Mottau was extremely lucky he still has vision, let alone the ability to play hockey. Last season the former Hobey Baker winner netted three assists over 20 games. Don't expect much fantasy hockey impact from the journeyman.
Valentine is expected to start the season in the AHL where he will have no fantasy hockey value.
No immediate fantasy hockey value in the AHL.
McLaren has 32 games under his belt as a Shark over the past two seasons and could be in the mix for a roster spot. Could be a good source of PIM as his totals could reach 150+ with enough games played.
Niemi could be ready for the season opener at this point and was even probable to start tomorrow night before coach Todd McLellan ruled it out. Last season, Niemi won 35 games while sporting a 2.38 GAA and .920 SV%. With Antero Niittymaki already out, the two options for the Sharks would be Thomas Greiss or Harri Sateri if Niemi suffers a setback.
Cundari will get another shot at making the team.
Sterling will get another shot at making the team.
Peluso will get another shot at making the team.
Cheechoo will get another shot at making the team.
Ness has clearly stood out during training camp. The former Mr. Hockey scored a goal and four points over 13 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers last season following three seasons at the University of Minnesota. Expect him to make the squad at some point this season if he doesn't make it out of camp.
Rakhshani likely would have been assigned to the AHL with only seven professional seasons on his resume.
When Rolston returns he will be expected to flank the third line. Last season the 38-year-old scored 14 goals and 34 points through 65 games with the New Jersey Devils. He won't play nearly as much time on a scoring line so consider last year's stats his ceiling.
The fact that Jurcina isn't practicing is certainly telling. Last season he scored four goals and 17 points through 46 games with the Isles last season. Don't expect him to improve on those totals this season.
No immediate fantasy hockey value on waivers.
Theodore certainly did not impress in the team's recent 7-1 loss against the Dallas Stars. Last season, the former Vezina Trophy winner won 15 games with a decent .915 SV% and 2.71 GAA while with the Minnesota Wild. He should keep the starting goalie job unless his soft goals add up.
Urbom likely won't make the team but could be one of the first call-ups. He managed to score a goal last season over his first eight NHL games. He's shown glimpses of offense in the AHL, SEL and WHL so keep an eye on the former third round pick down the road.
Niemi could be ready for the season opener at this point and was even probable to start tomorrow night before coach Todd McLellan ruled it out. Last season, Niemi won 35 games while sporting a 2.38 GAA and .920 SV%. With Antero Niittymaki already out, the two options for the Sharks would be Thomas Greiss or Harri Sateri if Niemi suffers a setback.
Sounds like Tyutin is poised for a career year after playing inconsistently last season. The 28-year-old scored seven goals and 27 points last season -- which was a decrease from his previous two seasons. As the team's number two defender, look for him to benefit greatly from the additions of Jeff Carter and James Wisniewski.
Bruce Boudreau wants to see more of the youngster Eakin as he tries to find the ideal third-line center. Last season, the pivot scored 18 goals and 44 points over 26 games with the Kootenay Ice and 18 goals and 39 points over 30 games with the Swift Current Broncos. He could be close to NHL ready but could also benefit from some time in the AHL.
While Hartikainen could fit in better on the team's lower lines than Linus Omark, the team probably thinks higher of the latter. Last season he scored 17 goals and 42 points through 66 games with the Oklahoma City Barons, earning a 12-game tryout with the Oilers. Look for the Finnish winger to be the first call-up from the AHL.
