Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist (lower body) will return from a three-game absence on Friday against Colorado. He's projected to join Alexander Petrovic on the third defensive pairing, with Brendan Smith and Matt Dumba heading to the press box as healthy scratches. Lundqvist is an offensively gifted blue-liner, but he's struggled to make an impact in the NHL. Through 15 outings this season, the 24-year-old has collected only one assist with 15 shots on the offensive end, averaging less than 14 minutes of action a night. He should remain a free agent in fantasy leagues.
Nils Lundkvist Exits Early With A Lower-Body Injury
Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist sustained a lower-body injury in Wednesday's 5-2 win over San Jose. He exited the contest in the second period after logging 6:38 of ice time. Lundkvist was back in action on Wednesday following a two-game spell as a healthy scratch. He has not had a great time this campaign, contributing only one assist in 15 appearances. Brendan Smith was scratched on Wednesday to accommodate Lundkvist, and the veteran might now return to the lineup in the next game because of Lundkvist's injury. Smith sits on three assists through nine outings and has registered 17 hits.
Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist scored the game-winning goal in Saturday's 3-2 overtime victory against Detroit, finding the back of the net with just 31 seconds remaining in the extra frame. It was his only shot on goal in 14:50 of ice time. The talented blue-liner has now scored in back-to-back outings and boasts three points in three games after sitting out some time as a healthy scratch. Head coach Peter DeBoer has gotten a very good reaction out of him. Lundkvist had just one point in 15 games prior to heating up, so he's far from a reliable fantasy option, but the 22-year-old is a highly-rated player and should have a bright future in the league. He's on eight points in 25 games this season with 46 shots, 23 hits and 25 blocks.
The Dallas Stars have acquired defenseman Nils Lundkvist from the New York Rangers in exchange for a conditional first-round pick in 2023 and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2025. The 2023 first-round pick is top 10 protected and will slide to 2024 if it does become a top 10 pick. Lundkvist, the Rangers' first-round pick in 2018, has only played 25 games in the NHL, totaling four points. He has been disgruntled with the team and there were reports that he wouldn't play for the Rangers this upcoming season. All that being known, it is surprising that the Rangers were able to get this much in return for him. He doesn't have much fantasy value for now, but he should see some powerplay time and if he can establish himself as an NHL-caliber defenseman, he could see more opportunities as the season progresses.
Nils Lundkvist
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