ADD'EM: DON'T UNDERESTIMATE BENOIT POULIOT

This week’s crop of worthy fantasy waiver-wire additions features a career third-liner making waves in Tampa, and several young players living up to the hype. Let's not forget a goaltender in Toronto who's has done an amazing job filling in for the injured starter. Jump on these guys before it's too late!

1. BRAYDEN SCHENN     RW-  PHILADELPHIA  

THE FACTS: The 21-year old has had a heckuva month of February so far, with 15 points (6G/9A) in 13 games.. With Matt Read out injured , Schenn is presently skating on the second line between Daniel Briere and Wayne Simmonds… Out of his 17 points, six have come on the man advantage- 2 goals and 4 assists.

THE VERDICT:  The youngster has been a major part of the Flyers offensive resurgence recently and continues to pile up the points despite only getting around 15 minutes a night.  A decent short-term addition, but is unlikely to maintain his scoring pace. Huge dynasty upside, though.

2. BENIOT POULIOT  LW- TAMPA BAY

THE FACTS: Playing mostly as a third-liner in his brief NHL career, Pouliot has been thrust into a more prominent offensive role with the Lightning. He is currently skating on a line with Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis. He has collected 9 points in his last ten games, including 14 points in 18 games overall.

THE VERDICT: Never known for his scoring, the 26-year old has been given an opportunity to be a top-six forward on Tampa, and is making the most of it. Given that the Lightning are one of the NHL’s most prolific offenses with two dangerous scoring units, Pouliot can keep this up for awhile. Great short-term value with moderate long-term upside.

3. CODY FRANSON  D- TORONTO

THE FACTS:   The 25-year old defender has scored 11 points in 16 games for the Leafs, including three helpers on the man advantage.. He has eight assists in 11 February games.. He set a career high with 29 points with Nashville in 2010/11.

THE VERDICT: Franson’s fantasy value is directly related to opportunity, as he has never found himself on the top power play playing behind Shea Weber and Ryan Suter in Nashville.  On the Leafs, he has been skating on the primary power play unit alongside big Dion Phaneuf. As long as he occupies this role, his fantasy worth is undeniable, but keep in mind that there are an overabundance of offensive defenseman in Toronto. The one to worry about the most if you are a Franson owner is Jake Gardiner who might be recalled soon from the AHL.  He has the potential to eat up many of Franson’s power play minutes. A must-add in the short term, though.

4. TYSON BARRIE  D- COLORADO

THE FACTS: With Erik Johnson out indefinitely, the 21-year old blueliner has taken over the quarterback position on the power play. He has scored 4 points (1G/3A) in the last 5 games.

THE VERDICT: The youngster is finally  showing the Avs organization that he has the offensive talent and poise to run a power play. Stefan Elliott is still in the mix for top power-play time, but Barrie has a leg up on all his competition. The Avalanche are getting healthier, so Barrie's production might actually increase the rest of the way. A must-add for owners in need of defense. Great-keeper league value.

5. BEN SCRIVENS  G, TORONTO

THE FACTS:  In relief of the injured James Reimer, Scrivens has played well in February for Toronto, posting a 4-3 record with a .942 GAA and 1.91 SP… His overall stats this season: 5-5, 2.19 GAA and .929 SP

THE VERDICT: Scrivens will probably relinquish the starting job when Reimer is ready to return, but he has earned himself more playing time down the road with his excellent goaltending. For the short-term, you could do alot worse than Scrivens as your no. 2/3 fantasy goalie.