Fiala struggled after being traded to the Wild last season, scoring just three goals with four assists (seven points) in 19 games. Heading into his first training camp with Minnesota, Fiala has a chance to start the season on the top-line with Eric Staal and Jason Zucker, putting him back on the map for a fantasy hockey breakout. He has great shot volume and that will only get better with first line minutes.
Kempe gets a three-year deal nine days before training camp after registering 28 points (12G / 16A) in 81 games last season. Despite seeing an uptick in ice-time, Kempe’s numbers decreased in his second full season. Decreased shot volume was the main component to his drop in goals and a big dip in on-ice SH% affected his assist total. Expect him to centre the Kings second line in 2020, which makes him a candidate to return to 15 goals and 20-plus assists.
Forsberg was average in his first and only season with the Blackhawks. During his 35 NHL games, Forsberg went 10-16-4 with a 2.97 GAA and .908 SV%. While with Rockford (AHL), the 26-year-old went 15-17-1 wth a 2.64 AA and .919 SV%. With Petr Mrazek and James Reimer already in the NHL, Forsberg is likely headed to Charlotte (AHL) to start 2020.
In his first four NHL seasons, Edmundson has never played more than 69 games. Edmundson had just two goals and nine assists (11 points) in 64 games this past season. The 26-year-old ranked fourth among Blues defensemen in TOI/gm (19:23) while leading them in hits (128) and ranking fourth in blocked shots (106).
Hicketts led all Grand Rapids defensemen with 27 points (3G / 24A) in 64 games in 2018-19. Hicketts has just three assists in 16 career NHL games but continues to get bumped down the Red Wings depth chart and may never become a full-time NHLer in Detroit.
Ceci is a pending RFA but the Maple Leafs were able to move some big money and term by shipping Zaitsev to Ottawa. Ceci is a former first-round pick but has never reached the potential he flashed in the OHL. He is coming off of a 26-point (7G / 19A) season, which matches his career-high for points.
Forsberg spent the entire 2019 season with Rockford (AHL), going 15-17-1 with a 2.64 GAA and .919 SV% in 32 games. Forsberg has gone 11-24-4 with a 3.21 GAA and .901 SV% in 45 career NHL games with Columbus and Chicago. He will likely report to Charlotte (AHL) to start the 2020 season.
Edler is coming off of one of the best seasons of his career despite missing 26 games due to injury. Edler scored double-digit goals for the first time since 2011-12 and added 24 assists. That’s a 15-goal, 35-assist (50 points) per 82 game campaign from the 33-year-old, who hasn’t appeared in 82 games since 2012. With the Canucks emerging as a strong offensive team, Edler will carry some fantasy value into 2019-20 but injuries are always a huge concern for the big Swede.
Perry had two years left on his eight-year, $69.0M ($8.625M AAV) deal that he signed in March of 2013. Perry was a great scorer for Anaheim after being picked No.28 overall in 2003 but his production has dropped off in the last two seasons. The 34-year-old had just 23 goals and 36 assists (59 points) in 102 games over the last two seasons. The buyout will cost the Ducks $2.625M against the Salary Cap in 2019-20.
Despite winning in Game 4, the Blues will make on minor change in Game 5. Edmundson will come out of the lineup with Robert Bortuzzo drawing back onto the blueline. Edmundson has recorded seven points (1G / 6A) in 21 playoff games.
Edmundson was a healthy scratch in Games 3 and 4 but will replace Robert Bortuzzo in Game 5. Edmundson, who will be back on the top-pairing with Alex Pietrangelo, has two assists, four PIMS and 10 shots in eight playoff games.
Dumoulin missed the final two games of the regular seasons but skated again on Tuesday and will be a game-time decision on Wednesday. Dumoulin will likely replace Jack Johnson or Erik Gudbranson if he can play.
Kuemper appears set to start Thursday despite leaving Tuesday’s game vs. the Kings after taking a stick to the eye. The playoffs is likely a motivating factor for Kuemper to be between the pipes tonight at less than 100 percent. Kuemper is 1-1-1 with a 3.27 GAA and .905 SV% in three starts against the Golden Knights this season.
