According to the Winnipeg Free Press, U.S. Olympic team GM David Poile had the following words to say about winger Blake Wheeler, who was selected to the Olympic tryout roster: "An emerging young player with all the attributes we're looking for. Size and speed and very conditioned. We will be watching alot of Blake early in the season to see if he can swing into the mix to be a candidate for Sochi." Not a glaring endorsement to say the least, considering that the talented 27-year old has been one of Winnipeg's rising stars and had just signed a 6-year/ $33 million extension. Just a few days ago, Poile expressed mixed emotions about another selected tryout Dustin Byfuglien, by alluding to him as "a bit of a wildcard" and that the management team needs to look closely at his production before making a decision in December. What does this all mean? From a fantasy point of view, the participation of NHL players in the upcoming Sochi games have a dual-fold effect. There will be a huge fatigue factor for players returning from the Olympics, dealing with the condensed schedule and maintaining a high level of conditioning. What doesn't get mentioned enough is how the Winter Games provides incentive and pressure for the peripheral players, such as Wheeler and Byfuglien, who want to impress early in the season and secure a nod for their respective Olympic teams. You might notice a sharp rise in offensive production from such players, but it's difficult to gauge who will respond positively from the pressures of representing their country. For most NHLer's, being selected is considered a huge honor, and the sting of being snubbed is a feeling that leaves a permanent stain on their sense of individual accomplishment. Just ask Art Ross trophy winner Martin St. Louis, who has still not gotten over the disappointment of being left off the Canadien gold medal team in 2010. Olympic incentives will have a large impact on player performance early on, so keep a close watch on who soars as a result and who doesn't.

UTR takes a look back at the beginning of the season on a few breakout candidates. <p> Which ones did you pick up?</p> Ray.jpg PRIMEPUCKS takes a look back at three of the predicted breakout players for 2011-2012 that were written about in the UNDER THE RAYDAR feature. Click on the player's name and you will be brought to the article that was written in the early stages of the season. Enjoy! David Desharnais-Montreal Canadiens-11/12/2011 Teddy Purcell-Tampa Bay Lightning-10/1/2011 Blake Wheeler-WInnipeg Jets-10/10/2011

Wheeler suffered a scary neck accident but will suit up tonight on the top line. The Robbinsdale, Minnesota native scored nine goals and 32 points in 44 games.

Neither player is expected to play tonight. Wheeler suffered a scary neck incident yesterday and may miss a few games. The Robbinsdale, Minnesota native scored nine goals and 32 points in 44 games.

Wheeler suffered a scary neck incident yesterday and may miss a few games. The Robbinsdale, Minnesota native scored nine goals and 32 points in 44 games.

Not good news for the red-hot Wheeler. Excluding today's game, the former 5th overall pick produced at least a point in eight of his last 10 games. Check back for a further update on the right wing.

Wheeler could miss tonight's game. He has seven goals and 30 points in 39 games which includes a six-game point streak.

Wheeler has only two goals on the season but may be finally finding himself with the Jets.

Wheeler continues to play in coach Noel's doghouse. The right wing has no goals and seven assists in his first 17 games in Winnipeg.

Wheeler moves back up to the top line after some tough love. After seven goals and 17 points over 23 games, the former 5th overall pick only has five assists.