Nieto's goal gave his team a four-goal cushion, and he added a helper in a 6-2 win over Arizona on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto's had two multi-point games in December, but he's still a long way from being a contributor your can count on. He's also been shut out seven times in December, and that's far too much of a feast or famine situation. Nieto isn't an option you can trust right now.

Nieto had a huge night Saturday, scoring a goal and adding two assists in a 7-3 win over the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Before you get all excited, you need to know that Nieto happened to be on the ice killing off a man advantage at the end of the game. And that resulted in an empty net goal and empty net set-up. Nice game, but we think that's all it is.

Nieto has recorded a single assist through 12 games since returning from an undisclosed injury Nov. 10.

EDGE Analysis

The speedy winger has three goals, five assists and 18 shots through 19 games this season, so it's difficult to rely on him in any fantasy setting. Additionally, after showing promise during his first two seasons in the league with San jose, it's disappointing that Nieto hasn't been able to find that offensive touch again. However, he's beginning 59.6 percent of his five-on-five shifts in the defensive zone and averaging 2:43 of shorthanded ice time per game, so he's clearly carved out a role with the Avalanche.

Nieto (undisclosed) will be back in the game-day lineup for Friday's tilt against Ottawa, Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Even prior to getting hurt, Nieto was struggling for regular ice time, as he served as a healthy scratch in five games. The winger did manage one decent outing when he went off for a hat trick versus Dallas on Oct. 24, but has otherwise been relatively ineffective in the offensive zone.

Nieto (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, per the NHL.com official media site.

EDGE Analysis

It's uncertain when Nieto sustained his injury, as he skated for 15:03 on ice during Thursday's contest against Carolina and even tacked on an assist. Still, the 24-year-old will only miss one more contest Sunday against the Islanders, and will be eligible to return to the ice Friday versus Ottawa.

Nieto netted a hat trick in Tuesday's win over the Stars.

EDGE Analysis

They were the first three goals of the season for Nieto, who was a healthy scratch in the previous two contests. The 24-year-old was a plus-4 in the victory and fired three shots on goal. Nieto isn't known for being a significant fantasy contributor, so don't buy into the hype from Tuesday too much. While he's never hit 30 points in his career, he can be a decent depth contributor if he sticks in the Avs' lineup.

Nieto hasn't recorded a point through three games this season.

EDGE Analysis

After promising rookie and sophomore campaigns with San Jose, the speedy winger has struggled to find offensive consistency the past two years, and he's even been a healthy scratch for two games this season. Until Nieto carves out a regular role and shows he can mark the scoresheet consistently, he's off the fantasy radar in the majority of settings. Considering his pedigree, it's surprising he's struggled so much the past few years.

Nieto inked a one-year, $1 million contract with the Avalanche on Tuesday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nieto filed for salary arbitration on July 6, but a hearing will no longer be necessary now that he's signed a fresh deal with Colorado. The 24-year-old American is a solid bottom-six forward and an important part of the Avalanche's penalty-killing unit, but his limited offensive upside -- 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in 59 games last season -- keeps him off the radar in most fantasy formats.

Nieto elected for salary arbitration Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Acquired by the Avalanche through waivers last January, Nieto battled through leg/knee injuries to post 11 points (seven goals, four assists) in 43 games with his new club. Furthermore, his minus-9 rating with Colorado wasn't egregious considering the Avs posted a minus-112 goal differential for the season. He's the prototypical bottom-six forward who plays hard but doesn't move the needle in most fantasy formats.

Nieto (knee) recorded one shot on goal and a minus-1 rating in his return to the lineup against the Red Wings on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Over his last 20 games, Nieto has just three points and 22 shots on goal while averaging 16:06 of ice time, making him an undesirable option in most fantasy formats.