Curtis McElhinney-Columbus Blue Jackets, G (Owned in 35.4% of ESPN leagues)
This is a "no-brainer" addition for all Sergei Bobrovsky owners, considering the reigning Vezina winner will be out for 4-5 more weeks. McElhinney was solid between the pipes with a 20-save shutout over Minnesota on Friday, raising his stats to .932 SP and 2.02 GAA. With only a small sample size of 9 games to look at so far, he can't be trusted fully yet but he can be a decent short-term fantasy stopgap on an improving Columbus team. Bobrovsky wasn't exactly lighting the world on "fire" before his injury, so maybe a great stretch by McElhinney can fuel a goaltending controversy.
Annti Raanta- Chicago Blackhawks, G (Owned in 16.9% of ESPN leagues)
The must-add move of the week is getting your hands on Raanta, who should be starting for Chicago with Corey Crawford out due to injury. The Finnish goalie has been sharp in limited duty, going 3-0-1 with a 2.16 GAA and a .922 SP. His peripheral stats are actually superior to Crawford's, but whether he can maintain that level of play for an extended period of time is another story. That being said, he holds great potential fantasy value if he starts for arguably the best team in the NHL.
Mark Giordano- Calgary Flames, D (Owned in 86.5% of ESPN leagues)
Read what I wrote in last week's ADD'EM piece:
Giordano has been out for the Flames with a broken ankle since October 21, but the talented defenseman practiced with team over the weekend. He could be back as early as later in the week, which would be a big boost to a Calgary power-play which is missing the services of Dennis Wideman for 6-8 weeks. With 9 points in his first 8 games prior to his injury, he was one of the better fantasy defenseman in the NHL. He did score 43 points in '10-11, so the offensive upside is there. If he is available on the waiver-wire, take a chance on him before everybody is aware of his imminent return. Quick!
Well, he is back making a huge impact for the Flames, scoring a goal and an assist in the 4-1 win over Phoenix upon his immediate return. Dennis Wideman is out. He is THE MAN in Calgary. Get him if you can.
Tomas Tatar- Detroit Red Wings, LW (Owned in 12.6% of ESPN leagues)
First it was Gustav Nyquist, and now it's Tomas Tatar's turn to make a favorable fantasy impression with Detroit's superstars out. Last season's AHL playoff MVP has been strutting his skills for the Wings, collecting three goals and two assists in the last five games. While mostly relegated to third line and 2nd power-play duties, he could move up if he continues to produce. Monitor Tatar's ice-time with Pavel Datsyuk expected back on Tuesday, but his keeper-league upside is undeniable.
Clark MacArthur- Ottawa Senators, LW (Owned in 44.2% of ESPN leagues)
The winger has quietly scored 23 points in 29 games, inncluding 3 goals and 2 assists in the last five games. He has solidified himself as a top-six forward in Ottawa, clicking with Kyle Turris and Bobby Ryan. He should be headed for his second career 60-pt. season, so grab him if you need help on offense.
ADD'EM: JUMP ON RAANTA primepucks.comMon 12/9/13 10:00 AM