NHL Fantasy: Many Happy Returns

It wasn't the best of years for Todd Bertuzzi in 2006, what with the boo-birds, the Olympic flop and the back surgery last fall.

Of course, the previous two years weren't so hot, either.

But instead of dwelling on the past, let's look forward. To about three weeks from now, when poolies can expect the power forward's long-awaited return.

The word from Florida is Bertuzzi's rehabilitation is going extremely well and he should be practising with the team after the all-star break. If not owned in your pool, consider Big Bert a great second-half sleeper pick.

He's not the only player coming off the IR who can help poolies down the stretch.

Defencemen Frantisek Kaberle of the Hurricanes and Bryan Berard of the Blue Jackets have yet to play following off-season surgeries. But the two are now skating and aiming for a return in two or three weeks.

Both have great offensive abilities, and needy poolies should certainly consider their services.
Francois Beauchemin, probably dropped in many pools after lacerating his spleen late last year, is another rearguard set to return after the all-star break. Grab him now because Beauchemin will be the Ducks' power-play quarterback as soon as he's back.