Fantasy Hockey Pickups: Week 1

The fantasy hockey season has begun. I hope your drafts went well and you were able to put together a decent team on draft day. The important thing about fantasy hockey is to always keep your eye on the waiver wire. During this fantasy hockey season, I will provide you some guys that you may want to consider picking up each week that could give you that extra boost to help solidify you with a victory.

With the season just a few days old, it's hard to get a solid read on any player. The last thing you want to do is to pick up a player who just had a lucky night and then will not provide you with any numbers after the pickup. Based on the few games I've seen thus far, here are some guys that I think you may want to consider taking, and should be available in most leagues...

Forwards

Dustin Byfuglien - RW (CHI): With Marian Hossa out until early December, Dustin Byfuglien has been placed on the top line with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. In his first 2 games, he has 2 G, 1 A, and 2 PPP. While on the top line, Byfuglien looks to be a solid pickup. He is available in 77% of Yahoo Leagues.

Rene Bourque - LW (CGY): In 2 games, Rene Bourque has 1 G, 2A, & 2 PPP. Bourque plays on the first line with Iginla and Jokinen and sees a lot of time on the PP. His production should maintain and is available in 73% of Yahoo Leagues.

Brooks Laich - C (WAS): Brooks Laich has 5 points in 2 games. Laich plays on the top PP unit with Alex Ovechkin so look for him to provide some decent PP numbers. Laich is available in 34% of Yahoo Leagues.

Andy McDonald - C,LW (STL): Andy McDonald has 3 PPP in 2 games. McDonald plays on the first PP unit and should consistently get his share of PPP. Also McDonald is labeled as a C and LW and can be used in either position to maximize his opportunities if needed. McDonald is available in 64% of Yahoo Leagues.

Vaclav Prospal - L (NYR): Prospal has 9 shots thus far in the season and plays on the top PP unit. Prospal has been known to dish out his fair share of assists so if you are in need of shots or assists, you may want to pick him up. Prospal is available in 74% of Yahoo Leagues.

Radim Vrbata - RW (PHO): Vrbata, now back with the Coyotes, seems to be ready to get his career back on track. He already has 2 goals and based on his performance thus far, looks to be able to keep it. He is available in 96% of Yahoo Leagues.

Wojtek Wolski - LW (COL): Wolski has 3 G,1 A, and is a +3 in 2 games thus far. Wolski looks like he may have a breakout season this year. Wolski is available in 67% of Yahoo Leagues.

Defensemen

Matt Carle - D (PHI): Matt Carle has 1 G, 1 A, and is a +3 in 2 games. He is paired up with Chris Pronger and that alone should be a reason to pick him up. Carle is available in 93% of Yahoo Leagues

Michael Del Zotto - D (NYR): Del Zotto, the 19 year old rookie is getting off to a great start. In just 3 games, Del Zotto has 2 goals and plays on the first PP unit. This looks to be just the beginning for Del Zotto. He is available in 97% of Yahoo Leagues.

Alex Goligoski - D (PIT): Alex Goligoski has 2 points in 2 games with the Penguins. Goligoski is a great passer and can make plays on the blueline. He is currently on the first power play unit and should see plenty of opportunities to produce there. Goligoski is available in 84% of Yahoo Leagues.

Josh Gorges - D (MTL): Josh Gorges had a PPP and a GWG and is a +3. Gorges is an offensive defensemen and on a revamped Montreal team, should be considered if you need someone on your blueline. Gorges is available in 96% of Yahoo Leagues.

Eric Johnson -D (STL): In 2 games, Johnson has 2 points. Johnson finished with a +4 while playing against the Detroit Red Wings. Johnson thus far doesn't seem to have lost a step even after missing all of last year. He is available in 61% of Yahoo Leagues.

Goalies

Craig Anderson -G (COL): Craig Anderson won both his games thus far with a .973 SV%, 1.00 GAA, and 1 SO. Anderson with the rest of the Avalanche seem to be off to a great start. If you are in need of a goalie, you should consider picking him up. He is available in 42% of Yahoo Leagues.

Jonas Gustavsson - G (TOR): It has been reported that Ron Wilson will go with Gustavsson over Vesa Toskala, just 2 games into the season. Gustavsson will get his first start Tuesday night against Ottawa and if he does well, may be posied to take over the starting job. He is available in 72% of Yahoo Leagues.

Injuries

Erik Cole - LW (CAR): Cole was injured Saturday (10/3) and will be out 4-6 weeks with a fractured left leg. Get him out of you lineup asap. You may want to see who will replace him on the top line and pick him up in the interim.

Keep these suggestions in mind in the event you have an injury or if someone on your roster is not performing. Most of these guys should be available for you to pick up and should provide some instant impact. Good luck this week and remember to keep your eye on the waiver wire.

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