louis forward Jori Lehtera. Of course, the next day, the Finn goes out and pots a natural hat trick and ends the week with six points in three games.

Will I admit this as a mistake? Should I stop predicting altogether? Maybe apologize to the Lehtera family? Sorry, but none of this will be happening.

I stand by my analysis, since the main point concerned Lehtera slowing down in the later months due to this being his first year in the NHL and he's never been in a league where he's seen more than 58 games in a season. So you can hold onto him for a little while longer. Just don't complain when Lehtera looks exhausted in January/February and his play suffers enough to lead to a demotion/spot in the press box.

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And now, as promised, the follow-up. Unlike the overachievers in the first month, there are those who haven't seemed to get going. The ones who were expected to post moderate to above-average numbers but have disappointed due to various reasons. Similar to the last one, no superstars will be discussed. As well, anyone who has been sidelined with a significant injury will be omitted since it's obvious as to why they sucked.

Perhaps you can grab a couple off the waiver wire or buy low. And like any fantasy transaction, properly assess what your team needs before making a quick move that could end up harming rather than helping:

(Stats as of Monday November 17th)

Aleksander Barkov, F, Florida

Jonathan Huberdeau would have been added as a combo entry had he not redeemed himself Sunday night (goal, assist vs. Anaheim). But the concern still lies with Barkov (three points in 13 games), who should perform better considering his draft position (#2 in 2013) and breakout beginning as a rookie (seven in his first 11). The Finnish phenom's performance faded in the middle but showed enough resolve in the latter portion (points in 10 of 12) before a knee injury prematurely ended his season. In addition, Barkov - at 19 - has displayed leadership qualities and continues to be entrusted to center the first line. It may take him a bit longer to shake off the slump but when he does, the rewards will be worth the wait.

Jake Gardiner, D, Toronto

Back in September, it was thought two youngsters would dominate the Toronto blueline: Gardiner and Morgan Rielly. While Rielly has posted semi-respectable numbers (seven), his American counterpart has fallen behind the pack (four, minus-5). The Leafs have offered Gardiner a sizable role but he hasn't been able to convert the additional responsibility into points. For someone who sees enough power-play time (3:18 worth), one would hope for more production (than, say, two PPAs). To his credit, Gardiner appears unfazed by the situation and is giving full effort. As long as he continues on this positive path, odds are in favor for a turnaround.

Mikko Koivu, F, Minnesota

Despite his inconsistency during the opening month (five in 17), the remaining Koivu brother remains a prominent piece in the Minnesota forward contingent. At 31, his days of 0.8 point-per-game seasons may be coming to a close. But with all the weapons the Wild can roll out front, there shouldn't be any problem for the 2001 draftee to break the 50-point plateau. Koivu has been moved around the lineup in an attempt to find a solution to his scoring woes but history shows he has always played his best between top-level wingers. And that's where he currently can be found ... for now.

Mike Smith, G, Arizona

Most people associate Smith with the Coyotes' 2012 playoff run, while others recall this memorable moment. This success earned him a major contract that summer and he followed it up adequately (2.64 GAA, .915 SV%). However, the early returns this fall (4-9, 3.43 GAA, .889 SV%) have many questioning his stability. Devan Dubnyk (4-0-1, 2.25 GAA, .925 SV%) has temporarily taken over the lead role but don't think the former Oiler will keep the job for any extended period. Smith definitely owns the edge in terms of skill and will surely reclaim his rightful place between the Arizona pipes.

Mika Zibanejad, F, Ottawa

If you were the sixth selection in 2011, possessed jaw-dropping talent, and progressed nicely through the ranks, then you should find little resistance moving up another level. And if you were handed second-line minutes and a regular special-teams role, then wouldn't a decent point haul be assumed? Well, it hasn't gone quite as planned for Zibanejad the first few weeks (four in 17), even with someone like Bobby Ryan as a regular target. Fortunately, the supine Swede has already begun to adjust his game (with four in nine), so his recovery time could come sooner than expected.

(Honorable mention: Lars Eller, F, Montreal; Christian Ehrhoff, D, Pittsburgh; Marian Hossa, F, Chicago; Matt Niskanen, D, Washington; Nail Yakupov, F, Edmonton)