Welcome back, as it’s been a relatively slow week on the signing front. Come on, someone trade their captain or something. Let’s make things a little more interesting.

This week, I wanted to highlight a few players who could be worthwhile additions early in the season, especially as injuries have started creeping into every position group. One quick note: every player listed below carries a cap hit of less than $4 million AAV, making them affordable options in salary-cap formats.

Charlie Lindgren (32, G) – Washington Capitals ($3M AAV)

I can’t say I’ve spent years on Capped or Looking Ahead raving about Charlie Lindgren‘s game, but he offers something every fantasy manager can appreciate – starts. If Logan Thompson misses any amount of time, Lindgren immediately becomes an intriguing short-term fantasy option.

In Dobber’s preseason Experts Panel, I picked Thompson to win the Vezina Trophy. He posted outstanding underlying numbers last season and plays behind a team capable of supporting another strong campaign. Any injury absence is unfortunate, but from a fantasy perspective, a few spot starts for Lindgren could provide excellent value.

Washington’s next two games feature home matchups against Buffalo on Saturday and Philadelphia next Wednesday. If Lindgren gets both starts, there’s a realistic chance he comes away with a pair of regulation wins. Be sure to monitor GoaliePost for confirmed starters, but he’s a low-cost goaltending option worth keeping on your radar.

Akira Schmid (26, G) – Florida Panthers ($2M AAV)

Arguably, Schmid may be the better goaltending target if he’s available in your league, and there’s a good chance he is: He’s currently rostered in just 38% of Fantrax leagues.

Schmid sat out Florida’s most recent game against Seattle but was back between the pipes Wednesday against Ottawa. Heading into that matchup with Ottawa (a loss), he was coming off consecutive wins and had posted a 2.50 GAA with an .889 save percentage. Sure, those numbers aren’t elite, but they’re certainly serviceable for a goalie carrying a $2 million cap hit.

It also doesn’t hurt that Florida’s power play has been absolutely rolling lately, which can go a long way toward padding any goaltender’s win total. With Jacob Markstrom expected to remain sidelined until early next week, Schmid becomes an intriguing short-term addition. Cooper Black will dress as the backup, but there’s a realistic chance Schmid draws Sunday’s lucrative road start in Chicago. If you’re locked in a tight fantasy matchup, that’s exactly the kind of opportunity you’re targeting.

Arseny Gritsyuk (25, LW/RW) – New Jersey Devils ($3.2M AAV)

If you’re in a deep salary-cap league like mine, Gritsyuk may already be spoken for. In shallower formats, however, he represents an excellent low-cost addition. His dual-position eligibility is a major bonus, as lineup flexibility is incredibly valuable, especially in leagues with limited transactions. Players who can slide into multiple roster spots are worth their weight in gold.

Gritsyuk currently sits tied for third on the Devils in points, leading them in goals, and has been skating alongside Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt on the team's top line. If that deployment continues, he could provide strong value without forcing managers to sacrifice significant cap space. His goal against Colorado on Tuesday was the type of play that tends to grab the attention of fantasy players, so his availability may not last long.

Jonas Siegenthaler (29, D) – New Jersey Devils ($3.4M AAV)

This recommendation is for those of you competing in deeper leagues. Your waiver wire probably looks a lot like mine: a collection of defensemen carrying cap hits north of $4 million, along with the occasional Jacob Trouba-type contract sitting near the top of the list.

My league requires managers to roster a set number of defensemen, which is why Siegenthaler stands out as a useful depth option. There isn’t much appeal in spending $4 million to $6 million on a blue liner playing 14 minutes per night, whereas Siegenthaler regularly logs around 18 minutes while carrying a lower cap hit.

He’s unlikely to provide significant offensive production, but he contributes to categories that matter. He recorded an assist and three hits against Colorado and has registered at least one blocked shot in all but one game this season. If you’re scrambling for inexpensive defensive help over the next week or two, Siegenthaler is a sensible option who won’t damage your salary cap situation.

For continued fantasy news and notes, follow me on Twitter @ndySanz.

Contract information from PuckPedia. Roster percentages from Frozen Tools.