Fantasy Hockey 2011: Pick-ups of the Week

Erik Cole - Montreal Canadiens
He's got a point in 5 straight games. Erik Cole is starting get accustomed to playing in the big Montreal market - remember this guy played in Carolina for years, failed miserably in Edmonton, then returned to Carolina. I have to admit, I was one of those that believed that Erik Cole only played good in Raleigh but he's starting to heat up. Pick him up if you still can and ride out the hot streak.

Matt Read - Philadelphia Flyers
Fantasy GM's are probably wondering why the upstart rookie is on this list - he should have been picked up at the start of the season when Bob McKenzie knighted him as the "Calder Trophy favourite" right? Wrong. On ESPN leagues (where I play most my fantasy hockey) he is only owned in 10.5% of leagues. That's ridiculous, if for some reason he's on the market - get him now.

Steve Montador - Chicago Blackhawks
The guy for the most part is strictly a stay-at-home defenceman, but he's quietly put up a few 20+ point seasons as a number five or six defenceman. The Hawks like this guy, and they trust him - thus giving him playing time he's never seen before. That's been translated to Steve being on pace to reach career highs in all offensive categories. He did put up 56 points in his last year of juniors, so it's not a total fluke that he's getting these points. He's making 4.6 million this season, so only add him in non-cap leagues.

Kyle Wellwood - Winnipeg Jets
The Jets are one of those teams that I wouldn't trust adding many players from because you never know where you are going to get your offence from, on any given night. Kyle Wellwood is playing for his NHL livelihood this season, he's fighting for another contract. He's been known for conditioning issues, but that doesn't matter here. He's got offensive upside, 5 points in the last 3 games for the Jets - pick him up in deep leagues.

Tom Gilbert - Edmonton Oilers
With all the injuries and uncertainty that is the Oilers blue-line, Tom Gilbert is a sure thing. He stays healthy and plays a lot of minutes. Sure the Oilers aren't going to score 9 goals every game, but they will put up points and at times Tom Gilbert will end up playing nearly half the game. If he's only remotely involved in the play, he will chip in with an assist or two here and there and maybe even a goal. If you're not in a cap league, pick him up.