Josh Bailey LW, New York Islanders: The former overall ninth pick in 2008 has yet to pan out offensively, but he has been clicking on the top line alongside John Tavares with seven points over the last five games. If he can indeed stick there, he should easily surpass his career-high of 38 points and flirt with the 50-point mark. The long-term injury to Kyle Okposo should hinder the top unit's overall offensive production, but Bailey is defintely starteable if he becomes JT's main "partner in crime" over the next 5-8 weeks.
Mikhail Grabovski, New York Islanders: Ok, so "Grabo" hasn't exactly gone off in his first year on Long Island but he will get first crack at replacing Okposo on the top line. We doubt he can remain consistent over the long haul, but he can certainly be a solid short-term option if he clicks with JT. It's all about opportunity in fantasy, so he deserves a strong look over the next week while the Isles begin their life without Okposo.
Andre Burakovsky RW, Washington: Heading into the All-Star Break, the 19-year old posted a two-game point streak while playing on the top line with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. He is tied for sixth amongst rookies with 18 points but he could certainly double that production if he continues to get time with the top guns. We still expect many "ups and downs" for the youngster, but his lomg-term upside is quite substantial. His value is one-year leagues should be strictly viewd as short-term, but he is worth watching.
Mark Stone RW, Ottawa: Speaking of under the radar, Ottawa's top-liner will be resuming quite possibly the NHL's quietest seven-game point streak as the games get started this week. The 22-year old has scored at every level and now has begun to showcase his talents for a Senator team desperately in need of a go-to sniper (No disrespect to Bobby Ryan, but he hasn't been consistent enough). It's looking like Stone and Mike Hoffman could have plenty of fantasy value for years to come as they should be primary offensive contributors moving forward.
Anton Forsberg G, Columbus: While everybody is running out to pick up Curtis McElhinney as the long-term replacement for the injured Sergei Bobrovsky, we think you look elsewhere. 22-year old Anton Forsberg has been recalled from the AHL, where he has put up great numbers since his North Anerican debut late last season (4-2-0, 1.69 GAA, .940 SP), He should get a legit shot to carry the Columbus workload in the crease over the next month or so, as McElhinney has been quite mediocre in back-up duty.
ADD'EM: WHO REPLACES BOBROVSKY AND OKPOSO? primepucks.comMon 1/26/15 8:04 PM