Our summer fantasy lists begin with a few names from the Atlantic Division that should be considered or overlooked when your fantasy leagues start up in September. For actual point predictions and comprehensive fantasy player analysis, make sure to get your hands on our 2014-15 PrimePucks Fantasy Guide available on August 15th. Also, make sure to read our fantasy overviews on each team during our NHL in 30 series coming in September. For now, here is a brief look at what we foresee for the upcoming NHL season: THE ELITE 3 (The top three fantasy players to own in any position) 1. Steven Stamkos C, Tampa Bay   2. Erik Karlsson D, Ottawa 3. Tuukka Rask G, Boston GREAT BET TO REBOUND (Three players who are solid bounce-back candidates in 14-15') 1. Loui Eriksson RW, Boston   2. Tyler Myers D, Buffalo 3. Bobby Ryan RW, Ottawa HERE THEY COME.. (Three players who should be breaking out with career seasons) 1. Gustav Nyquist C, Detroit 2. Kyle Turris C, Ottawa 3. Jonathan Bernier G, Toronto SLEEPER ALERT (Three players who should be late-round fantasy draft bargains) 1. Morgan Reilly D, Toronto   2. Dougie Hamilton D, Boston   3. Tomas Tatar LW, Detroit BUYER BEWARE (Three players who will be overvalued in most fantasy leagues) 1. Zdeno Chara D, Boston 2. Johan Franzen RW, Detroit 3. Dion Phaneuf D, Toronto

The Red Wings can't better their spot in the standings so they will get rest some key players today vs. St. Louis. WIth Franzen out, Todd Bertuzzi will play.

My first thought this morning as I glanced through my notes was how crazy it would be for fantasy owners to contemplate sitting Jarome Iginla for the upcoming final week, given that he has been arguably the "hottest" fantasy forward to own after the Olympic Break. However, the 36-year old has been rested twice this past week as he mends from minor bumps and bruises, reinforcing the notion that teams that have already secured playoff spots will rest their crucial veterans down the stretch. It's an imperfect science predicting which and how many games they will miss or play even, but it needs to be taken into account when forming starting rosters for the final stretch run. Loui Eriksson, who collected four assists in Boston's 5-2 win over Philadelphia, took over Iginla's spot on the top line and looked just as dominant. He looks to be the most coveted potential waiver-wire grab as it's possible Iginla could be rested for at least 1 or 2 games over the final four. Young Swedish sensation Carl Soderberg should also be in for more quality minutes in the case of key Boston forwards being rested. The rookie has quietly put together a solid season, amassing 18 points in the last 21 games. I like him as a decent 4th or 5th forward starting option next week. Well, what to do in Detroit where their best player Pavel Datsyuk has been back for two games after a lengthy absence due to injury? The Russian vet scored a power-play goal in the 5-3 loss to Montreal, but you know Coach Babcock will be careful with him if Detroit secures a playoff spot early in the week. His presence in the line-up also re-energized winger Johan Franzen, who responded with 2 power-play assists and now has five points in his last 6 games. However, you know the "Mule" has endured his share of injuries during his career and would be a prime candidate to sit a game or two to ensure a healthy playoff run. In other words, fantasy owners should ride the Detroit young guns, Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar, down the stretch as they should be in line for expanded minutes. Yes, you heard it here first.. start Ilya Bryzgalov of the Minnesota Wild for the final week. Coming off last night's 4-0 shutout win over the mighty Pittsburgh Penguins, the goaltender has started four straight for the Wild, winning three of the games while allowing just 5 goals over that span. Playing for the defensive-minded, and probable playoff-bound, Minny team has done wonders for the "Mad Russian's" confidence, so look fo him...

My first thought this morning as I glanced through my notes was how crazy it would be for fantasy owners to contemplate sitting Jarome Iginla for the final upcoming week, given that he has been arguably the "hottest" fantasy forward to own after the Olympic Break. However, the 36-year old has been rested twice this past week as he mends from minor bumps and bruises, reinforcing the notion that teams having secured playoff spots will rest their crucial veterans down the stretch. It's an imperfect science predicting which and how many games they will miss, but it needs to be taken into account when forming startin rosters for the final stretch run. Loui Eriksson, who collected four assists in Boston's 5-2 win over Philadelphia, took over Iginla's spot on the top line and looked just as dominant. He looks to be the most coveted potential waiver-wire grab as it's possible Iginla could be rested for at least 1 or 2 games over the final four. Young Swedish sensation Carl Soderberg should also be in more quality minutes in the case of key Boston forwards being rested. The rookie has quietly put together a solid season, amassing 18 points in the last 21 games. I like him as a decent 4th or 5th forward starting option next week. Well, what about in Detroit where their best player Pavel Datsyuk has been back for two games after a lengthy absence due to injury? The Russian vet scored a power-play goal in the 5-3 loss to Montreal, but you know coach Babcock will be careful with him if Detroit secures a playoff spot early in the week. His presence in the line-up also re-energized winger Johan Franzen, who responded with 2 power-play assists and now has five points in his last 6 games. However, you know the "Mule" has endured his share of injuries and would be a prime candidate to sit a game or two to ensure a healthy playoff run. In other words, fantasy owners should ride the Detroit young guns, Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar, down the stretch as they should be in line for expanded minutes. Yes, you heard it here first.. start Ilya Bryzgalov of the Minnesota Wild for the final week. Coming off last night's 4-0 shutout win over the mighty Pittsburgh Penguins, the goaltender has started four straight for the Wild, winning three of the games while allowing just 5 goals over that span. Playing for the defensive-minded and probable playoff-bound Minny team has done wonders for the "Mad Russian's" confidence, so look fo him to continue his "hot" play in the crease. Darcy ...

A few Jets had strong fantasy numbers last night as Winnipeg demolished the Dallas Stars 7-3. Big Blake Wheeler led the way with 4 assists, but Dustin Byfuglien was easily the fantasy star of the night with 2 goals, one assist, and 7 shots on goal. His current "smoking" streak of 8 points (6G/2A) in the last 5 games has landed him at 50+ point territory once again. Ride the "big man" down the stretch as he has caught "fire" at the right time. Suddenly, it might be time to pay attention to defenseman Tobias Enstrom, who also put forth a worthy effort with a goal and two assists. The former 50+ point guy has struggled all season, but has collected 4 points in the last two. He might be worth a spot start if you are weak on defense. Before I move any forward, the news of Kris Letang set to practice for Pittsburgh today is awesome on many levels, and while his return seems imminent, the earliest fantasy owners could hope for would seem to be the weekend. Nevertheless, Letang could provide an instant dose of fantasy punch to any defensive corps. Kudos if you held onto to him. Bad news for St. Louis, as the ultra-talented Vladimir Tarasenko is done for the season after undergoing hand surgery. Less of a blow to fantasy owners, given the carousel of forwards who contribute to the Blues balanced offensive approach. So, Eric Staal extends his point streak to six games with a goal during Carolina's huge 2-1 loss to Edmonton. Ooops.. I meant Jordan. What the heck is going on? It's actually the Alex Semin effect, as Eric has been struggling ever since the Russian winger has been moved to Jordan's line. If Ottawa's newly-acquired winger Ales Hemsky is still available in your fantasy leagues, shame on all of you. How frustrating is owning Detroit's Johan Franzen? I inserted him in my starting lineup while he was blazing "hot", and he responded with 3 straight ZEROS. Thank you Johan. It's been real. VETERAN WATCH: I would consider Calgary's Mike Cammalleri for a spot-start this week, as the 31-year old has been a power-play warrior and a point-machine recently for the Flames. With 9 points in the last 8 and not much on the line for his team, I could see "Cammy" finishing the season strong. The other vet I like for completely the opposite reason is Shane Doan. The captain is raising his as game as the stakes are higher for his Phoenix Coyotes who are currently in a dogfight for a playoff spot.

A few Jets had strong fantasy numbers last night as Winnipeg demolished the Dallas Stars 7-3. Big Blake Wheeler led the way with 4 assists, but Dustin Byfuglien was easily the fantasy star of the night with 2 goals, one assist, and 7 shots on goal. His current "smoking" streak of 8 points (6G/2A) in the last 5 games has landed him at 50+ point territory once again. Ride the "big man" down the stretch as he has caught "fire" at the right time. Suddenly, it might be time to pay attention to defenseman Tobias Enstrom, who also put forth a worthy effort with a goal and two assists. The former 50+ point guy has struggled all season, but has collected 4 points in the last two. He might be worth a spot start if you are weak on defense. Before I move any forward, the news of Kris Letang set to practice for Pittsburgh today is awesome on many levels, and while his return seems imminent, the earliest fantasy owners could hope for would seem to be the weekend. Nevertheless, Letang could provide an instant dose of fantasy punch to any defensive corps. Kudos if you held onto to him. Bad news for St. Louis, as the ultra-talented Vladimir Tarasenko is done for the season after undergoing hand surgery. Less of a blow to fantasy owners, given the carousel of forwards who contribute to the Blues balanced offensive approach. So, Eric Staal extends his point streak to six games with a goal during Carolina's huge 2-1 loss to Edmonton. Ooops.. I meant Jordan. What the heck is going on? It's actually the Alex Semin effect, as Eric has been struggling ever since the Russian winger has been moved to Jordan's line. If Ottawa's newly-acquired winger Ales Hemsky is still available in your fantasy leagues, shame on all of you. How frustrating is owning Detroit's Johan Franzen? I inserted him in my starting lineup while he was blazing "hot", and he responded with 3 straight ZEROS. Thank you Johan. It's been real. VETERAN WATCH: I would consider Calgary's Mike Cammalleri for a spot-start this week, as the 31-year old has been a power-play warrior and a point-machine recently for the Flames. With 9 points in the last 8 and not much on the line for his team, I could see "Cammy" finishing the season strong. The other vet I like for completely the opposite reason is Shane Doan. The captain is raising his as game as the stakes are higher for his Phoenix Coyotes who are currently in a dogfight for a playoff spot.

Ales Hemsky, RW Edmonton (Owned in 7.5% of ESPN leagues) Nobody needed a change of scenery more than the talented Hemsky, who never fit into Edmonton's long-term plans and was always the subject of many trade rumors. Yes, he is super-prone to injuries, but with 20 games left and getting a new lease on life while playing with a rejuvenated Jason Spezza, the winger could be a point-per-game performer over the final stretch. He collected three assists in just his second game with Ottawa in the win over Winnipeg on Saturday. David Legwand, C Detroit (Owned in 60.9% of ESPN league) The underrated former Nashville center has become an instant fantasy target as his trade to Detroit means that he will be centering the top line with Pavel Datsyuk injured. With two "hot" wingers in Johan Franzen and Gustav Nyquist, Legwand will get his share of points in the short-term. His fantasy value will be somewhat diminished by minimal power-play time on the primary unit, but he should get plenty of helpers. Tyler Myers, D Buffalo  (Owned in 39.9 % of ESPN leagues) Since returning from the Olympic break, the hulking defender has heated up with six points (3G/3A) in the last 6 games. Myers has been the "poster boy" of inconsistency since his stellar Calder trophy rookie season, but he has played well of late even amidst the rampant trade rumors. Now that the deadline has come and gone, look for the 24-year old to take another step in salvaging his promising NHL career. He warrants fantasy consideration as he seems to have taken strongly to new coach Ted Nolan. Eddie Lack, G Vancouver ( Owned in 69.0% of ESPN leagues) Having lost 3 straight, Vancouver's new no. 1 goalie responded with a strong effort in the 2-1 win over Calgary on Saturday. Yes, offensive support will be LACKING (funny, no?) on most nights, but the young Lack is firmly entrenched as the top guy in the Canuck's crease, now that the Roberto Luongo saga has finally been resolved. If you are in need of starting goalie help, give him a shot. Tim Thomas, G Dallas (owned in 42.1% of ESPN leagues) The former Vezina winner, recently acquired in a trade from Florida, is slated to gain some starts for Dallas as Kari Lehtonen has apparently suffered a concussion on Saturday. In coach Lindsey Ruff's own words: "He is not doing well". Translation- all Lehtonen owners need to snag Thomas ASAP, as he could have huge fantasy value if the Swede is out for an extended period of time. Dallas is far superior to his ...

Franzen missed 23 of 24 games with concussion-like symptoms, but has been on fire since returning to the Red Wings lineup on Feb 26. He has six goals, five assists (11 points) and plus-6 rating in five games. Franzen has also shown instant chemistry with recently acquired centre David Legwand. which is big for the Red Wings playoff push.

First off congratulations to Mike Modano whose jersey will be retired in a ceremony tonight in Dallas. I will sure be watching it.  Great player and a great guy.  He was one of the first players I ever drafted way back in the mid 1990s.  When he was healthy, he never disappointed.  Congrats to him  for tonight.  Also, congratulations to the great Joe Nieuwendyk whose jersey was retired last night by the Calgary Flames.  He was a tremendous player and deserves this honor. Five games last night in the NHL. The Rangers and Carolina kicked things off, with the New York winning 4-2.  It was a tough match as Anton Khudobin was simply sensational in goal for the Hurricanes with 40 saves, some of them just amazing. Keep an eye on this guy because it looks almost certain that he will replace Cam Ward in the Carolina goal as the number one starter. Rick Nash and Derek Stepan were the offensive leaders for the Rangers with a goal and an assist each. Newcomer Martin St. Louis got his first point as a Ranger, an assist on a sensational pass to Stepan for the game winner. Expect him and Brad Richards to recreate some of the offense they generated together in Tampa Bay. Stepan could be a big winner here if he continues to play with St Louis and Richards.  He does have 42 points on the year.  The Ranger offense has a little bit more sting to it than it did before the trade.  Forward Eric Staal, by the way, was scoreless and a minus 3 for Carolina. With 48 points on the year he is having an okay season, but one would think that he should be a point per game player with his ability, which would put him at 60 points....Detroit pounded New Jersey 7-4 in a game that wasn't even as close as the score.  "The Mule" Johan Franzen had a unbelievable game with 2 goals and 2 assists for Detroit. He has 34 points on the season in only 36 games played.  Not bad at all.  Grab him if you can.  Not likely now though.  Young center Gustav Nyquist had a big night  as well for the Wings, as he had a goal and 3 assists.  This kid now has 32 points on the season, but in only 38 games played.  Look out for him next year as he is only going to get better.  Draft him early.  Devils goalie Cory Schneider had a night to forget allowing all 7 goals, the most he has ever allowed in a game. Augh! Adam Henrique had 2 goals for New Jersey and with 21 goals on the season, he is proving he can put the puck in the net.  But with only 36 points on the year, we can't get too excited about him....In what ...

First off congratulations to Mike Modano whose jersey will be retired in a ceremony tonight in Dallas. I will sure be watching it.  Great player and a great guy.  He was one of the first players I ever drafted way back in the mid 1990s.  When he was healthy, he never disappointed.  Congrats to him  for tonight.  Also, congratulations to the great Joe Nieuwendyk whose jersey was retired last night by the Calgary Flames.  He was a tremendous player and deserves this honor. Five games last night in the NHL. The Rangers and Carolina kicked things off, with the New York winning 4-2.  It was a tough match as Anton Khudobin was simply sensational in goal for the Hurricanes with 40 saves, some of them just amazing. Keep an eye on this guy because it looks almost certain that he will replace Cam Ward in the Carolina goal as the number one starter. Rick Nash and Derek Stepan were the offensive leaders for the Rangers with a goal and an assist each. Newcomer Martin St. Louis got his first point as a Ranger, an assist on a sensational pass to Stepan for the game winner. Expect him and Brad Richards to recreate some of the offense they generated together in Tampa Bay. Stepan could be a big winner here if he continues to play with St Louis and Richards.  He does have 42 points on the year.  The Ranger offense has a little bit more sting to it than it did before the trade.  Forward Eric Staal, by the way, was scoreless and a minus 3 for Carolina. With 48 points on the year he is having an okay season, but one would think that he should be a point per game player with his ability, which would put him at 60 points.  Detroit pounded Carolina 7-4 in a game that wasn't even as close as the score.  "The Mule" Johan Franzen had a unbelievable game with 2 goals and 2 assists for Detroit. He has 34 points on the season in only 36 games played.  Not bad at all.  Grab him if you can.  Not likely now though.  Young center Gustav Nyquist had a big night  as well for the Wings, as he had a goal and 3 assists.  This kid now has 32 points on the season, but in only 38 games played.  Look out for him next year as he is only going to get better.  Draft him early.  Devils goalie Cory Schneider had a night to forget allowing all 7 goals, the most he has ever allowed in a game. Augh!  Adam Henrique had 2 goals for New Jersey and with 21 goals on the season, he is proving he can put the puck in the net.  But with only 36 points on the year, we can't get too excited about him.  In what was ...