ADD'EM: TURRIS AND HODGSON LIVING UP TO HYPE?

This week’s crop of worthy fantasy waiver-wire additions include several former potential “franchise” players who are starting to show their worth in the NHL. Cody Hodgson is still on our list, but we are sure you won’t be seeing him again!

1. PATRIK BERGLUND     C, LW-  ST. LOUIS   

THE FACTS: The 24-year old enters his fifth season on a down note, regressing to 19 goals and 19 assists in 82 games… He is off to a hot start with five goals and seven points in eight games...  He has been flanked by wingers Chris Stewart and Vladimir Sobotka… He set a career high in goals (22) and points (52) in 2010/11.

THE VERDICT: Not your normal third-line center, the talented Swede was pegged by many to be a future franchise player for the Blues.. A mediocre 2011/12 season dropped him off most draft lists, but he looks determined to rebound strongly in 2012/13. Playing with a rejuvenated Chris Stewart doesn’t hurt either.

2. KYLE TURRIS    C-  OTTAWA

THE FACTS: After being traded to Ottawa from Phoenix last season, he assumed second-line center duties and regularly lining up with veteran winger Daniel Alfredsson.. He scored 12 goals and 29 points in 49 games.. He is off to a good start with four goals and three assists in eight games

THE VERDICT: This former can’t-miss prospect never panned out for Phoenix, but he sure looks good playing for Ottawa. A quick start to the season and a long-term injury to Jason Spezza has given Turris a golden opportunity to put up close to point-per-game numbers. Add him immediately if you need help on offense.         

3. CODY HODGSON__     C-  BUFFALO

THE FACTS: The 22-year old has nine points in nine games, including six in the last three… He collected eight points in 20 games after his trade to Buffalo last season… He was labeled a “can’t-miss prospect” after his 16-point explosion at the 2009 World Junior Championships.

THE VERDICT: Strangely enough, Hodgson is still available in many fantasy leagues despite the fact that he continues to click on the Buffalo top line. He is breaking out, folks! A must-add for sure.

4. FEDOR TYUTIN     D-   COLUMBUS

THE FACTS:  Tyutin is off to a hot start with 7 points in 9 games, more than both Jack Johnson and James Wisniewski.. He had back-to-back 30+ point seasons in 2008/09 (34) and 2009/10 (32)

THE VERDICT: Huge sleeper alert as Tyutin has an opportunity to get top power play time with James Wisniewski out with a concussion. It could also be Nikita Nikitin but he's been placed on IR.  You figure with Tyutin scoring so well early on, he will get the first crack at it. He is a very streaky scorer who can give you a few multi-point weeks in a row. Well worth a waiver-wire stash.

5. TOM GILBERT   D-  MINNESOTA

THE FACTS:  The rearguard has six points in eight games.. He set career highs in goals (13) in 2007/08 and in points (45) in 2008/09.

THE VERDICT: Yes, he is playing on the 2^nd power-play unit, but he is off to a blazing start and has a 45-point season under his belt. If he gets an opportunity to move up to the top power play unit, he could put up big numbers playing with Ryan Suter. A must-add for defense-needy owners.