areer.Hes come into the season in better shape physically than he did as a rookie, and is eager to cut down on his mistakes. He dropped 11 passes in 2014 and ran the wrong route a number of times, one of them leading to costly interception late in a Carolina loss.The 25-year-old Benjamin said he has p

While you may be an avid fan of a particular NHL team -- and keep up to date on all the news and rumors regarding that franchise -- there are 29 others playing in 2016-17.As a fantasy owner, it can be a bit daunting to keep tabs on everything.Thats where the Fantasy 30 comes in -- a rundown of the most fantasy-relevant updates on every team. Heres whats happening around the NHL this week.Anaheim Ducks: Goalie John Gibson simply refuses to roll over and hand the No. 1 baton to Jonathan Bernier. Just as the call for less Gibson and more Bernier amplified again this week, the former turned in an outstanding 39-save performance in Tuesdays 2-1 win over Carey Price and the Canadiens. However, Bernier has still been the more consistent of the two this season, and is in little danger of seeing his fair share of starts dwindle anytime soon. Frankly, the 28-year-old merits ownership in a larger number than his current eight percent of ESPN leagues.Arizona Coyotes: After sustaining an upper-body injury during Tuesdays 2-1 overtime loss in San Jose, Oliver Ekman-Larsson is considered a maybe for Thursdays tilt with the Los Angeles Kings. Ensure the Coyotes No. 1 defenseman is, in fact, competing before enlisting his services in leagues with daily lineup adjustments or DFS play.Boston Bruins: Ryan Spooner was given a chance earlier this season. At present, depth forward Tim Schaller is trying his best to make the most of the position. But really, the Bruins are clearly in the market for a more suitable character to slide in on the left side of David Krejci and right wing David Backes. If/when they find such a skater -- within their own system or via the trade market -- anticipate bigger scoring numbers from all involved, particularly the talented, streaky centerman.Buffalo Sabres: To the pleasure of his fantasy owners and Sabres fans alike, Jack Eichel looked no worse for wear in his post-high ankle sprain debut, scoring a goal and an assist (both with the extra skater) in Tuesdays 5-4 victory over the Senators. More importantly, he felt good (enough) doing it. Im a little bit tired, but Im just happy to be back in the swing of things, Eichel said, via the Buffalo News. The ankle felt really good, so I think thats a plus. As discussed in Tuesdays Waiver Watch, the young centers return also bolsters the respective fantasy value of those around him -- including linemate/roommate Sam Reinhart, who is owned in a mere 23 percent of ESPN leagues.Calgary Flames: It appears the Flames arent proactively looking to trade Dougie Hamilton after all. Speaking with TSN radio, Brian Burke implied hed rather swallow a thousand suns than deal the towering, fleet-of-foot defenseman. Actually, the clubs president of hockey operations specifically said that while the Flames would consider moving Hamilton for an overwhelming return -- suggested package: 20 first-round draft picks -- they werent actively shopping the 23-year-old. Considering Maple Leafs winger James van Riemsdyk probably isnt worth more than a dozen first-rounders, we can put that rumor temporarily to bed. Leading Calgarys blueliner ranks with 12 points and 68 shots (and sitting second with 26 penalty minutes), Hamilton is likely staying put for the time being.Carolina Hurricanes: Placed on IR with a concussion, Jordan Staal could be out a while; theres no current timetable for his return. To plug the gaping hole at center, coach Bill Peters has shifted Teuvo Teravainen to the middle, while hauling winger Lee Stempniak up from a depth position. Third-line center Derek Ryan is also seeing additional minutes with the man advantage.Chicago Blackhawks: Suffering from a minor back injury, Jonathan Toews is loosely expected to return Saturday in Philadelphia after missing a handful of games. That means 22-year-old Vincent Hinostroza is in line for one more whirl as a top-six center, against the Devils on Thursday.Colorado Avalanche: Honestly, we thought hed be back by now. However, Gabriel Landeskog isnt likely to return for the Avalanche until Saturday -- at the outside earliest. I dont want to say hes not day-to-day still. I think, Im hoping hes more day-to-day than week-to-week, coach Jared Bednar said following Wednesdays practice, per NHL.com. But now we have the ability to put him on IR retroactive and he can come off at anytime, but as you saw again today, hes not skating. Hes not going to play tomorrow. Thats all I know right now. In Landeskogs place, Rene Bourque is skating on the left side of top center Nathan MacKinnon. Which isnt ideal, to put it mildly.Columbus Blue Jackets: After a somewhat rocky months-long start to their relationship, Brandon Saad appears to be competing his way into coach John Tortorellas good graces:He has a personality (long pause), hes a different guy, Tortorella said this week, per the Columbus Dispatch. Hes a little laid back, but the last three or four games Ive seen him compete harder than any Ive seen him compete any time since Ive known him from last year through (now). And, thats been a battle between him and I as far as how hard I want to him to play.It wasnt long ago that Saad was in perceived danger of sitting as a healthy scratch. Now, on the top line with Alexander Wennberg and Nick Foligno, the 24-year-old has six goals and 11 assists through the first quarter of the season. Dont underestimate the former Blackhawks fantasy value moving forward, especially if he remains on the right side of Tortorella.Dallas Stars: Coach Lindy Ruff isnt shying away from booting John Klingberg to the press box as way of expressing his disappointment with the top defenseman. The 24-year-old was a healthy scratch for the second time in little more than a week, Tuesday versus the Red Wings. While we dont expect this trend to endure, make sure Klingberg is actually playing before activating him in daily adjustment leagues.Detroit Red Wings: With Brendan Smith (knee) on the injured shelf for four weeks, defenseman Ryan Sproul is projected to carry more responsibility for a spell. Although skating as a third-pair D-man aside Jonathan Ericsson, the 23-year-old is also seeing quality minutes with Detroits man advantage. The former Sault-Ste. Marie Greyhound was heralded for his offensive contributions in the OHL, and has since accumulated 91 points in three AHL regular seasons (213 games).Edmonton Oilers: The latest shuffling in Edmonton sees Leon Draisaitl join the sizzling forward pair of Connor McDavid and Milan Lucic, which has resulted in Jesse Puljujarvi, once again, falling to the fourth unit. If possible, make sure Draisaitl is active on your roster against the Jets Thursday, and consider him a potential asset in DFS competition.Florida Panthers: Through no fault of his own (obviously), new Panthers forward Seth Griffith could benefit from the firing of head coach Gerard Gallant. As discussed in Elliotte Friedmans 30 thoughts column, interim head coach (and GM) Tom Rowe might experiment with expanding Griffiths scoring horizons:As Jeff Marek pointed out, one of Floridas first changes could be going to four forwards and one defenseman on the power play. (Gallant preferred two defenders.) Also, watch Seth Griffiths usage. The Panthers claimed him off waivers from Toronto, then sent Jared McCann to the AHL to prevent him from being exposed once again. Curious to see if Rowe gives Griffith a longer look on a more offensive line.By no means are we suggesting you rush to acquire Griffith for your own fantasy squad -- the 23-year-old former Maple Leaf/Bruin has accomplished little at the NHL level to date. Just monitor the situation for now.Los Angeles Kings: As anticipated, Marian Gaborik has ascended to the Kings top line alongside Anze Kopitar following a brief, post-injury warm-up. Owned in a mere 8.8 percent of ESPN leagues, the veteran winger still has the goal-scoring wherewithal to contribute in a good portion of fantasy leagues.Montreal Canadiens: Skating with a variety of linemates to date, Max Pacioretty has only five goals (10 assists) to show for his efforts this campaign -- well off pace for a sniper with 30-plus tallies (nearly 40 in 2013-14) in his past four complete seasons. However, with an analytical glint in his eye, Adam Gretz suggests Habs fans, and Paciorettys fantasy owners, shouldnt fret yet.Through Monday he has a team best 53.9 Corsi for percentage (almost identical to what he has done in recent seasons) while the Canadiens are outscoring their opponents when he is on the ice. His assist numbers are also right in line with the rest of his career. So the team is still scoring goals and producing positive results when he is on the ice. That is a good thing because he is obviously a very big part of that. The big difference is right now is the puck is not going in the net off of his stick.TL;DR version: The goals will come. Be patient.Minnesota Wild: Despite a recent desultory showing by his top line, coach Bruce Boudreau doesnt seem eager to disassemble the combo of Zach Parise, Eric Staal, and Charlie Coyle. Theyre good players and theyre all professional and theyre going to get back on track, Boudreau said following Tuesdays 5-4 loss to the Canucks, per the Star Tribune. Equally annoyed with themselves, this trio is primed for an inspired performance against the reasonably generous Flames in Calgary on Friday. Take note, DFS competitors.Nashville Predators: Updating the latest injury news out of Nashville, Thursday: Defenseman Ryan Ellis is skating, and forward James Neal is not. Filling the top-six void left by Neal, 20-year-old Kevin Fiala scored a goal on four shots against the Avalanche Tuesday. Fantasy owners in deeper leagues may want to take a flier on the former first-round draft selection -- and current AHL standout -- as long as he remains in that slot.New Jersey Devils: Recovering from knee surgery, Taylor Hall hopes to return to the Devils lineup Saturday, if not earlier. Today it felt really good, Hall said earlier this week, per the Record. Today felt better than yesterday. Ill try and be ready for Thursday but, if not, then I hope to play Saturday. If coach John Hynes prefers to leave a red-hot Michael Cammalleri alongside Travis Zajac, look for Hall to potentially join center Adam Henriques line.New York Islanders: Just as the trio was enjoying some growing chemistry between them, the Islanders No. 1 forward line has, once again, been (partially) disassembled. The latest version sees Brock Nelson join John Tavares and Josh Bailey, in substitution for rookie Anthony Beauvillier. Also of note, recent scratch Ryan Strome returns to the lineup as second-line center, adjacent veteran winger Andrew Ladd. Seeking redemption, Strome serves as an intriguing DFS play against the Capitals Thursday.New York Rangers: Even though the two havent regularly played on the same line, J.T. Miller has just one goal and an assist in the five games since center Mika Zibanejad suffered a broken fibula. Coincidence? Larry Brooks of the New York Post thinks not:J.T. Miller is a much better player on the wing than at center, and the Rangers are a better team with Miller on Kevin Hayes right wing. The Rangers are down a top-six center, and there is no doubt that Mika Zibanejads long-term absence has revealed a soft spot in the clubs depth, but shifting Miller to the middle dilutes the teams strength on the wing while only barely addressing a weakness.Perhaps temper your fantasy expectations of Miller until coach Alain Vigneault finds another replacement for Zibanejad down the middle.Ottawa Senators: Designated as day-to-day with a hand injury, Bobby Ryan is expected to sit Thursdays contest with the Philadelphia Flyers. But while young forward Curtis Lazar is projected to see additional quality minutes in Ryans absence, the top-line duo of Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman -- adjacent center Derick Brassard -- is making the majority of noise for the Senators right now (combined eight goals and eight assists in five games). Also worth noting is Mike Condon moves up as temporary go-to netminder, while Craig Anderson takes a personal leave of absence.Philadelphia Flyers: Nick Cousins moment in the top-six sun has since clouded over. Following a brief three-game experiment with Cousins in the second-line center role, coach Dave Hakstol has instead decided to replace an injured Sean Couturier with Brayden Schenn. As such, the dangerous duo of Schenn/Wayne Simmonds deserves an extra-long look in DFS play for Thursdays game against goalie Mike Condon and the Senators.Pittsburgh Penguins: As volleyed about in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, rookie Jake Guentzel may not be long for the Penguins top six. Were not so sure coach Mike Sullivan is ready to pull the trigger on such a change; Wednesdays tilt with the Islanders the exception, the 22-year-old, five-game veteran has been effective alongside Evgeni Malkin. But Guentzels fantasy owners should keep a close eye nonetheless.San Jose Sharks: Dont let his superficial fourth-line role lead you astray; as this chart illustrates, Kevin Labanc is also enjoying some quality ice-time with the likes of Logan Couture. In fact, Couture earned the primary assist on Labancs first period goal in the Sharks 4-1 win against the Kings Wednesday. The 20-year-old old rookie also has two assists in his past four games. Fantasy food for thought, DFS-wise and in ultra-deep leagues.St. Louis Blues: Recovered from an upper-body ailment, versatile forward Alexander Steen is tapped to take over as center between star winger Vladimir Tarasenko and talented sophomore Robby Fabbri -- a move that knocks Jori Lehtera to the third line. Well get a good, first look at the Fabbri/Steen/Tarasenko unit versus the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday.Tampa Bay Lightning: After missing over two weeks worth of games with an upper-body injury, Anton Stralman is likely to make his return for the Lightning Thursday. Tampa has missed Stralmans puck-moving presence, particularly with the man advantage.Toronto Maple Leafs: Tune into any hockey-related broadcast in Toronto, and you wont wait long before hearing about the inevitability of the Maple Leafs moving one of their scoring wingers. Some have speculatively hoisted William Nylander up on the trade block. Others have already, in their own minds, shipped James van Riemsdyk out of town, bags fully packed. Now, while a deal including JVR -- targeting a defenseman in return, most likely -- is supported by legitimate NHL insiders, were not there yet. So the Leafs current dynamic trio of JVR, Tyler Bozak and Mitch Marner remains safe to exploit in the meanwhile.Vancouver Canucks: If desperate for blue-line fantasy help, have a glance at Vancouvers Troy Stecher. With Alex Edler out four to six weeks (fractured finger) and Chris Tanev (lower-body injury) still on the shelf, the 22-year-old rookie is currently enjoying top-pair minutes and a prominent power-play role. Averaging 3.14 shots per game, Stecher relished his first multi-point game versus the Wild on Tuesday. What have you got to lose?Washington Capitals: Heres a succulent tidbit for fantasy owners in competitive keeper leagues: 20-year-old Jakub Vrana is projected to make his NHL debut Thursday on a line with Evgeny Kuznetsov and Andre Burakovsky. Theyre highly skilled and they should have a bond because theyre younger guys, coach Barry Trotz said, per the Washington Post. They can move. They can fly. Well see if that line can do some damage. The former first-round draft pick (2014) has nine goals an seven assists in 18 AHL games this season. If available, he might also be worth a shot in DFS play against the Islanders Thursday.Winnipeg Jets: The Jets are healing. First, fans enjoyed Bryan Littles healthy comeback earlier this week, and now Mathieu Perreault is pegged to suit up after his own lengthy absence. While Little is entrenched as second-line center behind Mark Scheifele, Perreault could re-crack the top six on the wing -- in place of Drew Stafford? -- before you know it. Otherwise, the third-line centers role, along with a prominent gig with the extra skater, is likely in the cards for the 28-year-old. Charles Barkley Suns Jersey . Each of Houstons starters scored in double figures as the Rockets improved to 2-0 against the Spurs this season, with both victories coming on the road. They also moved within 3 1/2 games of San Antonio (22-7) for the lead the Southwest Division. Penny Hardaway Suns Jersey . -- When the Florida Panthers fell behind by two goals in the first period to the top team in the NHL, it appeared they were on their way to yet another loss. http://www.officialsunsfanstore.com/ . Peter Holland and Brad Staubitz were sent to Toronto on Saturday as the Maple Leafs traded defenceman Jesse Blacker and draft picks to the Anaheim Ducks. Devin Booker Suns Jersey .ca! Kerry, Two nights after the Scott-Eriksson incident in Buffalo, the Bruins returned home to play San Jose. In that game, Zdeno Chara put a check on Tommy Wingels that clearly targeted his head. Dan Majerle Jersey . They hope to persuade the other team owners and commissioner Roger Goodell to put pressure on Redskins owner Daniel Snyder to drop the nickname they find offensive. "Given the way the meeting transpired," Ray Halbritter, an Oneida representative and leader of the "Change the Mascot Campaign," said Wednesday, "it became somewhat evident they were defending the continued use of the name. SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Its pretty clear Kelvin Benjamin has firmly re-established himself as the Carolina Panthers No. 1 wide receiver with a wide array of big-time, circus-like catches in the first week of training camp.Not that it matters much to Benjamin, whod just assume blend back into the offense without much fanfare.You be a team guy, Benjamin said of his approach this season. Most teams with that No. 1 receiver who is getting all of the balls, they dont have a chance to go to the Super Bowl. But its all about going to the Super Bowl here.Those unselfish words dont surprise offensive coordinator Mike Shula, who said Benjamin has a lot of blue collar in him and whose primary motivation is winning games.Benjamin stormed on the scene as a rookie in 2014, quickly establishing himself as Cam Newtons favorite option in training camp. He went on to set franchise rookie records with 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns.The 6-foot-5, 245-pound former Florida State star appeared set for a big season in 2015 before a torn ACL in training camp ended his season.That forced Newton to adjust and spread the ball around more. Nine different receivers had at least 10 receptions last season. Eight caught a touchdown pass from the league MVP.There has been chatter of whether Benjamins return might force Newton to re-establish a lock on him as he did two years ago.But fifth-year coach Ron Rivera doesnt see that happening. He said Newtons growth as a quarterback last season wont allow him to take a step back.I dont think were going to sit there and see him target Kelvin 20 times a game, Rivera said. I think he will keep the ball spread around like he did last year.Rivera said he expects Newton will target seven to 10 different receivers a game.Shula agrees.With Kelvin there (in 2014) and Steve (Smith) there the year before, maybe Cam felt like he had to go to either (Pro Bowl tight end) Greg (Olsen) or Kelvin, or Greg or Steve, Shula said.But with how the other guys stepped up last year, we can move guys around more. Hopefully it will help present more problems for the defense, where they are more conscious about covering multiple guys. And defenses have to worrry about the running game as well.ddddddddddddBut if training camp is any indication, Benjamin will be the top targeted receiver.Its hard to blame Newton when he has an option such as Benjamin running across the field.In most cases, Newton doesnt have to be completely accurate -- he simply needs to throw it up in the general vicinity for Benjamin to make the catch.I know hes excited, emotional, a lot of things going through his head right now, Newton said, but just to see him get the confidence and him to get back in the groove of things is good.Benjamin said it was difficult at times watching from the sideline last season as the Panthers opened the season 14-0. He wanted to be a part of the winning, but despite trying to put on a good face still felt like an outsider at times.It was even tougher when the Panthers, who finished No. 1 in the league in scoring last season, struggled offensively in a 24-10 loss to the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl.I just wanted to go catch a few balls, said Benjamin, who watched the game from the sideline in street clothes.Benjamin said the time away from the game helped him refocus on the importance of his football career.Hes come into the season in better shape physically than he did as a rookie, and is eager to cut down on his mistakes. He dropped 11 passes in 2014 and ran the wrong route a number of times, one of them leading to costly interception late in a Carolina loss.The 25-year-old Benjamin said he has plenty of room for improvement despite his big numbers in 2014.Once youre having a little success and something happens to you, it sits you down and lets you see that something can go wrong just like that, Benjamin said.Game notes Rivera said defensive end Kony Ealy is in the concussion protocol after getting hit in the head late in practice Friday. He did not practice Saturday. ... Benjamin and defensive end Charles Johnson were given veteran days off on Saturday to recuperate from past injuries.---Online: AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitter feed: www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '