On Wednesday the Sabres recalled F Nathan Gerbe from Portland (AHL) in order to give their offense a spark. Gerbe will do his best work as a top 6 forward and has a similar skillset to the Devils Brian Gionta . That is he's very small , quick, and handles the puck very well at high speed. He had 20 points in his first 23 American League games this year so if you have room on your bench or need a short term injury replacement grab him off your waiver wire.

 

It didn't take long and I've already seen enough Av's games this season to tell you that rookie Matt Duchene is already the teams best player. He's playing on the first line currently alongside Paul Stastny, and Chris Stewart and looks like he'll hold that position for the next 12-15 years. The word that comes to mind is smooth. He's still available in a number of one year leagues so if he's out there in yours drop a Chris Drury or Rod BrindAmour and pick him up.

 

Also in Colorado I get the feeling that not only is F Marek Svatos not doing much in fantasy circles but it would not be out of the realm of possibility to see the team ship him elsewhere in trade before this season is out. Svatos has always had injury issues, but the effort level is really lacking right now and because he's a one dimensional type that you couldn't safely have as a third or 4th liner he could be looking at being moved right out of the organization. I can tell you that it won't be New Jersey, or Minnesota that will be looking to give him that fresh start as his play without the puck leaves a lot to be desired.

 

Finally and lastly with the Av's a note about D Kyle Quincey who underwent back surgery as the 2008/09 season came to a close while still a member of the Los Angeles Kings. Quincey was certainly among the shrewdest acquisitions any team made over the summer when he was acquired by the Avalanche along with D Tom Preissing, and a draft pick from L.A. in exchange for F Ryan Smyth. In 32 games thus far in 09/10, Quincey has at least a single point in 15 of them, he's showing smarts and patience in his own end, and he's playing 25 plus minutes a night for one of the league's biggest surprises as we head towards the season's midpoint. He's currently tied for 16th in scoring among NHL defenseman ahead of more heralded names like Brian Campbell, Shea Weber, and Dion Phaneuf. If he's still somehow on your waiver wire or residing on the roster of someone who doesn't appreciate how good he is try and pry him away. His is one of the best underreported stories this season.

 

Not a lot has gone right in Florida this year as the team struggles to score (currently 23rd) and also to keep the puck out of it's own net (currently 27th in the NHL in G.A.A) but one bright spot has been the play of rookie defenseman Dmitry Kulikov. He's only 19 years old and is showing a comfort level creating chances just about every evening. He recently had his first career 2 goal game and had points in 3 of his last 4 contests. With only 12 points in 30 games, he's available on your waiver wire unless you're playing in a keeper or dynasty format. Don't lose sight of him as defensemen with his blend of youth and skills are hard to find.

 

I've received a few reader questions of late of what I thought the right plan of attack should be when considering adding Islanders G Rick Dipietro to their fantasy teams. Dipietro who hasn't played at all this year (and played in just 5 contests last season) is reportedly near a return from hip and groin injuries and will likely take over a substantial role in the Isles net. My advice would be to pluck him off waivers as soon as he is activated (and it's legal in your league) and then put him on your bench for a minimum of 6-8 games to see that he is in fact healthy, and will be getting something on the order of 2 out of every 3 starts. I'm risk averse generally with my goaltending so he's not a guy I will target, but if you must I would want him to "audition" a bit before you put him in position to contribute positively or negatively to your fantasy stats.

 

 

Also staying in the nets , with G Ray Emery out for the next 6 weeks for the Flyers , Philadelphia's starting netminder job will fall to Brian Boucher, and Johan Backlund (recalled from Adirondack of the AHL). Boucher is more a #2 netminder at this point in his career, and Backlund's AHL numbers suggest that he still has some work to do. Nevertheless the Flyers are among the NHL's top 10 in scoring and for that reason whoever grabs the #1 job in net should be good for some wins.

 

Ottawa's Jason Spezza has only 3 goals on the season as we near the season's 30 game mark. This is a source of frustration for Sens fans, and Spezza's fantasy owners alike. You cannot trade him for anything approaching full value right now so I would suggest that he become a spot player for you (in 4 game weeks or 3 gamers where the matchups are favorable) and failing in those situations he should be on your bench for a better option. I've seen the Senators 7-8 times this season already and Spezza is just not very noticable in the offensive end and if he's not creating chances he's not adding much to their team.

 

One of the more impressive talents I have seen at the AHL level this year is Wild goaltending prospect Anton Khudobin currently playing for Houston. Khudobin is off to a fast start with 4 shutouts in his first 17 games, and sports a 1.88 Goals Against Average.He's a small goalie, just 23 years of age, and when drafted by Minnesota had never had a goaltending coach. It's clear that he's made strides and his fast start is a positive sign that if anything was to happen to starter Niklas Backstrom that he could be recalled and at least share the crease with backup Josh Harding. Khudobin is a guy that should be on your watch lists or if you're in a Dynasty league he's the type you should stash and grab for the future. He definitely projects as a starter at the NHL level.

 

Staying with the Wild newly acquired LW Guillaume Latendresse (from Montreal) got off to a quick start with a couple of goals and an assist in his first 3 games in Minnesota. Latendresse has always had underrated skills and possesses better skating ability than one might expect for a 230 pound man. He's shown himself capable of 15 goal seasons and I'm sure the Wild are hoping there is more to come as he won't turn 23 until this season is over. He's an inconsistent player but the kind you should spot on 4 game weeks or if you have a mid level forward that needs to be replaced due to injury. The early returns on the change in scenery have been mostly positive. 

 

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Tags: Nathan Gerbe  Brian Gionta  Matt Duchene  Chris Stewart  Paul Stastny  Chris Drury  Rod BrindAmour  Marek Svatos  Kyle Quincey  Tom Preissing  Ryan Smyth  Brian Campbell  Shea Weber  Dion Phaneuf  Dmtri Kulikov  Rick Dipietro  Ray Emery  Brian Boucher  Johan Backlund  Anton Khudobin  Josh Harding  Jason Spezza  Guillaume Latendresse