The first quarter of the season is now over and by now you should have a pretty good idea if you will be competing for a championship in your fantasy league this year or not. Regardless if you are or not, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the waiver wire for potential valuable players who may be available. If you are in contention, these players may be the difference maker giving you injury relief or increased depth. If you are not a contender, they give you some trade value to help improve your teams future in keeper leagues.
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ikolai Kulemin – Toronto Maple Leafs, Left Wing 28.4% Fantrax Owned
Kulemin missed the first 12 games of the season with an ankle injury. He had two points in his first two games but has only scored one in his next seven. Kulemin does provide a healthy amount of hits however with 23 giving him added value in some leagues and he is a former 30 goal scorer. Kulemin is worth a free pickup at this point.
Carl Soderberg – Boston Bruins, Left Wing 25% Owned
Soderberg is in his first full NHL season, but the 28 year old has been playing pro hockey in Europe for years. His season debut was delayed due to injury and he has been slow to produce offense out of the gate with eight points in his first 15 games. However he has been playing better lately and had a multi-point game NOV 18 against Carolina. He is playing on the Bruins third line with Reilly Smith and Chris Kelly averaging over 13 minutes a game. His modest cap hit makes Soderberg a low risk fantasy option with decent offensive upside. Perhaps his game winning goal and assist against Carolina is a hint of what to come.
Peter Holland – Toronto Maple Leafs, Centre 24.6% Owned
Recently acquired from the Anaheim Ducks for Jesse Blacker, Holland provides the Leafs with some depth down the middle and relief for injured centers Dave Bolland and Tyler Bozak. Holland was a first round pick by the Ducks (15th overall in 2009). In 21 NHL games last season Holland produced five points and didn’t look out of place. More impressively, he scored 39 points in 45 AHL games. This is also a contract year for Holland so expect him to use this opportunity to place a bid for a one way NHL contract next year. He is a keeper.
Luke Adam – Buffalo Sabres, Centre 12.3% Owned
Adam had fallen out of favor under the old regime in Buffalo. But with a clean slate, Adam will be given the opportunity to work his way back into a top six role. He has an impressive 18 points in his first 15 games this season in the AHL and the size at6’2”, 206 LBS that new Coach Ted Nolan loves. Adam was recalled to Buffalo on Nov 20th and will play on the second line with Steve Ott and Zemgus Girgensons.
Brian Gibbons – Pittsburgh Penguins, Centre 7.4% Owned
Gibbons is an undrafted College find of the Penguins who signed him after he had two 50 point seasons in Hockey East with Boston College. After two average 30 point seasons in the AHL, Gibbons has exploded with 22 points in 15 games this season, and made his NHL debut. All he did in his first game was score a goal and an assist, not bad. He is small at 5’8” 160 LBS but is very skilled and great hockey sense. He is certainly running hot right now and is well worth a gamble, ride out this hot streak and hope it lasts the whole season.