NHL Fantasy Files: Week 9

The weekend has passed, and (for Canadians) Grey Cup fever is over.

The Roughriders came out of the weekend victorious, and I came out of the weekend a very tired sports fan.

Thus the reason for my delayed column.

The last week saw the fall of my beloved Maple Leafs to the depths of the NHL (I hope you all sold high on Antropov and Kubina like I suggested!) and the rebirth of Ilya Bryzgalov in Phoenix.

As it stands, we're now officially in the NHL trading season. At the quarter-mark, GMs begin to assess their teams and decide what moves they need to make to get to the dance.

And the same goes for Fantasy owners. 

What moves should you make to get yourself to your league finals? Here are my recommendations for this week...

Get 'Em While They're Hot

 
Loui Eriksson (DAL – LW)

Loui Eriksson was sent down for all of three days...then Brett Hull was promoted to co-GM and Eriksson found himself back on the big squad.

With the youth movement in Dallas in full effect and Jere Lehtinen on injured reserve, Eriksson's now logging more than 15 minutes per game on Mike Modano's wing.

If he can keep himself playing with the all-time American scoring leader, he’ll average close to a point per game.

Young wingers like Jussi Jokinen and Niklas Hagman are getting all the attention in Dallas, but it’s Eriksson who's getting all the ice time.

Todd Bertuzzi (ANA – RW)

If PIMs count in your league, Bertuzzi is a diamond in the rough. He's a streaky player—and he looks to be getting hot.

Bertuzzi has five points in 10 games this season, with three points in three games since coming off injured reserve.

If Bertuzzi can stay healthy, he’s good for a point per game—and as a bonus the bruising winger will get a PIM per game as well. Concussions are an issue, but ride the streak while you can.

Brent Burns (MIN – D)

Last week in this column, I recommended a defenseman with the initials BB. This week I recommend another BB—Brent Burns.

Burns wasn't drafted in 99 percent of all Fantasy leagues, but now sits among the NHL leaders for points as a defenseman (he's currently tied with Dion Phaneuf). He can be had for cheap, and will continue to pay dividends while logging 24 minutes a game and plenty of power play time.

Burns doesn’t get the respect he deserves because he's an unheralded rookie who plays for the Minnesota Wild. He's this year’s Marc-Andre Bergeron.  

Radim Vrbata (PHX – RW)

The Phoenix Coyotes are showing signs of life.

I've already recommended Peter Mueller, but now Vrbata is starting to light up the net as well.

After two straight multipoint games, this under-the-radar winger won’t last long.

Do I need to remind you of Vrbata's heroics with Chicago after being traded from Carolina? He netted 34 points in 41 games.

Maybe all he needs is a change of scenery in order to play to his full potential every year.

There aren't many big-name players in Phoenix, so Gretzky relies on underrated studs like Vrbata to carry the load. Vrbata is currently fourth on the team in points, and will likely finish the season in the top three.

Raffi Torres (EDM – LW)

Although Raffi hasn’t notched a single point in the last month, he's launched a whopping 43 pucks at the net.

With tenacity like that, it won't be long until a few find their way toward the twine.

Keep an eye on the lines in Edmonton, as coach Craig MacTavish is juggling things in order to spark some offense. His latest move has Sam Gagner playing between Sean Horcoff and Ales Hemsky.

Depending on how things shake out, Torres could be the beneficiary of some improved linemates.

Mike Smith (DAL – G)

Although Stars executives won’t admit it, a goalie controversy is beginning to brew in Dallas.

Not because Marty Turco has been bad—but because Mike Smith has just been THAT good.

In the last month, Smith has earned five wins on the strength of a 1.93 goals against average and a .925 save percentage.

A trade is unlikely but not out of the question. If Smith continues to play like a top-teir netminder, Dallas could move Turco in order to give the kid time to play.

Sound crazy?

Remember Ed Belfour?  

If you own Marty Turco, pick up Mike Smith for a handcuff if you can.

The “sell high” section will return next week.

Who have you sold high on? Who would you recommend selling high on?

I'd love to hear your thoughts...