No immediate fantasy hockey value in the AHL.
Henrique looked like a shoe-in to make the team out of training camp but has since fallen on the depth chart with Petr Sykora's re-emergence. Last season, the former Windsor Spitfire scored 25 goals and 50 points with the team's AHL affiliate Albany Devils. He shoudl be NHL ready so expect to see him in a Devils' sweater at some point this season.
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.
Nugent-Hopkins could stick for longer than nine games if Gagner fails to return by then. If so, expect a similar rookie season to Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle -- somewhere around 15-20 goals and 40-45 points -- while playing on one of the top two lines.
With the injuries down the middle, Henrique figures to make the team out of camp. Last season, the former Windsor Spitfire scored 25 goals and 50 points with the team's AHL affiliate Albany Devils. Look for him to center the third line until Zajac returns.
Another name to add to an endless list of prospects ready to make the jump to the NHL. Last season he scored 16 goals and 40 points in 43 games for the University of North Dakota. If he makes the big club, he is likely to play a more defensive role.
The Devils may deploy a 'kid line' with Travis Zajac slightly depleting the team's depth. The former Windsor Spitfire scored 25 goals and 50 points with the team's AHL affiliate Albany Devils.
Mike Smith played decently in his brief playoff duties, leading most to believe he would be handed the starting job. However, it appears he will battle the veteran backup for playing time.
The current 1st overall pick will push very hard to make the team out of training camp. Playing between Eberle and Smyth would certainly be putting him in position to succeed.
The 2011 first overall pick sounds eager to make the team out of camp but will need to outplay veterans like Gilbert Brule and Eric Belanger in the process. Training camp should be a litmus test for his work ethic and determination.
Nugent-Hopkins holds a pretty good chance of making the Edmonton Oilers out of training camp as the past four first-overall selections have made their respective teams following the draft.
