Valeri Nichuskin- Dallas Stars, RW (Owned in 11.5% of ESPN leagues)
The 18-year old Russian has turned many heads as a rookie, collecting 6 points (2G/4A) in the last 5 games. Playing on the top line with Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn has given him more opportunity to showcase his immense talent, even though his power-play time has been limited. He will endure his share of ups and downs in Year 1, but he should make a strong push for the Calder Trophy. Serious keeper league upside.
Martin Jones- Los Angeles Kings, G (Owned in 78.5% of ESPN leagues)
The 23-year old goalie has taken the NHL by storm with incredible numbers in relief of an injured Jonathan Quick. Pushing aside Ben Scrivens for the temporary King's starting gig, he has gone 5-0-0 with a .99 GAA and .967 SP. Safe to say, he needs to be owned in your league, but chances are that he might be gone by the time you read this. Heck, it's worth a shot!
Ilya Bryzgalov- Edmonton Oilers, G (Owned in 16.9% of ESPN leagues)
After being out since suffering a concussion on December 1, the beleaguered net-minder is set to start tonight for Edmonton against Anaheim. He was very effective in limited duty prior to the injury, going 1-1 with a 2.11 GAA and a .939 SP. The Oiler defense continues to struggle, so temper your expectations on his potential fantasy value. Having said all that, maybe he can provide them a spark in the goal and the young guns get hot. He could be a lower-tier 2nd goalie option, so he is worth a look.
Roman Josi- Nashville Predators, D (Owned in 56.5% of ESPN leagues)
Fantasy owners were hoping for the young defenseman to offensively break out this season, but a concussion suffered at the hands of Steve Downie derailed his "coming out" party. After a slow start to his third campaign, the Swiss defender has turned it around lately with 2 goals and 3 assists in the last 4 games. Fully recovered from injury, Josi has been promoted to Nashville's top pairing with Shea Weber both at even-strength and on the power play. Expect his numbers to keep rising, as the youngster makes a move up the fantasy charts.
Sergei Gonchar- Dallas Stars, D (Owned in 25.6% of ESPN leagues)
After many years of being one of the elite offensive defensemen in the NHL, the 39-year old veteran looked washed up during the first quarter of his debut season with Dallas, where he collected just 5 points in the first 28 games. However, his four-point explosion on Saturday was his best effort while donning a Stars uniform and a emphatic reminder that he might not be done after all. He did score 27 points in 45 games for Ottawa in '12-13, so the talent is still there.
ADD'EM: LOOK TO THE STARS primepucks.comSun 12/15/13 7:06 PM