Niittymaki played only three games in 2011 which worries the local media. He should be able to prove once training camp starts whether he is fully healthy, or not. If not, look for Thomas Greiss to play around 20 tilts for the Sharks.
Fresh off a year in Sweden, Greiss could challenge Niemi for some playing time. As Evgeni Nabokov's backup, the German 'tender found his way into 19 games over parts of two seasons. He's proven a capable backup in the past with relatively no starter experience at the NHL level.
The 23-year-old pivot played for Farjestads BK Karlstad of the SEL last season and could have signed with any team this past offseason but chose the Capitals. Sounds like he would be playing in a third or fourth line role if he makes the team.
Bogosian will look to improve on his worst professional season where he scored 5 goals and 17 points in 71 games. While the former third overall pick displayed mounds of talent in Juniors, his production has been sporadic over his three NHL seasons. A change of scenery, system and coach could help him improve this season but be cautious before paying for his potential.
Probably safe to scratch Connolly off your list in single-season leagues.
On the fourth line, Pyatt will not draw much fantasy hockey value, if any at all. The diminutive forward managed four goals through 101 career games. His most impressive professional season has been playing for coach Guy Boucher, when he posted 13 goals and 35 points in only 41 games with the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Shannon, a PP specialist by trade, scored a career-high 11 goals last season for the lowly Senators. The Lightning will give him every chance at repeating those numbers if they feature him in a top-6 role but the journeyman would probably be better served on the third line in place of Sean Bergenheim.
In the article, Schultz claims injuries factored into his poor play last season. Regardless if you feel Schultz could play better, the added depth on the blue line should prevent him from posting a plus-50 rating every again.
Important move for the Isles as his re-signing ensures the team will remain competitive. It also solidifies his line-mates' fantasy value from Matt Moulson during even strength to Kyle Okposo on the PP.
Roy fills the Canes' need for a depth defenseman but won't help your fantasy hockey team.
The sophomore will be looking to top his 20 goals and 41 points from his rookie campaign. As long as he continues to flank Patrice Bergeron, he should retain that value if not further improve. Keep in mind, the pesky winger finished second to David Krejci in postseason goals with 11.
Missing time during training camp could hurt his chances of making the team, considering he was already labeled to compete for the fourth line center role. Nevertheless with Sidney Crosby expected out, Jeffrey could provide some much needed offensive depth down the middle.
Certainly sounds like Mueller is on track to return to the lineup during the preseason. If you had him on your cheat sheet, keep him where he is as he looks "fine" on the ice. Expect further updates as they are reported.
Faulk has impressed during this season's Traverse City Prospects Tournament and is on the short list to make Carolina's opening night roster. The former University of Minnesota-Deluth standout has been fast-tracked by the Canes, playing only one collegiate season.
Murphy has a very remote shot of making the team out of training camp but should be a name to remember. At age 18, he managed to score 26 goals in only 63 games for the Kitchener Rangers -- Jeff Skinner's alma mater.
We too see Pouliot on the third line, to the left side of Chris Kelly. Expect him to eclipse 10 goals this season playing a two-way role for his former rival.
Johansson should receive even more valuable minutes in the upcoming season after his solid rookie season and postseason. Should Nicklas Backstrom falter or succumb to injury, expect Johansson to step up as Alex Ovechkin's pivot.
Sauer holds limited offensive potential but helps keep the puck out of the net for Henrik Lundqvist's Rangers. Considering the MRI was deemed clean, he should be playing by the end of training camp.
Already bad news for the often-injured Markov. Every season it seems like his previous season's injuries make him a value pick but Markov has not played a full season in almost three years now. Draft knowing he will likely miss substantial amounts of playing time.
No way to tell whether his "minor upper-body thing" will be a nagging injury at this point in time. Be aware that Subban may battle through some pain this season; it seems like the Habs are doing everything possible to ensure 100 percent health.
