Left, Right & Center: Colb as Ice

All-Star Weekend is upon us. The bright lights and dense smog of LA provide the backdrop for the NHL's extended session of three-on-three. Last year's inaugural installment proved to be successful by mixing up the team format, providing multiple games, and turning a part-timer into a hero.

For what it's worth, I'm a big fan of the classic midseason matches. Remember Rendez-vous '87? Or the time Owen Nolan called his shot? And who could forget those colorful Campbell and Wales Conference jerseys?

Nostalgia can manifest itself in many forms. Going forward, you may notice the inclusion of repeats from earlier weekly editions, although most of these duplicates will reappear specifically because they have changed classifications. But everyone listed this week is new to this space, since we don't want to shock everyone right away:

Left Wing

Two Steps Forward: Jaden Schwartz, St. Louis

Not much has been going right for the Blues on the back end, but there haven't been too many complaints on the other side of the ice (26 goals in nine January outings). The first line has led the charge, with Schwartz manning the left side. After two years of growth, injuries stunted his progress last season. But the Colorado College standout is reaping the rewards at full strength (nine points in his last seven games, 30 in 43 overall). Schwartz was hit by a puck Saturday but reports maintain he should not miss any action.

Broken Wing: Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary

It's well known Gaudreau is widely owned in fantasy, but it's relevant to point out how his latest stats (four points in 13 contests, minus-6) measure well below his standards. The overall numbers (29 in 40, with 110 shots) aren't terrible, but they're disappointing for someone you'd expect to land somewhere in the 70-80 point range by season's end. There's the sense both Gaudreau and linemate Sean Monahan (one point higher) will eventually produce on a consistent basis, but that hope may be ruined by the fact other Flames forwards (like club leader Mikael Backlund with 33) are providing significant contributions.

Between the Lines: Brendan Perlini, Arizona

Since being drafted, the 2014 first-rounder bided his time in junior waiting for the big-league promotion. After an impressive AHL stint (19 points in 17 outings, including 14 goals), Perlini earned his first taste with the Coyotes and has looked pretty comfortable. The sample size (22 games) is hardly significant, but his output (seven goals, two assists) hints at the potential stardom team management saw in him three years ago. Considering Arizona is not destined to make the postseason, it's safe to say Perlini – and other top prospects – will be given the opportunity to make an impression these next few months.

Right Wing

Two Steps Forward: Kyle Palmieri, New Jersey

After middling with Anaheim, Palmieri was dealt to Jersey and became one of last season's pleasant surprises (57 points, including 23 on the power play, with 222 shots, 129 hits, and 51 blocks). His second campaign at The Rock has been less spectacular, although the last few weeks have proved to be fairly productive (seven goals, seven assists in 18 games). Palmieri hasn't experienced any shortage of minutes (just under 17 a night) or chances (averaging around three minutes of power-play time), so his progress should be aided by playing alongside a dependable scorer like Taylor Hall and a savvy veteran like Travis Zajac.

Broken Wing: Joe Colborne, Colorado

After a breakout 44-point campaign with Calgary, the Avs came calling during free agency and rewarded Colborne with a nice raise (two years, $5 million). The giant forward immediately repaid their trust by notching a hat trick on Opening Night. Unfortunately, in his next 34 appearances, he has managed a total of one assist. Colorado's struggles this season have been repeated ad nauseum but there's reason to believe its many young players will be able to showcase their talent. However, it remains to be seen whether or not Colborne fits into this plan.

Between the Lines: Tomas Jurco, Detroit

Thanks to all the injuries littering the Wings' forward contingent, Jurco is set to earn some real playing time. Since missing the first 22 games, the Slovak has gone on to receive paltry minutes (breaking the 10-minute mark in only three of 11 appearances) and sit as a healthy scratch the last eight contests. Jurco showed flashes of brilliance during his 2013-14 debut (15 points in 36 contests), but has never been able to replicate the excitement on a regular basis. Expect him to ease his way back into the flow and get some work on the man advantage.

Center

Two Steps Forward: Kyle Turris, Ottawa

2015-16 was forgettable for Turris, as he was eventually shut down in February after succumbing to yet another injury. The former Coyote has been impressive this season (33 points in 45 outings), looking like the center that excelled in his first two 82-game years in Ottawa (with 58 and 64 points, respectively). Even with his current point haul, it's amazing to see how relatively low Turris's ownership remains in some fantasy leagues (including a ridiculous 41% in Yahoo!). In other words, pick him up now before it's too late.

Broken Wing: Brandon Pirri, NY Rangers

For someone with sufficient power-play duty (2:48 worth), he doesn't exactly use this resource to its full potential. It's true Pirri has tallied just over half of his points while up a man (nine of 16), but his numbers are hindered by the fact he doesn't skate enough at even strength (averaging 9:28). If you're looking for a niche contributor, then Pirri (who has mainly been used on the right wing) will satisfy your requirements. However, if you're after a more complete player, then it's best to look elsewhere.

Between the Lines: Vladislav Namestnikov, Tampa Bay

In his second full campaign with the Bolts, Namestnikov is still learning what it takes to play a complete game. The 24-year old, who was selected 27th overall in 2011, had seen his minutes greatly fluctuate but is improving with a heavier workload (up over a minute to 15:49 since New Year's), facilitated by the continuing absence of Steven Stamkos. Namestnikov's recent stat lines appear inconsistent (five points in 10 games), but at least he's giving enough effort to warrant his increased opportunities (also averaging just under three minutes of PP action during this stretch).