Five weeks ago we covered the five players that offered the best bang for the buck in the early portion of the new NHL season. How are things holding up now?

Using Cap Geek’s Bargain Hunter feature, here are the most efficient point producers prior to Wednesday night’s games:

Andrew Shaw

Shaw has come a long way since arriving in the NHL. Now in his third season, he has 53 points and 102 PIM in 110 career games, an impressive contribution for a player seen by many as a bottom-six agitator. With decent ice time at even strength and good power play minutes there is no reason to believe that Shaw will not find ways to continue putting up solid numbers.

The bad news for fantasy owners is that Shaw recently signed a contract extension with a cap hit of $2 million for the next two years. In points-only keeper leagues it may be time to sell high and look elsewhere for a cheaper depth producer to take his place next year. However, in multi-category leagues he is still well worth the money as he can produce in a number of different areas.

Multi-category appeal: G, A, +/-, PIM, SOG, PPP, HIT, FOW

Mike Santorelli

Santorelli is the sole member of the most efficient scorers list from five weeks ago to remain on the list. He has done an outstanding job rediscovering his scoring touch in what could have been his final chance in the NHL. His 14 points in 26 contests have provided the Canucks with some excellent secondary scoring.

Santorelli’s point total is even more impressive when taking into account that he has failed to tally a single point on the man advantage. With excellent ice time for a forward and utilization in all situations he is in a good position to continue being a good fantasy contributor. Santorelli owners in keeper leagues should keep an eye on Santorelli’s next contract. His level of play has clearly put him in line for a nice raise.

Multi-category appeal: G, A, SOG, Bks, FOW, FO%

Nick Bonino

Bonino has produced numbers similar to Santorelli. The most obvious difference is that Bonino has posted seven power play points. He is an excellent defensive player but his ongoing breakout season along with strong AHL numbers (67 points in 69 career minor-league games) indicate that he could have additional offensive potential for the coming years. With a new contract in hand that carries a cap hit of $1,566,667 for the next three years after this one, keeper league owners must be happy knowing that they have an excellent cap bargain locked up for a long time.

Multi-category appeal: G, A, SOG, PPP, Bks, FOW, FO%

Cody Eakin

After establishing himself as a full-time NHL player last year, Eakin is off to another strong start with 14 points in 23 games. The increase in offensive production can be attributed to receiving an average of 17:20 in ice time per contest, up from 15:05 a year ago.

Eakin has a ton of untapped potential but happens to be on the same team as Tyler Seguin. Thus, Eakin will only have limited opportunities with the Stars’ best wingers. As it stands he is still a strong contributor both in points-only and multi-category settings. A restricted free agent this summer, Eakin could be in for a nice raise.

Multi-category appeal: G, A, SOG, HIT, Bks, FOW

Tommy Wingels

After a couple years of mediocre production, Wingels has been able to take advantage of the Sharks’ depth down the middle to post great numbers so far this season. He has moved around on the top three lines but has lined up most frequently next to Joe Pavelski or Joe Thornton.

While the offensive production may not continue at the same rate, Wingels should still be able to produce enough points to remain a good cheap depth option. In multi-category leagues, Wingels offers good totals in a number of different areas. This makes him a very balanced contributor. Just keep an eye on his cap hit for next year as he will be a restricted free agent this summer. You never know when a player signs for more than expected and becomes an undesirable player to own.

Multi-catgory appeal: G, A, PIM, SOG, HIT, Bks