In the last 24 hours three veteran players all took significant steps towards returning to the National Hockey League.
Here's a look at the three players, and what their individual situations mean to fantasy hockey owners.
Peter Forsberg:
Forsberg is one the league's all-time most prolific point-per-game producers with 885 points in 706 games, and he has signed a contract to play for the Avalanche for the remainder of the season. A knee-jerk reaction from fantasy hockey owners would be to claim Peter the Great as quickly as possible because the chance to add such a high-profile star player this late in the season is rare indeed.
However, Forsberg is 37 years-old, has not played in the NHL in three years, and has been hampered by a severe and chronic right foot injury for the better part of this past decade. Those are quite a few red flags to consider.
I wouldn't upset my fantasy hockey team by adding Forsberg if it is already having success in the areas of goals, assists, and points. But if I have a fantasy hockey team struggling in any of those areas---or if I have a particular struggling forward that I could easily part with---then taking a late-season chance on Forsberg (who will not play in Phoenix on Monday night and is unsure of when his return will actually take place) is worth the small risk.
Ray Emery:
Emery signed with the Ducks on Monday as a free agent after rehabbing from a serious groin injury for the better part of the last 12 months. He still needs to clear waivers as Anaheim wants him to get some playing time in the minors before having him see NHL action.
It is likely Emery---who was decent, but not great, in 29 games with the Flyers last year before being sidelined---will need several weeks in the minor leagues to regain his form. That means fantasy hockey owners only need to be aware that Emery is on the road back. They do not need to jump the gun and put in a claim on Emery any time soon.
Also keep in mind that as long as All-Star goalie Jonas Hiller remains healthy---a slight question mark due to his recent dizzy spells---Emery's playing time when he does get recalled should be limited.
Marc-Andre Bergeron
I advised several weeks ago in my column to keep an eye on Bergeron, who was signed by the Lightning and sent to the minor leagues for conditioing after rehabbing a knee injury.
Well Bergeron has been recalled by the Lightning, and he should be a fine fit as the power play quarterback. Look for his point production to be impressive playing with the likes of Steven Stamkos and Marty St. Louis.
Bergeron would be a solid late-season pick-up by fantasy hockey owners seeking offense from their blueline.
Have fantasy hockey questions or comments for Jim? Contact him at: jimcerny@gmail.com. Also, look for his new weekly Fantasy Hockey Mailbag feature, where Jim will answer your fantasy hockey questions, coming soon!