Waiting for the Call

As we head down the stretch run of the 2011/2012 NHL season, the true playoff contenders will become a lot clearer. Already in the past few weeks, teams like Toronto, Calgary and Minnesota are quickly taking themselves out of contention. Ultimately these teams are going to wave the white flag at some point, giving wide-eyed youngsters a chance at making an impression in the NHL. Here’s who could be of some value to you and your fantasy team for your own playoff push.

Cam Atkinson - RW CBJ
Atkinson has quickly risen up the Columbus depth charts but don't let the small 6th round pick out of Boston College's pedigree fool you. Atkinson put up 44 points in 50 games with the Blue Jacket's AHL affiliate Springfield. As Columbus continues to rebuild, don't be surprised if Atkinson gets his share of minutes.

Joe Colborne - C TOR
With the Leafs quickly sliding from the playoff race in the East, it's just a matter of time before they call up their big centre of the future. Colborne has been very good down on the farm for the Marlies, he could be in line for a promotion with Dallas Eakins.

Ben Scrivens - G TOR
The Leafs goaltending situation has been abysmal of late, and Scrivens could be in line if Gustavsson and Reimer continue to struggle. He's been solid in the AHL, and Burke can't afford to not give him a chance if the Leafs continue to fade.

Linus Omark - LW EDM
Omark has made a small splash on the NHL stage already, but the Oilers have such dynamic forwards that it's blocked him from sneaking into the top 6. He's putting up good numbers in the AHL, keep an eye on him.

Louis Leblanc - C MTL
Oh, Montreal. What a miserable season it's been for the Canadiens, so expect them to give their youngsters from Hamilton a look. Leblanc has been up before, and should get more opportunities this season.

Blake Geoffrion – C MTL
Another player likely to see the ice quite a bit in Montreal as the season winds down. Geoffrion modest offensive skills and a bit of grit too, but don’t be surprised to see him squeak some PP time in. His name alone will earn him a shot.

Aaron Palushaj – RW MTL
Palushaj has put up excellent numbers in the AHL, not too mention he gets PIM’s too. Palushaj is the most ready of the Montreal prospects on this list, as he has nothing left to prove in the AHL. His NHL time to date has been difficult, but expect more minutes for him to work with going down the stretch.

Andreas Engqvist – C MTL
Engqvist brings a large frame to a team desperately in need of some size, and his game has been growing. He has finally found some offensive rhythm down in Hamilton, so expect him to be called up soon. He could possibly have the highest upside of the Montreal prospects.

Zac Dalpe – C, RW CAR
Dalpe has had a couple chances to stick in the NHL but can’t seem to find his groove in the show. But he’s young, putting up good numbers in the AHL and Carolina is going nowhere fast. If the Jerome Samson project fails (another player worth looking into), expect Dalpe to fill his role.

Bob Sanguinetti – D CAR
Sanguinetti has fantasy potential as an offensive defenseman, he’s a defensive liability, but can put points on the board. Look for him to get PP minutes in Carolina as the season comes to a close.

Matt Donovan – D, NYI
The Islanders are still bad, which is an upgrade from terrible. Finally they have a young defenseman in Donovan who could be worth giving a chance in the NHL. He has grit, offence and fairly decent defensive game, Snow has no reason not to give him a shot.

Brayden McNabb – D BUF
Don’t be fooled by Buffalo, although they’ve had a few wins to appear they’re still in the hunt, there’s just too many teams ahead of them in the Eastern Conference playoff race. McNabb put up ridiculous numbers in the WHL, and has been very successful in the AHL. Look for him to get PP time down the stretch.

T.J. Brennan – D BUF
Like McNabb, Brennan is a young defenseman capable of putting points up on the board. Don’t be surprised if he gets another shot in Buffalo.

Corey Tropp – RW BUF
Tropp has grit and he can score, with Kassian gone look for Tropp to get a chance as a gritty scorer on Buffalo as he has already been called up.

Brett Connolly – RW TB
The most obvious player on this list, Connolly has elite skill and has been blocked by the strong forwards on the Tampa Bay roster. Connolly will see quite a bit of PP time as Tampa gets further out of the playoff race.

Radko Gudas – D TB
What a name. Gudas won’t light up the scoreboard, but he’ll get you significant PIM’s if Yzerman decides to call him up. With Tampa in desperate need of some defence, Gudas could fit the bill.

Kyle Palmieri – C ANH
Palmieri has been a one man wrecking crew in the AHL this season, it’s too bad Anaheim has an abundance of top 6 forwards. Still, look for Palmieri to get substantial ice time as he’s been the best player in the AHL this season.

Peter Holland – C ANH
Holland has played well with Palmieri in Syracuse this season, and has some size to go along with a gifted skill-set. He should get another chance in the NHL this season.