Svatos re-signs with Avalanche

From TSN:

The Colorado Avalanche announced the signing of forward Marek Svatos to a two-year contract, thereby avoiding arbitration.

"Marek Svatos has been a key ingredient to our success the last few years," said
Avalanche Executive Vice President and General Manager Francois Giguere in a statement. "He's scored many big goals for this club and we expect him to be a strong force for us again this season."

Read the entire article here.

Svatos, when healthy, is a very effective scoring winger. He will be an integral part of the Avalanche's youth movement moving forward and it was a good decision for the Avs to avoid going to arbitration with him.

Fantasy Watch: Scouring the Waiver Wire

F Scott Hartnell, Philadelphia Flyers
Hartnell is enjoying his best month of the season, scoring seven points in his last five games. The forward has registered two three point games this month, including a hattrick this past week. With Lupul still sidelined with several injuries, Hartnell has stepped up his play and has appeared on the power-play, scoring two goals and one assist. Hartnell's season stats aren't anything to get excited over (21 points in 40 games), but he has become a decent fantasy option due to his recent outburst.
Fantasy Take: Hartnell has been inconsistent all year but seems to have gotten into a groove over this past week. Only use him as an injury replacement or a lower end option at forward.

F Marek Svatos, Colorado Avalanche
Svatos has been a disappointment since his breakout year in 2005 where he scored 32 goals and 50 points. Even though Svatos won't hit those numbers this year, he has shown glimpses of his past self scoring six goals in his last five games. With both Joe Sakic and Ryan Smyth gone for extended periods of time due to injuries, Svatos has helped fill the void with his superb scoring ability. Scoring 19 goals and two assists this season, Svatos was hardly a factor earlier in the season, but has the opportunity to help lead Colorado with Smyth and Sakic sidelined.
Fantasy Take: Svatos has a natural goal scoring ability that makes him look very appealing as a fantasy forward, but goes through too many stretches without registering a point. With the team counting on its younger stars much more now, Svatos may be in for a big second half.

F Mark Parrish, Minnesota Wild
Parrish was relatively quiet earlier in the season, registering only 18 points in the first three months of the season. He has since come alive, scoring a point in each of his last eight games, including four goals in his past five. The forward has been given significant playing time and has gelled with linemate Eric Belanger, as the two have combined to score seven points in their last two games.
Fantasy Take: Parrish has gone on two other three game point streaks earlier in the season, and has always slumped after they've ended. Try and pick up Parrish while he's still hot, as he tends to disappear for extended periods of time.

D Marek Zidlicky, Nashville Predators
With a big month in December, Zidlicky was able to surpass his point total over the first two months of the season in 15 games. Scoring 11 points last month, Zidlicky raised his season point total to 26, which currently leads all Nashville defenseman. Continuing his hot streak into the new year, Zidlicky has registered five points in his last six games. More impressive is his input on the power-play, having scored all his points this month on the pp. After having an abysmal year last year, Zidlicky has rebounded quite nicely and is slowly making his way into the elite defenseman category.
Fantasy Take: Being Nashville's number one defenseman will yield several opportunities on the power-play, making Zidlicky a good defensive pickup.


For Illegal Curve, I'm Jonny Remis

Fantasy Watch: Scouring the Waiver Wire

F Joffrey Lupul, Philadelphia Flyers
After enduring a rather disappointing season in Edmonton last year, the Flyers took a chance on Lupul, hoping that a change of scenery would help jump start his career. Only seven games into the season and it appears that the move has paid off. Scoring two goals and five assists with Philadelphia, Lupul has proved to be an excellent acquisition thus far, leading the Flyers atop the Atlantic Divison.
Fantasy Take: Although the goals aren't there yet, Lupul has been getting his chances, as his 18 shots rank third on the team. If he is available in your draft, it might be wise to pick up the former Anaheim Duck, as a strong rebound season appears to be in the cards.

F Patrick Sharp, Chicago Blackhawks
It's difficult to find any success in Chicago's season a year ago, but one of the lone bright spots was certainly Patrick Sharp. Scoring 20 goals for the first time in his career, Sharp ended off the year with 35 points, good for sixth on the team. With many of Chicago's top goal scorers gone, Sharp has been given an increase in playing time, which has resulted in six points in his first eight games. Benefiting from the play of rookies Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, Sharp has been given a great opportunity to surpass his career high's in points, goals and assists set a year ago.
Fantasy Take: Although Sharp has six points on the year, three of those points came in one game. Before making a waiver claim on Sharp, keep an eye on his next few games to see if he can keep up this increased pace.

F Marek Svatos, Colorado Avalanche
Scoring 32 goals and 50 points in 61 games two seasons ago, Svatos was a highly regarded forward last year. Unfortunately for owners, the young Czech did not produce scoring only 30 points in 60 games played. Beginning this season mostly unnoticed, Svatos has emerged over his last four games, netting two goals and one assist. Although it's too early to call for another breakout season, it should be reminded that Svatos is only two years removed from his 30+ goal season.
Fantasy Take: Svatos has produced well over his past four games, but owners should not jump the gun quite yet. There are plenty of other options out there that can out produce Svatos, but continue to keep an eye on the Czech as he has a rather high upside.

F Ryane Clowe, San Jose Sharks
Clowe has been the main beneficiary in Cheechoo's struggles, as the forward has appeared alongside Joe Thornton, as well has receiving several minutes on the power play. Scoring a power play goal on Monday, Clowe now has five points in eight games and has seen his minutes steadily rise over that time.
Fantasy Take: Those in deeper leagues may want to take a flier on Clowe as Thornton is one of the best in the business at setting up forwards.

F Sam Gagner, Edmonton Oilers
Drafted sixth overall this past year, Gagner has had an immediate impact on the Oilers. Leading the club in scoring with seven points, Gagner has given Edmonton a much needed scoring option. Look for the rookie to be in contention for the Calder Trophy throughout the season.
Fantasy Take: Gagner is an excellent keeper selection, and an efficient starter. Although his plus/minus may suffer, continue to start the rookie in most formats.


For Illegal Curve, Im Jonny Remis....

...HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICH!