Just like playing the stock market, when it comes to winning in fantasy hockey, it’s critical to identify the players who are on the rise. These players are almost guaranteed to improve their numbers from last season. Which means that your average opponent may tend to underestimate these options.

Insulted

Niclas Bergfors ATL

Bergfors was the prize that returned to Atlanta in the Kovalchuk trade. He showed in his first few weeks why the Thrashers signed him up for the deal, with some impressive highlights on offense. He finished his rookie year above the 20-goal mark and will certainly do better than that in his second season. He will be a significant late-season fantasy factor.

Dustin Byfuglien ATL

The big man had a career-high 36 points last season. If he watches the playoffs, you know he can hit that mark by Christmas. Expect a big jump for Byfuglien in his first year as a Thrasher.

Matt Duchene COL

Duchesne was an early favorite for the Calder Trophy last season. He slowed down a bit in the second half, but he still exceeded expectations for his rookie year. He expects him to be better in his second season and challenge Stastny as the team’s top points producer. 70 points is not out of the question for Duchesne.

Louis Eriksson DAL

Eriksson is quickly becoming the number one offensive threat in Dallas. His points have risen steadily in his first four NHL seasons. He has the talent to score 30-35 goals per season. Look for another small step up from Eriksson in 2010-11.

Nathan Horton CEO

Horton has a new home and a new life in Boston. If he can stay healthy, he should be a 40-goal threat.

Bryan Little ATL

After scoring 31 goals at home in 2009-10, Little took a big step back last season, tallying just 13 goals and 21 assists. He is a gifted player who has jumped between center and wing. He’ll be better in 2010, but it’s hard to say if he can get back to 30 goals this year. He expects an improvement of at least 20 points this season.

Kyle Okposo NYI

Okposo has progressed very well in his first two seasons on the Island. He plays a solid game and is emerging as a true offensive threat. He’s guaranteed to set another career best of his in goals and assists, we just have to find out how high he’ll go next season. Set your sights on a 60+ point season with the potential for 25 goals.

Joe Pavelski SAINT

Pavelski’s totals dropped from 59 to 51 points last season, but that was due to the 15 games he missed last fall with a foot injury. When the playoffs came around, he emerged as one of the most dominant players in the postseason. He outshone the likes of Thornton, Marleau and Heatley with his production and his overall playing. That momentum should continue into next season, where he should reach new career highs in both goals and assists.

Mason Raymond VAN

Raymond has found a home on the Canucks’ second line. He made some big strides in his third NHL season, recording 25 goals and 53 points. He should top those numbers in 2010-11.

Bobby Ryan ANA

Bobby Ryan (aka the Crosby Sweeps Consolation Award) has consistently developed into a valuable fantasy forward. He joins Getzlaf and Perry to form a big three-punch in Anaheim, with Ryan potentially the top scorer of the three. He hit 31 and 35 goals in his last two seasons and is quickly becoming a 40-goal guy. The only caveat is that, at this point, he is not signed yet.

Jordan StaalPIT

In his first 4 seasons, Staal has been held back in the fantasy world for his excellent defensive skills. He plays a good chunk of his time short-handed, despite having the size and skills to produce up front as well. There are rumors that he can be used more often in the top 2 lanes by switching him or Malkin to wing. If that happens, expect a big stat boost from him. Don’t forget, he’ll only be 22 when the season starts. He sure as hell will surpass his career best with 49 points.

Chris StewartCOL

Stewart surprised many fans with his outstanding statistics from the second season. He has the talent and the strength to score goals in spades. Last season he scored 28 for the Avalanche and will likely be in that vicinity again in 2010-11.

James van Riemsdyk PHI

Drafted second overall in 2007, van Riemsdyk showed considerable promise in his rookie season with Philly. He may be another year away from becoming a major fantasy forward, but he’s a player on the rise and should contribute more in 2010-11.

Defending

ATL by Zach Bogosian

Bogosian is entering his third season in the NHL and is still on his way to being a star in this league. He has scored 9 and 10 goals in his first two downs and should move closer to the 15-goal range this season as he earns more playing time with the Thrashers.

Alexander Edler van

Edler finished last season with an ankle injury, but should be fine and/or stylish by the start of this year. He has slowly become the go-to guy in Vancouver on defense and his fantasy totals are starting to catch his eye. There’s a good chance he’ll reach the 40-point mark this season, but don’t expect a lot of goals from Edler, which may limit his value in certain leagues.

Tobias Enstrom ATL

After 3 seasons in the NHL, Enstrom has established himself as a solid fantasy defenseman. If nothing else, he is durable. He has yet to miss a game in his career. He made a big jump in points last season to 50, putting him among the elite. The only drawback at this point is his low goal total, having peaked last season with 6. He plans on a 55-point season in 2010-11.

Cody Franson NAS

At 22, the huge defenseman from Nashville is just beginning to show the world what he can do. If he can wrestle some power play minutes away from Weber and Suter, his value could increase. As it stands, look for a 30+ point season in your sophomore year.

Alex Goligoski PIT

Goligoski’s role and fantasy numbers have increased steadily over the past two seasons. With Gonchar gone, the Pens will look to Gogo to take the puck further. He should have no trouble breaking the 40-point mark this season and could get closer to 15 goals in 2010-11.

Erik Karlsson OTT

Karlsson started his rookie season slowly but ended it with a bang. He scored 12 points in the last 10 games of the season, leaving us wondering what to expect in his sophomore year. Karlsson should get into 40-point territory in 2010-11 and can reach 10 goals.

Alex Pietrangelo STL

Pietrangelo has a fair chance to make the Blues club this fall, and if he does, look him up to quickly put the options on the board. He was taken fourth overall in the 2008 draft, mainly because of his offensive potential. Now, at 20, he’s ready to start proving himself worth it.

Ian White CGY

White came to Calgary as the linchpin in the Phaneuf deal. His numbers have risen steadily in his first few NHL seasons, and he has established himself as a scoring threat from the starting point. His 13 goals last season are among the best in that position. Unless the Flames move someone, he’ll have to fight for playing time, with the likes of Regehr, Bouwmeester and Giordano in the lineup. He should repeat in the double digits on goals, which makes him a decent mid-round option.

goals

Jonathan Bernier

Despite the unexpected appearance of Jonathan Quick last season, the Kings still have future plans for Bernier. He won’t be surprised to see him steal a few starts from Quick and start to get some recognition as the season progresses. Not worthy of a starting role in your fantasy squad just yet, but keep that in mind as the season progresses.

Michal Neuvirth WAS

Why is Neuvirth even on this list? Mainly because Theodore is gone, the Caps haven’t gotten another goaltender (nor do they have much cap space to do so), and mainly because I’m not convinced Varlamov is the No. 1 long-term option in Washington. Neuvirth has just as many upsides as Varlamov, so don’t be surprised to see a camp battle for the No. 1 spot. Sit on him as a potential late-night sleeper option, or keep an eye on him as the season progresses. At some point, he’s going to have a hot streak this year in DC.