IN STEVE'S DEFENSE- MARKOV STILL ELITE primepucks.com Wed 11/4/15 1:16 PM

Andrei Markov- It's time to remind ourselves that the best fantasy tandem in defense resides in Montreal as the 36-year old continues to put up numbers comparable with the more heralded PK Subban. Markov had seemingly put his knee issues aside and has formed a dynamic duo with Subban in the Hab's top power play unit. He has collected 13 points in the first 14 games and while he could be a great sell high candidate by mid season, another 50-point season is well within reach.  No End In Sight   Dion Phaneuf- Once upon a time Phaneuf was the talk of all fantasy leagues but with the deterioration of the Leafs came a huge downgrade in his fantasy value. With Phil Kessel shipped out to Pittsburgh, there was little reason to believe that Phaneuf can repeat past glory and get even close to 40 points. Well, 7 points in his first 9 games amidst an overall poor showing from the Leafs indicates that the veteran is flourishing under new coach Mike Babcock. I am not sold on him yet but the new regime is treating him like their star player and that might bring out the best in the underachieving veteran.  Don't Sleep On Him   Ryan Murray- Another two point effort leaves the 22-year old Columbus rearguard with four points in five games. Obviously, coach Tortorella loves him and is known to ride his favorites. Things could change but like I have already said, Murray's situation looks like the perfect recipe for a breakout.  Busting Out?   Tyson Barrie- It's amazing that after a slow start aided by a three game suspension, the youngster has managed 7 points over the first nine games. So it's a bit misleading given that five came over the last two games, but this guy is as prolific as any Scoring dman in NHL. You need to keep him active at all times as Barrie is capable of giving a weeks worth of production in one game. Fantasy Elite   Kevin Shattenkirk- the All-Star defender is on the verge of returning to the Blue's lineup which may come as early as tonight against Chicago. His return would be a huge boon to all fantasy owners who hadn't been able to replace his elite production on their active rosters Colton Payrako fantasy value about to drop!