BUY
F Matt Cullen, Carolina Hurricanes
It may be too late to acquire the former New York Ranger, but there may be a slim chance of getting the forward for nothing if he is available on your league’s waiver wire. Cullen had fallen off many fantasy boards this past season, as his performance with New York last year was one to forget. Scoring only 41 points in 81 games, Cullen never lived up to his potential last year, but has re-earned a position on fantasy rosters with an impressive start to this season. Scoring 17 points in 14 games, Cullen has established himself as a reliable forward and even with Carolina’s surplus of talent, the winger should be able to score 65+ points this year.
F Marian Hossa, Atlanta Thrashers
Hossa has been a huge disappointment this year, scoring only six points in 12 games. Although it’s unlikely that owners will give up on Hossa so early in the season, they’re some who may want to cut their losses and move on. If you can obtain the former Ottawa Senator then do so now, as his value will probably not get any lower. Hossa is more than likely to get hot again and put up all-star numbers. Also, his value is bound to skyrocket if Atlanta trades him to a contender. Look for Hossa to finish the season strong.
F Milan Michalek, San Jose Sharks
Michalek enjoyed a career year last season, scoring 66 points in 78 games. Playing with Joe Thornton made Michalek a coveted player this year, but his stats have not reached expectations so far. Scoring only eight points this year, Michalek is off to a rather slow start and has probably been benched in most leagues. Although it might not look wise to pick up the struggling forward, it should be noted that Thornton too, is a slow starter. Once Thornton gets things going, expect Michalek’s points to increase, making him a coveted player once again.
SELL
F Nik Antropov, Toronto Maple Leafs
Antropov has had a fantastic year thus far, scoring 16 points in 16 games. Although it looks as if the forward is in store for a career year, this may not be the case. Antropov had a similar start to last year’s season, scoring 10 points in his first 16 games. Regrettably, Antropov hit a bit of bad luck and went down with an injury. Although he came back later on in the season, Antropov was never able to put up points at a high pace and only finished the year with 18 goals and 33 assists. Owners of the fragile forward may want to ship him off sooner than later, as his stock is the highest its ever been.
F Jeff Hamilton, Carolina Hurricanes
Hamilton has started off this season on fire, scoring four goals and 12 points in 15 games. He has been a pleasant surprise to the Carolina squad early on, but should return to his normal second/third line forward as the season goes on. Although Hamilton has produced, Carolina has several other talented players who can easily take the spotlight away from him. Those who capitalized on Hamilton’s fast start should trade him immediately and try and obtain a proven scorer.
F Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings
Brown was probably the top waiver wire pick up in the first week of the season, as he scored four points in his first three games. Since then, Brown has signed a multi-year contract with Los Angeles, but hasn’t had the same success, as he has only six points in his last 12 games. Those who pounced early on the fourth year player, may want to trade him sooner rather than later, as his stock is most likely going downward.
For Illegal Curve, I’m Jonny Remis