News:Johnny Oduya gave the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead with his first goal of the 2013 season on Thursday in the shootout victory over the Blue Jackets.
Analysis: This could be his first and last goal of the season for Johnny Oduya. He only had three goals in 81 games last season between Chicago and Washington, but that is not what the Hawks are looking for him to do. He has eight assists and 54 blocked shots on the season which is ahead of his output for 2011-12.
News:Johnny Oduya has signed a three-year contract extension with the Blackhawks, Chicago's official site reports.
Analysis:Johnny Oduya, who was acquired by Chicago from Winnepeg in late February, netted three assists in six games for the Blackhawks in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. During the regular season, Oduya collected five points in 18 contests for Chicago.
News:Johnny Oduya, acquired by Chicago in Monday's deal with the Jets, will skate in Wednesday's game against Toronto, according to TSN.ca.
Analysis:Johnny Oduya is not much of a scorer, but he's a good shot blocker and chips in just enough in the other categories that he's helpful in certain deep formats. He'll begin his Chicago career on a pairing with Brent Seabrook.
News:Johnny Oduya has been traded to the Blackhawks, according to TSN's Darren Dreger. Pierre Lebrun reports the Jets will receive 2nd and 3rd round picks in 2013.
Analysis:Johnny Oduya became expendable when the Jets claimed Grant Clitsome off waivers Monday. He brings little fantasy value to the table and looks to be a depth addition to the Hawks' blue line.
News:Johnny Oduya was the hero Saturday night when he scored the game-winner in overtime to defeat the Sabres.
Analysis: It's his first goal in 29 games but he's not typically known for his shot. He scored just twice in 82 games last season.
Winnipeg's Oduya Notches Three Assists in December
News:Johnny Oduya recorded three assists and no goals in the month of December.
Analysis:Johnny Oduya habitually has very little fantasy impact. The Swede in his sixth season rarely finds points or the penalty box, and his goal differential currently sits at an anemic +2. Better fantasy options abound.
News:Johnny Oduya grabbed a goal and an assist in Thursday's win over the Islanders.
Analysis:Johnny Oduya has not done much offensively this season, as he tripled this season's point output with his two-point effort Monday. Oduya has shown flashes of offensive ability during his career, but he has never consistently put up strong numbers. He is, however, one of several defensemen who could see an increase in offensive opportunities with Tobias Enstrom out indefinitely with a broken clavicle. Oduya is worth consideration in very deep leagues.
News:Johnny Oduya returned to the Winnipeg lineup for Monday's win over Pittsburgh, playing 20:41 with a shot on goal.
Analysis:Johnny Oduya's best days may be behind him, or they may have been left in New Jersey after the Ilya Kovalchuk deal. Oduya was a healthy scratch Saturday and is well down on the Winnipeg depth chart in terms of defenders that will see offensive chances.
News:Johnny Oduya was a healthy scratch for Saturday's game against Phoenix, the Winnipeg Free Press reports.
Analysis: The scratch allowed Randy Jones to make his first start of the season. Johnny Oduya's first two years in Winnipeg were largely a disappointment as he saw his numbers decline from his previous two years in New Jersey. Because Jones didn't exactly impress Saturday, Oduya could be back in the lineup Monday. He does have one assist on the year but his upside is very limited.
News: Oduya left briefly after being struck in the chin by a puck in the first period of Wednesday's loss to the Lightning, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis: Oduya, who still managed 23:30 of total ice time in the game, reportedly was stitched up as the result of the hit to the chin. It doesn't sound like he's in any danger of missing Thursday's divisional matchup at home against the Hurricanes.
News: Oduya scored his first two goals of the season in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Islanders.
Analysis: His 11 points on the season put him on pace for 30 this season. But with minimal power-play production, a sketchy plus-minus and virtually no PIMs, Oduya just isn't worth a fantasy play.
Oduya: Gets Fifth Helper of the Season in Thrashers Defeat
News: Oduya picked up an assist on the opening goal of the game by Zach Bogosian on Wednesday.
Analysis: Oduya has a plus/minus rating of minus-11 on the year. He's not a good fantasy option.
News: Oduya chipped in one assist Friday night on a point shot that was tipped in by Andrew Ladd in the second period, giving the Thrashers a 2-1 lead in a game they eventually won over Washington.
Analysis: Oduya played well with Zach Bogosian as his partner and also saw time on the power play and penalty kill. He's a reliable defenseman and will occasionally chip in offensively.
News: D Johnny Oduya, who was acquired Thursday from New Jersey as part of the Ilya Kovalchuk trade, made his Atlanta debut on Friday against the Capitals. He had no points in 20:38 of ice time and finished at minus-1.
Analysis: The 28-year-old Oduya has two goals and two assists in 40 games with New Jersey. Oduya, who will play for Sweden in the Olympics, has been slowed in 2009-10 due to injury and hasn't been very effective as an offensive outlet in a defensive system. That could change in Atlanta. However, Atlanta has Ron Hainsey, Tobias Enstrom, Zach Bogosian and Ron Hainsey, so Oduya still might get to focus on defense. He is a decent puck mover but not a great scorer. Oduya has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News:Ilya Kovalchuk has been traded to the New Jersey Devils. The Atlanta Thrashers sent Kovalchuk and defenseman Anssi Salmela to the Devils on Thursday night for right winger Niclas Bergfors, defenseman Johnny Oduya, prospect Patrice Cormier and a 2010 first-round pick. The teams also swapped second-round picks this year.
Analysis: The 28-year-old Oduya has two goals and two assists in 40 games this season. He's set to play for Sweden in Olympics. Oduya has been slowed in 2009-10 due to injury and hasn't been very effective as an offensive outlet in a defensive system. That could change in Atlanta. However, Atlanta has Ron Hainsey, Tobias Enstrom, Zach Bogosian and Ron Hainsey, so Oduya still might get to focus on defense. He is a decent puck mover but not a great scorer. Oduya has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya scored a goal and finished at plus-1 on Sunday against the Kings. Jonathan Quick never had a chance on Oduya's goal, which snapped a 26-game goal drought for the defenseman. Zach Parise made a cross-ice pass to Oduya, who was late joining the play, and his shot hit off the skate of Kings defenseman Jack Johnson and went past Quick, who was making his 50th start of the season.
Analysis: Oudya, who has two goals on the season, has produced two points in his last three games. That is half of his production for the season. It has been a rough year for Oudya, who has missed time due to injury. Oduya isn't worth starting in Fantasy until he produces on a regular basis.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Devils D Johnny Oduya set up Brian Rolston's goal on Wednesday against the Sabres for only his third point in 37 games this season. Last year, Oduya had 29 points in 82 games.
Analysis: The 2009-10 season has not been kind to Oduya. Not only has he missed extensive time due to injury, but he has taken a big step backward after making great progress the last two seasons. Oduya isn't worth starting in Fantasy just yet.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 on Sunday against the Lightning. It was his first point in 16 games.
Analysis: The 2009-10 season has not been kind to Oduya. Not only has he missed extensive time due to injury, but he has just two points in 28 appearances. He has taken a big step backward after making great progress the last two seasons. Oduya isn't worth starting in Fantasy just yet.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya returned to action after missing more than a month with a lower-body injury and scored in a win over the Red Wings.
Analysis: It's good to see Oduya back and on the scoreboard for the first time this season, but he'll need to pick up the pace a lot more if he wants to attract attention outside of deeper leagues.
News: The New York Post reports that Devils D Paul Martin (broken arm), D Johnny Oduya (groin/hip) and LW Jay Pandolfo (shoulder) still are likely 2-3 weeks away from returning to action.
Analysis: Oduya and Martin are the most Fantasy-viable members of this group, while Pandolfo is just a low-end emergency flier option in super-deep leagues. Just keep Martin and Oduya stashed away for a little while longer.
News: The Devils have placed D Johnny Oduya (lower body) and C Rob Niedermayer (upper body) on injured reserve.
Analysis: Oduya has no points and a minus-5 rating in his first 11 games as he's really struggled to transition under first-year coach Jacques Lemaire. Oduya is a 30-point threat when healthy, but he is going to have trouble reaching that plateau after this slow start. Stash him away in deeper leagues if you have the room. Niedermayer's days as a Fantasy-viable option are pretty much over, so don't worry about him outside of the deepest of leagues.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya (lower body) did not return to the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Capitals. He has missed the last two games and remains questionable for Friday against the Islanders.
Analysis: The Devils haven't really opened up about Oduya's injury, so he remains more of the day-to-day variety. Oduya has no points and a minus-5 rating in his first 11 games. He has really struggled to transition under first-year coach Jacques Lemaire. Oduya is a 30-point threat when healthy, but he is going to have trouble reaching that plateau after this slow start. View Oduya as a low-end Fantasy defenseman. He is also particularly useful in leagues that reward short-handed stats.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya (lower-body injury) didn't play on Saturday in New Jersey's 2-1 shootout win over Tampa Bay. He is day to day.
Analysis: He has 30-point potential and is a solid two-way player, but Oduya still has low-end Fantasy appeal, when healthy. He is also particularly useful in leagues that reward short-handed stats and plus-minus rating.
News: The New Jersey Devils are keeping Johnny Oduya away from the free-agent market, agreeing to terms with the defenseman on a new contract. The team said Tuesday that Oduya has agreed to a multiyear deal. The 27-year-old defenseman had career highs with seven goals, 22 assists and 29 points last season -- his third in the NHL. Devils president Lou Lamoriello says Oduya "has developed into one of the more talented young defensemen in the National Hockey League." Oduya could have become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday.
Analysis: Oduya has come a long way from being a seventh-round pick in 2001. He really developed while playing over in Sweden, and when he finally came to the U.S. in 2006-07 Oduya hit the ground running. He has 30-point potential and is a solid two-way player, but Oduya still has low-end Fantasy appeal. He is also particularly useful in leagues that reward short-handed stats and plus-minus rating.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya scored a goal and finished at plus-2 during Friday's game against the Wild. Oduya scored with a blast from the point that concluded Niklas Backstrom's night 11:02 into the second. It was Oduya's sixth goal and first in seven games.
Analysis: Oduya continues to add to his career-high in points and is just two shy of his first 30-point campaign. Oduya is a solid two-way defenseman, but since he is not an elite scorer, he remains more of a low-end Fantasy option. He is particularly useful in leagues that reward shorthanded stats and plus-minus rating.
News:Johnny Oduya scored on a rebound while sliding into the crease 4:48 into overtime to help Brodeur improve to 4-0 since coming back from an elbow injury as the Devils beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 on Tuesday night. The goal extended Oduya's point streak to four games. He has two goals and three assists in that span.
Analysis: Oduya just tied his career-high with six goals and 26 points Tuesday. He pretty much has an identical stat line from last season, but is just plus-26 at this time. He finished last year at plus-27. Oduya is a solid two-way defenseman, but since he is not an elite scorer, he remains more of a low-end Fantasy option. He is particularly useful in leagues that reward shorthanded stats and plus-minus rating.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya took Tuesday's practice off but was able to play in Wednesday's game against the Islanders. He had an assist on the Devils' first goal of of the night, scored by Zach Parise. Oduya was shaken up after taking a big hit in Monday's game against the Rangers.
Analysis: Oduya played 17 minutes on Wednesday which is pretty average for him. He doesn't appear to have sustained any long-term effects from the hit and should be good to go for the rest of the week. Oduya is just a low-end option but is particularly useful in leagues that reward shorthanded stats and plus-minus rating.
News:The Newark Star-Ledger reports Devils D Johnny Oduya could be a little banged up after Monday's game against the Rangers as he took Tuesday's practice off. It was said that Oduya was resting. "Not particularly," Oduya said when he was asked if he was injured. "I expect to play (Wednesday against the Islanders). I took a day off. Just rest."
Analysis: Oduya has totaled four goals and 16 assists in 54 games. He also has a plus-14 rating. Oduya doesn't nearly get enough credit for being one of the better two-way defensemen in the NHL. He plays in all situations for the Devils and continues to develop as an offensive blue liner as well. Oduya is a low-end Fantasy option in standard Fantasy leagues, but he does have value in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats and plus/minus rating.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya tallied an assist and finished at minus-1 during Thursday's game against the Bruins. He has one goal and three assists during a three-game point streak. Odyua's 16th assist Thursday gave him 20 points for the season.
Analysis: Oduya doesn't nearly get enough credit for being one of the better two-way defensemen in the NHL. He plays in all situations for the Devils and continues to develop as an offensive blue liner as well. Oduya is a low-end Fantasy option in standard Fantasy leagues, but he does have value in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats and plus/minus rating.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya scored a goal and had an assist in New Jersey's 5-2 win over Montreal on Wednesday. Oduya now has 18 points on the season with four goals and 14 assists. He is also plus-5 over his last five games.
Analysis: In terms of his ability to ward off attackers on the penalty kill, Oduya more than holds his own. On the offensive side, he struggles for the most part. Continue thinking of him as a solid option in leagues that reward shorthanded stats but a lower-end option in the majority of leagues.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya had played six games without recording a point on his stat sheet, but snapped out o fit Sunday with two assists against the Senators to increase his points total to 15 with three goals and 12 assists.
Analysis: Oduya is mostly a shorthanded specialist in Fantasy play as scoring goals and getting assists aren't really his purpose. He remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman because of that.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya scored a goal, tallied a plus-1 rating and spent two minutes in the penalty box during Friday's game against the Senators. Oduya scored on a power play at 14:28. Zach Parise had the puck deep in the Ottawa zone when he spotted Oduya charging the net from the left point. Parise threaded a well-timed pass to the onrushing Oduya for the score.
Analysis: Oduya has two goals in his last five games, but they are his only points in December after totaling 10 in November. Oduya has decent offensive skills, but is not a shoot-first defender. He remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman best used in leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats and plus/minus rating.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya scored a short-handed goal Friday against the Rangers for his only point in his last six goals. Oduya still has managed to produce 11 points (two goals) in his last 18 games. He also has a plus-6 rating in that span.
Analysis: Oduya is well on his way to eclipsing his career-high 26 points which he set in 2007-08. He has found a groove the last two seasons with the Devils, but is still one of those players that is still more valuable on the defensive end. Consider Oduya a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News:Johnny Oduya made sure the Devils skated off with a full two points. The defenseman scored his first goal of the season with 55.5 seconds left in overtime to give New Jersey a 3-2 victory over the Panthers on Wednesday night, the Devils' fifth consecutive victory. Oduya scored on a wrist shot that went between Craig Anderson's pads and his glove. "It found the back of the net, and that's always nice," Oduya said. "I don't score that many goals." He also had an assist for a two-point game.
Analysis: Oduya is in his third season as a full-time blue liner for the Devils. He had a career-high 26 points and plus-27 rating in 2007-08 and is looking as good to start 2008-09. He doesn't have a lot of offensive upside, so he remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman. He is a nice option in leagues that reward heavily for plus-minus ratings.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya tallied an assist and finished at even in 26:19 of ice time Saturday against the Capitals. He now has four assists in his last five games.
Analysis: Oduya is in his third season as a full-time blue liner for the Devils. He had a career-high 26 points and plus-27 rating in 2007-08 and is looking as good to start 2008-09. He doesn't have a lot of offensive upside, so he remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman. He is a nice option in leagues that reward heavily for plus-minus ratings.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya tallied three assists and a plus-4 rating during Saturday's game against the Thrashers. He now has four assists and a plus-8 rating in 10 games.
Analysis: Oduya is in his third season as a full-time blue liner for the Devils. He had a career-high 26 points and plus-27 rating in 2007-08 and is looking as good to start 2008-09. He doesn't have a lot of offensive upside, so he remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman. He is a nice option in leagues that reward heavily for plus-minus ratings.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya, who averaged over 19 minutes last season, is playing under 18 minutes a game so far in his 2008-09 campaign.
Analysis: Oduya started off slowly last season before turning on his offense once 2008 came around, so this opening to his season isn't totally surprising. Continue to think of him as a low-end Fantasy defenseman, but he will be useful once the points start coming.
News:Johnny Oduya had his first two-goal game for the Devils who beat the Flyers for a 12th straight time at home, 5-4 in a shootout on Friday night. Oduya pulled the Devils even on a power-play goal with 2:39 remaining. He threaded a pass through the crease intended for Zach Parise, and the puck popped past Biron. Parise set up Oduya's second tally, sending a pass back to the point where the defenseman cranked a shot past Biron with 31.2 seconds remaining.
Analysis: The two goals are Oduya's first since March 20, a span of 17 games. Consider him a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya scored a goal and finished at plus-1 in 20:34 of ice time Monday against the Hurricanes. It was his fourth goal of the season and second in five games.
Analysis: Oduya has been a different player in 2008. He managed zero goals and five assists in the first 31 games. But since Jan. 1, he has four goals and nine assists in 22 games. He has just the two goals in his last seven games and remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Monday's game against the Penguins. Oduya, who also spent two minutes in the penalty box for tripping, now has an assist in three straight games.
Analysis: Oduya now has one goal and seven assists in his last seven games. He has more points in that span then he did through the first three months (five assists in 31 games). Oduya is playing at times more than 20 minutes per game, but is still primarily a checking defenseman. He remains a low-end Fantasy option at this time.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya had a goal and three assists and the Devils scored five times on the power play in a 7-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night. "It's nice to score," said Oduya, who recorded multiple points for the first time in 117 career games. "I don't get that many points. But I'm more happy for the win in a big game."
Analysis: The second-year defenseman plays nearly 17 minutes per game, but is far more valuable to the Devils than he is to Fantasy owners at this time. He can be used as a low-end flier in leagues that reward heavily for plus/minus ratings.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Sunday's game against the Maple Leafs. He now has one goal and two assists in his last seven games. He is now at plus-7 in January.
Analysis: The second-year defenseman plays nearly 17 minutes per game, but has just 20 points in 116 career games. He is far more valuable to the Devils than he is to Fantasy owners at this time, but can be used as a low-end flier in leagues that reward heavily for plus/minus ratings.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya scored his first goal of the season during a 4-3 loss Saturday against the Bruins. New Jersey cut it to 3-2 when Oduya's low shot from the point appeared to be going wide, but caromed into the net off Zdeno Chara's left skate 17:11 into the second. Oduya picked up his sixth assist a night earlier against Philadelphia.
Analysis: The second-year defenseman plays nearly 17 minutes per game, but has just 18 points in 110 career games. He is far more valuable to the Devils than he is to Fantasy owners at this time.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 during Friday's game against the Flyers. It was his first point in seven games and his sixth assist of the season.
Analysis: The second-year defenseman plays nearly 17 minutes per game, but has just 17 points in 109 career games. He is far more valuable to the Devils than he is to Fantasy owners at this time.
News:The Sports Xchange notes: D Johnny Oduya coughed up the puck for Florida's first goal Thursday night.
Analysis: Oduya is still worth using in deeper Fantasy leagues despite the misplay.
News: The New Jersey Devils re-signed Ds Andy Greene and Johnny Oduya to two-year contracts and they also kept W Michael Rupp, inking him to a two-year deal.
Analysis: Greene and Oduya are worth using in deeper Fantasy leagues, while Rupp's Fantasy value will be minimal with wings of his caliber a dime a dozen in 2007-08.
News: Colin White (back) finally returned to the lineup for the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Senators. He replaced Johnny Oduya, who was a healthy scratch after pitching well against the Lightning.
Analysis: White was scoreless with two blocked shots in 22:30 of ice time. It appears safe to get White back in the active Fantasy lineup in all postseason pools, while Oduya should be reserved in all deeper leagues.
News: New Jersey D Johnny Oduya returned against Tampa Bay Thursday after missing six games with a shoulder injury.
Analysis: Oduya is far more valuable to his real team than to Fantasy owners. Avoid him in all formats until the offense starts to come around.
News: The Newark Star-Ledger reports Johnny Oduya (shoulder) was able to skate on Thursday for the first time in a week, but he is doubtful to play this weekend.
Analysis: Oduya is far more valuable to his real team than to Fantasy owners. Avoid him in all formats until the offense starts to come around.
News: According to the N.Y. Post, Devils D Johnny Oduya will be sidelined for the next 7-10 days with an upper body injury he suffered during Thursday night's 4-3 win over the Islanders.
Analysis: Oduya is not a recommended Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Devils defenseman Johnny Oduya suffered an upper-body injury on his first shift and did not return.
Analysis: Oduya's status is uncertain for New Jersey's next game on Saturday in Ottawa. When healthy, he has very little Fantasy appeal.
News: Devils D Johnny Oduya scored his first NHL goal Tuesday night against the Thrashers.
Analysis: Oduya is not having a great season as far as Fantasy production goes. He has just one goal and three assists and is a far cry from starting in any Fantasy league at this time.
News: Johnny Oduya was scoreless in Tuesday's game at N.Y. Rangers, but he logged 23:17 of ice time. That was good for fourth on the team in TOI.
Analysis: Oduya also had his modest two-game point streak snapped in the game. He has seen his ice time gradually pick up as the season has progressed, but is still not doing enough offensively to warrant Fantasy consideration.
News: The New Jersey Devils sent C David Clarkson, C Adrian Foster, D Andy Greene, D Olli Malmivaara, D Johnny Oduya and RW Barry Tallackson to Lowell of the AHL. Veteran RW Grant Marshall also cleared waivers and was assigned to Lowell.
Analysis: G Frank Doyle and D Tomas Harant were also recalled from Lowell. None of the nine players are worthy of any Fantasy consideration.
