Fantasy hockey managers should consider trading Colorado Avalanche forward Artturi Lehkonen, Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov, Washington Capitals forward Alex Tuch and Edmonton Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin, according to a fantasy analysis published Friday, November 6, 2026.
The recommendation stems from large gaps between each player’s current shooting percentage and their individual expected goals (ixG), per Evolving Hockey data cited in the analysis. Shooting percentage measures goals per shot on net; ixG estimates how many goals a player should score based on shot quality and location. A wide disparity suggests scoring output may decline.
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Lehkonen has 12 goals on a 35.29% shooting percentage and 6.42 ixG through the early part of the 2026–27 season. He scored six goals in his first 16 games last season — a pace more consistent with his career norms. The analysis notes he is in a contract year and could finish with 35-plus goals, but advises trading him while his double-digit tally still draws interest.
Michkov, 21, has a 37.04% shooting percentage and 10 goals against 5.13 ixG — second-highest shooting percentage among active skaters, behind only Seattle’s Frederick Gaudreau. His improved conditioning and the return of Travis Konecny and Owen Tippett have supported Philadelphia’s offense. The analysis states he is unlikely to score another 10 goals over the next four weeks and recommends waiting for one or two more tallies before listing him.
Tuch has 10 goals on a 25.64% shooting percentage and 7.46 ixG. Though adjusting well to Washington after stints with Buffalo and Vegas, the analysis says his underlying numbers suggest he should have about seven goals. Depth on the Capitals’ roster and limited top power-play time could constrain his scoring going forward.
Podkolzin has nine goals on a 27.27% shooting percentage and 5.37 ixG. His production has declined recently: two goals and three assists in his last 10 games. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl no longer centering him regularly, the analysis recommends dropping him for Kasperi Kapanen or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
Three underperformers present acquisition opportunities. Montreal Canadiens left wing Juraj Slafkovsky has two goals on a 5.75% shooting percentage and 4.50 ixG through 15 games. The analysis cites Nick Suzuki’s return as his regular center as a catalyst for improvement.
Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane has one goal on a 4.00% shooting percentage and 3.3 ixG — but has not yet returned from injury. Paired with Connor Bedard upon his return, he is expected to rebound quickly. He is available in about one-third of ESPN Fantasy leagues.
Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele has two goals on a 5.56% shooting percentage and 6.33 ixG. His career average shooting percentage is 17.3%. The analysis notes his 36-goal season last year and 39-goal campaign the year before, and says his goals will “start counting up quickly.” His recent comeback win over Montreal is cited as a potential confidence boost.
Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley has eight goals on a 30.77% shooting percentage and 5.39 ixG. The analysis says his value hinges on increasing his shot volume — if he approaches 150 shots this season, his goal ceiling drops; if he shoots more frequently, he could reach 45 goals.
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