Some minor happenings around the league these past few days. Well, minor in the sense of fantasy hockey, but newsworthy items nonetheless. The Winnipeg Jets signed their 2017 1st round pick LW Kristian Vesalainen to a 3-year entry level contract on Sunday.  The winger is probably a few years away with no need to rush with eh Jets depth at the forward position. Some prominent free agent NHLers signing overseas in ex-Winnipeg Jet Tobias Enstrom and ex-NY Ranger and Montreal Canadien both signing with teams in the KHL on Friday. D Eric Gelinas signs in the KHL as well on Thursday. LW Emerson Etem is getting another chance to revive his disappointing NHL career with the LA Kings on a PTO. Michal Handzus announced his retirement last Tuesday. We posted our first rankings of the pre-season with the Team Rankings.  Others to follow.  Check out he right margin for the Rankings section. The 2018-019 PrimePucks™ Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide is up to date with some recent signings, some additional players added to the team pages and of course the Tiers. Enjoy the last days of summer!  Hockey is just around the corner, as are Mallomars! Ciao for now! Ray

Duncan Keith, Chicago- fantasy owners must be overjoyed to hear that the All-Star could be available to play over the weekend as he looks almost fully recovered from his meniscus tear in his knee. There is no sugarcoating how detrimental his absence has had in most fantasy leagues as he is tough to replace. I say get him back as soon as he gets into game action. Brent Seabrook could see a slight reduction in fantasy worth as he was gobbling up the extra minutes on special teams. Close to returning   Kevin Shattenkirk, St Louis-the return of another fantasy blue-chipper from injury has owners feeling better about their blue line production as KS is among the top 3-5 fantasy defensive options in the NHL. Last season saw Shattenkirk miss 26 games but he still put up  44 points in 56 contests. Safe to say, he is a difference-maker for that Blue's power-play and all fantasy teams aside. Start him ASAP   Cody Franson, Buffalo- have any of you cut bait already with the Toronto/Nashville castoff after a slow start to his Buffalo career? The truth of the matter is, that the offensive minded rearguard drives coaches crazy with his lack of commitment to the decisive zone. However, he has more than proven that he is s very valuable pp asset and that's what most fantasy owners care about. His seven points have all come over the last nine games so he is definitely on the rise. Don't sleep on him   TJ Brodie, Calgary- the youngster has played superb since returning from injury, collecting 4 points in 7 games while logging over 24 minutes a night. The surplus of scoring defenseman for the Flames does lessen our expectations for Brodie, but it's not like new acquisition Dougie Hamilton is lighting it up. For now, Brodie will be relegated to 2nd pp minutes but that could change in a hurry. On the rise   Tobias Enstrom, Winnipeg- four points over the last five games doesn't make up for a huge scoring slide by Enstrom over the last few years. However, two time 50-point d-men don't grow on trees and he can still go on decent streaks. Never the quickest starter, the "pick up and stash" option could be the way to go with the 31-year old. Don't expect him to revert back to his elite point days but he could surprise moving forward. On the rebound?

Last year was probably as far away from what every fan and the coaching staff expected as you can get. Evander Kane getting injured and then trade rumors didn't help matters. Ondrej Pavelec had his worse career performance since his early days in Atlanta, posting .901 SP and a 3.01 GAA. Two big reasons why the Jets failed to qualify for the playoffs for 7 seasons as franchises of Winnipeg and Atlanta.  The only player left from that playoff team is Center Jim Slater. The team's roster doesn't have much in the way of players with playoff experience.  Perhaps that is something the coaching staff needs to take a look at. GOALIES We all know the importance of steady goaltending when it comes to the emotional stability of a team. Pavelec hasn't been that rock in net for the Jets as he has some up and down seasons so far in his young career.  In fact, it has been more down than up especially when his metrics are usually below average.  It has been said that Pavs has been working hard in the off-season.  I wonder if Michael Hutchinson put a scare into him with his amazing 3-game audition at the end of the season. All Hutchinson did was post a 2-1-0 record with a .943 SP and 1.64 GAA.  Now, no one should expect those types of numbers again, especially since that is all of his NHL experience, but he is 24 years old and will get a chance to steal the starting job since Pavelec has been anything but that solid starter every playoff team needs in the crease. Keep an eye on this situation in camp and the start of the season.  With Pavelec, the team is going to have to support him night-in and night-out, but with Hutchinson in net, he may be able to steal a few games and the offense won't have to be constantly counted on to bail Pavelec out.. DEFENSE There is no lack of blue line talent with this crew. Led by Dustin Byfuglien, who may or may not be a RW this season, the jets have a plethora of offensive-minded d-men patrolling the back end. Buff brings the grit along with the capability to score 20 goals. Then there is Tobias Enstrom, who should respond from a down year. The talented Swede only scored 30 points, his lowest total ever.  Then there are the two youngsters, Zach Bogosian and Jacob Trouba, who were 1st round draft picks, selected 3rd and 9th overall respectively. Both can score, but with Buff and Enstrom ahead of them, expect only secondary scoring.  Paul Postma and Grant Clitsome are your stay-at-home defensemen, so no fantasy value there. FORWARDS There...

THE ELITE 3 (The top three fantasy players to own in any position) 1. Tyler Seguin C, Dallas   2. Patrick Kane RW, Chicago 3. Shea Weber D, Nashville GREAT BET TO REBOUND (Three players who are solid bounce-back candidates in 14-15') 1. Pekka Rinne G, Nashville   2. Jason Spezza C, Dallas 3. Tobias Enstrom D, Winnipeg HERE THEY COME.. (Three players who should be breaking out with career seasons) 1. Matt Duchene C, Colorado 2. Jamie Benn LW, Dallas 3. Brandon Saad LW, Chicago SLEEPER ALERT (Three players who should be late-round fantasy draft bargains) 1. Mikael Granlund C, Minnesota   2. Darcy Kuemper G, Minnesota   3. Trevor Daley D, Dallas BUYER BEWARE (Three players who will be overvalued in most fantasy leagues) 1. Duncan Keith C, Chicago   2. Jonathan Toews C, Chicago   3. James Neal LW, Nashville

Since his heroic shootout exploits against Team Russia in the Olympics, American winger T.J. Oshie hasn't followed up with the same success in his return to the NHL. After enduring a brief slump of 4 straight games without a point, the Blues forward had himself a heck of a night with a "hat trick" and 6 shots on goal. That gives him 6 points in the last two games and 60 on the season. His recent "hot" streak has helped him eclipse his previous career-high of 54 points set in 2011. Amongst the "potpourri" of interchangeable forwards utilized in Ken Hitchcock's balanced offensive scheme, Oshie has stood out as perhaps the most consistent forward option to own on St. Louis. So is it really much warmer in St. Louis than Buffalo? Well, if you ask Ryan Miller, I am sure he would agree. After turning aside 27 of 28 shots in the 5-1 demolition of Minnesota, the streaking goaltender has amassed an incredible 9-2-1 record since being traded to the Blues, along with a 2.03 GAA and a .918 SP. Maybe the elite goalie option in the NHL right now. Nashville's Shea Weber scored 2 more goals, raising his season total to 20, which is lofty by anyone's standards for a defenseman. With his career-high of 23 goals on the verge of being eclipsed, there are only a few fantasy blueliners better than the best Predator of all. What can you say about Tuukka Rask? Bouncing back after a tough home loss to Montreal, the Boston goalie prodigy stopped all 28 shots in the 3-0 shutout win over Chicago. With a 9-0-1 record over his last 10 starts, he is nearly unbeatable these days, but keep in mind that back-up Chad Johnson will get more starts over the last few weeks with Boston having nothing to play for. With Anders Lee stealing much of the rookie spotlight for the Islanders in the absence of the injured John Tavares, fantasy owners need also keep the more highly-skilled Ryan Strome on their fantasy radar for next season. His goal last night gives him 13 points in 28 games, but more importantly, he is gaining invaluable experience as he gobbles up big minutes with JT out. He could be poised for a huge jump next season, maybe 55-60 points. Anton Khudobin delivered another monster effort in the crease for Carolina, blanking Florida with 35 saves. His numbers are far superior to Cam Ward's, as he has gone 16-12 with a 2.20 GAA and a .929 SP. The Hurricanes would be wise to hand over the reigns to the young netminder for the remainder of the season. After being irrelevant for most of the ...

Since his heroic shootout exploits against Team Russia in the Olympics, American winger T.J. Oshie hasn't followed up with the same success in his return to the NHL. After enduring a brief slump of 4 straight games without a point, the Blues forward had himself a heck of a night with a "hat trick" and 6 shots on goal. That gives him 6 points in the last two games and 60 on the season. His recent "hot" streak has helped him eclipse his previous career-high of 54 points set in 2011. Amongst the "potpourri" of interchangeable forwards utilized in Ken Hitchcock's balanced offensive scheme, Oshie has stood out as perhaps the most consistent forward option to own on St. Louis. So is it really much warmer in St. Louis than Buffalo? Well, if you ask Ryan Miller, I am sure he would agree. After turning aside 27 of 28 shots in the 5-1 demolition of Minnesota, the streaking goaltender has amassed an incredible 9-2-1 record since being traded to the Blues, along with a 2.03 GAA and a .918 SP. Maybe the elite goalie option in the NHL right now. Nashville's Shea Weber scored 2 more goals, raising his season total to 20, which is lofty by anyone's standards for a defenseman. With his career-high of 23 goals on the verge of being eclipsed, there are only a few fantasy blueliners better than the best Predator of all. What can you say about Tuukka Rask? Bouncing back after a tough home loss to Montreal, the Boston goalie prodigy stopped all 28 shots in the 3-0 shutout win over Chicago. With a 9-0-1 record over his last 10 starts, he is nearly unbeatable these days, but keep in mind that back-up Chad Johnson will get more starts over the last few weeks with Boston having nothing to play for. With Anders Lee stealing much of the rookie spotlight for the Islanders in the absence of the injured John Tavares, fantasy owners need also keep the more highly-skilled Ryan Strome on their fantasy radar for next season. His goal last night gives him 13 points in 28 games, but more importantly, he is gaining invaluable experience as he gobbles up big minutes with JT out. He could be poised for a huge jump next season, maybe 55-60 points. Anton Khudobin delivered another monster effort in the crease for Carolina, blanking Florida with 35 saves. His numbers are far superior to Cam Ward's, as he has gone 16-12 with a 2.20 GAA and a .929 SP. The Hurricanes would be wise to hand over the reigns to the young netminder for the remainder of the season. After being irrelevant for most of the ...

Short schedule last night in the NHL with only 4 games played. Tampa Bay took out Toronto 5-3 as Steve Stamkos had a huge game with 3 goals. When he stays healthy Stamkos is one of the best fantasy forwards in the NHL.  He has 19 goals and 30 points for the year in only 24 games played.  Stay healthy Steve.  Young forward Tyler Johnson had a goal and an assist for Tampa as well, and with 44 points on the season, he is developing into fantasy relevance. Keep an eye on him.  Center Tyler Bozak had 2 assists for the Leafs. He has 42 points this season in only 47 games played .  Look for him next year in your draft.  The Blackhawks shut out the Blues 4-0 in a bit of a suprise, as Chicago had been struggling lately.  Great game for goaltender Corey Crawford as he had the shutout with 23 saves. At 27-12-10 on tthe year with a 2.21 GAA and a .919 SP, he has been playing well.   Defenseman Nick Leddy had 2 assists for Chicago, and with 28 points on the season he is a marginal 4th defenseman. Left wing Andrew Ladd had 2 goals for Winnipeg in their 5-4 win over Colorado. I have always liked Ladd who plays hard all the time.  He now has 50 points on the season with 2 goals.  You should pick him up if he is available in your pool.  He is very dependable.   Al Montoya got the win, and he is the man now in goal for the Jets with their injuries. His record is solid at 12-6-3 with a 2.26 GAA and a .921 SP.  Defenseman Tobias Enstrom had 2 assists or Winnipeg, but he has just 26 points on the season. Great game for Eddie Lack in goal for Vancouver as he shutout Nashville in a 2-0 win last night. Lack had 30 saves, and while he does have a losing record at 13-14-4,  he does have decent metrics with a 2.34 GAA and a .915 SP.  Young Danish left wing Nicklas Jensen had a goal for the Canucks, and with 5 points in only 7 games played this year he looks like a good up and comer.

Short schedule last night in th NHL with only 4 games played. Tampa Bay took out Toronto 5-3 as Steve Stamkos had a huge game with 3 goals. When he stays healthy Stamkos is one of the best fantasy forwards in the NHL.  He has 19 goals and 30 points for the year in only 24 games played.  Stay healthy Steve.  Young forward Tyler Johnson had a goal and an assist for Tampa as well, and with 44 points on the season, he is developing into fantasy relevance. Keep an eye on him.  Center Tyler Bozak had 2 assists for the Leafs. He has 42 points this season in only 47 games played .  Look for him next year in your draft.  The Blackhawks shut out the Blues 4-0 in a bit of a suprise, as Chicago had been struggling lately.  Great game for goaltender Corey Crawford as he had the shutout with 23 saves. At 27-12-10 on tthe year with a 2.21 GAA and a .919 SP, he has been playing well.   Defenseman Nick Leddy had 2 assists for Chicago, and with 28 points on the season he is a marginal 4th defenseman. Left wing Andrew Ladd had 2 goals for Winnipeg in their 5-4 win over Colorado. I have always liked Ladd who plays hard all the time.  He now has 50 points on the season with 2 goals.  You should pick him up if he is available in your pool.  He is very dependable.   Al Montoya got the win, and he is the man now in goal for the Jets with their injuries. His record is solid at 12-6-3 with a 2.26 GAA and a .921 SP.  Defenseman Tobias Enstrom had 2 assists or Winnipeg, but he has just 26 points on the season. Great game for Eddie Lack in goal for Vancouver as he shutout Nashville in a 2-0 win last night. Lack had 30 saves, and while he does have a losing record at 13-14-4,  he does have decent metrics with a 2.34 GAA and a .915 SP. Young Danish left wing Niklas Jensen had a goal for the Canucks, and with 5 points in only 7 games played this year he looks like a good up and comer.

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.