The Frenchman will battle Mike Zibanejad and Peter Regin for a chance to center the second line. Da Costa scored 14 goals and 45 points with Merrimack College last season, earning an entry-level contract. Despite his undrafted status, the 22-year-old will be given every opportunity to stick in the NHL.
In his third full AHL season, Emmerton scored 12 goals and 38 points. The former second round pick should make the team out of camp and provide some energy to a bottom line.
Certainly lofty praise coming from the former NHLer Granato. The Calgary, Alberta native scored 20 goals and 39 points last season for the Wilkes-Barre / Scranton Penguins. Look for him to possibly fill in on a scoring line should the Pens have more injuries.
Vitale is currently up against tough competition for an extra forward job with the Pens. Last season he managed to score nine goals and 30 points in 60 games with Wilkes-Barre Scranton and found his way into nine games with the Pens. His upside probably goes no higher than a third line.
Backstrom playing is definitely a step in the right direction. Last season, the Helsinki, Finland native finished with a 23-25-5 record with a 2.66 GAA and .916 SV%. Playing at a higher level is not the big question mark, staying healthy is.
The Coyotes were smart to take Visentin in the first round, knowing they would probably lose Ilya Bryzgalov to free agency. Last season he posted a 2.52 GAA and .917 SV% for the Niagra IceDogs, establishing himself as one of the better goalie prospects. Expect him to take over between the pipes in a few years.
Domingue could make Team Canada during this season's WJHC. Last season he posted a 2.65 GAA and .898 SV%, which is relatively decent in the QMJHL. Expect him to need at least two more seasons to develop.
Weal failed to make the cut, which speaks more to the supporting cast in Los Angeles than his talent level. Last season, the pivot scored 43 goals and 96 points for the Regina Pats of the WHL. Keep an eye out for him in a few seasons.
Toffoli should be returned to Juniors shortly. The right wing dominated the OHL last season, posting 57 goals and 108 points with the Ottawa 67s. Keep an eye out for him in a few years.
Fisher is still not expected to make Opening Night for the Preds. The 31-year-old pivot potted 19 goals and 36 points between the Predators and the Ottawa Senators last season. When he returns, look for him to mainstay on the top line.
Good sign for the fallen Spaling. Last season he produced eight goals and 14 points through 74 games but was better known for his playoff heroics. Look for him to play more of an important role this upcoming season.
Josi was expected to challenge for a roster spot this preseason but could start the year in the AHL. Ryan Ellis and Mattias Ekholm certainly have a leg-up on him as long as he remains on the shelf.
No word on whether or not Upshall will miss any regular season time. The versatile forward managed 22 goals and 34 points last season, split between the Phoenix Coyotes and Columbus Blue Jackets. He holds marginal fantasy value as he figures to play on one of the top two lines.
Howden will be held out for precautionary measures. Although he scored 40 goals and 79 points last season in the WHL, the left wing probably returns to Juniors for one more season. Keep an eye out for the former 25th overall pick next season.
Petrovic will play one more season in Juniors and then be reevaluated. At age 19 the blueliner scored seven goals and 57 points in only 69 games with the Red Deer Rebels. He should have a bright future ahead of him.
Esposito makes less than a million dollars which may not qualify him to make the team. Last season, the former 20th overall pick scored three goals and 13 points in 57 games with the Chicago Wolves. In all reality he remains a longshot to make the team.
Should Niemi not be able to play, the Sharks will be down two goalies. Last season, the former Cup winning 'tender posted a 35-18-6 record with a 2.36 GAA and .920 SV%. Look for Harri Sateri or Thomas Greiss to start the season in goal should Nemo not recover in time.
Certainly not a boon for his fantasy value. Niittymaki went 12--7-3 with a 2.71 GAA and .896 SV% over 24 appearances for the Sharks. Look for Thomas Greiss or Harri Sateri to start the season as the team's backup.
With the team's enforcer out, look for a youngster to get a shot. Shelley has not broken 200 PIM since before the lockout. He likely would be used sparingly on the fourth line.
If Backstrom is demoted to the second line, look for his production to continue falling. Last sesaon the former fourth overall pick scored 18 goals and 65 points. That would be his ceiling without Ovechkin.
