Playing Kennedy on either the second or third line will give him the opportunity to score 20 goals once more. He proved last season that he did not need top-line minutes in order to produce offensively.
Blysma did not disclose whether or not Neal would move to RW without Crosby. In any event, adding RW position-eligibility would certainly help the former's fantasy value.
Tangradi likely starts off the season in the AHL as the Pens currently have 13 forwards, including Sidney Crosby, on one-way contracts. The third-best prospect, according to Hockey's Future, will need to overly impress during training camp in order to stick in the lineup.
Williams figures to play on one of the two scoring lines and should repeat last year's success. The injury-prone winger potted 22 goals to go along with 57 points in only 73 games last season.
In case there was any doubt, Jonathan Quick will be the Kings' starting goalie this season. He posted a 2.24 GAA and .918 SV% with six shutouts in 61 appearances last season.
The 2011 Hobey Baker Memorial Award Candidate got a taste of NHL duty with the Leafs last season; sounds like he remains determined to stick with the Leafs. As a senior at the University of North Dakota, Frattin potted 36 goals and finished the season with 60 points in 44 games.
All reports list Kopitar as fully healthy, draft accordingly.
When Fraser gets healthy he will compete for a bottom line spot. The former Stanley Cup winner scored three goals and five points in 67 games with the Edmonton Oilers last season before blocking a shot with his right foot.
Most hype out of Montreal states Emeilin starts the season on the NHL roster, making a physical impact on the back end. He will have big shoes to fill in replacing Roman Hamrlik but most reports seem high on the physical defenseman. Nevertheless, he will need to transition to the North American rink, so expect some growing pains.
As a first year pro, expect Gregoire to start out in the AHL. Should he move quickly through the minors he could receive a callup later in the season.
Considering the Oilers look relatively deep at center, it will take an excellent training camp to remove a player like Eric Belanger or Gilbert Brule from the lineup. In any case, Lander figures to excel defensively, not necessarily offensively.
Dubnyk will have every opportunity to impress team brass during training camp and over the course of the season. Barring a miraculous comeback from his counterpart Khabibulin, Dubnyk is the favorite to earn the starting goalie position.
Playing alongside Lubomir Visnovsky on the team's top 5-man unit, Lydman posted a plus-32 rating to go along with three goals and 25 points. In deeper leagues he could provide some value as a depth defender.
Two years ago Beleskey received a chance to play on the top line and returned the favor by scoring 11 goals in 60 games. Last season due to injury and inconsistency, the 2006 4th-round pick saw his playing time almost evaporate due to better prospects like Brandon McMillan and Kyle Palmieri. He should have a chance to earn back some playing time but likely can be acquired via waivers in most fantasy hockey leagues.
Four-to-six months seems somewhat dire but Zajac likely takes longer than the initial three-month recovery time. It sounds as if the 26-year-old will miss at least a third of a season with a possibility to missing more. Not a bad option to store on the IR but don't overpay for damaged goods.
If Selanne plays this season, which sounds very likely at this point, he will probably start the season off slowly. Draft knowing how much risk your team will then assume.
With eight serviceable NHL defensemen on the roster, Cumiskey will need to fight for playing time. At this point his fantasy hockey value remains slim.
Huselius will miss the beginning of the season but his recovery seems to be going according to plan. Expect him back at full speed by the middle of the year.
Wideman sounds confident in his ability to play up to his potential this season. Regardless, he will need to compete with John Carlson and Mike Green for valuable offensive minutes -- a task that is clearly easier said than done.
Matthias's camp spent most of the offseason fighting for a one-way deal -- a caveat the Panthers eventually caved into, in year two. This season Matthias is in no way guaranteed a roster spot. Draft accordingly in deeper leagues.
