News:Andrew Brunette, who was out with an upper-body injury, returned to the ice on Tuesday night in the Blackhawks' loss to the Avalanche.
Analysis: After being knocked out of the Feb. 3 game against the Oilers, Andrew Brunette only missed one game and skated almost 14 minutes against Colorado on Tuesday. He did not have a shot on goal and his numbers are down this season, but he is durable. The one game that he missed was only his fourth game out of the lineup in the last nine seasons.
News:Andrew Brunette (upper body) is a game-time decision for Tuesday's game against Colorado, Chicago Sun-Times writer Adam Jahns reports.
Analysis:Andrew Brunette participated in the morning skate, so it seems as if the odds are vaguely in his favor. His owners, in any case, will need to check back closer to game time to confirm his status.
News:Andrew Brunette (upper body) was on the ice for the team's morning skate Tuesday, Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Analysis:Andrew Brunette missed the team's game against Calgary on Friday. There's a chance he will play Tuesday against his former team, the Avalanche. It's possible that Brunette won't reach the 40-point mark for the first time since 1998-99.
News:Andrew Brunette (upper body) missed practice Monday, ESPN Chicago reports.
Analysis:Andrew Brunette missed Friday's game against Calgary with the upper body injury. He has not been able to practice since, but still remains day-to-day.
News:Andrew Brunette (upper body) will miss Friday's game against Calgary, Tracey Myers of CSN Chicago reports.
Analysis: It's still not clear how severe the injury might be. The team hasn't indicated that he's any worse than day-to-day, though.
News:Andrew Brunette (upper-body injury) left Thursday night's loss to the Oilers in the second period and Hawks' coach Joel Quenneville hinted that he might miss some time on the ice, the ESPN Chicago reports.
Analysis: If Andrew Brunette loses any time, it will be rare for the player who is the definition of reliable. In fact, he's missed just three games since 2001-02, a span of nine seasons. It would also continue a down season for Brunette since his numbers are from trending down compared to his past production. In 52 games Brunette has nine goals and 10 assists which is potentially going to be his worst season in scoring since 1998-99 when he scored 11 goals and 20 assists with Nashville. He had averaged 59 points in the last 10 seasons before the 2011-12 season.
News:Andrew Brunette notched his fourth goal of the season on the power play in the Blackhawks' 5-1 win in Vancouver on Wednesday night.
Analysis: It was Andrew Brunette's second goal in four games and more importantly it was on the power play which has struggled for the 'Hawks this season. Brunette signed as a free agent in the off-season after skating for the Wild for the previous three seasons. Brunette is still trying to work his way into the Blackhawks' scheme. He is behind last season's scoring output with the Wild where he scored 18 goals and 28 assists in 82 games. Along with the four goals, Brunette has registered four assists in 19 games with the Blackhawks.
News: Brunette has signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Blackhawks, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Analysis: Brunette is the definition of reliable. In fact, he's missed just three games since 2001-02, a span of nine seasons. As an added bonus, he's averaged close to 59 points over the past 10 seasons. That kind of production will be welcomed in the Windy City.
News: The Wild are unlikely to sign Brunette, who is an unrestricted free agent, the St. Paul Pioneer reports.
Analysis: The Brent Burns trade shows the Wild are trying to get younger, and the 37-year old Brunette likely won't fit into their plans.
News: Brunette logged three assists Saturday against Minnesota to pass the 40-point mark (17-25-42) for the campaign.
Analysis: With seven games left in the season, he has an outside chance of reaching 50, but we doubt he'll reach that level. If you're investing in fantasy talent for the upcoming seasons, keep in mind that at 37, Brunette's best years are well behind him.
News: Brunette (illness) will play Tuesday against Colorado, the Wild's official site reports.
Analysis: As expected, Brunette's ailment was minor, and he'll be available against the Avs if you need him in a deeper league.
News: Brunette is questionable for Tuesday's game against Colorado due to an illness, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: He was on the ice for 18 minutes in Sunday's loss to Buffalo, so this is likely minor.
News: Brunette was sidelined during Wednesday's game after he was hit in the mouth by a puck. The injury looked serious, but he returned to play the rest of the game, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Brunette had two shots in the loss. Luckily, this does't look like a serious injury.
News: Brunette was helped off the ice Wednesday night with an undisclosed head injury, Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.
Analysis: It's unclear what caused it, but Brunette was bleeding from his head and needed to be helped off by a frantic Minnesota medical staff. We'll await further details, but his return seems to be doubtful at this time.
News: Brunette put a couple goals home on Colorado's Craig Anderson in Thursday's 4-3 win, his 1,001st NHL game.
Analysis: Brunette's last two-goal game was Dec. 9, so although the veteran is offensively skilled, this is not a common occurrence. He'll need to stay hot down the stretch to add to his five-year streak of 50-plus-point seasons, as the two goals brought him up to just 30.
Minnesota's Brunette Approaching 1,000 Games Played
News: Brunette is expected to play in his 1000th NHL game next Tuesday against the visiting Kings, according to the Wild's official site.
Analysis: Brunette is the definition of an iron man for the Wild. Only three times since 2001-02 has the forward not shown up for a game and that includes the last three months of the 2009 season when he toughed out a torn ACL injury.
News: Brunette recorded his 10th of the season, but it was too little too late in Friday's 4-1 loss to the visiting Avalanche.
Analysis: Brunette might be able to break the 20-goal plateau this season, but it's not going to be pretty.
News: Brunette tickled the twine twice and added an assist in Sunday's 6-5 overtime win over Phoenix.
Analysis: Brunette scored Minnesota's first two goals including his fifth power-play goal. Brunette has 21 points (9G, 12A) in 38 games.
News: Brunette (hip) had two assists in Thursday's win over Edmonton.
Analysis: He was a game-time decision, but it's not a surprise he played since he's been able to play through pain (including playing with a torn ACL the final three months of the 2009 season).
News: Brunette (hip) pronounced himself ready to play Thursday night against Edmonton, the Minneapolis Star Tribune's Michael Russo reports.
Analysis: Brunette has missed some practice time over the last few days, but Minnesota's nearly week-long break came at a perfect time and allowed him to avoid missing any games. In daily lineup leagues, he should be safe to roll with Thursday night.
News: Brunette (hip) skated Thursday morning, the Minneapolis Star Tribune's Andrew Brunette reports.
Analysis: This is an encouraging sign, although it's still no guarantee that Brunette will be able to play Thursday against the Oilers. The Wild will likely make a decision on Brunette's status sometime after practice.
News: Brunette (hip) missed practice for a second consecutive day on Wednesday and is questionable for Thursday's game, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: It looks like he'll be a game-time decision and is probably too risky for fantasy purposes for daily formats.
News: Brunette (hip) missed practice on Tuesday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: He was bothered by the injury in practice on Monday. It looks like he may be a game-time decision for Thursday's game.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette scored his 24th goal of the season, matching his second-best career single-season total, in Sunday's loss to the Canucks. Brunette also added an assist.
Analysis: Brunette has 59 points for the second time in three seasons, and while he might never match his 83-point haul from 2006-07, the veteran has settled in as a solid starting Fantasy forward in leagues with 12 teams or more.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette tallied a goal, assist and plus-1 rating during Sunday's game against the Canucks. Brunette scored on the power play 7:06 into the third. He has scored in two straight games and has 10 power-play goals on the season.
Analysis: Brunette heads into the Olympic break with 47 points in 61 games. Brunette is doing fine in his first year under coach Todd Richards. But since he is not always a multi-point threat, Brunette is more of a low-end Fantasy start.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette was in the lineup on Wednesday against the Coyotes despite missing two practices with a leg injury. He had no points in 20:25 of ice time and finished at even.
Analysis: The injury was always considered minor, and it's not surprising to see Brunette shake it off since he has a history of being an ironman. Heck, he played through a torn ACL last season and logged 80 games. Brunette is doing fine in his first year under coach Todd Richards. But since he is not always a multi-point threat, Brunette is more of a low-end Fantasy start.
News: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Wild LW Andrew Brunette (leg) and D Shane Hnidy (illness) will both play in Wednesday's game vs. Phoenix after missing practice on Tuesday.
Analysis: Brunette has 44 points in 58 games this season, which puts him on pace for a decent campaign by his standards. Still, he remains more of a low-end Fantasy start in deeper leagues until he gets back to being a reliable scorer. Hnidy has already matched his career high with 12 points this season, but is just a lower-pairing defenseman who only has value in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Wild LW Andrew Brunette sat out practice for a second straight day Tuesday with some knee and ankle soreness.
Analysis: Brunette has 44 points in 58 games this season, which puts him on pace for a decent campaign by his standards. Still, he remains more of a low-end Fantasy start in deeper leagues until he gets back to being a reliable scorer.
News: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Wild LW Andrew Brunette missed practice Monday after he tweaked his knee or ankle last week. The issue is not expected to be anything serious.
Analysis: Brunette has 44 points in 58 games this season, which puts him on pace for a decent campaign by his standards. Still, he remains more of a low-end Fantasy start in deeper leagues until he gets back to being a reliable scorer. Consider him a low-risk start for Week 19 (Feb. 8-14).
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette tallied a pair of assists and finished at minus-1 on Wednesday against the Red Wings. He has one goal and four assists during a four-game point streak.
Analysis: Brunette has really responded after going without a point during a four-game stretch and posting a minus-5 in that span. He got a wake-up call from coach Todd Richards and the veteran has responded positively. Brunette has done well coming off major knee surgery, but he is still more of a low-end Fantasy start until he gets back to being a reliable scorer.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Wild coach Todd Richards shook up his lines Monday night against Dallas, but it was in large part to spark the three men on the team's top line -- Andrew Brunette, Mikko Koivu and Antti Miettinen. The three were a combined minus-13 in Saturday's loss to Phoenix and have been struggling offensively lately. "They have to be better. They know that," Richards said. "There was a point in the season where they were carrying our team. You're sitting as a coach and asking other guys to step up their games because we can't have one line scoring. Now it seems to be one line scoring again. It's just a different line."
Analysis: In the seven games before Monday's 4-3 loss, Koivu had two goals and one assist, and he was a minus-7. In the two games before Monday, he had no shots. Against the Coyotes, he had a number of atypical defensive lapses, wasn't engaged physically and was dodging away from checks. "He wasn't alone. There were lots of guys," Richards said. "Usually Mikko's right into the game and physical and taking hits. But as a group we weren't like that. And it does start with your leader. He has to do it. He has to lead by example. And the other guys have to follow." Koivu understood why Richards was breaking up his line. "They'll do whatever they think is best for the team," Koivu said. "I think every (line) goes through this in a long year. As a line or individual, there's some hot streaks and then streaks where ... even if you feel good, you can't produce." Koivu still has the most upside of the trio and should get back on track. Brunette is a decent goal scorer, while Miettinen will be good in stretches, but never seems to sustain for a long period.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette failed to record a point and finished at minus-1 on Monday against the Penguins. Brunette hasn't scored in four games. He has one point and a minus-3 rating in that span.
Analysis: Brunette hasn't been mired in a ton of offensive slumps in 2009-10. He had a season-high 15 points in 16 December games. We will say, however, that Brunette's scoring is down after totaling seven goals in October. He is still a nice offensive presence, but Brunette is more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy forward.
News:The Sports Xchange reports CBC color analyst Kevin Weekes says Wild playmaking veteran Andrew Brunette should be an inspiration to any hockey player who thinks he can't succeed because he's told he's not a good enough skater. Brunette played his 900th game Saturday in Vancouver, and Weekes knows Brunette well. In 1992-93, Weekes played with Brunette in Owen Sound (OHL). That year, Brunette led the OHL in goals, assists and points. Yet, Brunette wasn't drafted until the seventh round (174th overall) by Washington because he wasn't a good enough skater. "Imagine, here's a guy, and his running numbers are 100 assists and 62 goals my rookie year. Hands down, he's one of the best players in Canadian hockey, yet everybody's knocking him all the time. 'Oh, he won't play. Oh, he can't skate,'" Weekes, a former goalie, said. "Well, look how determined he was."
Analysis: Brunette long has been one of the most underrated players in the NHL. "Not by players," Weekes said. "He's underrated because he wasn't a guy earmarked to be where he is. So instead of people saying, 'He exceeded our expectations, what a diamond in the rough, what a fantastic career,' there's still (NHL personnel) that take it personally that they didn't even have him on their draft board. In my mind, Bruno's got magic hands and is one of the best dishers in the league. And what a great leader. I know that firsthand from being a 16-year-old and him treating me fantastically." The Wild can attest to Brunette's production as well. Coming off major knee surgery, he has totaled 10 goals and 28 points in the team's first 32 games. He has shown no signs of suffering a setback and has grasped coach Todd Richards' offensive system with ease. Brunette has become a nice No. 4 Fantasy forward.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette recorded three assists on Friday in a 5-4 shootout win over the Ducks. Brunette now has five points in his last two games all coming on assists.
Analysis: Brunette now has 24 points on the season for the Wild. He is definitely gaining Fantasy value and can probably be considered a No. 4 Fantasy option for Week 10 (Dec. 7-13). Minnesota plays four times over that scoring period.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at minus-1 during Friday's game against the Avalanche. Brunette scored the winning goal on a power play midway through the third period Friday, leading the Wild past the Avalanche 5-3. Brunette finally broke through after taking a pass across the crease from Mikko Koivu and lifting the puck over a sprawled Craig Anderson. It was his team-leading ninth goal and sixth on the power play.
Analysis: Brunette has two goals and six assists in his last eight games. He is finally seems to be coming around offensively again after being mired in a slump from late October through early November. Brunette is coming off major offseason knee surgery, but he hasn't had any issues with the recovery. He is one of the Wild's top offensive players, but more of a No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy forward.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Wednesday's game against the Coyotes. The Wild finally solved Ilya Bryzgalov early in the third period. The goalie deflected Antti Miettinen's close-range pass, but could not control the puck, leaving it free for Brunette to backhand into the net. It was the team-leading eighth goal of the season for Brunette, who had not scored in the Wild's previous nine games.
Analysis: Brunette does have five points in his last five games, so it's not like he has been totally useless during his scoring slump. His production has eased up a bit since his hot start, but he did a similar trend last season as well. It is clear, however, Brunette is a nice fit for Todd Richards' system. Brunette is a decent No. 5 or No. 6 Fantasy forward to start when on a roll.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette scored his team's only goal during a 3-1 loss to the Blackhawks on Monday. Brunette's power-play goal on a wild scramble in front of the net cut Chicago's lead to 2-1 at 3:29 of the third. It was his second goal in as many games and seventh on the season.
Analysis: Brunette seems to be the only Wild player grasping coach Todd Richards' offensive system. He has 10 points in 11 games and is pretty much the team's top offensive weapon early in the season. Brunette has clearly recovered from his knee surgery and is worth playing in Fantasy as long as he is producing.
News: Minnesota LW Andrew Brunette recorded a point in his fifth straight game to open the season on Wednesday in a 3-2 loss to the Ducks. Brunette scored with 10 seconds left in the game with the Wild's goalie pulled.
Analysis: Brunette has four goals and two assists to open the season, recording a point in every game. He is off to a surprisingly effective and has not looked sluggish after having offseason knee surgery. He could have a big year in Todd Richards' up-tempo offense, but we still like Brunette as a low-end Fantasy option for now.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Wild LW Andrew Brunette has opened the season with points in four consecutive games after scoring a goal Saturday in San Jose. He is coming off reconstructive knee surgery.
Analysis: Brunette has three goals and five points to start the season. It's similar to his 2008-09 start when Brunette had two goals and three assists in his first three games. Brunette has not looked one bit sluggish since having offseason knee surgery. He could have a big year in Todd Richards' up-tempo offense, but we like Brunette as a low-end Fantasy option to start the year.
News:Andrew Brunette came up with a dramatic kind of "welcome home" gift for his new coach in the Minnesota Wild's first victory of the season. With Todd Richard coaching his first NHL regular-season game in his home state, Brunette's power-play goal in overtime lifted the Wild to a 4-3 victory against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday in Minnesota's home opener. With the teams skating four-on-four in overtime, Anaheim's James Wisniewski was penalized for roughing during a post-whistle skirmish. Brunette poked a puck past Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastian Giguere on the ensuing power play.
Analysis: Brunette, who also had an assist Tuesday, has now scored in two straight games. He has not looked one bit sluggish since having offseason knee surgery. Brunette could have a big year in Richards' up-tempo offense, but we like Brunette as a low-end Fantasy option to start the year.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette (legs) was able to play in Tuesday's preseason game against the Flyers. He had no points and a minus-1 rating in 15:05 of ice time. It was Brunette's first and only preseason appearance.
Analysis: Brunette dealt with some sore legs during training camp, but it was unrelated to his offseason knee surgery. Brunette returned to Minnesota last season after spending a few years in Colorado. He played on a torn ACL for most of the year, but still finished second on the team with 22 goals and 50 points. Most players struggle coming off a serious knee injury like a torn ACL, so consider Brunette an injury-risk option to begin the year.
News: Minnesota played a preseason game Thursday against the Blues without Andrew Brunette and Mikko Koivu, who are battling leg injuries and have yet to play in an exhibition game, although each skated with the team Thursday. Also missing were Pierre-Marc Bouchard (illness) and Petr Sykora (ankle).
Analysis: Brunette is merely dealing with a case of sore legs and is being held out for precautionary reasons. It has nothing to do with the knee surgery he had in the offseason. Brunette returned to Minnesota last season after spending a few years in Colorado. He played on a torn ACL for most of the year, but still finished second on the team with 22 goals and 50 points. Most players struggle coming off a serious knee injury like a torn ACL, so consider Brunette an injury-risk selection on Draft Day.
News: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Wild G Niklas Backstrom (hip surgery), Andrew Brunette (knee), D Brent Burns (concussion, shoulder), LW Derek Boogaard (shoulder surgery) and RW Pierre-Marc Bouchard (concussion) were all healthy enough to start training camp on schedule this past weekend.
Analysis: Backstrom is the most Fantasy-viable player in this group as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy goalie. He was a finalist for the Vezina last season and will be looking to build on his monster 2008-09 campaign. Burns is a solid reserve defenseman in normal leagues and is good enough to start in deeper formats. Bouchard and Brunette are a little ways down the winger rankings, but Bouchard is an interesting injury-risk flier with his possible move to center and Brunette is a legitimate 50-60 point guy. Boogaard is an enforcer who only has value in deeper leagues that reward bad behavior.
News: Minnesota Wild forward Andrew Brunette had surgery on his right knee on Thursday. The team said in a statement that the procedure "went well." Brunette is scheduled to begin a rehabilitation program on Friday. The left wing played on a torn ligament for much of the second half of the season. He missed only two games all season. He said he hopes to be ready for training camp in September.
Analysis: Brunette signed a three-year, $7 million contract to return to the Wild in the offseason. He provided toughness and leadership and finished second on the team with 22 goals and 50 points. Most players coming off a torn ACL struggle in their first season back. However, Brunette played with the injury for most of the season, so he could be well ahead of the curve upon his return. Still, Brunette will be an injury-risk selection on Draft Day 2009.
News: Minnesota Wild left wing Andrew Brunette will have surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right knee. Despite the torn anterior cruciate ligament, Brunette still managed to play the final three months of the season. The surgery is set for Thursday.
Analysis: Brunette sat out only twice all season, ending his consecutive games streak at 509 -- the NHL's longest current run. He was first hurt in a game in January, but skated with a brace on the knee and finished with 22 goals and 28 assists. Brunette said Monday he hopes to be ready for training camp in September. He signed a $7 million, three-year contract with Minnesota last summer. Most players coming off a torn ACL struggle in their first season back. However, Brunette played with the injury for most of the season, so he could be well ahead of the curve upon his return. Still, Brunette will be an injury-risk selection on Draft Day 2009.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette scored in Friday's win over the Flames, giving him four goals in his last five games.
Analysis: We have to give it up to Brunette. He continues to dress for the Wild despite the fact he is playing on a torn ACL. That shows a lot of courage. He still can be productive at times, but since sustaining the injury, he has lacked consistency. For that, consider Brunette a low-end Fantasy forward.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette scored a goal during Sunday's 3-2 win against the Oilers. The Wild opened the scoring seven minutes in when Marian Gaborik's whiffed shot was picked up in front of the net by Brunette, who stuffed a backhand shot past Edmonton starter Dwayne Roloson for his 20th of the season.
Analysis: Brunette has scored in three straight games and has five points in that span. We have to give it up to Brunette. He continues to dress for the Wild despite the fact he is playing on a torn ACL. That shows a lot of courage. He still can be productive at times, but since sustaining the injury, he has lacked consistency. For that, consider Brunette a low-end Fantasy forward.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette scored a goal, tallied two assists and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's 6-2 win against the Islanders. Brunette restored Minnesota's three-goal lead with 3:49 left as he tipped the puck past Yann Danis. It was his 18th goal and first in five games.
Analysis: We have to give it up to Brunette. He continues to dress for the Wild despite the fact he is playing on a torn ACL. That shows a lot of courage. He still can be productive at times, but since sustaining the injury, he has lacked consistency. For that, consider Brunette a low-end Fantasy forward.
News: The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports Wild LW Andrew Brunette is playing on a partially torn or fully torn right anterior cruciate ligament and faces offseason surgery. "At the end of the year, we're going to have to make a decision whether he's going to need surgery or not," general manager Doug Risebrough said. "It's up to him, but he's had two incidents of sprains, so that shows you a dysfunction of some sort."
Analysis: Brunette said after the Wild's 5-3 loss to St. Louis on Sunday night he'll "probably" have surgery. "I'll have to make a decision, but if it's going to be the way it is now, obviously I'll have to have it," said Brunette, the Wild's fourth-leading scorer with 40 points. Asked why he doesn't shut himself down, Brunette, 35, said, "It's the same approach I take to every hockey game I play. I want to play. I'm part of this team and I want to help this team win. I would sell myself short if I didn't try to help this team. You've got to look yourself in the mirror, and if I can get out there, I can help this team." Brunette has posted four points in his last two games, but his production has been down since February. The injury is taking its toll and Brunette might just deliver spotty play the rest of the season. He is definitely an injury-risk start.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette reached the 40-point mark for a ninth straight season Sunday when he scored and assisted in a 5-3 loss to the Blues.
Analysis: Brunette's numbers are down as of late and it likely has to do with the fact he is not 100 percent. He is playing through a bum knee, and coach Jacques Lemaire said he will do his best to limit his practice time down the stretch so he can rest up. Brunette has not had a month of 10-plus points in 2008-09 and his return to Minnesota hasn't gone as scripted. He still has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-1 during Saturday's game against the Kings. He has just two goals and four assists in his last 13 games.
Analysis: Brunette's numbers are down as of late and it likely has to do with the fact he is not 100 percent. He is playing through a bum knee, and coach Jacques Lemaire said he will do his best to limit his practice time down the stretch so he can rest up. Brunette has not had a month of 10-plus points in 2008-09 and his return to Minnesota hasn't gone as scripted. He still has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette returned to the lineup Tuesday against the Kings after missing two games with a lower-body injury. He didn't record a point in 16:58 of ice time and finished at even. He also spent two minutes in the penalty box.
Analysis: Brunette hasn't scored a goal in seven games and has just one assist in that span. He hasn't had a sparkling offensive season with the Wild and remains just a low-end Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports Wild LW Andrew Brunette, who has missed the last two games with a lower-body injury, is expected to play Tuesday against the Kings, according to assistant GM Tom Lynn.
Analysis: Brunette has been an iron man for the good part of the last decade, so it's encouraging to see him only miss a few games. However, he hasn't had a sparkling offensive season with the Wild and remains just a low-end Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: Minnesota LW Andrew Brunette didn't dress for a second straight game or accompany the Wild to Chicago due to a knee injury on Sunday. Brunette's consecutive game streak ended at 509 on Saturday when he didn't play in Minnesota's 5-2 home win over Detroit. The streak was the longest among active NHL players.
Analysis: With Brunette's streak over, there was no reason to bring him along to Chicago. There's not much known about the severity of this injury, but hopefully the iron man can get backk on the horse soon and start another streak. When healthy, Brunette is a low-end option.
News: Minnesota LW Andrew Brunette sat out Saturday's game against Detroit because of a lower-body injury, ending the NHL's longest active consecutive games streak at 509. He last missed a game Dec. 31, 2001, because of a shoulder contusion.
Analysis: It's always sad to see a streak like the one Brunette had accumulated come to a close in this day and age. More importantly to Fantasy owners, a decent low-end option is now on the pine and owners in deeper leagues may be feeling it. Brunette has 13 goals and 19 assists in 56 games. He remains a low-end option when healthy, which will hopefully be soon.
News: Minnesota Wild left wing Andrew Brunette's consecutive games played streak is in jeopardy again. Brunette sustained a lower-body injury Thursday night in the first period of Minnesota's overtime loss to Calgary. He has played 509 consecutive games, the longest current streak in the NHL. Assistant general manager Tom Lynn said Brunette will try to play Saturday, declaring his status as "possible" to face Detroit. The 35-year-old winger didn't practice Friday.
Analysis: Brunette has 13 goals and 19 assists in 56 games. He was first hurt, apparently spraining his right knee, in a collision against Anaheim on Jan. 17. But he bounced back in time to suit up in the next game two days later. Brunette has struggled in February with one goal and two assists in seven games. He is still not being overly aggressive on offense and has just low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette left Thursday's game against the Flames after the first period with a lower-body injury and did not return. Brunette has played in 509 consecutive games and that streak is at risk when the Wild play the Oilers on Saturday.
Analysis: Brunette hasn't put a point on the board in his last three games and has only one assist over his last six games. He had 83 points last season and is going to come well short of that season. Wait to see how bad his injury is before making a decision on him for the upcoming scoring period. When healthy, he's a low-end option reserved for deeper leagues.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette scored and assisted in Tuesday's win over the Maple Leafs. He now has eight points in his last five games.
Analysis: Brunette was ice cold in December and early January, but he's picked up his play here either side of the All-Star break. After scoring 83 points two seasons ago, his 29 points this season seems weak, but he plays for one of the worst offensive teams in the league. Continue to start him only in deeper leagues.
News: Minnesota LW Andrew Brunette played in his 498th consecutive game Monday against the Blackhawks, the longest active streak in the NHL, despite an injured right knee. He suffered the injury in a collision with Anaheim's Ryan Getzlaf on Saturday. Brunette had a pair of assists and spent two minutes in the penalty box.
Analysis: Brunette now has one goal and four assists in his last four games. He is starting to heat up again, but we have seen this plenty from Brunette. He has had a very streaky season, and unless he can sustain prolonged success, he will remain a low-end Fantasy option despite his iron man status.
News: The Wild lost stalwart forward Andrew Brunette to an apparent right knee injury halfway through Saturday's loss to the Ducks, putting his streak of 497 consecutive games played -- currently the longest in the NHL -- in serious jeopardy. Brunette appeared to turn his right knee before a face-first collision with the boards. He was doubled over in pain and could barely hobble off the ice. "I don't know the outcome of it there, but he didn't look good," Coach Jacques Lemaire said. "Didn't look good at all."
Analysis: Brunette had a nice October, but has just 16 points in 35 games since then. For a guy who put up a point-per-game two seasons ago, that's not exactly the kind of production his Fantasy owners had hoped for. He's been relegated to just a low-end reserve Fantasy forward in deeper leagues, and this injury might keep him out for a while.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette, who had just four points in his previous 17 games before Tuesday, picked up a goal and an assist in a 6-3 win over the Coyotes.
Analysis: Brunette had a solid start to his season with eight points in nine games, but his second tour with the Wild have been all downhill since. He has just 15 points in his last 33 games and it appears Brunette's career has lost its fizzle. He remains a low-end Fantasy forward until further notice.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette has one goal and three assists in the past 17 games. He didn't have a point Saturday against the Blue Jackets and has gone nine games without a point.
Analysis: Brunette had a solid start to his season with eight points in nine games, but his second tour with the Wild have been all downhill since. He has just 13 points in his last 32 games and it appears Brunette's career has lost its fizzle. He remains a low-end Fantasy forward until further notice.
News: LW Andrew Brunette scored and has an assist in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Flames on Wednesday. It was the first time in seven games that Brunette got on the stat sheet in the goals column, giving him a double-double with 10 goals and 10 assists on the year.
Analysis: Brunette is a run of the mill veteran forward with the potential to put up about 50 points this season. Consider him a No. 5 Fantasy forward for the time being and monitor his progress.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette scored a goal during Wednesday's 4-0 win against the Blues. Brunette's goal was his 200th in the NHL. He scored on the power play 2:54 into the third period. Brunette has three goals and three assists in his last five games.
Analysis: Brunette had a very trying November with just seven points in 13 games, but he still has nine goals on the season and five on the power play. He is having a good season with the Wild, but is still not displaying 80-point potential. Consider him a No. 5 Fantasy forward to start when the times are good.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette scored and added two assists in a win over the Predators on Saturday night. Brunette came into the game with only four points in his last 13 games.
Analysis: Brunette had five points in his first three games this season, but has since cooled down significantly. He's still worth starting in deeper formats as a low-end Fantasy forward, but would be more useful on your bench.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette scored a power-play goal during Thursday's 4-0 win against the Coyotes. Brunette's goal came when he took a touch pass from Marek Zidlicky in the left circle and beat Ilya Bryzgalov with a wrist shot 3:11 into the third period. It was his sixth goal of the season and second in three games.
Analysis: Brunette got off to a fast start in his second go-round with Minnesota, as he posted two goals and three assists in three games. He then cooled off to the tune of three goals and one assist in his next 10 games. Brunette was put on a line with Brent Burns and Eric Belanger Thursday and could remain with that pairing for a bit. Brunette has 80-point potential, but 50-60 is more reasonable of what to expect. Consider him a No. 5 Fantasy forward to start when the times are good.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette tallied his fourth goal during Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Stars. Brunette's goal in the third period went in off the back of Dallas defenseman Mark Fistric's leg. He now has two goals in his last two games.
Analysis: Brunette is back with Minnesota after spending the last three seasons with Colorado. He has five goals and four assists in his first eight games and is part of a top scoring line with Mikko Koivu and Antti Miettinen. The trio is really clicking at this time and that makes Brunette a viable Fantasy option.
News: Wild LW Andrew Brunette scored a goal and added an assist during Monday's 3-2 win against the Blackhawks. Brunette made it 1-all late in the first after he took a pass from Antti Miettinen off his chest and stuffed it past Cristobal Huet. It was the third time in six games he had a goal and an assist.
Analysis: Brunette is back with Minnesota after spending the last three seasons with Colorado. He has three goals and four assists in his first seven games and is part of a top scoring line with Koivu and Miettinen. The trio is really clicking at this time and that makes Brunette a viable Fantasy option.
News:Andrew Brunette, who plays left wing alongside Mikko Koivu and Antti Miettinen, opened the scoring for Minnesota and had an assist during Thursday's 6-2 win against the Panthers. The line combined for 10 points. "Obviously it feels good, but I'm sure there's going to be games where it's not going to go in, said Koivu, a four-year veteran whose career high is 34 assists. We're just going to enjoy it when it's happening, though."
Analysis: Brunette has consecutive games with a goal and an assist and has five points in three games to open the season. The Wild's top line is really clicking right now and it has made Brunette look very smart for choosing to return to Minnesota. Brunette is capable of posting 60 points and remains a decent No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy forward.
News: Minnesota LW Andrew Brunette picked up a goal and two assists in Tuesday's 4-2 win over Atlanta.
Analysis: Brunette played three seasons in Minnesota from 2001-04 and ranks third on the franchise career list in assists, fifth in points and seventh in goals. He's a nice low-end starting Fantasy forward.
News: The Wild signed veteran LW Andrew Brunette to a multiyear contract Tuesday, bringing the hard-nosed forward back from the Colorado Avalanche for another tour in Minnesota.
Analysis: Brunette played three seasons in Minnesota from 2001-04 and ranks third on the franchise career list in assists, fifth in points and seventh in goals. He heads into the season as a nice low-end starting Fantasy forward and should be taken in the mid-to-late rounds of most drafts.
News:Andrew Brunette posted two goals and an assist as the Colorado Avalanche strengthened their playoff position with a 5-4 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night. Colorado pulled even with Calgary for sixth in the Western Conference playoff race with 90 points.
Analysis: Brunette snapped an eight-game goal drought, but he did have seven assists in those games. He needs one more goals for 20 this season and two more assists for 40. Both can be achieved before the regular season is completed. Brunette is a No. 4 Fantasy forward.
News:Andrew Brunette scored two goals and the Colorado Avalanche moved into a tie for first place in the Northwest Division with a 5-2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers on Tuesday night. Brunette scored two goals in a game for the second time this season. He also did against Florida on Jan. 13.
Analysis: Brunette has points in six of the last seven games -- six goals and five assists. He remains a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy forward.
News:Andrew Brunette had a goal and an assist and the Colorado Avalanche won for a sixth straight time by beating the stumbling Dallas Stars 3-1 on Saturday. The Stars have dropped three in a row after winning four straight. The teams will play again Sunday night in Dallas.
Analysis: Brunette has points in five consecutive games, scoring three goals to go with four assists. He remains a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy forward.
News: Avalanche LW Andrew Brunette scored a goal and tallied an assist during Saturday's game against the Kings. Brunette scored his 14th goal on an empty-net with 50 seconds left. He now has goals in two straight games and has a point in five of his last six (three goals, two assists).
Analysis: Brunette struggled plenty through a great deal of February as he managed just two assists in the first nine games. He scored a goal Feb. 20 against the Ducks and has been a better offensive option in his last six games. A lot has to do with playing on a line with Joe Sakic. Brunette remains a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy forward.
News: LW Andrew Brunette has four goals and three assists in the past seven games, giving him 10 goals and 24 assists in 50 games for the season. Brunette has played in 421 consecutive games, the second-longest active streak in the NHL.
Analysis: Brunette has produced points somewhat more consistent, but he still is only good as a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy player at this time.
News: Avalanche LW Andrew Brunette, after scoring twice on Sunday against the Panthers, grabbed two assists Tuesday in a 3-0 win over the struggling Lightning. He now has five points in his last three games after only putting up four points in his previous 11 games.
Analysis: Brunette, as well as most of his teammates, were stuck in a real scoring funk ever since Joe Sakic and Ryan Smyth both exited the lineup with injuries. Brunette appears to be breaking out of his slump, but remains just a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman at this time.
News: Avalanche LW Andrew Brunette came into Sunday's game against the Panthers not having scored in eight straight games. He put an end to that nasty slump with two goals against Florida. Colorado took a 1-0 lead on Brunette's goal at 3:20 of the first period. Brunette brought the puck out from behind the goal and poked it into the corner of the net on Tomas Vokoun's stick side. Brunette's second goal gave the Avalanche a 3-2 lead. Milan Hejduk spun around and passed from the left circle to Brunette in front, and his shot got by Vokoun's glove at 8:11 of the third period.
Analysis: Brunette, as well as most of his teammates, have been stuck in a real scoring funk ever since Joe Sakic and Ryan Smyth both exited the lineup with injuries. Brunette has just four goals since Dec. 1 and really needs to pick up the scoring pace. The opportunties are there, but he remains just a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman at this time.
News: The Avalanche continue to struggle on the power play, slipping to 0-for-16 over the team's last five games. They didn't convert on four power-play opportunities against the Islanders Saturday. Part of the problem has to do with the fact the Avalanche are without Ryan Smyth (fractured ankle) and captain Joe Sakic (hernia). On top of that, Colorado's top scorers are in a drought. Milan Hejduk has gone six games without a goal, Andrew Brunette five games, and Paul Stastny eight.
Analysis: Brunette hasn't scored since Dec. 23 against the Canucks, but does have two assists in his last five games, so he hasn't been totally shutout. Brunette has just six goals this season after totaling 20 or more in his previous two campaigns. The Avs hit the road for four road games during Fantasy Week 15 (Jan. 7-13). Colorado is one of the worst scoring road teams in the NHL, so it might be wise to bench Brunette. He is usually a No. 4 Fantasy forward.
News:Cody McCormick, one of five callups from the AHL's Lake Erie Monsters, scored with 9:10 left in the third period to help the Avalanche beat the Vancouver Canucks 3-1 on Sunday night. "We knew back in training camp the depth in the organization," said Andrew Brunette, whose goal 1:34 after McCormick's sealed the win. "They've come up in great shape and are playing like veterans. We need that now with all the energy."
Analysis: Brunette is still not producing points at the pace Fantasy owners would like and is merely a No. 4 forward option at this time.
News: The Sports Xchange notes: RW Andrew Brunette has played in 400 consecutive games, the third-longest active streak in the NHL, including Sunday's game against St. Louis. The streak began Jan. 2, 2002, when he was playing for Minnesota.
Analysis: Brunette posted two assists against the Blues and he has five points in his past six games. He is not producing points at the pace Fantasy owners would like and is merely a No. 4 forward option at this time.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Avalanche LW Andrew Brunette finally got a puck to bounce his way. Brunette had gone nine games without a goal before scoring Friday against San Jose. His drought ended when his shot from behind the goal line bounced off the skate of Sharks defenseman Kyle McLaren and into the net.
Analysis: Brunette is looking to top his career-high for goals in a season (27), which he set in 2006-07. He will need to pick up the pace because he has just four in 24 games this season. He is not producing points at the pace Fantasy owners would like and is merely a No. 3 or No. 4 option at this time.
News: Colorado's Andrew Brunette has played in 394 consecutive games, the third longest active streak in the NHL.
Analysis: Brunette remains a decent starter in all Fantasy leagues, especially since he skates on the high-flying No. 1 line in Denver.
News: Against Calgary Monday, Andrew Brunette scored a power-play goal for the Avalanche in the first period, but the Avalanche is still struggling with the man advantage. The Avalanche went 1-for-6, failed to convert a two-man advantage that lasted 1:12 and is 4-for-29 on power plays in a six-game stretch.
Analysis: Brunette remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues, especially since he skates on the high-flying No. 1 line in Denver.
News: C Tyler Arnason and RW Andrew Brunette each scored goals in Sunday's at Minnesota, but it was not enough to propel the Avalanche to a win.
Analysis: Brunette remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues, especially since he skates on the high-flying No. 1 line in Denver. The Avalanche will be back in action on Tuesday at Edmonton.
News: Avalanche LW Andrew Brunette and C Joe Sakic both assisted on two goals during Friday's loss to the Blackhawks. Both finished with even-ratings, while Brunette took one shot and Sakic took five.
Analysis: Brunette has been very friendly with the assists in 2007 with seven in his first seven games. An average of one per game is just fine with Fantasy owners. Brunette remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: LW Andrew Brunette, D Kurt Sauer and RW Marek Svatos each picked up goals in Tuesday's game against the Flames. Brunette and Sauer posted even ratings, while Svatos was good for a plus-1.
Analysis: Brunette and Svatos remain must-starts in all Fantasy leagues, while Sauer is only worth a look in the deepest of formats. The Avalanche will be back in action on Friday in Chicago. The goal was Brunette's first in six games, although he also has five assists on the young season.
News: Rookie Jaroslav Hlinka was moved to the top scoring line with Andrew Brunette and captain Joe Sakic on Sunday by coach Joel Quenneville, who was shaking things up after a slow start.
Analysis: Brunette and Hlinka went scoreless, while Sakic posted a goal and assist. Hlinka is worth taking a flier on in deeper leagues heading into Fantasy Week 2 (Oct. 8-14). The Avalanche are in action next on Friday in St. Louis.
News: Andrew Brunette was the beneficiary of Paul Stastny's hat trick, assisting on each of the goals in Wednesday's regular season opener against the Stars. He finished with a plus-2 rating in 16:43 of ice time.
Analysis: Brunette, Jaroslav Hlinka and Paul Stastny worked tremendously well together, finishing with a total of eight points (3 G, 5 A). Brunette is a must-start in all Fantasy leagues. If he is available in your league (he is available in 10 percent of CBSSports.com leagues), scoop him up immediately.
News: The Denver Post reports coach Joel Quenneville used Andrew Brunette and offseason acquisition Ryan Smyth on the team's first line with captain Joe Sakic centering the group.
Analysis: Brunette had 27 goals 83 points last season despite the fact he was reportedly playing with a shoulder injury down the stretch. He had offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum and is supposedly ready to roll at 100 percent. With linemates such as Sakic and Smyth, Brunette migh be a must-start in all Fantasy leagues for the first time ever.
News: Colorado LW Andrew Brunette has collected two points in four consecutive games after getting two assists on Wednesday against the Oilers. Brunette has one goal and nine assists in a six-game point-scoring streak.
Analysis: Brunette has quietly compiled 25 goals and 48 assists this season. Fantasy owners in all leagues should want to take advantage of Brunette's recent hot streak. He is a solid high-end Fantasy forward.
News: Avalanche LW Andrew Brunette had two assists during Wednesday's game against the Flames. He now has at least one assist in his last three games. He has four assists during that stretch.
Analysis: Brunette has quietly racked up 24 goals and 44 assists this season. He is a solid Fantasy forward in most formats when healthy.
News: Brunette was scoreless with a minus-1 rating in 20:03 of ice time in Sunday's game at Detroit. He has now gone scoreless in two games after an 11-game points streak.
Analysis: Brunette still has five goals and 12 assists over the past 13 games. He remains a solid Fantasy option in all leagues.
News: Andrew Brunette and Paul Stastny extended point streaks with a goal each in Tuesday's game against the Blue Jackets. Brunette has an 11-game point streak and Stastny a 13-game streak.
Analysis: Brunette has managed five goals and 17 points during the impressive stretch. He is a must-start in all Fantasy leagues while he remains red hot.
News: LW Andrew Brunette, D Jordan Leopold and C Joe Sakic each posted assists in Tuesday's game against the Ducks. Leopold was also good for a plus-1 rating while the other two were even.
Analysis: Brunette has picked up an assist in each of the past three games and he remains a solid No. 3 or 4 Fantasy forward in most formats.
News: LW Andrew Brunette and D John-Michael Liles each picked up assists in Sunday's game at Dallas. Brunette had a plus-1 rating while Liles posted a minus-1.
Analysis: Each of the players are considered must-starts in most Fantasy formats.
News: Andrew Brunette scored against Minnesota, his former team, and Brett Clark and Marek Svatos added goals as well. Milan Hejduk had two assists in Thursday's game against Minnesota.
Analysis: Brunette has managed six goals and 10 points over the past nine games. He remains a solid play in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Andrew Brunette and Wojtek Wolski each had a goal and an assist, and Joe Sakic added two assists. Sakic has 29 points in 29 career games against Nashville.
Analysis: Brunette also chipped in with a plus-1 rating. He has quickly emerged as a must-start in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Andrew Brunette has scored a goal in each of the past two games and four in the past five. Rookie Paul Stastny scored two goals against Phoenix and is riding a five-game point streak.
Analysis: Brunette is a solid No. 3 or 4 Fantasy forward in most formats. The Avalanche will host the Coyotes on Friday when play resumes after the All-Star break.
News: Andrew Brunette has 17 goals and 42 points, which is good for second on the Colorado Avalanche in points. He also has a plus-1 rating with 22 penalty minutes through 47 games at the All-Star break.
Analysis: Brunette has four goals and two assists over the past five games, lighting the lamp in all but one game. He has re-emerged as a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Peter Budaj kept Colorado in it with 27 saves and Andrew Brunette scored the go-ahead goal midway through the third period, helping the Avalanche end a seven-game losing streak against the Detroit Red Wings with a 3-1 victory Saturday night.
Analysis: Brunette has four goals and three assists in his last seven games to bring his season totals to 17 goals and 25 assists. He remains a solid middle of the road Fantasy forward.
News: Avalanche LW Andrew Brunette has 13 goals and 23 assists on the 2006-07 season. He has one goal and four assists in his last six games.
Analysis: Brunette is having a solid season playing on the same line with rookie Paul Stastny and Milan Hejduk. He remains a solid middle of the road Fantasy forward.
News: Brunette scored three goals in Tuesday's game at Edmonton with a minus-1 rating in 16:02 of ice time. He scored on each of his only shots of the game.
Analysis: The hat trick was just the first of Brunette's career. He remains a useful No. 4 or 5 Fantasy forward in most formats. He has four goals and 10 points over the past seven games.
News: Andrew Brunette scored a goal and added two assists with a plus-1 rating and three shots on goal in 18:01 of ice time in Monday's game against Carolina.
Analysis: Brunette has a goal and five points during his current three-game point streak. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Avalanche left wing Andrew Brunette extended his goal-scoring streak to three games with two goals against Washington on Wednesday night.
Analysis: Brunette, who also chipped in with an assist, has scored five goals in the streak. Keep him active in most formats while he's hot.
News: Tyler Arnason, Patrice Brisebois, Andrew Brunette, Karlis Skrastins and Ossi Vaananen were scoreless with a minus-1 rating in Wednesday's regular season opener against the Stars.
Analysis: Only Arnason and Brunette are must-starts in Fantasy leagues. Brisebois is also worth a look in larger leagues if you need help among defensemen.
News: Andrew Brunette picked up a goal and plus-1 rating in 15:34 of ice time in Wednesday's game against the Sharks to extend his point streak to six games.
Analysis: Brunette has managed to post 10 points (5 G, 5 A) with a plus-6 rating during his impressive scoring streak.
News: Andrew Brunette scored two goals and added an assist with a plus-2 rating in 18:23 of ice time in Tuesday's game against the Ducks.
Analysis: Brunette has eight points (4 G, 4 A) with a plus-6 rating over the past five games. He has really seen an increase in Fantasy value since moving to the team's top scoring line alongside Joe Sakic.
News: Andrew Brunette is skating on the team's top scoring line with Milan Hejduk and Joe Sakic, replacing Alex Tanguay who is sidelined two to four weeks due to a sprained right knee.
Analysis: Brunette was scoreless in his past five games before posting a goal, assist and plus-3 rating in Monday's game at Los Angeles. As long as he sticks on the top scoring line with Hejduk and Sakic, his Fantasy value should increase dramatically.
News: Andrew Brunette scored a goal, added an assist and had a plus-3 rating in Monday's game at Los Angeles with two shots on goal in 13:54 of ice time.
Analysis: Brunette entered the game with five straight scoreless games, so it is likely a majority of his Fantasy owners are kicking themselves for having him on their bench.
News: Andrew Brunette has amassed 15 goals and 27 assists with a plus-2 rating through 59 games at the Olympic Games break.
Analysis: Brunette is on pace for 21 goals and 39 assists, which would be his best point total since he managed to post 69 with Minnesota back in 2001-02. He has re-emerged as a must-start in all Fantasy leagues this season.
News: Andrew Brunette ended a three-game scoreless stretch on Tuesday against the Oilers with a goal and plus-2 rating in 13:22 of ice time.
Analysis: Brunette remains a useful No. 4 or 5 Fantasy wing in most formats.
News: Andrew Brunette had an assist in Saturday's game at Pittsburgh to extend his modest point streak to three games.
Analysis: Brunette has four points (2 G, 2 A) during the nice stretch after going scoreless with a minus-4 rating in the two games before.
News: Andrew Brunette was scoreless with a minus-3 rating in Sunday's game against Buffalo, wrapping up an awful week.
Analysis: Brunette was scoreless with a minus-2 rating in three games in the past scoring period after a four-point performance in the week before.
News: The Rocky Mountain News reports Andrew Brunette will skate on a line with Joe Sakic and Antti Laaksonen.
Analysis: As long as Brunette can remain on a line with a productive player such as Sakic, he should be a strong Fantasy option in most leagues.
News: Andrew Brunette re-signed for one season with the Minnesota Wild on Saturday.
Analysis: Brunette has averaged 18 goals and 41 points over the past three seasons. He is worth a middle- to late-round selection in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Andrew Brunette has recovered from his shoulder injury and played in Wednesday's season opener in Chicago. He was scoreless in the game.
Analysis: Brunette is safe to get back into your active lineup in larger leagues.
News: Andrew Brunette will sit out Thursday's preseason finale in Montreal in order to rest his reconstructed left shoulder, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He is expected to play in the season opener Oct. 8 in Chicago, representing 13 days off to rest between games.
Analysis: Brunette might get off to a slow start due to his recovery and the missed time, and it's likely he won't be able to play back-to-back games initially. Keep him reserved until it's clear he's back at 100 percent.
News: Brunette will have offseasons shoulder surgery, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. The procedure will help stabilize some damaged cartilage in the left shoulder. Brunette is expected to be ready for training camp.
Analysis:
News: The Minnesota Wild signed Brunette to a multi-year contract. He had 15 goals and 44 assists with Atlanta last season. While many Fantasy players might expect Brunette's stats to decline with the Wild, it's important to note that there isn't that big a dropoff between the two teams.
Analysis:
News: Brunette suffered a thigh bruise during Thursday's game against Buffalo, and is listed as day to day. Keep him active for next week unless he misses more time this weekend.
Analysis:
News: Although he is expected to return from a concussion in time for Thursday's game against Toronto, Brunette won't be returning to his spot on the top line. Coach Curt Fraser is splitting up his top scorers, with Yves Sarault taking Brunette's spot on the top line with Ray Ferraro and Donald Audette and Brunette playing alongside Patrik Stefan and Herbert Vasilijevs on the second line. Don't activate Brunette just yet until it's known whether he can succeed with the less-productive linemates.
Analysis:
News: Brunette skated for 10 minutes with the team on Wednesday while wearing a special helmet designed to reduce the risk of concussions. He missed Wednesday's game with a grade one concussion, but should be able to play either Saturday or Sunday. Get him back in your lineup for the next week.
Analysis:
News: Brunette suffered a mild concussion during the final seconds of Saturday's game against Washington. It was listed as a Grade I, which is the mildest form, and he will likely only miss Wednesday's game against Anaheim. With just two other games this week and linemate Donald Audette suspended, it's probably best to bench Brunette and your other Thrashers this week.
Analysis:
News: Brunette continues to lead the Thrashers. He had a goal and an assist Friday in a 5-4 loss to Edmonton. He now has 20 goals for the first time in his five year career.
Analysis:
