These players may be among the most sought after fantasy hockey players. Elias Lindholm scored a hat trick in the Hurricanes 5-1 win over the Sabres. Selected with the 5th pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, the Canes have high expectations for Lindholm who may one day take over for Eric Staal as the leader in Carolina....Carolina D-man Ryan Murphy added an assist in last night's game giving him 5 points in 4 pre-season games. Perhaps Murphy can make a decent jump in points after scoring 12 in 48 games last year as he becomes more comfortable at the NHL level....Boston Bruin Ryan Spooner had a2 goals and an assist against the NY Islanders last night showing his offensive prowess but that came with most of the Bruin veterans receiving the night off. The Bruins are set up front at Center with David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron but if either are to miss time to an injury, Spooner just may slot in one of their spots....The Ottawa Senators are hoping that Center Mika Zibanejad will one day develop into one of the top 2 centers on the team after being chosen 6th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. With 2 assists last night and a 33-point effort last season in 69 NHL games, Zibanejad may be poised to jump into the 40-point range as he is slotted behind Kyle Turris and David Legwand for now.....James van Riemsdyk is looking like he is going to eclipse last year's 61-point effort as he a goal and 2 assists against Detroit last night giving him 6 points in 5 pre-season games. His future is now...Here are 2 names to keep an eye on as they are having a tremendous pre-season and they are Tampa Bay Lightning's Vladislav Namestnikov and Nikita Kucherov who have 7 and 6 points respectively. Namestnikov's points are all assists while 5 of Kucherov's points are goals.  The future looks bright for these two young Russian forwards.

Legwand had 14 goals and 37 assists (51 points) in 83 games between the Predators and Red Wings last season. The 33-year-old should play a big role with the Senators this season after they dealt Jason Spezza to the Dallas Stars.

Maybe the most underrated acquisition after the first wave of key free agents were signed, was winger Radim Vrbata being inked to a two-year deal by Vancouver. The 33-year old was courted by many NHL clubs looking for a proven top-six scorer and should have plenty of "gas left in the tank" in his new home north of the border. Fantasy owners should expect a rebound from Vrbata, considering he was signed with the explicit purpose of helping the Sedin twins revitalize the Canuck's slumping power-play. While Vrbata's numbers were down last season compared to his career season of 11-12' (35G/62Pts in 77GP), he still managed 10PPG/11PPA. If the Sedins and Vrbata get to play on the same line, all three should be in line for big fantasy bounce-back campaigns. Keep an eye on these Canucks.In Ottawa, the under-the-radar signing of C David Legwand gives the Senators two scoring tandems to throw out there on any given night: the established Kyle Turris-Clarke MacArthur connection and now, maybe Legwand/Bobby Ryan. While I would hesitate to consider Legwand as a sleeper, a probable resurgence from proven scorer Ryan could elevate him to 50-55 point territory if the two click on the same line.The Isle's UFA signings of former Leaf line-mates Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin were far from "sexy" acquisitions, but were unfairly panned by Jeremy Roenick through a series of well-publicized tweets. First of all, this free agency period lend itself to third-liners like David Bolland to get paid "big money", so GM Garth Snow did well to secure the services of two forwards in their prime, well capable of putting up 50-55 pts. The last time these two were put in a position to provide top-six scoring for their team, they did so quite successfully playing on Toronto's second line in 10-11'. "Grabo" had 29 goals and 58 points, while Kulemin flourished with 30 goals and 57 points. Randy Carlyle relegated the duo to third-fourth line duty upon his arrival as head coach in Toronto, so subsequently their offensive production suffered. While John Tavares and his wingers will do most of the scoring damage on Long Island, don't be surprised that the re-united Grabovski/Kulemin duo flirt with the 50-point range.

Bruins-Flyers battled it out yesterday afternoon in true playoff style with the B's prevailing in the shootout. There is just no slowing down these big, bad Bruins as they are 15-1-1 since March 1st. Simply incredible!  Most of that success is due to the Iginla-Krejci-Lucic line but Patrice Bergeron has been almost as hot with a 7-game goal scoring streak and 18 points in that 17 game stretch. Bergeron is as steady as they come. Even though he has been demoted to the fourth line, Philadelphia Flyer Vincent Lecavalier scored twice and has 3 goals in past two games. Vinny doesn't always bring his ‘A' game but it looks like he has something to prove.  Start him with confidence. Flyer teammate Kimmo Timonen had been given up for dead by most poolies midway through the season but the veteran defenseman has picked up his game of late and scored 13 of his 32 points this season in March alone. The Philly vet had 2 points in yesterday's loss to the Bruins so ride the defenseman to the finish line as he will give you steady production from here on out. Ottawa Senator Kyle Turris continues to put up decent fantasy numbers although much of that has come under the radar. The young Center had 2 goals and an assist in the Sens 6-3 win over Calgary giving him 7 points in last 4 games.  The 3rd overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft has found his play in Ottawa the past few years and should be a lock for 65-70 points next season. It feels like he has been around for so long but he is only 24 years old. If you haven't heard about Detroit Red Wing Gustav Nyquist yet, you will certainly hear a lot of him over the next few years as he has 18 points in 15 March games and 45 points in 50 games played this season. Some will still have a touch of doubt about Nyquist's skills but don't let him slip too far in next year's draft because he is the real deal. And just think what he could do playing alongside Datsyuk or Zetterberg? While on the subject of Red Wings, if David Legwand happens to re-sign with Detroit, it could be possible that this longtime Nashville Predator could score between 55-60 points next season. All the center has done since coming over to Hockeytown is go 3-6-9 in 14 games; definitely worth a late round selection in next year's draft if that resigning does occur. The big news in the Chicago-Pittsburgh game was not Sidney Crosby scoring twice late in the third period to seal the victory for the Pens, but the hit Blackhawk captain Jonathan Toews took from ...

Bruins-Flyers battled it out yesterday afternoon in true playoff style with the B's prevailing in the shootout. There is just no slowing down these big, bad Bruins as they are 15-1-1 since March 1st. Simply incredible!  Most of that success is due to the Iginla-Krejci-Lucic line but Patrice Bergeron has been almost as hot with a 7-game goal scoring streak and 18 points in that 17 game stretch. Bergeron is as steady as they come. Even though he has been demoted to the fourth line Philadelphia Flyer Vincent Lecavalier scored twice and has 3 goals in past two games. Vinny doesn't always bring his ‘A' game but it looks like he has something to prove.  Start him with confidence. Flyer teammate Kimmo Timonen had been given up for dead by most poolies midway through the season but the veteran defenseman has picked up his game of late and scored 13 of his 32 points this season in March alone. The Philly vet had 2 points in yesterday's loss to the Bruins so ride the defenseman to the finish line as he will give you steady production from here on out. Ottawa Senator Kyle Turris continues to put up decent fantasy numbers although much of that has come under the radar. The young Center had 2 goals and an assist in the Sens 6-3 win over Calgary giving him 7 points in last 4 games.  The 3rd overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft has found his play in Ottawa the past few years and should be a lock for 65-70 points next season. It feels like he has been around for so long but he is only 24 years old. If you haven't heard about Detroit Red Wing Gustav Nyquist yet, you will certainly hear a lot of him over the next few years as he has 18 points in 15 March games and 45 points in 50 games played this season. Some will still have a touch of doubt about Nyquist's skills but don't let him slip too far in next year's draft because he is the real deal. And just think what he could do playing alongside Datsyuk or Zetterberg? While on the subject of Red Wings, if David Legwand happens to re-sign with Detroit, it could be possible that this longtime Nashville Predator could score between 55-60 points next season. All the center has done since coming over to Hockeytown is go 3-6-9 in 14 games; definitely worth a late round selection in next year's draft if that resigning does occur. The big news in the Chicago-Pittsburgh game was not Sidney Crosby scoring twice late in the third period to seal the victory for the Pens, but the hit Blackhawk captain Jonathan Toews took from ...

A nice hot cup of coffee in my hands on a nice chilly Spring morning! If the Flyers didn't get off to such a terrible start, they could be fighting for the President's trophy. Keep that in mind for next season. Boston is a perfect 10 after last night's come-from-behind win over Phoenix. Jarome Iginla is insanely hot, and I've only used that term once before. Scott Hartnell and Claude Giroux were just made for each other. Voracek is definitely not acting like the third wheel on that line. He does fit in! Wayne Simmonds is probably the most underrated player in the NHL. Well, there are a lot of them, but he is near the top, if not at the top.  S0, maybe my first thought is the best. Malkin has come alive this week. Maybe he just needed some green beer and corned beef. The New York Rangers are still waiting for Martin St. Louis to arrive from that deadline trade. He's nowhere to be found. The Devils are sinking just when they had played themselves into the race. Tough emotional strings being tugged this time of year. On one hand, I would like to see Detroit continue their post-season appearance streak.  On the other hand, I kinda want to see Columbus make the playoffs for just the second time in club history.  Then there are the Washington Capitals who have Ovexhkin, Backstrom, & Co. with Adam Oates at the helm. But not at the cost of the Rangers missing the playoffs, who I think can win the Cup this year. Getting David Legwand was a stroke of genius by Detroit, especially getting him from the Nashville Predators, heir longtime Western Conference rivals. I'm gonna love watching Nyquist even more next season. Ottawa literally has just imploded. Perhaps getting Hemsky turned them into the Oilers-East?  I think if I were the Western Conference (WC) playoff teams, I wouldn't want to face the LA Kings. Those WC playoff matchups are going to be fun to watch. There are some very sick teams in the West. Gaborik hasn't done much in LA, huh? Maybe in the little things because he hasn't come up with a big game yet. Carey Price is getting back to form after his Olympic-games injury. The Habs need him if they are to make any noise in the playoffs. Henrik Lundqvist is back! Derek Stepan is back too! Baby's got back! Winnipeg is not back, in the playoffs again this year I mean. Phoenix deserves a spot in the playoffs. Dallas and the others fighting for the last spot should just fuhgeddaboutit. They will have to face either, St. Louis or San Jose or Anahem or Chicago ...

Ales Hemsky, RW Edmonton (Owned in 7.5% of ESPN leagues) Nobody needed a change of scenery more than the talented Hemsky, who never fit into Edmonton's long-term plans and was always the subject of many trade rumors. Yes, he is super-prone to injuries, but with 20 games left and getting a new lease on life while playing with a rejuvenated Jason Spezza, the winger could be a point-per-game performer over the final stretch. He collected three assists in just his second game with Ottawa in the win over Winnipeg on Saturday. David Legwand, C Detroit (Owned in 60.9% of ESPN league) The underrated former Nashville center has become an instant fantasy target as his trade to Detroit means that he will be centering the top line with Pavel Datsyuk injured. With two "hot" wingers in Johan Franzen and Gustav Nyquist, Legwand will get his share of points in the short-term. His fantasy value will be somewhat diminished by minimal power-play time on the primary unit, but he should get plenty of helpers. Tyler Myers, D Buffalo  (Owned in 39.9 % of ESPN leagues) Since returning from the Olympic break, the hulking defender has heated up with six points (3G/3A) in the last 6 games. Myers has been the "poster boy" of inconsistency since his stellar Calder trophy rookie season, but he has played well of late even amidst the rampant trade rumors. Now that the deadline has come and gone, look for the 24-year old to take another step in salvaging his promising NHL career. He warrants fantasy consideration as he seems to have taken strongly to new coach Ted Nolan. Eddie Lack, G Vancouver ( Owned in 69.0% of ESPN leagues) Having lost 3 straight, Vancouver's new no. 1 goalie responded with a strong effort in the 2-1 win over Calgary on Saturday. Yes, offensive support will be LACKING (funny, no?) on most nights, but the young Lack is firmly entrenched as the top guy in the Canuck's crease, now that the Roberto Luongo saga has finally been resolved. If you are in need of starting goalie help, give him a shot. Tim Thomas, G Dallas (owned in 42.1% of ESPN leagues) The former Vezina winner, recently acquired in a trade from Florida, is slated to gain some starts for Dallas as Kari Lehtonen has apparently suffered a concussion on Saturday. In coach Lindsey Ruff's own words: "He is not doing well". Translation- all Lehtonen owners need to snag Thomas ASAP, as he could have huge fantasy value if the Swede is out for an extended period of time. Dallas is far superior to his ...

The first player ever drafted by the Nashville Predators, David Legwand, is now a Detroit Red Wing. The long standing Predator was traded to Detroit for Patrick Eaves and a draft pick.  In years past, that never would've happened as these two clubs were bitter rivals.  Now that they are in separate Conferences, perhaps that eased the pain of traded the Original Predator to Detroit.  Legwand was drafted 2nd overall behind Vincent Lecavalier in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. Legwand never turned into an elite scoring forward, but in the Nashville defensive system, that wasn't necessary. Legwand's best season was in 2006-2007 when he scored 63 points in 78 games played.  In fact, he only scored more than 50 points only one other time after that, and that was in 2011-2012 when he went 19-34-53.  He is currently on pace to break the 50-point level for the third time in his career and if used in a more offensive role with the Red Wings, especially with all the injuries they have been having this season, you may just get close to a point-per-game production out of the steady Center

The Red Wings severly needed help at centre with the injuries to Datsyuk, Helm and Weiss. Legwand is from Detroit and played his minor hockey in nearby Plymouth. He has spent his entire career with the Predators and has been a solid scorer. This season he has 10 goals and 30 assists (40 points) in 62 games. Legwand has averaged 51 points over 82 games in the last four seasons and will help the Red Wings now and when they are healthy, he is an even better addition.

Chris Kreider- New York Rangers, LW (Owned in 16.7% of ESPN leagues) Ever since his call-up from the AHL, the 22-year old has been an offensive spark for a Ranger's team arguably missing their two best forwards in Rick Nash and Ryan Callahan. He is currently riding a three-game point streak, where he has collected 2 goals and 3 assists while playing on the second line with Derek Stepan. He has also been getting regular time on the top power-play unit, so the youngster has a chance to fulfill his offensive potential under new Ranger's coach Alain Vigneault. He is definitely worth a pickup while he is hot, but he could end up with considerable keeper-league value. David Legwand- Nashville , C (Owned in 3.8% of ESPN leagues) With 7 points (3G/4A) in his last four games, the veteran center has provided much-needed scoring punch for an anemic Predator offensive attack. Listen, I am not telling you that any Nashville forwards are worth relying on as consistent fantasy options, but Legwand has the offensive capabilities to pour it on for long stretches of games. The streaky center is worth a short-term gamble, especially if you are lacking production from your bottom-three fantasy forwards. Just keep in mind that he is a career .5 point-per-game guy playing for a lower-echelon offensive squad, so don't expect his luck to last too long. Kris Russell- Calgary, D (Owned in 54.5% of ESPN leagues) Don't look now, but the 26-year old journeyman has enjoyed a huge spike in minutes since Mark Giordano was sidelined due to a broken ankle. Since being paired with Dennis Wideman, both on the top pairing even-strength and on the PP, he has been scoring regularly with 5 points in the last 6 games. After having fallen short of expectations in Columbus and St. Louis, he is now delivering the goods with the extra ice-time. He is well worth a flier if available in your leagues. Andrew MacDonald- New York Islanders, D (Owned in 29.7% of ESPN leagues) The 27-year old blueliner picked up a goal and an assist over the last three games, continuing to reap the rewards of more quality ice-time in the absence of Lubomir Visnovsky, who is out indefinitely due to a concussion. MacDonald has been a mainstay on the top power-play unit and should see a dramatic increase in offensive production if he holds on to that role. The addition of sniper Thomas Vanek makes all the key Islander players more fantasy relevant, as the PP efficiency and overall team scoring should be on the rise. As long...