Eric Daoust with some more fantasy hockey bargains.

This week we conclude a multi-part series that will cover many NHL players who are delivering good fantasy numbers at a bargain price in the shortened season. Obviously, the team that wins a league with a salary cap is the one that gets the best value out of every dollar allocated to its roster. This will include players who have a cost that is near the league minimum. Getting the most out of them can go a long way towards improving your chances of winning.

The focus will be put on players who have a cap hit under $1 million for at least this year and next year. Some have real potential to be scoring line players for years to come while others are shorter-term solutions that can still give your team a boost in the proper setting.

Tom Pyatt (C) – Tampa Bay

2012-13: $600,000
2013-14: $600,000

Tom Pyatt is a player who is not useful in many formats. For example, in points-only he is nearly useless. But in a deep roto league with the right categories he can be surprisingly useful to help pick up some peripheral stats. If your league has no PIM but has blocked shots and faceoffs Pyatt offers a solid boost while chipping in passable goals, assists, hits and shots on goal. As an added bonus, Pyatt has LW eligibility in some leagues.

Tomas Tatar (RW) – Detroit

2012-13: $840,000
2013-14: $840,000

It is not often that you find a guy with so much potential come at such a cheap price on your team's payroll. But Tomas Tatar was not a high draft choice and therefore did not command a large entry-level contract. The flip side is that he plays for the Red Wings and opportunities for their youngsters are not easy to obtain.

Tatar has received some playing time in Detroit and has not looked out of place with seven points in 18 games. His skill set makes him more appealing in points-only leagues than roto although his high volume of shots and eventual power play contributions cannot be ignored.

Tye McGinn (LW) – Philadelphia

2012-13: $775,000
2013-14: $775,000

Tye McGinn is a young power forward with intriguing scoring potential. He posted impressive numbers in junior and has 26 points in 40 AHL games this year. His fantasy appeal depends on the format. In points-only leagues he is probably too much of a project to be worth the wait. In roto leagues his modest point production along with good hits, PIM and shots on goal allow him to contribute immediately in a depth role.

Zack Kassian (RW) – Vancouver

2012-13: $870,000
2013-14: $870,000

After a hot start with six points in his first eight games, Zack Kassian's scoring production has gone ice cold. To make matters worse, he is currently on injured reserve with a back injury. For fantasy purposes, his current misfortune could be a blessing in disguise for anyone who wishes to acquire him in a keeper league. He has massive roto league potential and at the moment his value is not at its highest. He needs a couple years to work on his consistency but in the meantime will get a lot of hits and PIM.

Zenon Konopka (C) – Minnesota

2012-13: $925,000
2013-14: $925,000

At first glance, Zenon Konopka's stats are very underwhelming. He is a non-factor offensively as evidenced by his lack of a single double-digit point total in any season of his career. But in certain roto leagues he can be a good asset to own. He is a beast in the PIM department with a rate of 3.5 minutes in the box per contest over his career. He is also solid at delivering hits and winning draws while blocking a respectable amount of shots.

Simon Despres (D) – Pittsburgh

2012-13: $840,000
2013-14: $840,000

Simon Despres is a talented defenseman who is benefitting from being on a great Pittsburgh roster. His all-around contributions make him a guy that can produce in roto leagues immediately and give a glimpse of his long-term potential once he establishes himself full-time in the lineup. For the time being he will remain with the Penguins with Kris Letang back on the shelf.

Steve Oleksy (D) – Washington

2012-13: $541,667
2013-14: $541,667
2014-15: $541,667

The flavor of the week is Seve Oleksy who signed his entry-level contract just three weeks ago. He responded with an outstanding debut to his NHL career that is grabbing the attention of fantasy owners in all leagues. Looking back at his AHL numbers the indication is that Oleksy will not be a major point producer over the long haul but the rugged play is certainly here to stay. Even with a regression in points he should still post respectable numbers and combining that with an excellent combination of hits, blocked shots and PIM you have a great roto asset. Best of all, he is signed for near minimum wage through 2015.

Tyson Barrie (D) – Colorado

2012-13: $900,000
2013-14: $900,000

Tyson Barrie is developing well as a pro and already contributing at the NHL level. His six points in 15 games are very respectable and his 29 points in 38 AHL games are very impressive. The Avalanche have a logjam of bodies on their blueline so it may take some more time before Barrie establishes himself as a full-time NHL player but if you have a bench or farm position to stash him away while he is not playing, it will be worth the wait.

Previously from Daoust:

• Cheap NHL Labor – Part 1
• Cheap NHL Labor – Part 2