This week we take a look at underrated players who can help out with underrated fantasy categories – namely the low-key plus-minus statistic and the gory penalty-minute category. The following players can also chip in with some offense, as well:

Randy Jones – Philadelphia Flyers

Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back if you knew who Randy Jones was prior to this week. Jones actually played 66 games in the NHL last season on a terrible Philly team. Like many other Flyers, Jones is off to a fast start, with one goal and six points in seven games. He is also posted an impressive plus eight plus/minus rating. While it may be very difficult for him to keep up this pace, Jones can contribute in all but the deepest of fantasy pools.

Patrick Kane – Chicago Blackhawks

The first overall pick of 2007's entry draft, Kane has established himself as the early frontrunner for Calder Trophy honours as the league's top rookie. The 18-year-old has scored one goal and registered nine points in eight games, including five points in Chicago's past two contests. The Hawks took a chance in giving Kane a roster spot this fall. He has rewarded them as few could have imagined. Mimic the Blackhawks and have faith in the talented youngster-- you will not be disappointed.

Ryan Kesler – Vancouver Canucks

Kesler earned notoriety a few seasons back when former Philly general manager, Bob Clarke, waded into restricted free agent waters to sign him to an offer sheet. The Canucks matched and reluctantly ended up paying $1.9 million per season for a fourth-line player. The potential that both Philadelphia and Vancouver saw in Kesler is finally coming to fruition. He scored two goals, amassed four penalty minutes, and registered three assists and a plus four plus/minus rating in the Canucks' last three games. He is a five-tool player in the making.

Mike Ribeiro – Dallas Stars

Ribeiro missed almost all of training camp as well the first three games of the regular season with a badly sprained ankle. He was likely undrafted in most pools due to this injury and his inconsistent performances of seasons past. Ribeiro is off to an unexpectedly hot start with two goals and six points in his first five games. He has five points over the Stars' past three games, including three power-play points. The shifty pivot is well worth picking up in most fantasy leagues.

Jason Williams – Chicago Blackhawks

Williams came out of nowhere to score 21 goals and register 58 points for Detroit in the season after the lockout. In 2006-07, He followed that up with a disappointing 26-point effort in 58 games, before being dealt to Chicago in a three-team deal at the trade deadline. However, he is now playing on the power-play in The Windy City, and often skates alongside talented rookies Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. After going without a point in the Hawks' first four games, Williams has collected three goals and seven points in the team's last four contests. Pick him up if you need a solid utility forward.

Jared Boll – Columbus Blue Jackets

All you need to know about Boll is that he will be this season's Ben Eager. In only six games, the rugged winger has fought three times, and amassed 32 penalty minutes. If you need help in the penalty minute category pick Boll up as he is on pace for an astounding 437 penalty minutes.

Eric Belanger – Minnesota Wild

One particular hockey expert believes that Eric Belanger can reach the 80-point plateau this season: his coach, Jacques Lemaire. While that may be wildly optimistic, he is the right man to have supporting you. Belanger, who has earned a healthy portion of power-play ice time this season, is playing on a talented and underrated line that features Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Brian Rolston. For his part, the veteran center has scored three goals and added four assists in eight games. Most importantly to the coach, he has been solid defensively, as his plus nine rating on the season attests to.