When Joe Corvo was dealt to Carolina last month, fantasy junkies believed it would be a good thing for his production. I don’t think anyone saw this coming, though.

(Originally Posted in The Hockey News on March 10) 

Since joining the Canes, Corvo has seen nearly three minutes of added ice time per game and the result has been 11 points in 12 games. Six of those have come on what had been a weak power play before Corvo was added, and it hasn’t come at the cost of their solid defense – Corvo is a plus-7 in a Carolina uniform.

The 30-year-old, who is signed through the 2009-10 season, has already proven he is a steady 40-point player. The late bloomer, in just his fifth NHL season, has averaged 0.49 points-per-game in each of his past two. Corvo was averaging 0.53 in 51 games for the Senators to start this campaign.

In Ottawa and Los Angeles, however, Corvo was never the main man on the blueline. He has never been the guy who logs 21 minutes a game and is the first one out there on the power play. At least not on a permanent basis.

That has changed now. Corvo is on the top pairing with Frantisek Kaberle and also runs the power play.

His arrival has sparked Kaberle, who has six points in 12 games, after notching just 12 in 57 pre-Corvo games.

The Canes are 9-2-1 since the trade; so don’t expect the situation to change. Corvo is now an elite fantasy defenseman and should be in the top-10 in scoring at his position next year, flirting with 60 points…

Toronto youngster Alex Steen has eight points in his past eight games and is getting a lot more ice time. He has seen more than 20 minutes on a couple occasions during the run. The 24-year-old has 65-point potential, but needs to solidify a spot on the second line instead of bouncing all over the roster…

Injuries, from a fantasy league perspective: Daniel Alfredsson, who has missed three games due to back spasms, will see doctors Monday and hopes to try skating afterward. He is "feeling much better," but is questionable for Tuesday’s contest. Alfredsson, at 35, is peaking in terms of production, but what is with the injuries? First his hip, then his back – his body is wearing down and it looks like the days of playing 80 games in a season may be behind him. He still has three productive years to come, but don’t expect full seasons ever again…

Farm Report: Chicago blue-chipper Jack Skille has not had the offensive American League season many expected of him after posting eight points in nine games last year. However, he scored three times and had a four-point night Sunday for Rockford. Skille, 20, has five points in 16 games during several cups of coffee with Chicago. He should be there full-time next year and by 25, should be a regular 70-point producer. THN’s Future Watch rated Skille Chicago’s top prospect and 18th overall on the Top 50 list.

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