Unplucked Gems: Early Risers for Your 2010-2011 NHL Fantasy Hockey Lineup

Unplucked Sports brings you a fresh batch of available free agents in a majority of fantasy hockey leagues. The available players are broken down into three categories: Must Have, Space Available and Watchables. Patrick Baker brings you this week's picks.

(Check out our past Unplucked Gems archives and other features by Patrick Baker at Unplucked Sports Follow us: twitter.com/unpluckedsports)

Must Haves: James Wisniewski D, NYI

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UNIONDALE, NY - OCTOBER 09: James Wisniewski #20 of the New York Islanders scores a power play goal at 6:21 of the seocnd period against the Dallas Stars at the Nassau Coliseum on October 9, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Ima

All hand gestures aside, James Wisniewski is on the verge of becoming an important part of the New York Islanders offense this season. His arrival from the Anaheim Ducks blue line, where he posted a 30-point (3G, 27A) season last year, paired with the loss of top power-play defenseman Mark Streit, should mean significant time for Wisniewski in all situations on the Island.

His plus/minus rating might be a little scary, but he moves the puck well and is not afraid to shoot, coming off a 146-shot season. Get him on your team after he serves his two-game suspension.

Must Haves: Tyler Ennis C, LW BUF

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OTTAWA, CANADA - OCTOBER 08: Tyler Ennis #63 of the Buffalo Sabres tries to control a loose puck at the side of the crease while Pascal Leclaire #33 of the Ottawa Senators slides over to cover his net during a game at Scotiabank Place on October 8, 2010

If you are reading this and don’t own Tyler Ennis, pick him up now. The 2008 first-rounder burst into the Sabres lineup with nine points (3G, 6A) in his first 10 games and decent playoff scoring despite Buffalo’s anemic offense in the postseason.

Ennis will be counted on for both even-strength and power-play ice time and found good chemistry last season with Derek Roy. Helping his cause, he is a favorite of head coach Lindy Ruff, who trusts this diminutive forward and will roll him out for important minutes this season.

Space Available: Jason Demers D SJS

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ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 22: Nick Bonino #63 of the Anaheim Ducks and Jason Demers #60 of the San Jose Sharks battle for a puck behind the net during the first period at Honda Center on September 22, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty

Jason Demers started out the 2009-10 campaign with eight points in the first 10 games but cooled off as the season progressed and eventfully found himself back at AHL’s Worcester.

He finished the regular season strong and even saw playoff ice time. Demers' power-play production on the blue line with Dan Boyle boosts his value and could make him a wise addition to your D corps.

Space Available: Bryan Bickell LW CHI

Marc Piscotty/Getty Images

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 7: Bryan Bickell #29 of the Chicago Blackhawks battles for position in front of the net against the Colorado Avalanche during both team's season openers at the Pepsi Center on October 7, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Marc Piscot

Anyone who has watched a Chicago Blackhawks game this season has no doubt heard Bryan Bickell’s name quite a few times. Bickell has been skating with Patrick Kane on Chicago’s top line and in power-play time with Marion Hossa.

His play during these productive ice times has worked well for Chicago, and their depth has been challenge with all their offseason roster moves. Keep an eye on his production as head coach Joel Quenneville has other weapons in Chicago at his disposal.

Watchables: Alex Steen C STL

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GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 28: Alex Steen #20 of the St. Louis Blues skates against the Phoenix Coyotes on February 28, 2009 at the Jobing.com Arena in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

His play can be streaky at times, and these hot streaks can result in a point-per-game production out of Alex Steen. The former Toronto Maple Leaf has never been afraid to shoot the puck; he had 189 shots last season and posted a 24-goal campaign.

On a young, talented team like St. Louis, this center's opportunities will increase as the season progresses. He needs a few more games to prove this isn’t just another burst of scoring and that he can consistently put up numbers.

Watchables: James Van Riemsdyk LW PHI

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NEWARK, NJ - SEPTEMBER 28: James van Riemsdyk #21 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on September 28, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

It was only a matter of consistency last season for the Philadelphia Flyers' 2007 second overall pick, James van Riemsdyk. A fast start brought the talented left winger to the top line, but he lost his scoring touch and went ice-cold, netting only two points between Nov. 12 and Jan 1, a span of 21 games.

He bounced back in January before going cold again until the end of the regular season. If JVR can find a consistent scoring pace with all the weapons in Philadelphia, he is a player to watch for now.