Prior to the coaching shakeup in Winnipeg, one of former coach Claude Noel's final moves to ignite his struggling team was moving All-Star defenseman Dustin Byfuglien to forward. The reasoning behind the move made some practical hockey sense as the bulky skater played wing during Chicago's 2010 playoff run with impressive results. His conditioning issues led to Noel wanting to limit his minutes. By shifting his position, he hoped that playing him on the top line with Andrew Ladd and Bryan Little would maximize his elite offensive skills with less "wear and tear" to his game. Coach Paul Maurice utilized him at the forward spot in his debut game behind the Winnipeg bench, a 5-1 win over Phoenix. What does it mean for fantasy owners? Having dual eligibility at both D and F enhances Byfuglien's overall fantasy value, but playing on the Jet's primary scoring line could even boost his already impressive numbers. At this moment, he is the third rated fantasy d-man and has been "on fire" with 11 points (4G/7A) in his last 10 games. A few factors including the Team USA snub, extended rest during the Olympic break, and less minutes played if he stays at forward should contribute to a strong finish. "Big Buff" is looking like a strong top 3-5 fantasy option on defense the rest of the way, even if he has played his last game on "D" for the season. Parting Shots: After Colorado defenseman Erik Johnson left last night's game with a back injury, it was young Tyson Barrie who "stole the show" with two goals, including the game-winner in overtime against the mighty Blackhawks. Barrie's fantasy value will receive a huge boost if Johnson is out for an extended period of time, but his offensive production has been rising with his recent 3-game point streak. The talented 22-year old is well worth a waiver-wire grab if available.. After a "down" sophomore season so far, Edmonton's Justin Schultz is getting hot lately with 7 points (2G/5A) in his last 10 games. With the young Edmonton offensive guns staying home through the Sochi games, Schultz could have a huge rebound in the second half.. With 25 points in 47 games, veteran Marek Zidlicky has given the New Jersey Devils a huge scoring jolt with 8 points in the last 10 games. The Czech defender might fade a bit but should be a lock for 40 points. A solid 3rd defensive option in all fantasy formats.. Maybe take a flier on youngster Calvin de Haan, who has collected 7 points in 5 games since his AHL promotion to the Islanders. The former 12th overall pick has battled a few shoulder surgeries which have stalled his potential NHL development, but he was considered a prospect with considerable offensive upside. Keep tabs on him, as the Islanders are not sold on Lubomir Visnovsky returning anytime soon and view Andrew MacDonald as a temporary stop-gap option on the power-play.. According to all accounts, Team USA snub Jack Johnson has played with some extra "juice" since receiving the bad news. While his overall numbers are mediocre for a fantasy d-man, he is coming off a two-assist effort and could start scoring points a little more regularly. Don't expect "miracles", but take a shot on him if you are super-needy on defense.