Nathan Horton- Columbus Blue Jackets, RW(Owned in 68.5% of ESPN leagues)
After missing 40 games recovering from shoulder surgery, Horton's debut for his new club on Thursday night was a huge success as he scored the game-winning goal on the power-play against Phoenix. Although he was held scoreless in the following game against St. Louis, the feisty forward is already occupying a spot on the top line with Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov. He is also getting a boatload of power-play minutes which should translate to solid offensive production. Grab him if he is available. The window of opportunity is quickly closing.
Shane Doan- Phoenix Coyotes, RW (Owned in 79.5% of ESPN leagues)
The Phoenix captain is back for the Coyotes after missing nearly a month due to illness. He was having a great season prior to injury, collecting 23 points in 27 games. The Coyote offense took a dip during his absence, so you know that Head Coach Dave Tippett will again rely on Doan as a primary source of scoring. Never known as a huge point-producer, Doan has scored 60+ points 6 times during his career. Based on his solid numbers in '13-14, he is well worth a waiver pickup. Just like Horton, get him before it's too late.
Andrew MacDonald-NYI, D (Owned in 70.6% of ESPN leagues)
The 27-year old rearguard has become the Islander's primary scoring option on defense with Lubomir Visnovsky out due to a concussion. Among the "hotter" scoring defensemen flying under the radar,he has collected seven assists in his last seven games. Well worth taking a flier on, but keep in mind that there has been heavy speculation that the impending UFA might be moved before the trading deadline. His fantasy value can drastically plummet if he is moved to a team looking for a quality depth pickup. No power-play time would render his fantasy value marginal at best.
Dennis Wideman- Calgary Flames, D (owned in 49.5 % of ESPN leagues)
Another injured former All-Star has is back in the fold, as Calgary's best offensive defenseman has returned this week. With 12 points in 24 games, the hard-shooting blueliner was quietly on a 40-point pace. Given the dearth of offensive weapons for the Flames, he will be a big part of their power play moving forward. Pick him up ASAP if you need help on "D".
Anton Khudobin- Carolina Hurricanes, D (owned in 22.1% of ESPN leagues)
Since coming off the injured reserve, Khudobin has won 3 straight games in net for the Hurricanes. With a 5-0 record and a 1.99 GAA, the Russian goaltender could continue to get the bulk of the starts with Cam Ward injured and struggling the whole season. He is worth a fantasy spot-start this week, but could easily give way to Justin Peters if he falters at all.
ADD'EM: THE RETURN OF SHANE primepucks.comMon 1/6/14 6:10 AM