Sorry for the brief thoughts this week but as the season winds down, the time to track down fantasy gems is running out. However, I do have a few key points to make: Fantasy hockey will be getting back another elite defender as Kevin Shattenkirk will be returning to the Blues lineup on Saturday. Considering he had collected 40 points in 49 games and was quite arguably the defensive fantasy MVP at the time of injury, his return could really help owners during the final stretch run. Or could It? Alex Pietrangelo has begun to thrive on the power play so Shattenkirk's return could disrupt the former's scoring touch. However, it is more likely that Shattenkirk will be eased into the lineup to fully assure his best form for the postseason. The good thing is that while other d-men on playoff bound teams could be rested over the final few games, Shattenkirk will be getting substantial ice-time as an audition for the playoffs. I love him asa final week start.  It might be time to take Vancouver's Alex Edler seriously down the stretch as a relevant fantasy option, given that his scoring had increased simultaneously during the Canucks current playoff run. While currently on a four-game point streak, the 28-year old's overall offensive production is light years away from his career high of 49 points set in 2011-12. Last season, Edler represented one of the biggest fantasy busts on the blueline, totaling 22 points in 63 games. With new coach Willie Desjardins at the helm, things were supposed to change but here we are late in the season and he has 23 points in 66 games. It's pretty tough to trust starting him at this point but given the paucity of legitimate scoring blueliners left on the waiver wire, he could provide a decent boost at your 3rd or 4th spot.  That's all for this week. Enjoy the final few weeks, my fantasy friends!