Fantasy Hockey Special: Forwards

Over 20 games into the season, it's officially time that you can cut bait with certain players and consider them "busts" if they're not producing yet. In contrast, there have been many surprise hot starts and many of them have died out, but a select few have kept up the pace and have emerged as top break-out candidates. Forwards are the offensive leaders of your teams, but it is a fickle position and has to be monitored carefully. Some players, like Kovalchuk and Spezza, have been off to slow starts but they're still worth owning and you should grab them if they're available. Some slow starts, however, are just too bad to ignore. Here are the Studs and Duds so far this fantasy season:

Studs:

Daniel Briere, PHI

He's finally playing the offense that he's capable of. Since leaving Buffalo, Briere has had trouble on the Flyers finding his groove for a whole season. So far this year, it's safe to say he's found it. With 18 points, a +11, and 43 PIM, Danny is turning into a very well-rounded fantasy player on an extremely deep Flyer's roster. He's got talent around him and will continue to produce unless he gets hurt, which is always a small possibility with him.

James Neal, DAL

Neal was a top breakout candidate coming into the season and has lived up to those expectations so far. Boasting 21 points, a +12 and 27 PIM, he joins Briere as a well-rounded fantasy player that can give you a little bit of everything. He'll keep playing with Richards and Eriksson so expect things to keep up for the 23-year-old.

Duds:

John Tavares, NYI

I'm not saying you should drop the guy, but this guy has been a bust for fantasy owners thus far. People were hoping he would follow in Stamkos' steps and break out this year, but it wasn't to be. With the Islander's injury woes, Tavares has struggled to put up points consistently with only 8 goals, 6 assists, and a -14. The talent is there, but unless it's a 1 year league I'd hang on to him. In a couple years he'll break out, but for now it's growing pains.

Alexander Frolov, NYR

Many expected, well hoped, that Frolov would find his offensive touch this season playing in a new organization alongside superstar Marian Gaborik. Throughout his career, Frolov has been questioned for his lack of hustle both on and off the ice. With only 11 points so far, that trend has continued. He has 1 PPP, 4 PIM and only 48 SOG, and at this point he isn't worth owning. Look for other players on free agents like Ray Whitnet, Jussi Jokinen, or Alex Tanguay to replace him.

Pick Up of the Week:

David Jones, COL

Jones already has 10 goals, on pace for over 35, and has a +8 on the season. He's a big part of the Avalanche's offense this season, and with the injury to Chris Stewart, Jones has chance to get top line minutes for Colorado. He isn't likely to continue at this pace, but he's worth a shot if you need some goals at the RW position.

Email of the Week:

I was just offered this trade in a keeper league. I'm leaning toward accepting but what do you think?

I give: Crosby, Brown, and Andy Macdonald

I receive: Parise, Carter, Zetterberg

This is a tough one. I usually go by the notion that whoever recieves the best player in a trade usually wins, but I'm going to have to abandon that notion here. Crosby is obviously the best player here, but the side your recieving is far better. Brown's a solid contributer, but Macdonald will be useless in fantasy before long. Parise is a first round pick, and in a keeper league his value doesn't get hurt much with the fact that he's currently on the IR. Zetterberg is always good for a minimum of 75 points, usually more. And Carter is a pure goal scorer with dominant shots on net every night. Say goodbye to Crosby and take the trade.