Fantasy hockey drop list: It's time to move on from these four players

"Halloween was too early to cut bait on a supposed cornerstone of your fantasy roster. But now that the holiday season is in full swing, it's officially time to pull the plug and accept that some of these "difference-makers" have made exactly one difference: sinking your team. This is a look at some of the biggest movers from the Oct. 31 fantasy rankings to last Friday's update, featuring more than a few players who inspire the classic, "I'm not mad ... just disappointed" as they drift outside the top 250. It's your league. Run it how you want."

"Alexander Nikishin, D, Carolina Hurricanes (ranked 139 on Oct. 31; 255 last week): The early-season burst of points for the rookie Russian defender has proven to be just that, an early-season burst. After collecting four in four to start his NHL career, Nikishin managed only five points across his next 20 games. There's still potential here, as the Hurricanes have used a rotating mix of bottom-four defenders, with only Sean Walker and K'Andre Miller eclipsing 100 minutes together (161:22)."

"Some pairings have been great for Nikishin -- with Shayne Gostisbehere they've outscored opponents 9-1 -- while others have not, as they've been outscored 4-3 with Sean Walker. If he can't climb the depth chart with Jaccob Slavin sidelined, it's hard to see him doing it once Slavin returns later this month. Resources: Goalie depth chart | Daily lines | Projecti"

Several early-season fantasy breakout players have cooled off, forcing managers to reconsider roster spots. Alexander Nikishin began with four points in four games but recorded only five points in his next 20 contests. The Carolina Hurricanes have rotated bottom-four defensemen, and only Sean Walker and K'Andre Miller have logged over 100 minutes together (161:22). Pairings have varied in effectiveness: Nikishin and Shayne Gostisbehere outscored opponents 9-1, while the pairing with Sean Walker was outscored 4-3. Nikishin's immediate upside depends on maintaining a higher pairing while Jaccob Slavin remains sidelined; Slavin's return could reduce opportunities.

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