Updated January 03, 2011
With the second half of the season arriving this week fantasy hockey owners should take a look at their respective rosters and consider these complimentary players whose values are on the rise for three completely different reasons.
- Dwayne Roloson-G-Tampa Bay Lightning: When I informed Joe Micheletti, the respected TV analyst for the Rangers, on the team charter Saturday night that the Lightning had just acquired Roloson from the Islanders, Micheletti raised his eyebrows and stated emphatically, "That's a great move by the Lightning! A great move!" And I would add that picking up Roloson for your fantasy squad could be a solid move, as well. The 41 year-old Roloson has played very well this season, posting a solid save percentage (.916) and respectable goals against average (2.64), yet likely would be available in most fantasy leagues because he had been playing for a losing team, so he was not helping out in the all-important Wins category for fantasy owners. That should change now as he will get the opportunity to play for the Southeast Division leaders. And even though Roloson will split time in goal with Dan Ellis---and perhaps Mike Smith when he returns from injury---Roloson will get the chance to play---and win---in Tampa. That, coupled with his strong play already this year, could make him a valuable No. 2 or No. 3 goalie on anyone's fantasy hockey roster.
- Stephen Weiss-F-Florida Panthers: After a very slow start to the season---one goal in the first nine games, and later a seven-game goal-less streak---Weiss has come on of late, and could provide a nice boost to fantasy hockey teams. With another goal last night, Weiss now has four in the last five games and seven in the previous 11. In addition Weiss has totaled 13 points in those 11 games, putting him on quite the nice run. There's a good chance that because of his early struggles offensively Weiss is a free agent in many fantasy leagues. Now would be a good time to grab him for secondary scoring on your fantasy roster. Weiss looks to be returning to the form which saw him establish career-highs with 28 goals and 12 power play goals, while notching 60 points, for the Panthers a year ago.
- Jordan Staal-F-Pittsburgh Penguins: After a myriad of injuries sabotaged his early season, Staal finally returned to the Penguins lineup and played his first game on New Year's Day against the Capitals. When healthy Staal is a solid secondary player who contributes in many fantasy hockey categories. Staal plays on an extremely talented team, so the opportunity for him to pick up goals and points is always there---as witnessed by his three 20-goal seasons already in the NHL. He also will contribute with a strong plus/minus (a +19 a year ago) and on special teams, where he is bound to score some shorthanded goals, as well as power play tallies. Depending upon a fantasy league's scoring system, Staal can be a valuable pick up---though it may take a bit of time for him to regain form after missing half the season.