"The 2012 NHL All-Star Game is in the books and as always it was an exciting event that showcased the skills of some of the best and brightest the league has to offer. Though there were 42 vets selected to participate in the game itself, the League's selection committee also chose 12 rookies to take part in the weekend's activities.

That is what we are going to do here today.

Considering that we had a short week in the fantasy realm due in large part to those All-Star festivities, we figured that we would point out a handful of rookies that are starting to slide into bigger roles for their teams. These players may not be a benefit to all of you, but they could offer some nice depth scoring and should definitely be on the radars of those in keeper or dynasty leagues.

We'll start with one defenseman who was actually chosen to take part in the All-Star events in Ottawa, Raphael Diaz. Diaz might not be as consistent on the offensive side of the puck at this stage of his career, but he has shown the ability to play big minutes and on both special teams in a top four role with the Canadiens this season. He did struggle through a recent eight-game scoreless drought that earned him a seat in the press box as a healthy scratch, but he has picked up points in consecutive game since returning to the lineup. Diaz now has 15-points (3G-12A), 47 shots on goal and a manageable minus-1 on the season."