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The fantasy hockey season may be in just the fourth week, but there are still some hidden gems out on the waiver wire. One of these underrated stars is D Sami Salo of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Salo has racked up five points already this season, including one goal and four assists. He also has a rating of +3 and has continuously logged strong shifts for the Bolts.
In 2012, the defenseman only logged a total of 17 points (two goals/15 assists) through 46 games. He didn’t look very comfortable during the lockout-shortened season and he had a tough time getting in a rhythm with the team. However, it was just his first season in Tampa, and a shortened preseason definitely didn’t help him get into a groove. He has looked much better this year, though, and it is not a coincidence that he had a full off-season to get comfortable with his teammates.
Related: 2013 Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: LW Marcus Johansson
The defender is often playing behind the team’s top line that includes Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis. Playing with these two superstars will always give Salo a chance to rack up points and a 50-point performance is certainly not an unrealistic projection.
Salo is only owned in 36% of CBS leagues, compared to just 7% in Week 1. He is still out there in a majority of fantasy formats and will be a reliable defender to lean on throughout the remainder of the season.
Adam McGill is the Senior Fantasy Sports Writer at Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @adammcgill83, like him on Facebook, or add him to you networks on Google here or here.
