Puck Pastor brings Christmas gifts in the form of waiver wire suggestions

Merry Christmas Dobber Nation! Hopefully you get some time to slow down and enjoy more of whatever it is you enjoy. Unless what you enjoy is somehow harmful to others. Then you should probably refrain and find some hobbies that contribute to the common good or at least are not flat out harmful. As for me, I intend to spend every spare moment I have on my cross-country skis training for the fabled American Berkie, watching World Junior Hockey, and reading the Dobber Midseason Guide. I’m also intending for a big surge in 2014 for my fantasy teams, here are a few skaters I think will take me there. 

Mark Scheifle (9% Yahoo, .5M Dobbernomics)

As a Winnipeg Jets fan, I watch almost every game. Even when it hurts to watch, which is much of the time. But my careful attention has allowed me to see the recent development of Mark Scheifle in the last three weeks. I had him on my bench for most of the season and probably should have dropped him. But in the last week since putting him back in he’s rewarded me with some solid performances and seems to be developing some chemistry with Frolik and Kane forming a 1B line. If he keeps going like he has the last while, it’s not crazy to think he could be close to a point a game guy.

Ray Whitney (5%Yahoo, 2.44M Dobbernomics)

Just when it looks like poor old Ray is about done he starts doing what he has done his entire career – score. His even strength time is minimal, he skates like he is trying to remember how, and his line mates are typical fourth line fare. But when he hops over the boards on the first unit power play the other jerseys on the ice read Benn, Seguin, Chiasson, and Gonchar. If the Dallas power play improves even slightly, Ray might be the Christmas gift which keeps on giving for fantasy owners everywhere.

Pascal Dupuis (64% Yahoo, 6.36M Dobbernomics)

As a frustrated Dupuis owner I spent much of the early part of this season checking scoring summaries, not seeing his name anywhere, and then looking to see if he was still on Crosby’s line. I assumed the lack of production could only mean Dupuis was demoted to Tyler Kennedy status. Nope. Frozen Pool affirms for me Mr. Dupuis is still a lock on the wing beside Sid. Thankfully, in the last week Dupuis is starting to see some offence come. I expect him to get his fair share of rebounds and second assists as well as some solid +/- numbers the rest of the way. 

Kyle Palmieri (3% Yahoo, 2.2M Dobbernomics)

For fantasy purposes the guy playing beside Getzlaf and Perry is going to be not only fantasy gold, but possibly frankincense and myrrh as well. Since it looks like Dustin Penner has lost the prime slot, various Ducks are auditioning with Palmieri having the early edge although the swimsuit competition could sway it in Bonino’s direction.  Whoever gets that spot is going to have a very happy new year. 

Have a great Christmas.

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