Open Ice: 10 quick pickups
It's early. That makes this difficult. Recommending which players to pick up can be tricky with little data to analyze. Then again, that's also a good thing. This is the best time to capitalize on the knowledge of which players ended up with some of the better roles on their team now that the games count. Who actually won over their coach and landed the job of power-play quarterback, or second-line center? Act quickly. Breakout players often get things started on Day 1.
Martin Straka, C, Rangers: The way Chris Drury, Jaromir Jagr and Straka played in the first game this season, they should be together for some time. This is a pre-emptive add for shallower leagues, as Straka will be owned in deeper ones. He is likely eligible at center for now, but his real value will come when he gains eligibility on the wing.
Karel Rachunek, D, Devils: Rachunek didn't waste any time staking his claim to the Devils power play. He logged two minutes more than Paul Martin on the man advantage. The New Jersey power play is going to be just fine this season, and Rachunek will surprise many with his decent value in deep leagues.
Robert Nilsson, C, Oilers: He's been my favorite prospect for some time, so it was enjoyable to watch and see him looking so sharp on Thursday. Nilsson was all over the ice and setting up all sorts of nifty plays for the Oil. He is still a little too gun shy and needs to finish plays himself more often, but that will come with confidence. Nilsson's shootout goal looked like it was effortless. Watch for him to possibly gain wing eligibility as well.
Vernon Fiddler, C, Predators: You can't argue with it, if it works. Fiddler has been skating with Jason Arnott and J.P. Dumont, and the trio has been raking up the points all the while. Like Straka, Fiddler may have even broader appeal if he were granted wing eligibility.
Magnus Johansson, D, Blackhawks: You have to appreciate the fact that Johansson is quarterbacking a power play. That's right, it was the 34-year-old rookie who played the most minutes with the man-advantage. Johansson has vision on the ice and should only get better as he adjusts to North America, so the fact that coach Denis Savard trusts him already is a good sign. The plus/minus isn't going to be helpful to your team, but the Hawks will keep things respectable. I like Johansson as a No. 3 defenseman.
Eric Belanger, C, Wild: Pierre-Marc Bouchard's goal on Thursday was mostly due to a terrific setup by Belanger. Belanger is fitting right in as second line center, between Bouchard and Brian Rolston. Center is a deep position, but Belanger should be more than adequate for deep leagues.
Niklas Hagman, LW, Stars: The Stars need offense and they'll take it wherever they can get it. Hagman led Dallas' forwards in power-play time and notched a goal and an assist on Wednesday. He also had several scoring chances throughout the game. Based on his play, I expect to see Hagman getting more opportunities to show what he can do.
Jaroslav Hlinka, LW, Avalanche: The leading scorer from the Czech league last season, Hlinka has "set-up man" written all over him. Look for a ton of assists out of him as he sets up Paul Stastny and Andrew Brunette on a consistent basis. He should be added in every league where he's unowned.
Mikael Tellqvist, G, Coyotes: Of the trio still fighting for the permanent starter's nod in the desert, Tellqvist is the furthest from most people's fantasy radars. Yet it was Tellqvist who got the call in the season opener. Or should I say, got the call and got the win. Don't think coach Wayne Gretzky won't remember who got him his first win of the season. David Aebischer and Alex Auld will get their chances, but Tellqvist is the early favorite, and therefore should be owned. Don't overlook the fact that the Coyotes look pretty good defensively.
Although, I aim for non-obvious names throughout this column, every week I'll dig extra deep into the free agent pool for some players that might have some value for you 16-team leaguers out there.
Matt Stajan, C, Maple Leafs: Normally a defensive-minded penalty kill type, Stajan has been forced to think offense while Kyle Wellwood is on the mend. They were both a bit junky, but Stajan has two goals in two games so far and he may offer a reasonable amount of offense until Wellwood returns. Even then, Stajan has some value in leagues that use short-handed points.
Daniel Carcillo, LW, Coyotes: Carcillo is the definition of a hard worker. He makes up for what he lacks in pure skill by playing a hard-nosed game. He had a strong preseason, but he's not a scorer. What is realistic is a decent plus/minus despite a losing team, a fair share of penalty minutes, and just enough points to make him worth your while in deep leagues.
Andy Greene, D, Devils: Where Rachunek has my blessing right now; Greene is the one I expect to emerge as the power-play quarterback for the Devils. Since he is still technically a rookie, we can expect Greene to take some time to get his game going, but if he doesn't lead the Devils in points amongst defenseman this season, something went awry.
Sean Allen is a fantasy hockey analyst for ESPN.com.
