Avs' Hejda Nets Game-Winner With Eight Seconds Left
News:Jan Hejda's first goal of the season was a game-winner that gave the Avalanche a 4-3 lead over the Canucks with just 7.6 seconds remaining in Saturday's contest.
Analysis:Jan Hejda snuck a slap shot past Corey Schneider from just inside the blue line, providing the last-place Avalanche with a thrilling win over the playoff-bound Canucks. The goal was just his 18th in a career that has lasted 462 games so far.
News:Jan Hejda will need wrist surgery but could be ready for training camp in September, according to the Denver Post's Adrian Dater.
Analysis: The Avs insured themselves by signing Greg Zanon on Sunday, but odds are good that Jan Hejda will be ready for training camp.
Avs' Hejda Still Seeing Healthy Minutes Despite Lack Of Scoring
News:Jan Hejda has zero goals and just four assists in his last 24 games.
Analysis: Despite the lack of production, Jan Hejda continues to enjoy a top-four role on the Avs' blue line this season, currently teaming with Ryan Wilson on the team's second defensive pairing. Lucky for him, he is not expected to score much, but he is expected to provide a steady defensive presence, something that his team-worst minus-13 rating suggests he's having trouble doing overall. If you're relying on him for fantasy purposes, you could probably do better considering his shortcomings at both ends of the rink.
News: In 18 games since the start of January, Jan Hejda has posted a positive plus-minus rating just twice. He is a combined minus-5 over that stretch.
Analysis: This should not come as much of a surprise as Jan Hejda has struggled in the plus/minus column the last two seasons before his arrival in Denver this year. Given that he's also a lightweight in the scoring, PIM and shots-on-goal categories, there isn't much room for Hejda to add fantasy value anywhere else. Avoid using him if you can - he won't help your totals much.
Avs' Hejda (Groin) Healthy, But Could Still Sit Saturday
News:Jan Hejda (groin) will be available for Saturday's game against Los Angeles but still might not play, according to the Denver Post.
Analysis: He appears to be over the groin injury that kept him out of Wednesday's 4-3 OT win against Florida, but Jan Hejda's availability now makes for eight healthy defensemen on the roster and coach Joe Sacco says he only intends to dress six against the Kings. Although he has 12 points in 47 games so far this year, Hejda's plus-minus rating of minus-15 is worst on the team, so he's a prime candidate to sit out for at least a game. We suggest you look around for a better d-man option for your fantasy lineup Saturday.
News:Jan Hejda (groin) will miss Wednesday's game against the Panthers, Adrian Dater of the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: With 12 points and 16 PIM in 47 games, Jan Hejda hasn't provided much fantasy value this season, especially when his minus-15 rating is factored in.
News:Jan Hejda (head) will play in Saturday's game against the Ducks, Adrian Dater of the Denver Post reports.
Analysis:Jan Hejda took an elbow to the head in Thursday's game, but fortunately it appears he avoided a potential concussion. Expect Hejda to play his regular role on the Avalanche's blue line Saturday night.
News:Jan Hejda took an elbow to the head during Thursday's win against Phoenix, but wasn't feeling well after the game, according to the Denver Post.
Analysis: There was no immediate word on whether Jan Hejda would miss Saturday's game against Anaheim. It's possible that Hejda just got his bell rung and won't miss any time, so consider this a watch-and-wait situation.
News:Jan Hejda notched a goal and a helper in Monday's victory over Minnesota, giving him three points in the last three games.
Analysis:Jan Hejda's numbers are modest on the season with 12 points and he is on a blue line with several more productive offensively oriented players in Erik Johnson and Kyle Quincey. Hejda's plus-minus is in the double-digit territory the wrong way and he won't light up the scoresheet, but he does have solid numbers in hits and blocked shots for those of you in deeper leagues if you can take the plus-minus hit.
News:Jan Hejda has just nine points (3G, 6A) in 31 games so far this season, putting him roughly on pace to match the 20 points in 77 games he posted last season with Columbus.
Analysis:Jan Hejda's lack of scoring can be forgiven this year given his role of stay-at-home defenseman, but his team-worst minus-14 rating won't be doing fantasy owners any favours. In fact, only five players in the entire NHL have a plus-minus worse than Hejda's. Simply put, he doesn't score enough to warrant putting up with such a weak defensive stat. If your league counts plus-minus, visit your league's waiver wire and see who you can replace him with.
News:Jan Hejda saw 19:04 of ice time during Thursday night's 3-1 preseason loss to St. Louis.
Analysis:Jan Hejda suffered a knee injury last week and was originally expected to be out 2-4 weeks, but that prognosis was clearly way off the mark. Assuming he stays healthy, he should be good for 15-20 points this year, giving him value in deeper fantasy formats.
News:Jan Hejda (knee) practiced Tuesday and could return to preseason game action in a few days, reports the Denver Post.
Analysis:Jan Hejda's original prognosis was 2-4 weeks, but he is evidently a fast healer. "We're listing him as day-to-day right now," Avs coach Joe Sacco said. "He's moving very well, making good progress." Hejda is not expected to play Wednesday against the Kings, but hopes to return either Thursday in St. Louis or Saturday in Los Angeles.
News:Jan Hejda missed Friday's preseason home opener with a knee injury and will miss 2-4 weeks, reports the Denver Post.
Analysis: At this point, there are no specifics available on the injury itself or how it happened. Jan Hejda is normally a very durable player who missed just a single game the past two seasons when he was with Columbus. Look for his return sometime in the second half of October.
News:Jan Hejda is expected to be on the Avs' opening-night roster, according to the Denver Post.
Analysis:Jan Hejda is one of several bigger bodies the Avs added to their blue line this year in an effort to upgrade their size and strength. Hejda (6-4, 237) and Shane O'Brien (6-3, 230) were acquired through free agency in July, while Erik Johnson (6-4, 232) and Ryan O'Byrne (6-5, 234) joined via trades last season. Hejda is a durable, dependable blueliner who is coming off four solid seasons in Columbus, having played 81, 82, 62 and 77 regular-season games, respectively. He scored a career-high 21 points three seasons ago, so he won't have too much fantasy value outside of deeper formats.
News: The Avalanche have signed Hejda to a four-year, $13 million contract, the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: The former Blue Jacket is better at shutting down opponents than he is creating offense on his own, so keep that in mind for fantasy purposes. Still, this was a sensible acquisition for the Avalanche, a team that allowed the most goals (288) in the NHL last season.
News: Hejda has been suspended two games for his elbow to the head of Chicago's Marcus Kruger, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: No word yet as to who will replace him in the lineup, but Hejda won't be available for the next two contests as a result of this incident.
News: Hejda returned to the lineup Saturday, picking up an assist and recording a plus-3 rating in a 5-2 win at St. Louis.
Analysis: It looks like the brief benching served its purpose. If the Jackets continue their recent improved play (they've registered a point in five straight games) Hejda should be able to help you in plus/minus.
News: Hejda was a healthy scratch Wednesday.
Analysis: He was a brutal minus-9 in his previous nine games, so the move is pretty warranted. He'll probably get a couple of games off to figure out what's wrong before he's plugged back into the lineup.
News: Hejda (calf) will play in Tuesday's game against Montreal, Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Hejda will be back in a reserve defenseman role for the Blue Jackets on Tuesday. Nick Holden will likely be scratched to open up a spot for him.
News: Hejda (calf) could return Tuesday against Montreal, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: He was able to participate in a full practice Monday, but Hejda described the discomfort in his leg as "feeling like [he] blocked a shot." Hejda is more of a stay-at-home type than an offensive force from the back, but he did finish plus-23 for Columbus in 2008-09.
News: Hejda (calf strain) didn't accompany the team to Denver for Saturday's game, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: It's the second straight game he'll miss.
News: Hejda was scratched from Thursday's lineup due to a strained calf suffered in warmups, reports Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.
Analysis: Depending on the severity of the strain, Hejda could be held out for a few games. Consider him day-to-day, and keep watch for further updates regarding his status.
Blue Jackets' Hejda Scratched For Undisclosed Reasons
News: Hejda has been scratched from Thursday's game, reports the Blue Jackets' official site. The team hasn't disclosed his injury or illness as of yet.
Analysis: Hejda has just one point thus far this season, a goal scored on October 22 against the Flames. It isn't known at this point how long the defenseman will be out, so consider him day-to-day for now.
News: Hejda is cold to start the season. He has just one goal for his only point in seven contests.
Analysis: The good news is that Hejda's been more active in handling the puck lately. In the Blue Jackets' last two games, the sizable defenseman totaled nine shots on goal.
News: Columbus might not have top defender Jan Hejda the rest of the season. He sustained a lower-body injury in the first period Monday against the Oilers and did not return. Interim coach Claude Noel said, "He will be out for a few weeks." Hejda had no points in 2:15 on Monday.
Analysis: If Hejda's season were to end due to injury it would be the icing on the cake. The biggest disappointment for the veteran blueliner has been his career-worst minus-14 rating. Clearly, it is a sign of how much Columbus has struggled as a team in 2009-10. But after being a plus-43 player the previous two seasons, it's a huge disappointment for Hejda to be well under even. He has marginal Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda tallied an assist and finished at plus-3 on Wednesday against the Sharks. He has 10 assists on the season, with three coming in his last eight games.
Analysis: Hejda was a minus-12 player under coach Ken Hitchcock. He has been even or better in the first three games under Claude Noel. Hejda was a plus-43 player his previous two seasons, so you know he is a good defensive player. He could have a strong finish to the season. Byt Hejda's best efforts come on defense. He is a low-end Fantasy defenseman and potential flier in leagues that reward heavily for plus-minus rating and short-handed stats.
News: Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda scored a goal and finished at plus-1 on Thursday against the Oilers. The Blue Jackets pushed the lead to 4-2 with just over eight minutes left. Hejda's shot from the point changed directions and went in off of the skate of Oilers forward Patrick O'Sullivan. It was his second goal and first score since Dec. 3.
Analysis: Hejda has two poonts in his first three January games, but it's not time to get excited. He is still not logging power-play minutes and most of his points come at even strength. He does his best work on defense. Hejda is a low-end Fantasy defenseman and potential flier in leagues that reward heavily for plus-minus rating and short-handed stats.
News: Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda scored a goal and tallied an assist on Thursday against the Blue Jackets. Hejda scored his first goal of the season on a power play 17:20 into the third period. He has three points in his last three games.
Analysis: Before we get excited, we need to see Hejda sustain some long-term success before he becomes a viable Fantasy start. He does his best work on defense for Columbus. He is a low-end Fantasy defenseman and potential flier in leagues that reward heavily for plus-minus rating and short-handed stats.
News: Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda returned to the lineup on Wednesday against the Sharks after missing eight games with a knee injury. He had no points and a minus-1 rating in 23:55 of ice time. Hejda has one point in six games.
Analysis: Hejda has the ability to contribute at both ends of the ice, but he does his best work on defense. He is a low-end Fantasy defenseman and potential flier in leagues that reward heavily for plus-minus rating.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports that Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda will return from a knee injury on Wednesday vs. San Jose. Hejda has been out since mid-October.
Analysis: Hejda is a solid defensive presence for the Jackets, but his Fantasy value only lies in leagues that reward heavily for plus-minus and short-handed stats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda could return much sooner than expected, according to general manager Scott Howson. Hejda was expected to be out of the lineup until mid- to late November when he sprained his left knee on Oct. 13 vs. Calgary. But Hejda expects to begin skating early next week and could return by early November.
Analysis: It's definitely good to see Hejda making progress with his injury, but you still don't want to activate him for Week 4 (Oct. 26-Nov. 1). Hejda is more of a defensive presence when healthy and is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for plus-minus and short-handed stats.
News: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jan Hejda, who is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a sprained left knee, has been placed on injured reserve retroactive to Oct. 13. General manager Scott Howson announced the move Friday.
Analysis: Hejda was injured late in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Calgary when he collided with Flames forward Curtis Glencross. The Czech veteran has one assist in five games this season. The 31-year-old defenseman has missed just one game the previous two seasons, so it's not like he is an injury-prone skater. It's an unfortunate injury that will keep him out of action for several weeks. Hejda is more of a defensive presence when healthy and is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for plus-minus and short-handed stats.
News: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jan Hejda will miss 4-6 weeks with a sprained left knee. The club disclosed the injury on Wednesday. The veteran was injured late in Tuesday night's 2-1 victory over Calgary when he collided with Flames forward Curtis Glencross. The win gave the Blue Jackets (4-1-0) their fastest start in franchise history. Hejda's spot will likely be taken by Mathieu Roy. The Blue Jackets are already down one defenseman while Mike Commodore - a part of the top pairing on the blueline with Hejda - recovers from a groin injury.
Analysis: Hejda's plus-8 rating in five games ties him for the best in the NHL with Dallas' Nicklas Grossman. The 31-year-old defenseman has missed just one game the previous two seasons, so it's not like he is an injury-prone skater. It's an unfortunate injury that will keep him out of action for several weeks. Hejda is more of a defensive presence when healthy and is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for plus-minus and short-handed stats.
News: Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda, who is recovering from offseason wrist surgery, led his team in ice time Saturday during a preseason loss to the Predators on Saturday.
Analysis: Hejda has done a great job developing under Ken Hitchcock and we could see added improvement again in 2009-10. Still, he is more of a low-end Fantasy option and flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats Draft Day.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Blue Jackets have one glaring need they didn't address this summer -- acquiring an offensive defenseman who can open up their blue line and breathe a little life into their power play. And while there's still plenty of time to add such a player, GM Scott Howson insists that he'll start training camp, and even the regular season, with the same top six defensemen as last season -- Mike Commodore, Jan Hejda, Rostislav Klesla, Fedor Tyutin, Kris Russell and Marc Methot. "It's a good group," Howson said. "We're very difficult to play against on that end of the ice, but we'd like to add more skill. We'd like to spend less time in our own zone and more time being dangerous with the puck."
Analysis: Other than Russell, the group has very little skill beyond making first passes out of the defensive zone and making opponents pay when they battle for the puck in the corners. Howson offered left winger Jason Chimera to San Jose this summer, a trade that would have brought defenseman Christian Ehrhoff to the Blue Jackets. So far, the Sharks have declined. Tyutin was the team's most productive blueliner in terms of points with 34. He also led the defense with nine goals. Commodore was second with 24 points, while Hejda and Russell had 21 points. None of the Blue Jackets defensemen are going to be high-end Fantasy options Draft Day, but they definitely can help as low-end fliers in deeper formats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda had surgery to re-attach a ligament in his left wrist. He'll wear a cast for eight weeks but should be ready for training camp.
Analysis: The third-year defenseman played in a career-high 82 games in 2008-09. He also had a career highs in goals (3), assists (18), points (21), and plus-minus rating (23). If he was hurting, he didn't show it. Hejda has done a great job developing under Ken Hitchcock and we could see added improvement again in 2009-10. Still, he is more of a low-end Fantasy option and flier in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats Draft Day.
News: Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda scored his team's only goal during a 2-1 overtime loss to the Lightning Tuesday. Hejda put the Blue Jackets ahead 1-0 at 4:21 in the third as he ripped a slap shot that hit goalie Mike McKenna and then bounced off a Lightning defender before rolling into the goal. It was his third goal and first since Dec. 27.
Analysis: Hejda has a career-high 17 points in 2008-09, but it's definitely not a number that has Fantasy owners jumping out of their chair. Hejda is a good all-around NHL defenseman, but he has limited Fantasy appeal outside of leagues that reward heavily for plus/minus rating and short-handed stats.
News: Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Friday's game against the Blackhawks. It was his 14th assist of the season, but first point in 13 games.
Analysis: Hejda has a career-high 16 points in 2008-09, but it's definitely not a number that has Fantasy owners jumping out of their chair. Hejda is a good all-around NHL defenseman, but he has limited Fantasy appeal outside of leagues that reward heavily for plus/minus rating and short-handed stats.
News: Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-3 during Tuesday's 3-0 win against the Avalanche. He has four assists in his last six games and six in his last 10 games.
Analysis: Hejda just set a new career-high with 14 points Tuesday. He also tied his career-best plus-20 rating. Hejda has been solid in all facets of the game this year for Columbus, but since he isn't a big-time scorer, he still has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News:The Columbus Dispatch reports Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda was in the lineup Tuesday against the Blues despite injuring his hand Saturday.
Analysis: Hejda is two points shy of tying his career high of 13 points. He is a top-logging defenseman for Columbus, but has more defensive skills than offensive. Hejda remains more of a Fantasy option for leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda missed practice Monday with a hand injury but should be OK for Tuesday's game against the Blues.
Analysis: Hejda is two points shy of tying his career high of 13 points. He is a top-logging defenseman for Columbus, but has more defensive skills than offensive. Hejda remains more of a Fantasy option for leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda tallied an assist and finished at plus-3 during Sunday's game against the Canucks. He has two assists in his last seven outings, but hasn't scored in 10 games.
Analysis: Hejda is one point shy of notching double-digits for a second straight season and four points shy of tying his career high. He is a top-logging defenseman for Columbus, but has more defensive skills than offensive. Hejda remains more of a Fantasy option for leagues that reward heavily for PIM and short-handed stats.
News: Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda scored his second goal of the season in Saturday's win over the Flyers.
Analysis: Hejda has just six points this season and should continue to be ignored in all formats.
News: Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda failed to record a point and finished at minus-1 in 26:43 of ice time Wednesday against the Sharks. He didn't score on his two shot attempts and has no points in six games. Hejda hasn't scored since Oct. 30.
Analysis: Hejda logs well over 21 minutes per game for the Blue Jackets, but is more on the ice for his defensive presence than offensive game. Hejda is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports one of the interesting plot lines of training camp for the Blue Jackets will be how the defensive pairs will settle. Columbus coach Ken Hitchcock has said he wants to pair Mike Commodore with Jan Hejda and Rostislav Klesla with Fedor Tyutin, but the third pair remains a mystery. In the mix for the two spots are Christian Backman, Kris Russell, Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, Aaron Rome, Clay Wilson and Marc Methot.
Analysis: The Blue Jackets need another top pair defenseman with the departure of Ron Hainsey and it appears as though Hejda is in line to take that spot. He had 13 assists and a plus-20 rating in his first full NHL season in 2007-08. He also had 61 penalty minutes while logging more than 21 minutes per game. Hejda is not a big goal scorer and still a developing defenseman. He remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman heading into 2008-09.
News: Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda tallied an assist and finished at even during Sunday's game against the Blues. He now has 11 assists on the season with two in his last six games.
Analysis: The second-year defenseman already has a career high in points and logs more than 20 minutes per game. But, his numbers still lack what Fantasy owners crave. He has minimal Fantasy value at this time.
News: Blue Jackets D Jan Hejda tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during 22:49 of ice time Friday against the Kings. It was his sixth assist this season and third in seven games.
Analysis: Hejda is in the top defensive pairing for the Blue Jackets and logs more than 20 minutes per game, he just doesn't produce all that much when on the ice. He is still relatively new to the NHL game, so we will cut him a break, but he is still nothing more than a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News:The Sports Xchange notes: D Jan Hejda was a healthy scratch Tuesday for the first time this season.
Analysis: Hejda is not a recommended Fantasy option in any format.
News: Jason Chimera added a goal and two assists, Manny Malhotra had a goal and an assist and Jan Hejda had two assists on Wednesday night against the Coyotes, as the Blue Jackets are 2-0 at home -- both Pascal Leclaire shutouts.
Analysis: Despite the big game, Hejda is not a recommended Fantasy option in any format. The Blue Jackets will be back on the ice on Saturday at Colorado.
News: Defenseman Jan Hejda signed a one-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Hejda, an unrestricted free agent, had one goal and eight assists in 39 games with the Edmonton Oilers last season, his first in North America. He also appeared in five games with Hamilton of the American Hockey League, collecting three assists.
Analysis: Hejda has spent most of his pro career in the elite leagues in his native Czech Republic and in Russia. He has played for his homeland at the world championships four times. The 6-foot-3, 209-pounder was Buffalo's fourth pick in the 2003 draft. Needless to say, his Fantasy appeal is minimal, especially with the lowly Blue Jackets.
News: Jan Hejda was checked into the boards by fellow rookie Konstantin Pushkarev in the opening minute but the defenseman shook it off and scored the deciding goal in a 2-1 victory Monday night over the Kings. Hejda won it 1:14 into overtime with his first NHL goal in his 14th game. "It's nice to win an overtime game, because it has been a while," coach Craig MacTavish said. "The odds have to turn in your favor when you drop as many as we have lately."
Analysis: Despite the goal, Hejda is only worth Fantasy consideration in the largest of Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: The Edmonton Oilers recalled Jan Hejda from Hamilton of the AHL on Thursday.
Analysis: Hejda will see sporadic playing time with the Oilers and is not a recommended Fantasy option.
News: Jan Hejda was scoreless with a minus-1 rating in 12:30 of ice time in Sunday's game at St. Louis.
Analysis: Hejda has managed just one assist and an even rating in five games. He is not worth using in any Fantasy league at this point.
