This is the first time Gardiner has skated since DEC 8. He's looking to take the next step in the NHL after scoring 30 pts in 75 games. Could be an okay fantasy option this year when he is healthy.
Hickey a former 4th overall pick still has yet to crack the NHL. He remains irrelevant in fantasy.
Clune isn't fantasy relevant.
Malone is a consistent 40-50 point producer every season. Playing with Stamkos and St. Louis will generate chances for him on a nightly basis. Malone could be a solid late pick or waiver pickup.
RIchards is expected to be ready for the start of the season, and center the Rangers first line with Rick Nash.
Helm isn't fantasy relevant.
Sutton isn't fantasy relevant.
This is Samuelsson's second go-around with the Red Wings and is expected to skate with Filppula and Franzen on Detroit's second line. Samuelsson could score 20-25 or more points this season.
Briere is skating for the first time since returning from overseas. He could return earlier than expected and should resume his role as the Flyers second line C.
Schilling wouldn't have been fantasy relevant if he had made the Capitals.
Josefson won't be fantasy relevant.
Kopitar was expected to miss a few weeks with his knee injury, but is progressing well and could be back earlier than expected. Don't let him fall too far in your draft.
If the Capitals keep Ovechkin on the RW, he would get dual eligibility at LW and RW.
It doesn't look too severe but groin injuries are something to keep an eye on.
Briere is expected to center the Flyers second line. Missing the first two games wouldn't be devastating just make sure he is not in your lineups. Monitor his status on Saturday and Sunday.
Fistric only has 23 points in 257 career regular season NHL games. He's not much of a fantasy asset regardless of what team he plays for. Unless your team needs hits, in which case he's a great source of hits!
Vandermeer a defensive defenseman doesn't have a lot of fantasy value especially since he is joining an already crowded defensive corp in Vancouver.
Tangradi has 1 goal in 40 career NHL games so he isn't really an ideal fantasy player. He's been able to find the net in the AHL, so maybe playing with Malkin and Neal will spark some goal scoring from Tangradi.
Brunner is already expected to start alongside Zetterberg and Datzyuk on the Red Wings first line. If he plays the point on the teams first PP that will add to his already growing pre-season fantasy value.
Gudbranson can be a good fantasy option when he puts it all together. He can score, hit and racks up PIM's. However he is expected to miss the first three games of the year. Not a good start.
