No immediate fantasy hockey value in the AHL.
No immediate fantasy hockey value in the AHL.
No immediate fantasy hockey value in the AHL.
No immediate fantasy hockey value in the AHL.
Gionta dodged a bullet during yesterday's game and is seemingly OK. Although he played 12 games with the Devils last year, he is unlikely to make the roster.
Just a week ago Frattin was not guaranteed to make the team. As a senior at the University of North Dakota, Frattin potted 36 goals and finished the season with 60 points in 44 games. Keep an eye on how he reacts to a scoring line role.
Lombardi will get his first action of the preseason and will have every opportunity to prove himself fully healthy. The speedy forward posted 19 goals and 53 points during the '09 - '10 campaign but missed all-but-two games due to a concussion last season. He could very well take the reigns of the top line with Nazem Kadri and Tim Connolly hurt.
Fresh off a career year where MacArthur scored 21 goals and 62 points, the scoring winger will start the season ineligible to play. No word on who replaces him on the second line as the Leafs are decimated by injuries.
Following a hit to the head, Abdelkader likely won't miss any playing time. Last year he scored seven goals and 19 points, both career highs. Expect him to start the season on the third line in the latest reiteration of two kids and a goat.
Holmstrom's decline in foot-speed places him on the fourth line to start the season. Last season, he scored 18 goals and 37 points over 73 games. If he remains on PP1 he should produce similar results.
If Brunnstrom could succeed anywhere in the NHL, it would be with Detroit. The 26-year-old holds 19 goals and 40 points through 99 career NHL games, which would indicate he has potential similar to a Red Wings forward like Jiri Hudler. If he signs, which the reports indicate he will, keep the Swedish import in the very back of your mind.
Nyquist continues to impress during training camp but likely will fall victim to the numbers game. Last season, this collegiate standout scored 18 goals and 51 points through 36 games with the University of Maine before playing eight games for the Grand Rapid Griffins. Although he will start the season in the AHL, keep his name in mind for the future.
The right wing will need to be replaced on the fourth line. Last season he scored a career-high seven goals with 182 PIM. He wouldn't be a bad source of PIM, if healthy.
Guenin continues to play a solid game next to Sheldon Brookbank on the third pairing. Don't expect close to any offense from the former Ohio State defender as he never topped 17 points on any professional team. Look for him to stay with the team as long as Kurtis Foster and Toni Lydman stay out.
After suffering various short-term injuries over the past two seasons, Nash will attempt staying healthy as long as possible. Last season the team's captain scored 32 goals and 66 points for the Blue Jackets. He is expected to return to the 80-point range with an improved offense.
LaBarbera showed flashes over his last two seasons of becoming a starting goalie. Last season he went 7-6-3 with a 3.26 GAA and .909 SV%. He should increase his games played from 17 to the 30+ range.
As the free agent signing, Smith certainly has the inside track. Last season he won 13 of his 22 appearances with a 2.89 GAA and .899 SV% while with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Look for him to improve those totals under coach Dave Tippett.
Niederreiter was expected to flank John Tavares on the top line but is now out indefinitely. Last season, the Swiss standout scored 41 goals and 70 points over 55 games with the Portland Winterhawks. Expect PA Parenteau to move back onto the top line for the time being.
Weber could be switched to forward permanently without a home on the blue line. Last season the Swiss skater scored a goal and 11 points over 41 games with the Habs. Don't expect too much from Weber unless he finds PP time or a role on a scoring line.
Plekanec produced 18 points on the PP last season and 24 the season before. The playmaking center is expected to center the top line and could return to the 70 point range with help from his wingers. Expect a productive season from Plekanec.
