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The first month of the new NHL is behind us, and there are a pile of players that surged in value. 

Guys that couldn't be given away in September keeper leagues are now being asked for in every offer. On the other hand, some traditional high-ranking fantasy players are being treated as the plague by other owners - owners who were asking about that player just four weeks ago. 

Ah, the wonderful world of hockey pools. How quickly things change! 

Here are the ten best risers and fallers of the past month:

Value UP

1. Jason Williams, Detroit. The third leading scorer on the high-flying Red Wings is small, and has been tucked away for the last few years on the fourth line. The new CBA freed up some space up front and the 25-year-old right-winger has taken advantage. Talk about under the radar – this guy wasn't even drafted by an NHL team, let alone a fantasy team!

2. Alexei Zhitnik, NY Islanders. Part one of a two-part series about older defensemen somehow finding it within them to have a comeback year. Zhitnik is doing it on the powerplay with his new team. He's used to passing the puck to Miro Satan, but now he has Alexei Yashin as well!

3. Eric Desjardins, Philadelphia. Part two of two. Eleven points in nine games. While he won't finish at that rate, the 36-year-old defenseman looks to hit 50-points for the first time in six years.

4. Bryan McCabe, Toronto. The third and final defenseman on this list has 15 points in ten games and seems to be in on the ice each time the Leafs score on the powerplay. Expected to score in the 45-55 point range, McCabe now looks to flirt seriously with 70. The perfect example of a fantasy player rising in value – I have him in one of my pools and I have yet to have somebody talk trade with me without saying his name first. These same people would walk away from me in September upon mentioning him.

5. Martin Rucinsky, NY Rangers. Amazing what playing with a revitalized Jaromir Jagr does for you, eh? Twelve games and 14 points so far. It's been ten years since he's had 55 points in a season. At this rate, he could do that by January!

6. Pavel Vorobiev, Chicago. This prospect has been on the radar for what seems like years and years. Many poolies gave up on him. Those that didn't are ecstatic about his team-leading 11 points.

7. Marek Svatos, Colorado. I have to eat humble pie on this one. I was not one of the fantasy experts high on this guy. Svatos had a poor season in the AHL, and missed most of training camp. Ten games and 11 points later, it looks like I might get some egg on my face from fellow poolies.

8. Jussi Jokinen, Dallas. A solid prospect for the Stars was 50/50 to make the squad this season. He made it, and is on the top line with Mike Modano and Jere Lehtinen. Jokinen will get 50 points this season – quite the debut! After this season, Olli will not be a slam-dunk as the top-scoring Jokinen in the NHL.

9. Rob Niedermeyer, Anaheim. His signing was a tiny little blurb at the end of the Ducks' big announcement in the summer. His brother Scott got all the headlines, but Rob is getting all the points. A point per game so far.

10. Matt Cullen, Carolina. Written off by many a fantasy owner, Cullen has bounced back nicely with his new team and should easily surpass the 50-point mark.

Value DOWN

1. Jordan Leopold, Calgary. Coming off a 33-point sophomore season, the 25-year-old should be improving on those numbers – particularly in the new NHL.  Thirteen games in, however, and Leopold is pointless.

2. Eric Daze, Chicago. Back problems were already known to be a problem. Showing up to camp out of shape and making his back worse is inexcusable. Now most his season is a write-off and his upside in the future is limited.

3. Shawn Bates, NY Islanders. His numbers have seen a steady decline since his 52 points in 2001-02. He's at the point now where he should be off of all fantasy teams.

4. Jamie Lundmark, Phoenix. He does get a second chance in Phoenix, at least. He certainly ran out of chances in New York.

5. Nathan Dempsey, Los Angeles. He's the only defenseman on the Kings with any kind of offense. However, Lubomir Visnovsky has something to say about that. Now, Dempsey is out of a job.

6. Mariusz Czerkawski, Toronto. Has already worn out his welcome in the Leaf Nation.

7. Mike Johnson, Phoenix. He has come along as of late, but there just may not be room in Phoenix for him. His injury history is also a point against.

8. Pascal Dupuis, Minnesota. Never recovered from his contract dispute in 2003. Now Dupuis will be lucky to get half of what he had in his second year (48 points).

9. Pierre Dagenais, Montreal. He never found his niche in the NHL, but some poolies had high hopes for him. Completely without value in fantasy pools. Don't believe me? Try trading him – see what you get. He's the type of player that, if you have a deal worked out with someone already, and then you try to throw Dagenais in for free, the other party will walk away. Yes, giving him away for free can actually make a deal worse!

10. Marek Zidlicky, Nashville. Has a tenuous grasp of top powerplay duties in the music city. Kimmo Timonen and Dan Hamhuis seem to be stealing the top two defenseman's spot away from him.

Oct. 24, 2005 - Wild About Scoring
Oct. 17, 2005 - Striking Gold – Thanks to Linemates
Oct. 10, 2005 - A Surprise Fantasy Asset
Oct. 03, 2005 - Last of the Late Picks to Put You Over the Top
Sept. 26, 2005 - More Late Picks to Put You Over the Top
Sept. 19, 2005 - Late Picks to Make or Break Your Pool Team

Dobber's Fantasy Tips exclusively appear Monday's at TheFourthPeriod.com.
Comments/Concerns/Criticisms/Compliments: rotohockey@rogers.com