David Desharnais- Montreal Canadiens, C (Owned in 5.5% of ESPN leagues)
Where's the love for this guy? After collecting one assist in the first 19 games, the shifty center has flourished alongside LW Max Pacioretty with 14 points (5G/9A) in his last 15. The Montreal offense runs solely through their primary line, so Desharnais should not be available in over 90% of fantasy leagues. Pick him up as a solid 5th or 6th starting forward option.
Cam Atkinson- Columbus Blue Jackets, RW (Owned in 3.5% of ESPN leagues)
The speedy winger has been largely inconsistent in his offensive production during the first half, but he has been trending upward with points in 5 of his last 6 games. With the team rolling on a current 6-game winning streak, Atkinson has played a major part in the offensive resurgence. Just on scoring potential alone, he may be worth a flier as he seems to be heating up.
Johan Franzen- Detroit Red Wings, LW (Owned in 85.5 % of ESPN leagues)
If the "Mule" was dropped in your leagues because of his head injury, snag him ASAP. While not an elite scorer, the Swedish winger always play his best hockey as the Wings get closer to playoff time. One of the streakiest scorers in the "clutch", don't be surprised if Franzen is close to a point-per-game producer in the last 30 games or so. With 9 of his 23 points coming on the power-play, there is plenty of fantasy value here.
Jack Johnson-Columbus Blue Jackets, D (Owned in 50.6% of ESPN leagues)
Start your Olympic snubs, as a few of the "not chosen" NHL players have been on scoring binges ever since the selection of the rosters. The talented defenseman has been making a strong statement with his offensive game lately, collecting 5 points in the last 4 contests. Firmly entrenched on the primary power-play unit with James Wisniewski, he makes for a great "buy-low" target. If somehow available, scoop him up immediately. 40+-point potential is rarely available on the waiver wire!
.Darcy Kuemper- Minnesota Wild, G (owned in 32.1% of ESPN leagues)
Winning four of his last five starts, the young Kuemper has surpassed Niklas Backstrom as the no. 1 goalie for the Wild with his recent "hot" streak. His numbers stand at 4-2, 2.13 GAA and .922 SP. There is heavy speculation that the Wild management will carry three goalies when Josh Harding returns. There are plenty of concerns considering Harding's health issues and Backstrom's struggles, so Kuemper could be well worth a waiver-wire addition.
ADD'EM: NO LOVE FOR DESHARNAIS primepucks.comMon 1/20/14 4:16 AM