If you're in a keeper league and currently occupy a lower spot in the standings, you're probably wondering if – and how soon – your focus should shift to next season. You may have come into this season with a talented lineup. You may have even started the first few weeks on fire, but when injuries and poor performance continue to pile up, it almost feels like fate is urging you to find a new hobby.

Never fear, because a rational decision is always near. If you're holding a few valuable assets that can't be carried over, you may want to start thinking about the future. Maybe hold on to a couple cheaper centerpieces and build around them. Look at other lineups and target players you think will do well in the coming years. And if you come up with a solid selling strategy, try not to change it midstream – that is, unless your team suddenly turns it around and you believe a postseason/cash place is attainable.

While the preceding advice may look confusing, the following suggestions should be as clear as (center) ice...

(Ownership rates/stats as of Dec. 6)


Forwards

Nick Schmaltz, ARI (Yahoo: 20%, ESPN: 68%, CBS: 51%): Schmaltz's career path looked promising when he notched 52 points for Chicago last season, but his momentum slowed this year and he was subsequently traded. Since arriving in Arizona, the Madison native has picked up five points – including two power-play goals – in only four games while