From the Press Box: Movin' On Up

In recalling one of the key notions that I described in an early-season column, the sidekick theory needs to be revisited. You need to be aware of players who are earning playing time alongside the superstars in the NHL.

Here are a few worth taking stock of:

Nick Ritchie, LW, Anaheim – This 10th overall pick in the 2014 draft looks like he could become a prototypical power forward, given that he's blessed with the requisite size and skill. He gets a big chance to strut his stuff as a first-liner next to Ryan Getzlaf in a revitalized Ducks offense that has been one of the most prolific in the league over the past several weeks.

Connor Murphy, D, Arizona – Murphy has become the regular playing partner for Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and that has meant a significant spike in playing time alongside one of the most prolific offensive blueliners in the league. His point totals don't show it, but he's coming along and slowly being integrated into a strong power-play group.

Lee Stempniak, RW, Boston – Stempniak has made a seamless transition to the Bruins following the trade-deadline deal that brought hi over to Boston. He has six points in his last four games, including an overtime winner, while playing on the first line with stalwarts Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. Stemp's experience is a nice fit on this line, but also drops younger players like Jimmy Hayes and David Pastrnak into less stressful minutes, which is good for their development.

Micheal Ferland, RW, Calgary – The departure of Jiri Hudler opened up a spot on the Flames' top line next to Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, and Ferland seems to have grabbed this chance in recent games. His gritty approach has given the unit a new look, and although he hasn't found the scoresheet in five consecutive contests, his playing time is up to 16 minutes per game and he's also getting a long look on the power play. The points will come soon enough.

Andrew Shaw, RW, Chicago – A nagging leg injury has kept Marian Hossa out of the Hawks' lineup for the past three weeks, giving Shaw a chance to move onto the top line and play with recently added Andrew Ladd and Captain Serious, Jonathan Toews. Shaw is usually a third-line player on this deep roster, but his feisty play will be useful in this role, as his linemates also like to add an edge to their high-skill games.

Boone Jenner, LW Columbus – Jenner is yet another one of those players who seems to have found a higher level in his third NHL campaign. He's also part of an underachieving Columbus team that seems to finally be playing at the level that was expected of them much earlier this season. At 22 years of age, Jenner is one of a number of big forwards who like to play a heavy game. He's tied for the team lead with 24 goals, with five coming in the last 10 games, during which the Jackets have gone 5-3-2.

Valeri Nichushkin, RW, Dallas – The big Russian has long been highly touted and ticketed for first-line duty with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, but injuries derailed that plan last year and only recently has he been moved into that role once again. He's produced 22 shots on goal in his last eight games, resulting in three goals and two assists while he's played his best hockey of the season.

Gustav Nyqvist, LW, Detroit – After potting 55 goals in the last two seasons, Nyqvist struggled early on this year, probably dropping from numerous fantasy rosters, as he fell to third-line status. He is playing much better lately and is enjoying a five-game scoring streak. Coincidentally, he has worked his way back into a top-six role once again, as well as time on the first power play unit.

Zack Kassian, RW, Edmonton – Kassian is probably running out of chances to prove himself as another skilled big man in the NHL. He couldn't ask for more than his current lot, which finds him riding shotgun with Connor McDavid and Taylor Hall. Minimally, he should at least prevent opponents from taking liberties with these mates, but the additional room they should get ought to benefit him as well

Charlie Coyle, RW, Minnesota – On a Wild team that boasts a number of higher-profile players, it is surprising to note that Coyle is the top goal-scorer with 21 tallies (and 35 points). That has only translated into 29 percent ownership in CBS leagues. He's a low-maintenance player who has worked his way up to the top line and produced a career high in shots on goal as well as a career-best shooting percentage this season.

T.J. Brennan, D, Toronto – The Leafs seem to be calling up half of their AHL affiliate's roster due to their pre-deadline moves and a lengthy string of recent injuries. Brennan, who is the Marlies' leading scorer, has carved out a reputation as a solid offensive blueliner down there; he ought to get a good chance to strut his stuff while continuing to work with familiar teammates, who have moved up to the NHL along with him.

Calle Jarnkrok, LW, Nashville – Jarnkrok is the newest audition for the left-wing spot on the Predators' top forward line and is slated to work with flashy linemates Ryan Johansen and James Neal. The key stats to note here are his playing time, which has risen to almost 19 minutes per game, and his shot rate, which is now hovering around two per game.

Zack Smith, LW, Ottawa – With 19 goals to date, Smith has already set a career high, and that has elevated him to a first-line role that was not forecast at the start of this season. It is also worth noting that he has scored four goals on both the power play and the penalty kill, underscoring his value to the Senators' special teams. He's still vastly underrated in fantasy games, as Smith is only owned in 18 percent of leagues despite these roles and a current five game point-scoring streak.

Scott Wilson, LW, Pittsburgh – Wilson is probably the most surprising candidate for top-six duty on this entire list, but he currently finds himself playing on Sidney Crosby's left wing at a time when the Pens' captain is at the top of his game. In his last 11 games, Wilson has notched five goals and seen his playing time rise to more than 16 minutes as he has developed a bit of chemistry with his team captain as well as veteran sniper Patric Hornqvist.

James Reimer, G, San Jose –Reimer was a top-10 goalie in save percentage, along with a very respectable 2.49 GAA in 32 appearances with the Leafs, before he was dealt to the Sharks at the trade deadline. Now he gets to play behind a much stronger team, and his win percentage should reflect that change. He's already registered a shutout victory in one of two starts for San Jose. Reimer will be a good, inexpensive option in daily fantasy just because of the matchups he might get, spelling starter Martin Jones down the stretch.

Alex Killorn, LW, Tampa – While his stat line shows a modest 34 points in 66 games, a closer look reveals that he has counted nine points in his last 12 games since being elevated to the top line next to Steven Stamkos and Ryan Callahan. He was moved up from a checking-line role, and this new union has coincided with Stammer's most productive stretch of the season as well as a 9-3 record for the surging Lightning.

Andre Burakovsky, LW, Washington – For the last few years, the Caps have predominantly relied on one line for the bulk of their offense. This season, they have developed a very credible second unit, which has featured a growing chemistry between Burakovsky and Evgeni Kuznetsov. While the latter is leading the club in scoring, Burakovsky has really picked up his pace lately, collecting 24 of his 33 points in his last 32 games. He's owned in less than half of all fantasy leagues despite this impressive increase in productivity.

In looking for help with your fantasy leagues, I hope you peer deeper into the numbers and monitor the changing situations that have elevated all these players. That's a key to ultimate success and could be a difference-maker in the remaining weeks of the season.

Do your homework!