10 Players to Buy Low

It’s a good time to buy up some high potential players who are starting off slow or currently slumping.

Some players are notoriously slow starters. Others are normally reliable but may be having some production dips or are struggling out of the gate for whatever reason. Some other players are simply really good second half performers. If you can buy low on some of these slow starters while selling high on some hot players who will cool off in the long run, you’ll have made a solid investment. Use your foresight and take advantage of your fellow managers’ potential frustration with some highly talented players who just aren’t getting it done for their fantasy team. The following are 10 players who will make it worth your while to acquire, as they’ll be cheap right now but will pay off down the line.

1. Alexander Ovechkin – Washington Capitals
Analysis: This is likely AO’s lowest point in the season. It’s still early but if you can grab him off a panicky manager then now is THE time to do so. If it’s a keeper/dynasty league, it’s unlikely that he would be traded, but it’s still worth a shot. Ovechkin will definitely come back strong and he’ll be in the top 5 in scoring easily again. Don’t have any reservations about giving up a good player who is performing well right now. Long term, AO will make it worthwhile.

2. Nicklas Backstrom – Washington Capitals
Analysis: Like his linemate Ovechkin, Backstrom has had a slow start. Like his linemate Ovechkin again, he’ll definitely pick it up. Look for him to at least match last year’s point totals as he’ll be AO’s full time linemate this season, rather than like last season where they didn’t play together as much.

3. Marian Gaborik – Minnesota Wild
Analysis: Gaborik is currently injured right now. When a good player is injured is their lowest point and should be when they are easiest to trade for. It’s important to realize that Gabby is notoriously injury prone but that is the risk you take if you acquire him. If you can pass off a lesser player who is perhaps more steady, it could be worth it for Gabby’s quality production per game, especially in a roto league where max games are involved.

4. Peter Mueller – Phoenix Coyotes
Analysis: Mueller’s experiencing a bit of a slow start. Possible sophomore slump? Unlikely to last the entire season, though. Mueller is very talented and on a young team whose players are still working on their chemistry. Mueller had a very strong second half last season and he’ll pick it up soon enough.

5. Brent Burns – Minnesota Wild
Analysis: Burns is the Wild’s #1 D-man and had a very nice season last year. He’s having a bit of a slow start so far but don’t expect that to keep up. He still runs the Minny PP1 unit and Burns will certainly up his point production in the long run, especially once Gaborik returns. Also, he’s a great blue liner to have in a keeper league. So if you’re looking really long term, Burns is a great investment at this point.

6. Andrei Kostitsyn – Montreal Canadiens
Analysis: AK46 had somewhat of a breakout year last season. It was anticipated that he would improve on his point totals even more this season, especially playing on such a potent line and a strong team overall. Kostitsyn has had a rough start to the season, which included an injury. However, it’s only a matter of time until the older Kostitsyn brother gets back on track and starts producing like he can.

7. Zdeno Chara – Boston Bruins
Analysis: Chara is one of the the top defensemen in the NHL. Although his production is not matching his reputation, it will only come in time. Trade for Chara now and reap the rewards later when he’s playing to his potential.

8. Marty Turco – Dallas Stars
Analysis: Turco is having an awful start. Simply terrible. One of the worst ranked goalies in fantasy systems at this point because of the many goals he’s let in so far. If you have Turco, you may be thinking of trading him as you read this. However, Turco will pick it up, as his track record backs him up in this regard. The Stars have a good team this season and once they feel themselves out, they’ll start playing better in front of Turco and Turco himself will eventually get back to form. Expect Turco to achieve about 35-40 wins. This is hopefully Turco’s lowest point, so now is the time he’s cheapest.

9. Lubomir Visnovsky – Edmonton Oilers
Analysis: Visno in the past has been one of the very highest producing blue liners in all of fantasy hockey. He was at one time the leading scorer over a season of the L.A. Kings and not just among defenesmen, but the leading scorer among all the players on the team. Visno is now in Edmonton playing with some new but still very talented teammates, including playing point on a strong PP1 unit alongside Souray. Visnovsky isn’t doing that poorly but he’s still not playing up to his potential at this point. Pass off a hot player who will cool off soon and try to grab Lubo before he gets hot himself.

10. Bryan McCabe – Florida Panthers
Analysis: McCabe is coming off injury soon for the Panthers and could play next week according to the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel. McCabe may not be the most reliable defensive presence on the ice, but for fantasy hockey, he’s very valuable, as he’s been one of the perennial points leaders for D-men in the past several years. It’s likely that McCabe will return and be able to put up decent numbers again down the stretch. Give him time, though, as it may take a few games to get adjusted to playing again. It’s entirely likely that he’s still available on the waiver wire in your league, even, and if that is the case you would be wise to grab him ASAP. Caveat: Ballard is playing great. It remains to be seen if Ballard will cut into McCabe’s minutes down the stretch, including PP1 time.

Check out our Players to Sell High post, which can assist you in acquiring the slow starting buy low players above.