Devils' D'Agostini Out With Undisclosed Injury Saturday
News:Matt D'Agostini is dealing with an undisclosed injury and will not play in Saturday's season finale against the Rangers, the Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini finishes the year with three goals and six points in 29 games. His 2010-11 season - 21 goals and 46 points - continues to look like an outlier.
News:Matt D'Agostini assisted on two of the Devils' four goals in Friday's loss to Tampa Bay, his first points as a Devil since being acquired from St. Louis last week.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini is playing alongside Adam Henrique and Andrei Loktionov on the Devils' de-facto second line. It was just two seasons ago that D'Agostini tallied 21 goals for the Blues and the Devils could use a boost right now with Ilya Kovalchuk out for several weeks. If D'Agostini continues seeing his name on the scoresheet, he could be worth a look in deeper leagues as he's likely to be seeing scoring opportunities.
News:Matt D'Agostini played 9:30 in Saturday's win over Florida, finishing with an even rating, no points and two shots on goal.
Analysis: The former 21-goal scorer was acquired from St. Louis on Friday for a conditional draft pick in 2015 in the hopes of boosting New Jersey's anemic offense. He saw limited ice time in his debut, but with Ilya Kovalchuk going down to a possible shoulder injury, Matt D'Agostini could see a bigger role, making him worth a look in deeper leagues.
News: The Devils have acquired Matt D'Agostini and a conditional seventh-round selection in the 2015 NHL Draft from St. Louis in exchange for a conditional fifth-round choice in the 2015 draft, the Star-Ledger reports.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini, who had one goal and one assist in 16 games with St. Louis, adds to the Devils' depth up front, with GM Lou Lamoriello noting Friday that he sees D'Agostini as a second or third line right winger for the Devils.
News:Matt D'Agostini, who replaced Vladimir Tarasenko (concussion, IR) in the lineup Saturday, skated 18 shifts for 14:37 of ice time in St. Louis' 2-1 win over Columbus. He skated on a line with Patrik Berglund and Vladimir Sobotka.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini, who is expected to fill in for Tarasenko for as long as the rookie is sidelined by the concussion, was minus-1 and had a turnover that led to the lone Blue Jackets' goal. It is a good sign that Tarasenko was able to fly out with the team the night he sustained the concussion, suggesting he might be able to return when eligible next week.
News:Matt D'Agostini will fill in for Vladimir Tarasenko (concussion symptoms) in the Blues' lineup, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. He will skate on St. Louis' third line beginning Saturday night against Columbus.
Analysis: Tarasenko was placed of injured reserve, requiring him to miss at least seven days. During that time, the Blues have just one game, but there's no telling how long it will take for the symptoms to diminish. Matt D'Agostini has been a healthy scratch for much of the season to date.
News:Matt D'Agostini did not have a good training camp and that has led to him being a healthy scratch more often than not to start the 2012-13 season, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. "He's really picked up the pace. He's pulled himself into the mix here. ...He's giving us choices now, which is a really good sign. These are hard choices we are making, but nobody's getting pushed out right now," according to St. Louis head coach Ken Hitchcock.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini suited up for the just third time this season Tuesday night when the Blues were blasted on home ice by the Predators.
News:Matt D'Agostini scored his first goal of the season Friday night in St. Louis' loss to Detroit. He had two shots on goal and a hit in 8:44.
Analysis: D'Agositni was making just his second appearance of the season Friday. He primarily got fourth-line duty, though he did cycle onto the upper lines.
News:Matt D'Agostini will be active for Friday night's game against Detroit, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini, a 20-goal scorer two years ago, has played in just one game this season. There's no word on whose spot he'll take, though it will likely be fourth-line duty for D'Agostini.
News:Matt D'Agostini will be inactive Thursday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: This will be the third time in four games that Matt D'Agostini has been a healthy scratch.
News:Matt D'Agostini made his season debut Tuesday night, skating 12 shifts and 8:49 in St. Louis' loss to Chicago. He finished with two shots on goal, one hit and one takeaway.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini skated on the fourth line with Jamie Langenbrunner and Vladimir Sobotka. The best hope for D'Agostini, who scored 20 goals two seasons ago, is if the Blues decide to move Jaden Schwartz to the AHL.
News:Matt D'Agostini was a healthy scratch for Monday's game against Nashville and has not played in St. Louis' first two games.
Analysis: There's been some talent watching the Blues' first two games with both Matt D'Agostini and Jamie Langenbrunner scratched. At this point, St. Louis head coach Ken Hitchcock is content to let some of his younger players get an early-in-the-season look, though that could change.
News: D'Agnostini has agreed to a lockout deal with SC Riessersee of Germany's second-tier Eishockey Bundesliga, KMOV-TV of St. Louis reports.
Analysis: The 25-year-old Matt D'Agostini scored 18 points in 55 games with the Blues last season. Despite his limited game action, D'Agostini managed to produce a plus-12 rating for the Blues.
News:Matt D'Agostini, who sat out Game 1, was on the roster for Game 2 of St. Louis' playoff series against Los Angeles.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini replaced Chris Stewart in the lineup and scored the Blues' second goal in their 5-2 loss to the Kings.
News:Matt D'Agostini (concussion) returned to the Blues' lineup Saturday for the first time since early February.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini saw strictly fourth-line duty in a 5-2 loss to the Blue Jackets on Saturday. He finished with a minus-2 and one hit in 8:27.
News:Matt D'Agostini will play Saturday against Columbus, NHL.com's Lou Korac reports.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini was a scratch for Thursday's game against Chicago, but St. Louis is evidently ready to get him back on the ice.
News:Matt D'Agostini will not play against Chicago on Thursday, NHL.com's Lou Korac reports.
Analysis: He is available, however. It's not clear how St. Louis plans to implement Matt D'Agostini going forward.
News:Matt D'Agostini (concussion) was activated from IR on Thursday, St. Louis Post-Dispatch writer Jeremy Rutherford reports.
Analysis: His return can only help St. Louis, but with only 18 points on the year Matt D'Agostini is unlikely to make a fantasy impact in most cases.
News: Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock said Matt D'Agostini (concussion) will be available to play Thursday night in Chicago, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: It's not a lock that Matt D'Agostini suits up Thursday, but he's with the team in Chicago. He hasn't played since early February.
News:Matt D'Agostini is targeting Thursday night for his return from a concussion, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini practiced with the team Tuesday but was not active for Tuesday night's win over the Predators.
News:Matt D'Agostini (concussion) said his availability for Tuesday night's game against Nashville is "50-50," the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: If there's any doubt, Blues coach Ken Hitchcock will like keep Matt D'Agostini out Tuesday as the Blues are currently rolling with 14 healthy forwards. The Blues are waiting on D'Agostini and Andy McDonald (shoulder), both of whom could return to the club this week.
News:Matt D'Agostini (concussion) has been cleared for contact practice, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini will shed the no-contact jersey beginning with Saturday's practice in Phoenix, though it doesn't mean he'll be stepping into a game right away. "It's just been progressively getting better," D'Agostini said. "The last week or so, I've been almost symptom-free. If we keep going at this rate, I should be back in a couple of games." D'Agostini has been out since Feb. 7, missing the last 23 games.
News:Matt D'Agostini (concussion) practiced with the Blues on Tuesday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini, who donned a no-contact jersey, still doesn't have a return date.
News:Matt D'Agostini skated with the team Wednesday for the first time since suffering a concussion, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Though it wasn't specified in the report, we assume Matt D'Agostini was wearing a no-contact jersey. There's been no timetable given for his return to game action.
News:Matt D'Agostini (concussion) rode a bike Monday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The team will monitor Matt D'Agostini to see what type of response he has to the exertion.
News:Matt D'Agostini (concussion) has been placed on IR by the Blues, Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: While Matt D'Agostini will be forced to sit due to his concussion, the Blues will welcome fellow forward Andy McDonald back from his concussion Sunday.
News:Matt D'Agostini (head) will miss Saturday's game against Colorado, St. Louis Post-Dispatch writer Jeremy Rutherford reports.
Analysis: Evidently dealing with concussion symptoms, it's not clear when Matt D'Agostini might return. Given the blurriness of his status, it's not all that easy to see him suiting up against the Sharks on Sunday, either.
News:Matt D'Agostini (head) did not play in Thursday night's game against New Jersey.
Analysis: The Blues are calling the injury an upper-body one, but Matt D'Agostini has been experiencing concussion-like symptoms since getting hit in the head Tuesday night in Ottawa.
News:Matt D'Agostini is listed as doubtful for Thursday night's game in New Jersey due to concussion symptoms, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini took a blow to the head in Tuesday night's win over Ottawa and was immediately pulled from that game. The Blues are watching him carefully and continue to evaluate, but have yet to call the injury a concussion. As a precaution, the team called up Evgeny Grachev from AHL Peoria.
News: The Blues are expected to call up a forward from AHL Peoria after Matt D'Agostini left Tuesday night's game following a hit to his head, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Blues aren't calling this a concussion, but doctors wouldn't let him return to the game after he took just six shifts. With Jason Arnott (shoulder) also down, the Blues were left with just 11 forwards in Tuesday's win over the Senators. Look for either Adam Cracknell or Evgeny Grachev to be called up in time for Thursday's game in New Jersey.
News:Matt D'Agostini left Tuesday's game with an upper-body injury and will not return, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: No official word just yet on the nature or severity of the injury, but replays showed Matt D'Agostini taking some hard hits to the head.
News:Matt D'Agostini set up the lone goal in St. Louis' 1-0 win over Los Angeles on Friday.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini kept his skates moving, poking the puck past L.A.'s Drew Doughty to create a 2-on-1 opportunity. Jamie Langenbrunner eventually finished off the sequence with a one-timer after a nice feed from D'Agostini, who registered his first point in nine games. After potting 21 goals (46 points) last season, D'Agostini has fallen off that pace this year, as he's been primarily a third- or fourth-line winger with limited power-play opportunities.
News:Matt D'Agostini notched one of St. Louis' two goals in Tuesday's loss to Detroit, giving him three points in the last two games.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini fills a variety of roles for the Blues, but is not a consistent offensive player. He has 15 points on the season with four points in the last five contests.
News:Matt D'Agostini centered St. Louis' third line in Friday night's game against Phoenix, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini lost all three of his faceoffs, but had a goal and an assist in 9:07 of ice time. The goal was his first in 10 games. He's been bumped along throughout the lineup, on various lines and playing various positions, and recently had been taken off the power play.
News:Matt D'Agostini returned to the Blues lineup Thursday night after leaving the team's previous game with an upper-body injury.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini spent the last several days being tested for concussion-like symptoms and was eventually cleared to play by midweek. He skated 19 shifts and 14:00 minutes in St. Louis' 4-1 win over the Rangers.
News:Matt D'Agostini (upper body) will return to the ice Thursday, Lou Korac of the Alton Telegraph reports.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini reported no problems after skating Wednesday, so it appears the hard hit he took in Saturday's game won't cost him any further action. Feel free to deploy D'Agostini as you usually would Thursday.
News:Matt D'Agostini, who underwent the standard concussion testing after getting hit last Saturday, skated Tuesday and is expected to practice Wednesday, the Belleville News Democrat reports. D'Agostini left Saturday's game with what the Blues are referring to as an upper-body injury.
Analysis: "He should be ready to go," St. Louis general manager Doug Armstrong said. "All signs are he'll practice full on (Wednesday) and he should be ready to go. It was more a chest hit than anything. I don't think this is an injury, quite honestly, that we're concerned about at all." Matt D'Agostini was on the receiving end of a hit from San Jose's Jamie McGinn, causing his head to snap back.
Blues' D'Agostini Misses Practice, May Have Concussion
News:Matt D'Agostini (upper body) did not practice Monday, Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Rutherford also reports that Matt D'Agostini's injury is believed to be concussion-related. He wasn't originally thought to be in danger of missing time, but now it looks like he could miss Thursday's game against the Rangers. With 11 points (6G, 5A) in 29 games this season, D'Agostini is certainly a fantasy option, but monitor his situation before putting him in your lineup Thursday.
Blues' D'Agostini (Upper Body) Shouldn't Miss Time
News:Matt D'Agostini left in the third period of Saturday's game against the Sharks with an upper-body injury, reports the Associated Press.
Analysis: He did not return. Coach Ken Hitchcock says he will not miss any time.
News:Matt D'Agostini grabbed the game-winning goal in Tuesday's victory over Washington, his first tally in seven games.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini fills a variety of roles for St. Louis but being a consistent scorer is not one of them. He has three points in the last five games and sits with six goals on the season.
News:Matt D'Agostini assisted on one of St. Louis' two goals in Tuesday's loss to the Kings.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini has cooled off a bit since early in the season but he has two points in the last four contests for the Blues following a seven-game point drought.
News:Matt D'Agostini scored St. Louis' first goal in Tuesday night's 2-1 win over Detroit.
Analysis: The lamp-lighter came on the man advantage and snapped a seven-game pointless streak for Matt D'Agostini, who had a team-high six shots on goal in the game.
News:Matt D'Agostini scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season Saturday night in the Blues' 4-2 win over the Flyers. He found himself as the right man at the right time, scoring an easy man-advantage goal late in the third period to extend St. Louis' lead to two goals.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini has been working hard since getting dropped to the fourth line to start Friday night's against the Hurricanes. He used it as motivation and was bumped up in-game Friday and started Saturday on the second line. He has rifled off nine shots and scored twice in the past two games.
News: After attempting only one shot on goal in the previous two games Matt D'Agostini had four instances Friday night and the last one found the net. The goal was an overtime winner against the 'Canes in Friday night's 3-2 victory.
Analysis: The Blues tried to shake up the lineup with new line formations and it proved successful Friday night. The offensive struggle to start the season for the Blues was offset Friday as the team attempted 43 shots. As part of the shift in lines, Matt D'Agostini started the night on the checking line, however, he earned more playing time as the night went on and was able to get shots and a goal.
News:Matt D'Agostini skated on the Blues' checking line during Thursday's practice, the Belleville News-Democrat reports.
Analysis: The move is part of several line-combination changes enacted by Blues head coach Davis Payne, who is trying to ignite something in a team playing some lackluster hockey to start the 2011-12 season. While the numbers show Matt D'Agostini is hardly the problem with the Blues, he's had just one shot on net in the past two games. There's no word on whether Payne plans to reduce D'Agostini's presence on the man-advantage units, which are a paltry 1-for-24 (4.2 percent) to open the season.
News:Matt D'Agostini scored a goal for the second straight game on Saturday in the Blues' win over the Sharks.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini is settling in on the Blues' third line, having taken seven shots and scoring two goals in the last two games. If he remains part of the power-play rotation -- he skated 1:40 with a man advantage Saturday -- D'Agostini could reach the 20-goal mark again for the Blues.
News:Matt D'Agostini registered his first goal of the season Thursday night in St. Louis' 3-2 loss to Dallas.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini, who was a 20-goal scorer in 2010-11, had taken only one shot in the first two games, but ripped off four in Thursday's loss. He's skating on the Blues' third line with Jason Arnott and Alex Steen, while getting some time on the club's second power-play unit.
News: Blues head coach Davis Payne knows what to expect offensively from Matt D'Agostini, but is looking for the winger to develop consistency in other aspects of the game, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. "We know what he can do offensively. You give him a chance, he's got good skills to finish plays off. He finds his space, gets open, has a real good shot, real good release," said Payne. "It's the other things we're looking for, the detail stuff, the positional stuff."
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini came to St. Louis from Montreal with the "potential" label and a booming shot. He bounced around the lineup last season, from checking lines to scoring lines, and established career highs in goals (21) and assists (25), so there's some level of expectation entering 2011-12. D'Agostini has been skating primarily on the third line during preseason play and is expected to get power-play minutes on the Blues' second unit. After adding some depth in the offseason, the Blues don't necessarily feel he needs to be a 20-goal scorer again, but they are hopeful D'Agostin can sustain the momentum he built in 2010-11.
News:Matt D'Agostini, who was penciled in at right wing on the first line prior to training camp, has been skating on the third line recently during preseason, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: This is not a commentary on Matt D'Agostini's ability to be a top-six forward. Blues head coach Davis Payne is liking the looks of Jamie Langenbrunner on the top line with David Backes and Andy McDonald. D'Agostini, coming off his breakout season in 2010-11, will be a regular rotation member this season for the Blues.
News:Matt D'Agostini returned to the Blues lineup Tuesday after missing some time with a lower-body injury.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini scored his second goal of the preseason in a win over Minnesota on Tuesday, skating 20 shifts for 16:25 of ice time. Initial indications coming out of camp are that D'Agostini will skate on the top line with Andy McDonald and David Backes.
News:Matt D'Agostini (lower body) practiced Monday for the first time since getting scratched from Thursday's game, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Blues have three preseason games this week and Matt D'Agostini would likely be available for Opening Night if he's able to return for at least one of them.
News:Matt D'Agostini was pulled from Thursday's starting lineup with a lower body injury according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Analysis: There were few specifics given, but it sounds like the Blues are being cautious, and Matt D'Agostini's removal was simply precautionary. Blues coach Davis Payne believes the injury to be minor.
News:Matt D'Agostini scored a goal in Tuesday's preseason win over Tampa Bay, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Matt D'Agostini, who scored a career-high 21 goals last season for the Blues, is brimming with confidence after signing a two-year deal with the team in the offseason. He has a heavy shot and excelled when given the opportunity to skate with top-six forwards last season. "He looks pretty confident when he gets the puck in those areas," Payne said. "It comes off his stick with some pretty good heat. Good shot, good goal. That's what he's kind of growing into. I think the other details area in his game, things we're really trying to push to round out his game, where there as well."
News:Matt D'Agostini will be given an opportunity in training camp to skate with David Backes and Andy McDonald, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: With David Perron (concussion) ruled out for the start of training camp, Matt D'Agostini will get a chance, much like he did last year when he scored a career-high 21 goals. However, it sounds like coach Davis Payne would like to see D'Agostini continue to improve and develop his game. He may be given a shot to skate on a top line, but the chance won't last forever. "We've got to perform now. We like his ability to make plays, we like his ability to play strong, shoot the puck, we like his ability in a net-front situation. He's got some real advantages and pluses there. He's got to round out his game. If he wants to be a continual top six or a continual top nine for us, there's going to be an expectation on him as it will for everybody to play the game the right way," said Payne.
News: The Blues signed D'Agostini to a two-year contract extension, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The 24-year-old winger had a breakout campaign in 2010-11 with career highs in points and assists, while scoring on 13 percent of his shots and finishing at plus-8. If all the Blues are healthy, D'Agostini may not start the season as a top-six forward, but he'll get regular shifts and proved to be a pretty effective member of the team's power play in 2010-11.
News: The Blues failed to make a qualifying offer to D'Agostini, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Blues can still negotiate with D'Agostini through Friday when the winger can become an unrestricted free agent. He had a career year with the Blues in 2010-11, posting highs in goals (21) and points (47). There seems to be interest on the part of St. Louis, but the organization did not want to get tied up in an arbitration situation.
News: D'Agostini had two assists and was a plus-4 in Sunday's win over the Blue Jackets.
Analysis: D'Agostini has been a nice find for the Blues in 2010-11, posting career high numbers with 21 goals and 22 assists. A lot of the good work has come in the last month or so -- D'Agostini has 17 points and is a plus-12 in his last 14 games -- when he's been skating as a top-6 forward.
News: D'Agostini scored his 20th goal of the season Wednesday night in the Blues' 10-3 win over the Red Wings.
Analysis: D'Agostini is finishing strong with seven goals and six assists in the previous 10 games. The 24-year-old winger has shattered his previous career-highs with his 20 goals and 22 assists this season. It remains to be seen if the Blues are going to re-sign him when he becomes a free agent this summer, but he's put himself in a position to attract interest in the offseason.
News: D'Agostini scored his 18th goal of the season and fourth on the power play in St. Louis' 4-0 win over Edmonton on Thursday.
Analysis: D'Agostini, who had a five-game point streak snapped Tuesday in Phoenix, scored for the fifth time in the last seven games. He had five shots on net and is getting plenty of opportunities down the stretch while skating on the first line. D'Agostini is emerging much like Alex Steen did last season. He'll be a free agent in the offseason and may have created a bigger market for himself.
News: D'Agostini assisted on two goals in the Blues' 5-3 loss to the Sharks on Saturday.
Analysis: D'Agostini continues a nice run with points (four goals, five assists) in five straight games. Injuries and trades have worked to promote D'Agostini to a top-six forward on the Blues and he's making the best of his time on the first line.
News: D'Agostini scored two goals in Thursday night's win over the Kings.
Analysis: D'Agostini now has a career-high 17 goals this season, with four coming in the last four games. He tends to score in bunches and now that he's skating on the first line with David Backes and Andy McDonald, there are more opportunities coming his way.
News: D'Agostini recorded his second straight two-point game when he potted a goal and an assist in Saturday's loss to Detroit.
Analysis: He has quietly delivered reasonable value at right wing for those in deep leagues; use him accordingly.
News: D'Agostini had a goal and an assist in Thursday night's win over Montreal.
Analysis: While all the talk was about Jaroslav Halak playing against his former team, we forgot about the other former Canadien on the Blues' roster. D'Agostini is playing first-line minutes now, and becomes even more important to the offense after we learned the Blues will be without Alex Steen (ankle) for the rest of the season.
News: D'Agostini grabbed a goal and an assist Monday, marking the third time he's posted two points in the last four games.
Analysis: D'Agostini has been afire of late, but he's shown himself to be a bit inconsistent in terms of scoring. He has 21 points on the year, but they tend to come in bunches.
News: D'Agostini had a goal and an assist in Thursday's shootout loss to the Maple Leafs, giving him four points (one goal, three assists) in the previous two games.
Analysis: The production comes after a line-shuffling that wound up with D'Agostini skating on the first line with Vladimir Sobotka and David Backes. Dags has 11 shots on goal in the past two games. With all the injuries hitting the Blues' top-six forwards, D'Agostini needs to be a more consistent producer. The four-point run is nice, but he's produced long point-less gaps as well this season.
News: D'Agostini scored Thursday night for the first time in eight games in St. Louis' win over Detroit.
Analysis: Injuries have forced D'Agostini into a more prominent top-six role, and while his season shooting percentage is a more-than respectable 13.8 percent, it has fallen after a sizzling October start. He's gone point-less in 19 of the past 24 games. At this point, David Perron (concussion) and Andy McDonald (concussion) have no timetable for return, and T.J. Oshie (ankle) isn't going to be re-evaluated until February. Barring a trade, D'Agostini will continue get significant ice time for the Blues.
News: D'Agostini had a goal and an assist in Sunday's win over Vancouver. The points snapped a six-game scoring drought for D'Agostini, who lit the lamp early and often for the Blues, but hasn't been very productive in recent weeks.
Analysis: Now that the Blues are without three top players (David Perron, T.J. Oshie, Andy McDonald), the team needs its fringe forwards to provide some scoring punch. D'Agostini, who has bounced around the lines because of the injuries, found himself skating on the third line with Jay McClement and Alex Steen, and he also skates on one of the power play units.
News: D'Agostini has been elevated to the second line, skating with Alex Steen and Patrik Berglund.
Analysis: D'Agostini has been the Blues' leading scorer, with six goals primarily scored while playing on the third and fourth lines. Injureis to David Perron (concussion) and T.J. Oshie (ankle) have opened up opportunities on the Blues' first two lines.
News: D'Agostini assisted on two goals in Saturday night's shootout win over Atlanta.
Analysis: D'Agostini's been a nice surprise for the Blues this season, registering six points through the first nine games and getting promoted to the third line with some power play shifts.
News: D'Agostini, who practices with the second line Wednesday, skated with the third line during Thursday's practice, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Blues coach Davis Payne has been switching up between D'Agostini and Brad Boyes, who was on the second line Thursday.
News: Blues coach Davis Payne had D'Agostini skating at right wing on the second line during Wednesday's practice, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: D'Agostini leads the Blues with three goals while skating all but a few shifts on the fourth line. He'll replace Brad Boyes, who was dropped to the third line. St. Louis doesn't play until Friday (at home against Chicago), so the combinations could be switched back by the end of the week.
News: D'Agostini scored his third goal of the season in Thursday's 4-3 loss to Nashville.
Analysis: D'Agostini, who begins the season on the fourth line, has been sharp and the coaches are taking notice. During the game, coach Davis Payne skated him on the other lines, replacing Brad Boyes on the first line and B.J. Crombeen on the third for a few shifts. St. Louis came out flat-footed against the Predators, who played the night before, and Payne clearly wasn't pleased with the effort coming from his top-9 forwards.
News: D'Agostini scored two goals in St. Louis' 5-1 win over Anaheim on Monday. The first goal was a booming shot while the second came on the power play, though he's not typically a member of the man-advantage unit.
Analysis: The Blues turned a few heads in St. Louis when they traded a prospect for D'Agostini late in the season, then we watched him go scoreless in seven games for the Blues. Cut to this season, and he's coming off a good training camp and centering the fourth line. They like his shot, his ability to take contact and continue with the play.
News: D'Agostini lined up as the center on the Blues' fourth line in Thursday's preseason win over Chicago, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Analysis: D'Agostini scored a goal in the win and is making a push for the spot that was thought to be for Vladimir Sobotka, who is expected to miss the start of the season with a shoulder injury. "He's starting to move well with the puck, he's starting to make the kind of plays... you saw in the second period (Thursday), where he's got great wide speed and the ability to take contact and continue on with the play, feeling more comfortable rolling off the walls and shooting the puck," Blues head coach Davis Payne said.
News: The Blues have acquired RW Matt D'Agostini from Montreal in exchange for prospect Aaron Palushaj.
Analysis: The 23-year-old D'Agostini has just four points and a minus-12 in 40 games for the Canadiens this season. He will continue to have very minimal Fantasy value for the time being. Palushaj, a second-round pick from 2007, has 22 points in 44 games this season, his first in the AHL. The former Michigan Wolverine isn't worth grabbing in long-term keeper leagues just yet, but is worth keeping an eye on in the minors.
News: Montreal winger Matt D'Agostini returned from the flu on Tuesday in a 3-2 win over Vancouver. D'Agostini saw just under seven minutes of ice time and did not record any points on two shots on goal.
Analysis: D'Agostini has just four points and a minus-11 in 36 games this season. He remains just an option in deeper keeper leagues for now. Seasonal owners should stay well away.
News: The Montreal Gazette reports that Canadiens RW Matt D'Agostini (flu) was well enough to get back on the ice for practice Tuesday.
Analysis: D'Agostini has just four points and a minus-11 in 35 games this season. He remains just an option in deeper keeper leagues for now. Seasonal owners should stay well away.
News: The Montreal Gazette reports that RW Matt D'Agostini has the flu.
Analysis: D'Agostini has just four points and a minus-11 in 35 games this season. He remains just an option in deeper keeper leagues for now.
News: The Canadiens have sent RW Matt D'Agostini down to the AHL and called up C Ben Maxwell. D'Agostini's trip down is officially being called a conditioning stint.
Analysis: D'Agostini doesn't have a point since Dec. 10, and it was only a matter of time before he was demoted. Maxwell, a second-round pick from 2006, has zero points in seven career NHL games, but is a solid prospect. Until he gets a full-time job in Montreal, however, his value remains limited to deeper keeper leagues. Continue to ignore both these guys in seasonal play.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canadiens coach Jacques Martin continues to tinker with his lines in an attempt to find some scoring beyond his current top unit of Benoit Pouliot, Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta. His latest move was to call up veteran journeyman Mathieu Darche from Hamilton. Darche played with Michael Cammalleri and Tomas Plekanec on Thursday against St. Louis and, while Martin praised Darche for making smart plays with the puck, the 33-year-old played only one shift in the third period. The latest change highlighted Martin's frustration with Matt D'Agostini, who had gone 18 games without a point. D'Agostini and Georges Laraque were healthy scratches as Martin inserted defenseman Ryan O'Byrne on the fourth line. O'Byrne played a shade over four minutes and didn't play at all after the second period.
Analysis: It's a bit surprising that Montreal hasn't banished D'Agostini to the minors as his already awful season is getting worse. He has severely regressed after being a surprise addition to the roster last season following his recall from the minors. Ignore D'Agostini in Fantasy until he gets out of the doghouse.
News: Canadiens RW Matt D'Agostini scored a goal and finished at plus-1 on Thursday against the Penguins. D'Agostini made the Canadiens' first shot of the second period count when he fired a wrist shot over Marc-Andre Fleury's right shoulder at 10:48 to tie it at 1. He has one goal and two assists in his last four games.
Analysis: D'Agostini was a Fantasy darling last season when he came up from the minors and was a scoring fool to begin his NHL career. Unfortunately, he didn't sustain such a rapid pace and hasn't really found his scoring touch in 2009-10. D'Agostini is only averaging 10 minutes per contest and has minimal Fantasy appeal.
News: Montreal RW Matt D'Agostini was taken off the IR and able to play on Tuesday against Toronto. He took one shot in 9:15 of ice time.
Analysis: D'Agostini was averaging only 10 minutes a game before getting hurt and the 23-year-old talent is still likely a year or two away from becoming Fantasy-viable. Continue to stash him in deeper keeper leagues and ignore him in seasonal formats.
News: The Montreal Gazette reports that Canadiens RW Matt D'Agostini (head) practiced Monday and it looks like he'll play Tuesday vs. Toronto.
Analysis: D'Agostini was averaging only 10 minutes a game before getting hurt and the 23-year-old talent is still likely a year or two away from becoming Fantasy-viable. Continue to stash him in deeper keeper leagues and ignore him in seasonal formats.
News: TSN reports that Canadiens RW Matt D'Agostini (concussion) has started skating again, but is still likely a few weeks away from returning to action.
Analysis: D'Agostini was averaging only 10 minutes a game before getting hurt and the 23-year-old talent is still likely a year or two away from becoming Fantasy-viable. Continue to stash him in deeper keeper leagues.
News: Montreal RW Matt D'Agostini could not play on Tuesday against the Atlanta Thrashers as he continues to recover from a vicious blow to the head. He should be able to return to action shortly but was scratched against the Thrashers.
Analysis: D'Agostini has just one goal this season and a minus-2 rating. He's a nice keeper option, but his seasonal Fantasy value is limited to deeper leagues this year.
News: Canadiens winger Matt D'Agostini, checked in the head in Chicago on Friday night, saw a doctor before Saturday's game against the Maple Leafs but there was no immediate word on how seriously he is injured.
Analysis: D'Agostini has just one goal this season and a minus-2 rating. He's a nice keeper option, but his seasonal Fantasy value is limited to deeper leagues this year. He should not be active for Week 5 (Nov. 2-8) because of the injury.
News: The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed RW Matt D'Agostini to a one-year deal.
Analysis: The 6-foot, 200-pound forward had 12 goals and nine assists in 53 games for the Canadiens last season. He also had 14 goals and 11 assists in 20 games with Hamilton of the AHL. He's a nice keeper option, but his seasonal Fantasy value is limited to deeper leagues heading into 2009-10.
News: Canadiens RW Matt D'Agostini scored twice as Montreal claimed a playoff spot, despite losing 5-4 in OT to the Bruins.
Analysis: Called up in late November, D'Agostini had a nice little run in early December with goals in four straight games, but he's been pretty quiet ever since. Don't worry about him too much in Fantasy play, but he is a nice keeper addition to hold on to.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canadiens RW Matt D'Agostini scored a power-play goal Saturday against the Maple Leafs. It was his ninth of the season and he snapped a six-game goal drought.
Analysis: D'Agostini was just supposed to be roster filler when he was recalled in late November due to a rash of injuries, but he has performed well enough to keep his job. He is even getting a fair amount of top-six time. Still, he is no longer scoring on a regular basis and has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Montreal RW Matt D'Agostini got a power-play goal at 7:46 in the third period of Wednesday's game against the Devils that took several lucky bounces. The initial shot was deflected by Johnny Oduya and appeared to glance off Montreal's Max Pacioretty, who was initially credited with the goal.
Analysis: When Saku Koivu was injured, D'Agostini struggled. With Koivu back in the lineup for the first time in 17 games on Wednesday, D'Agostini once again thrived with a goal and an assist. He is still a low-end option, but now he may begin putting points on the board with Koivu back in action.
News: Canadiens RW Matt D'Agostini scored his seventh goal of the season Saturday against the Senators to end a 10-game drought. He has nine points in 22 games since he was recalled from Hamilton (AHL).
Analysis: D'Agostini's star was shining bright when he was recalled from the minors, but as expected his progression has slowed. He has really missed playing on a line with Saku Koivu, who has been out several weeks with an ankle injury. D'Agostini is just a marginal player and has limited Fantasy appeal.
News: Canadiens RW Matt D'Agostini has gone eight games without a point after being held off the stat sheet Saturday against the Capitals. D'Agostini is at minus-7 during his latest slump and last recorded a point Dec. 21 when he scored a goal against the Hurricanes.
Analysis: D'Agostini gained a lot of Fantasy steam when he record a goal in four straight games from Dec. 2-9. He has scored just twice since and has three points in his last 14 games. He has really missed playing on a line with Saku Koivu, who has been out several weeks with an ankle injury. D'Agostini is just a marginal player and has limited Fantasy appeal.
News: Montreal RW Matt D'Agostini made it 2-0 Tuesday night against the Flames when he scored on a spectacular individual effort 4:17 into the second for his fifth point in five games since being called up from Hamilton of the AHL on Nov. 27. The Montreal rookie blocked Flames defenseman Adam Pardy's shot at the left point and pushed the puck ahead as he drove up ice with Pardy and Cory Sarich in pursuit. Goalie Miikka Kiprusoff got caught in no-man's land when it looked like the puck had gotten away from D'Agostini, who instead reached out with his stick and pulled it back, before moving around the Calgary goalie to put a shot into a wide-open net.
Analysis: D'Agostini was recalled from the minors when Alex Tanguay was hurt, but he has managed to stick around because of his strong play. We expect him to level out eventually, but that has yet to happen as he's got five points in his first four contests. He's definitely gaining Fantasy value with each passing game. You might consider picking him up off waivers right now.
News: Canadiens rookie Matt D'Agostini scored for the third game in a row to give Montreal the lead 15:35 into Saturday's game against the Devils. Scott Clemmensen was unable to hold Andrei Markov's shot from the left point in his glove, and D'Agostini swatted the rebound into the net after the puck dropped at the New Jersey goalie's feet.
Analysis: D'Agostini was recalled from the minors when Alex Tanguay was hurt, but he has managed to stick around because of his strong play. He is likely to level out in the coming games, so unless we see long-term progress from D'Agostini, he has little to no Fantasy value.
News: Canadiens RW Matt D'Agostini scored a goal, added an assist and finished at plus-2 in 15:53 of ice time Thursday against the Rangers. D'Agostini scored with 49.5 seconds remaining to cap the 6-2 win. He has scored in his last two games.
Analysis: D'Agostini was recalled from the minors when Alex Tanguay was hurt, but he has managed to stick around because of his strong play. He is likely to level out in the coming games, so unless we see long-term progress from D'Agostini, he has little to no Fantasy value.
News: Montreal RW Matt D'Agostini scored his first NHL goal in the first period Tuesday against the Thrashers in the 5-4 win. D'Agostini, who played his second straight game since being recalled from Hamilton of the AHL on Friday, put a rebound of Andrei Kostitsyn's shot past Johan Hedberg from the right edge of the crease 16:21 in. "There's no point in celebrating your first goal with a loss," said D'Agostini, who played one game with Montreal last season. "The boys battled hard at the end and we got the two points. It wasn't a perfect game, but we'll take it and move on to Thursday."
Analysis: D'Agostini is a sixth-round pick from 2005, so he is not an elite prospect. He had some nice seasons in the AHL and had 25 points (14 goals) in 20 games with Hamilton before his recall. He might be back in the minors shortly, so D'Agostini has little to no Fantasy value.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Canadiens RW Matt D'Agostini, recalled from Hamilton over the weekend, made his debut Saturday night against the Sabres. He played on the top line with Saku Koivu and Christopher Higgins and will probably stay there until Alex Tanguay is healthy.
Analysis: D'Agostini is a sixth-round pick from 2005, so he is not an elite prospect. He had some nice seasons in the AHL and had 25 points (14 goals) in 20 games with Hamilton before his recall. He might be back in the minors shortly, so D'Agostini has little to no Fantasy value.
News: The Canadiens have recalled RW Matt D'Agostini from Hamilton (AHL).
Analysis: A 22-year-old forward, D'Agostini has only played in one NHL game. Ignore him for now.
News: The Montreal Canadiens send forwards Ben Maxwell, Gregory Stewart and Matt D'Agostini to the AHL on Wednesday.
Analysis: None of these players have any Fantasy value, so continue to ignore them in all formats.
News: The Montreal Canadiens were not that impressed with the play of LW Sergei Kostitsyn or RW Matt D'Agostini, despite solid numbers in the preseason. Kostitsyn posted a power play goal and assist in four games, while D'Agostini was second in the preseason with two goals and he totaled three points.
Analysis: Each player was shipped out to Hamilton of the AHL on Monday. D'Agostini looked like he was having a strong camp, but apparently he needs a little more seasoning in the minors. Avoid him in all Fantasy leagues for now.
