Fantasy
William Eklund injury: fantasy replacements for a long absence
Eklund’s 10–12 week recovery calls for an injury-slot decision. Arvidsson, Perreault and Cowan offer different ways to replace wing production.
Ottawa’s William Eklund is expected to miss 10–12 weeks after ankle-tendon surgery, according to the NHL’s Thursday status report. Fantasy managers should use an eligible injury slot where possible, then choose a replacement for the categories they actually need.
This is a longer roster decision than a day-to-day absence. The recommendations below assume a redraft league with goals, assists, power-play production and shots among the scoring categories. Keeper value and available injury slots can change the hold-or-drop decision.
Hold Eklund when the roster allows it
With an open injury slot, retain him and use the active spot for production. Without one, weigh league depth and the cost of carrying an unavailable player for several weeks. A shallow league with useful free agents creates a different decision from a deep keeper league.
The recovery range is an estimate, not a guaranteed return date. Set a reminder to review team updates rather than committing now to a particular game on the schedule.
Viktor Arvidsson: a route to top-line opportunity
The NHL Fantasy Staff’s October 12 waiver report listed Arvidsson on Detroit’s first line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. He had four points, including three goals, through five games at that snapshot.
That makes him the first player here to check if you need a winger with scoring opportunity alongside established offensive linemates. Confirm that the assignment still holds before adding him. Do not substitute an old roster percentage for checking your league’s actual availability.
Gabe Perreault: watch the power-play assignment
The same NHL report noted six points in Perreault’s previous six games and a move onto the Rangers’ first power-play unit during Sunday’s game against Vancouver.
His appeal is strongest when you need assists or power-play involvement. A promotion within one game is a signal to monitor, rather than a promise of a permanent role. Check the latest practice unit and game usage before treating that opportunity as secure.
Easton Cowan: another power-play option
Cowan had five points in six games and was listed on Toronto’s first power-play unit in the October 12 report. He is an alternative when Perreault is already rostered or when Toronto’s remaining schedule fits your open lineup days better.
Check wing eligibility on your own platform. A player who scores well but cannot fill Eklund’s vacant position may leave you needing a second transaction. In leagues with limited weekly moves, that can outweigh a small difference in projected production.
Make the transaction fit the week
Compare games remaining, open lineup slots and category needs before choosing among the three. A power-play specialist is less useful if your lineup is already full on every night he plays. A player with fewer games can still be the better addition if those games fit.
Also check the latest injury list. Taylor Hall appeared in earlier waiver discussions but was injured Wednesday, so he is not a straightforward healthy replacement in this Thursday guide. Start with Eklund’s roster slot, then make one targeted addition.
Sources and notes
- Eklund’s recovery estimate: NHL.com’s October 15 status report. Replacement players’ roles and recent production: the NHL Fantasy Staff’s October 12 waiver report. Recheck current lineups and platform eligibility.
