Fantasy Watch: Buy/Sell

BUY

F Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
Marleau has been awful this year, but appears to be turning a corner in the New Year, scoring in four of his last five games. He has also been producing on San Jose's power-play unit, registering four assists in his last five games. Although this could just be a tease, a player with Marleau's talent is worth to take a gamble on. You don't lose the ability to become an 80 point player in the NHL overnight, and even though Marleau won't put up anything close the 78 points he did last year, the forward could still be in for a pleasant second half.

F Cory Stillman, Carolina Hurricanes
Stillman started the season on fire, scoring 31 points in his first 23 games but has struggled to keep up that astonishing pace and is currently enduring his worst month of the season. With only two points in his last eight games, Stillman's value has plummeted and may be in the trading block in your league. His recent scoring slump does bring a cause for concern, but with a potent Carolina lineup featuring three other 40+ point players, Stillman's slump should end in no time. If you can get Stillman for below market value, then do so now as he could heat up at any moment.

SELL

F Todd Bertuzzi, Anaheim Ducks
After enduring two unsuccessful stints with both Florida and Detroit, no one was sure how Bertuzzi would perform in his first year with the Ducks. Scoring only two points in his first seven games with Anaheim, Bertuzzi's miserable start was put to an end early after suffering yet another concussion. Unsure if Bertuzzi would ever step foot back on the ice, owners acted quickly and dropped the forward in favor of other options. Returning over a month later, Bertuzzi got off to another slow start but has since picked it up, scoring 13 points in his last 10 games. Due to his rugged style of play, Bertuzzi puts himself at an extreme risk of another serious injury that could end his season prematurely. With his value as high as it might be all season, it's advised to ship Bertuzzi off for other options.

F Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Minnesota Wild
Bouchard has been extremely streaky this year, often going several games without registering a point only to bounce back and post the odd multi point game, making owners shrug off his inconsistency.
After scoring only three points in his last seven games, Bouchard bounced back and posted his first four point night, much to the dismay of owners who probably had him on their bench after his awful week beforehand. My advice? Trade Bouchard to another team, avoid his scoreless nights and the headaches that come with debating whether or not to start him for the week.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

Fantasy Watch: Buy/Sell

BUY

F Michael Cammalleri, Los Angeles Kings
Before being listed as day-to-day with a rib injury, Cammalleri was struggling to put up points at the same blistering pace he set earlier in the season. In his last five games, the forward only scored one point, causing fantasy owners to bench him even before he was sidelined with a rib injury. Although Cammalleri has not returned to the ice, TSN reports that the forward has indeed started skating and could return very shortly. Due to his offensive struggles before his injury, Cammalleri may be had at quite below his value price.

F Brad Richards, Tampa Bay Lightning
With only two points in his last seven games, Richards stock has taken a big hit. He is currently fourth on Tampa Bay in scoring, and hasn't recorded a goal since December 13th. It might surprise many to see Richards in the buy column this week, but with his value extremely low, he might be worth taking a chance on. Tampa Bay has a wealth of talent and with Richards' ability to create chances on the power-play, he may be in for a big second half.

SELL

F Antti Miettinen, Dallas Stars
Miettinen has surprised everyone over the past month, scoring 16 points over his last 15 games. Only exceeding the 30 point plateau once in his career, Miettinen is currently on pace to set new career highs in goals, assists and points. Although Miettinen has given owners a fantasy boost, the third year forward should not be counted on to continue scoring at this pace. With Miettinen's value extremely high, it's advised to ship him out in favor of a more reliable fantasy option.

F Daniel Cleary, Detroit Red Wings
As stated in Monday's “Scouring the Waiver Wire” column, Cleary tends to go on extended hot streaks only to cool down a week or two later, eventually falling off the fantasy radar. Evidence of this can be traced back to last December where Cleary put up fantastic numbers throughout the month, scoring 11 goals and 17 points in 15 games. After being claimed immediately in most leagues, the forward fell back down to Earth, only scoring three points in January, disappointing several fantasy owners (yours truly included). Thus, it's advised to trade Cleary while his value is still high before he falls off the fantasy radar.

F Mark Recchi, Atlanta Thrashers
Since being waived by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Recchi's stock has skyrocketed while playing for Atlanta. Scoring 14 points in 14 games with the Thrashers, Recchi has given Atlanta another legitimate scoring threat. Although it may seem absurd to sell Recchi, one has to keep his age in mind. At 39, Recchi no longer has the legs he used too and will undoubtedly require more rest as the season goes on. With many owners seeing a rejuvenation in Recchi, it's advised to trade the veteran for younger fantasy studs while his stock is still high.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis