Pete Jensen / NHL.com Senior Fantasy Editor
FORWARDS
John Tavares, C -- He has declined in points over the past two seasons (70 in 2015-16, 66 last season) after exceeding 80 in each of his prior two full seasons. He fell short of his average draft position (11.7; finished 33rd in Yahoo) last season, but thrived after the Islanders' coaching change (34 points in 35 games) before missing the final five games with a hand injury (surgery in May). New York acquired right wing Jordan Eberle on June 22, an upgrade that can help Tavares rejoin the top 10 in his contract year.
Jordan Eberle, RW -- New York needed a forward of Eberle's caliber, not only for Tavares and the top line but also to improve an underachieving power play (14.9 percent; 28th in NHL). Eberle, 27, had 51 points, 14 PPP and 208 SOG last season despite playing on a line separate from Connor McDavid and on the Edmonton Oilers' second power-play unit. A return to 70 points (NHL career-high 76 in 2011-12) is not out of the question for Eberle.
Anders Lee, LW -- He's coming off NHL career highs in goals (34) and points (52) playing alongside Tavares and right wing Josh Bailey. Lee, 27, is in line for some goal-scoring regression after a high shooting percentage (17.8), but should also benefit from the addition of Eberle with his best PPP total yet. If you miss out on Eberle, shift the focus to Lee (63rd in Yahoo last season) for exposure to Tavares in most situations.
Joshua Ho-Sang, C/RW -- Depending on Ho-Sang's even-strength linemates and whether he locks down a first power-play role, he could emerge as a Calder Trophy candidate. He showed chemistry late last season with Anthony Beauvillier and could also mesh well with playmaking center prospect Mathew Barzal on the second line. Ho-Sang had 10 points (four goals, six assists) and two PPP in 21 games last season and is an explosive skater who will be featured in Doug Weight's system.
Mathew Barzal, C -- The Islanders' No. 2 center spot is open, so Barzal can play top-six minutes if he sticks in the NHL. Barzal, 20, scored 278 points in 202 games over four seasons with Seattle of the Western Hockey League, capping it off with 25 points in 16 WHL playoff games to lead Seattle to a championship (won postseason MVP). He's a high-upside choice in the final rounds of your draft.
DEFENSEMEN
Nick Leddy -- He finished with NHL career highs in goals (11) and points (46) and SOG (137). His PPP total was disappointing (15) considering he played the entire season on the first unit, but should get a boost in that category with Eberle and the influx of young offensive talent. Leddy could be a bargain in later rounds and finish among the top 20 defenseman rankings.
Ryan Pulock -- He's likely to earn a full-time NHL role and could potentially see first-unit power-play action with Tavares, Eberle, Lee and either Leddy or another forward. Pulock had 46 points (15 goals, 31 assists) and 141 SOG in 55 games with Bridgeport of the American Hockey League last season. He was also productive for the Islanders in the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs (three points, two PPP in six games).
GOALTENDING
Jaroslav Halak -- After a slow start and surprising AHL assignment, Halak kept the Islanders' playoff hopes alive until the final weekend of the season. He was recalled March 23 and went 6-1-0 with a .949 SV% and one shutout. They missed the postseason by one point, but Halak built momentum for his contract year. He's a fringe top 20 goalie who could finish higher if he runs away with the starting job.
Thomas Greiss -- He won more than half his games (NHL career-high 26 wins, three shutouts in 51 games), but his peripherals took a hit when he was the full-time starter during Halak's demotion. From Dec. 30 to March 23, Greiss played the second-most games (33) behind Cam Talbot (34), going 17-11-5 with a 2.75 goals-against average and .911 SV%. This could be the NHL's best time-share tandem if the Islanders defense stays healthy and they return to the playoffs, so Halak and Greiss are worth drafting together in the 10th round or later.
Others to consider: Josh Bailey (LW/RW), Andrew Ladd (LW), Johnny Boychuk (D), Anthony Beauvillier (C/LW), Brock Nelson (C)
Ben Zweiman / NHL.com Staff Writer
FORWARDS
Taylor Hall, LW -- A trade to the New Jersey Devils from the Edmonton Oilers on June 29, 2016, was supposed to do wonders for Hall's fantasy prospects. That didn't exactly happen in his first season with the Devils. With an average draft position (ADP) of 48.1 in Yahoo, Hall finished just outside the top 100 (104) after he had 53 points (20 goals, 33 assists) with 15 power-play points and 238 shots on goal in 72 games. His poor numbers could be linked to New Jersey's struggles on offense (2.20 goals per game, 28th in NHL), but the Devils had a busy offseason and has a deeper forward group with the additions of Marcus Johansson and Nico Hischier. Hall likely will surpass most of his totals from 2016-17, making him a solid mid-round value pick.
Kyle Palmieri, RW -- New Jersey's primary goal-scorer, Palmieri had NHL career highs in goals (30), points (57), PPP (23) and SOG (222) in 2015-16. Like many Devils, Palmieri regressed last season but managed to score 26 goals with 19 PPP and decent SOG coverage (192). He outperformed his 109 ADP to finish 69th in Yahoo. He'll continue to be a staple on the first power play and likely will be overlooked in most drafts given he's on the Devils. Chances are Palmieri will be a steal.
Adam Henrique, C/LW -- Like Palmieri, Henrique had his best season in the NHL in 2015-16, thanks in large part to some puck luck. The 27-year-old shot an NHL career-high 20.1 percent (30 goals on 149 SOG) two seasons ago. When that number regressed back to the mean last season, Henrique scored 20 goals on 142 SOG (14.1 percent). It would be shocking if his NHL career-worst minus-20 doesn't improve, and while a shift to wing could help his stock, that seems unlikely with top-line center Travis Zajac expected to miss the first four months of the season because of a torn pectoral muscle. Henrique will likely be New Jersey's first- or second-line center, and should play big minutes in place of Zajac.
Marcus Johansson, LW/RW -- The Devils acquired Johansson from the Washington Capitals on July 2 for next to nothing (two NHL Draft picks) after he had his best season in the League in 2016-17. Most of his breakout can be credited to playing in the Capitals' high-powered offense, but he should be able to translate some of that production considering his skill set. He had 58 points (24 goals, 34 assists) in 82 games, including 19 PPP, though his secondary category coverage left much to be desired. With low penalty minutes (62 in seven seasons) and SOG totals (105.4 per season), Johansson is reliant on points in fantasy.
Nico Hischier, C -- Assuming the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft makes the Devils roster, Hischier has a chance to be fantasy-relevant as a rookie. The skilled center put up gaudy numbers for Halifax in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League last season (86 points in 57 games), but that's to be expected. Where Hischier stood out was for Switzerland at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship, finishing with seven points (four goals, three assists) in five games against top competition in his age group. His transition to the NHL shouldn't take long, and he could begin the season as the Devils first-line center with Zajac sidelined until at least the middle of December. Hischier isn't going to duplicate the production of rookies Auston Matthews or Patrik Laine from last season, but he could finish with around 40-50 points.
DEFENSEMAN
Damon Severson -- The Devils lack standout fantasy defensemen. Severson is the closest to qualifying as a worthy draft pick, and even that may be a stretch. The 23-year-old has improved his point total in each of his first three NHL seasons -- 17 points in 51 games as a rookie in 2014-15, 21 points in 72 games in 2015-16, and 31 points in 80 games last season. Severson's one glaring flaw is plus/minus (minus-31 last season), but that likely will even out given New Jersey's improved roster. He's worth a late-round pick in a 12-team draft.
GOALTENDING
Cory Schneider -- Once regarded as not only one of the top goalies in the League, but in fantasy as well, Schneider had his worst season in 2016-17. A career high in goals-against average (2.82) and a career low in save percentage (.908) made Schneider arguably the biggest bust in Yahoo last season; he finished 357th after he had an ADP of 28. But as is the theme with most Devils this season, Schneider will more than likely bounce back and be a top 10 goalie again. If anything, his poor season will make him a prime late-round value pick.
Others to consider: Pavel Zacha (C/LW), Miles Wood (LW), Travis Zajac (C; INJ.)
Pete Jensen / NHL.com Senior Fantasy Editor
FORWARDS
Filip Forsberg, LW -- The 23-year-old has been a steady performer in his first three full NHL seasons, ranking 13th in goals (90), 27th in points (185) and tied for 15th in shots on goal (718). He underachieved based on average draft position (49.9; finished 96th in Yahoo) with a big dip in power-play points (23 in 2015-16; nine last season), but then led the Predators in goals (nine), points (16) and plus/minus (plus-14) in 22 Stanley Cup Playoff games. He's NHL.com's sixth-ranked left wing.
Ryan Johansen, C (INJ.) -- He missed Nashville's final eight playoff games because of a thigh injury, but remains the No. 1 center after signing an eight-year contract July 28. The Predators' secondary scoring is questionable after losing James Neal in the NHL Expansion Draft, so Nashville will rely heavily on its top line of Johansen, Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson. Johansen, 25, has four straight seasons of at least 60 points and is worth drafting in the fourth round or later.
Viktor Arvidsson, LW/RW -- One of the biggest fantasy steals last season (49th in Yahoo; undrafted on average), Arvidsson signed a seven-year contract to remain with the Predators on July 22. He had strong goal (31), point (61) and shot (246) totals, but did not cover PPP (nine) well based on his usage (1:59 per game). He's especially valuable in leagues that count shorthanded points (seven last season; T-1st), but don't reach for him in a standard format in case he regresses.
Kevin Fiala, LW/RW (INJ.) -- He had 16 points (11 goals, five assists) in 54 games as a rookie, but turned the corner with two goals in five playoff games before his season-ending injury (broken femur). With Neal (2:44 per game on PP) out of the picture, Fiala could see much more man-advantage time this season and is a late-round flier with 20-25 goal potential.
Scott Hartnell, LW -- The 35-year-old is known for consistent coverage of points, penalty minutes and hits. He played mostly on the Blue Jackets' third line with a diminished power-play role last season, but was still productive at even-strength (34 ES points) to finish 196th in Yahoo. Hartnell is a more experienced power-play option than Fiala and Nashville's other young forwards, so he remains a low-risk, high-reward pick in many multi-category formats.
DEFENSEMEN
Roman Josi -- He's ranks fifth among defensemen in both points per game (0.72) and SOG (415) and 11th in PPP (42) over the past two seasons combined. He finished 16th in Yahoo among defensemen even though he missed 10 games because of injury, so it's fair to expect a return to 50-55 points and the top 5-10 defenseman rankings.
P.K. Subban -- He was limited to 66 games last season because of an upper-body injury and saw significantly fewer power-play minutes per game (2:36) compared to his 2015-16 average with the Montreal Canadiens (4:36). Considering those circumstances, it's impressive that Subban finished tied for 12th among defensemen in points per game (0.61). He has a high fantasy ceiling and remains a preseason top 10 defenseman.
Ryan Ellis -- Nashville's injuries on defense opened the door for Ellis to set NHL career highs in goals (16, T-5th among defensemen), points (38) and PPP (11). But his point production in the final 19 regular-season games (13) and 22 postseason games (13), when Josi and Subban were healthy, indicates he's capable of being a valuable fantasy player again next season. He's a good way to round out your defense corps in the late rounds.
GOALTENDING
Pekka Rinne -- The 34-year-old fell short of his fantasy ADP (35.0; finished 103rd) last season, but rediscovered his elite form in the first three rounds of the playoffs (12-4; .941 save percentage). He had a forgettable Stanley Cup Final performance (2-4; .888 SV%), but has won at least 31 games in each of his five seasons with 60 or more games played. He's still a top 10 fantasy goalie, but those who draft him should handcuff 22-year-old Juuse Saros (.923 SV% last season) in late rounds.
Others to consider: Saros (G), Mattias Ekholm (D), Colton Sissons (C/LW), Calle Jarnkrok (C), Austin Watson (LW/RW), Nick Bonino (C), Pontus Aberg (LW)
Pete Jensen / NHL.com Senior Fantasy Editor
FORWARDS
Max Pacioretty, LW -- The Montreal Canadiens captain is one of seven players with at least 100 goals (102) the past three seasons combined, and has the third-most shots on goal (873) in that span behind Alex Ovechkin (1,106) and Brent Burns (918). Pacioretty's never been an elite power-play producer and has lacked a No. 1 center, but has at least 60 points in each of the past five full seasons. He's a safe pick in the third or fourth round of a 12-team draft.
Jonathan Drouin, LW/RW -- The 22-year-old had an NHL career-high 53 points (21 goals, 32 assists) last season, scoring 26 power-play points on the Tampa Bay Lightning's first unit. He could improve at even strength with a heavier workload after being traded to the Canadiens on June 15, but likely will see a dip on the man-advantage. Drouin is a fringe top 75 asset with a ceiling of 60-65 points.
Alex Galchenyuk, C -- Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin said in April that the best place for Galchenyuk is on the wing, but the 23-year-old could also be a great fit at center with Drouin. Montreal signed Galchenyuk to a three-year contract on July 5 amidst trade rumors, and he remains a breakout candidate after a promising glimpse last season before injuring his knee (23 points, plus-9, eight PPP in first 25 games). Take a chance on Galchenyuk in the 10th round or later in a 12-team draft.
Brendan Gallagher, RW -- One beneficiary of the Canadiens losing right wing Alexander Radulov is Gallagher, who should see more first-unit power-play action. Gallagher had NHL career highs in goals (24), points (47), plus/minus (plus-18) and SOG (254) in 2014-15, but has been limited to 117 of a possible 164 games in the past two seasons. Gallagher should improve on the lowest PPP (three) and shooting percentage (5.3) of his NHL career, making him an appealing late-round pick.
Phillip Danault, C/LW -- A first-round pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, Danault finished just outside Yahoo's top 250 last season (265th), scoring 37 of his 40 points at even strength playing mostly with Pacioretty and Radulov. If the Canadiens play Galchenyuk at wing, Danault would likely play with Pacioretty and/or Drouin. If he earns a greater power-play role, he has an outside shot at 50 points.
DEFENSEMEN
Shea Weber -- The 32-year-old is another safe fantasy option on Montreal's roster. Weber covered five of the six standard categories well last season and finished tied for second in goals (17) among defensemen. He's likely to benefit from the addition of a young, skilled power-play forward in Drouin and finish among the top 10 fantasy defensemen again. He's also one of the most consistent producers of hits and blocked shots League-wide.
Jeff Petry -- The veteran defenseman is coming off an NHL career high in points (28), with his best stretch coming while defenseman Andrei Markov was out because of a groin injury. Petry had 15 points (five goals, 10 assists), three PPP, 72 SOG and was plus-8 in 22 games from Dec. 10 to Jan. 24. With Markov, Alexei Emelin and Nathan Beaulieu no longer with the Canadiens, Petry is in line for bigger minutes and could emerge as a deep sleeper with more consistent power-play time in a full season.
GOALTENDING
Carey Price -- Of the 22 goaltenders who have played at least 300 games since 2010-11, Price is tied for the best save percentage (.923) and ranks fourth in wins (210). That's impressive considering the Canadiens rank 20th in goals per game (2.64) in that span. Montreal's lack of depth at center and on defense could limit Price's wins ceiling, but his peripherals should remain strong. He went 13-6-0 with a .937 SV% in 19 games after the Canadiens replaced Michel Therrien with Claude Julien last season.
Others to consider: Artturi Lehkonen (LW), Andrew Shaw (C/RW), Paul Byron (LW/RW), Mark Streit (D), Tomas Plekanec (C)
David Satriano / NHL.com Staff Writer
FORWARDS
Mikael Granlund, C/LW/RW -- One of the breakout players of 2016-17, Granlund doubled his goal total (from 13 to 26) and had 25 more points last season (69) than he did in 2015-16 (44). Because of those numbers, he could be selected in the fourth or fifth round. There's no doubt he helped the power play and penalty kill and provided excellent all-around value, but he could be due for a regression. Don't count on another season of close to 70 points this season.
Eric Staal, C -- He was a point-per-game player for large stretches of last season, finishing with 28 goals, 37 assists and 65 points in 82 games, Staal was a plus-17 and had eight game-winning goals. There's no doubt he was rejuvenated in his first season in Minnesota and perhaps had something to prove following a disappointing 2015-16 season. The top-line center should provide good fantasy value again, although he may not approach last season's totals.
Zach Parise, LW -- The 33-year-old has fallen from the fantasy elite, scoring more than 56 points once in the past five seasons. He still provides value on the power play and in SOG but is an injury risk. Parise has had declining goals, assists and points totals in each of the past three seasons. However, he's a top-liner and likely wouldn't fall out of the top six no matter how badly he struggles. However, there are better options out there, including several on his own team.
Nino Niederreiter, LW/RW -- There's no reason to think Niederreiter can't replicate his success from the past few seasons; he had 25 goals last season and has at least 20 in each of the past three and is arguably the second-best scoring threat on the Wild behind Granlund. He gained confidence playing on the power play and has been a plus-player in each of his four seasons with the Wild.
Mikko Koivu, C -- Known more for his faceoff prowess and defensive play, Koivu had 58 points last season (his most since 2010-11) and has averaged 54 in the past four seasons. He's not on everyone's radar but provides category coverage and could see time as the No. 1 center, which would elevate his fantasy worth.
Charlie Coyle, C/RW -- Despite not getting as much attention as his teammates, Coyle finished fifth on the Wild with 56 points and just missed finishing in the top 100 in Yahoo's year-end rankings (108). His PIM, SOG and PPP were all up from 2015-16, but he could take a step back if he's relegated to a role on the third line.
Joel Eriksson Ek, C -- The talented center had seven points (three goals, four assists) and 15 SOG in 15 games last season, including five points in his first four NHL games. He likely will begin the season on the third line with Tyler Ennis and Charlie Coyle, but the 20-year-old has breakout potential, even if he can't crack the top six.
DEFENSEMEN
Ryan Suter -- He finished first or second in total ice time in each of the past five seasons and rarely misses a game. He's missed eight games the past six seasons and has played every game in seven of the past 11. Suter plays in all situations and has averaged 42 points in the past six seasons. He's also scored double-digit power-play points in each of the past 10 seasons and remains one of the top 15 fantasy defensemen.
Matt Dumba -- He set NHL career highs in goals (11), points (34) and plus/minus (plus-15) to finish 148th in Yahoo (21st among defensemen). He played frequently on the Wild's first power-play unit with Suter, but still has room for improvement (12 PPP). He loses value in leagues that count blocked shots (181 in 228 career NHL games), but has added value in leagues where goals are worth more than assists.
GOALTENDING
Devan Dubnyk -- In the past three seasons, his 108 wins rank second behind Braden Holtby (131) and he ranks tied for second in save percentage (.923) and third in goals-against average (2.23) among goalies with at least 100 starts, proving how valuable he is. Dubnyk is also tied for second with 16 shutouts in that span. He's a workhorse who has averaged 65 starts the past two seasons and is a virtual lock for 35 wins and a top 10, or five, finish among goalies.
Others to consider: Jason Zucker (LW/RW), Ennis (C/LW/RW), Marcus Foligno (LW), Chris Stewart (C/RW), Jared Spurgeon (D)
Pete Jensen / NHL.com Senior Fantasy Editor
FORWARDS
Jeff Carter, C -- He went from an average draft position of 130.7 to finishing 25th in Yahoo last season. Carter's ability to have 66 points (32 goals, 34 assists), 22 power-play points and 250 shots on goal in a down year for the Los Angeles Kings offense (2.43 goals per game, T-24th) proves he's a safe, self-sustainable fantasy pick. Center is the deepest fantasy position, so don't be surprised if Carter -- a perennial bargain -- slips in drafts again.
Anze Kopitar, C -- The Kings captain had weak linemates last season, and his production suffered; he had the lowest shooting percentage (8.0) and worst points-per-game average (0.68) of his NHL career. He had solid totals in assists (40; T-32nd in NHL) and PPP (19), but was one of the biggest fantasy disappointments based on ADP (29.4; finished 158th). A six-time 70-point scorer, Kopitar could be rejuvenated in a fresh offensive system under new coach John Stevens, and is a value pick anytime outside the top 50.
Tyler Toffoli, C/RW -- He was limited to 63 games because of a knee injury, and his production declined significantly after returning (0.63 points per game in 32 games before; 0.45 in final 31 games). Toffoli had a minor surgical procedure in April but should be ready for training camp. A full offseason to recover and better shot fortune (9.7 percent last season) could help Toffoli bounce back for 25-30 goals and 50-55 points with Carter or Kopitar at even strength and on the first power-play unit.
Tanner Pearson, LW -- He improved his goal (24), point (44) and SOG (187) totals considerably in 80 games last season compared to 2015-16 (15 goals, 36 points, 137 SOG in 79 games). Pearson spent most of the season playing with Carter at even strength and on the power play, but only scored eight PPP in 2:24 per game. If the Kings stick with four forwards on their first PP unit and have Toffoli healthy and more productive, Pearson could finally reach 50 points and become a late-round steal. But one potential concern is that veteran left wing Michael Cammalleri, if healthy, could cut into Pearson's power-play time.
DEFENSEMEN
Drew Doughty -- He led the League in total ice time (2225:50) and managed to finish 90th in Yahoo (13th among defensemen) despite the Kings' issues throughout the lineup. He's one of six defensemen with at least 44 points in each of the past three seasons (Erik Karlsson, Brent Burns, Dustin Byfuglien, Roman Josi, Kevin Shattenkirk) and has averaged 20 PPP per season in that span. You should be able to draft Doughty, an elite defenseman who hasn't missed a game since 2013-14, in the 8-10 range at the position, but it's definitely worth waiting to see if he falls any further.
Jake Muzzin -- The 28-year-old took a big step back in a number of key fantasy categories last season. His assist total dropped from 32 in 2015-16 to 19, his PIMs from 64 to 46, PPP from 13 to 10, SOG from 203 to 184, and he also had the worst plus/minus of his NHL career (minus-21). That said, you still can't sleep on him in late rounds with an appealing goal-scoring (27 goals over past three seasons) and power-play track record (37 PPP in same span).
Alec Martinez -- Like Muzzin (ADP: 104.6; finished 308th in Yahoo), Martinez was overvalued in fantasy last season (124.7; finished 286th). But outside of Martinez's minus-17, he set NHL career highs in points (39), PPP (15) and SOG (144). Martinez is an ideal fourth defenseman on a standard-league fantasy roster, and should be taken much earlier if your league counts hits (137; 1.7 per game) and/or blocked shots (167; 2.0 per game).
GOALTENDING
Jonathan Quick -- His season was derailed when he injured his groin in the Kings' opener on Oct. 12. Quick was limited to 17 starts, but went 8-5-2 with two shutouts, a 2.26 goals-against average and .917 save percentage, in line with his career averages (2.26; .916). The success of backup goaltender Peter Budaj (ADP: 148.4; finished 43rd) should remind fantasy owners how valuable Quick can be in the Kings' defensive system, even if he doesn't have a ton of goal support. Quick has five seasons of at least 35 wins for Los Angeles, which has been inconsistent on offense through the years, and could be a huge steal if available in the fourth or fifth round of a 12-team draft.
Others to consider: Michael Cammalleri (LW/RW), Adrian Kempe (LW), Marian Gaborik (LW/RW), Dustin Brown (LW/RW)
Ben Zweiman / NHL.com Staff Writer
FORWARDS
Aleksander Barkov, C -- Many believed Barkov would have a breakout season in 2016-17. Unfortunately, injuries had other plans. Barkov was productive when healthy, scoring 52 points (21 goals, 31 assists) with 14 power-play points and 142 shots on goal. The problem is he played 61 games. Heading into this season, the Florida Panthers have a lot of questions at forward after the departures of Jonathan Marchessault, Reilly Smith, Jaromir Jagr and Jussi Jokinen. Barkov doesn't cover enough categories to be a viable pick among the top 50, so only draft him if he free falls.
Vincent Trocheck, C -- Despite not making the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Panthers found out that Trocheck's breakout 2015-16 season was no mirage. He followed it up by setting NHL career highs in points (54) and SOG (230), finishing with 23 goals, 31 assists and 12 PPP in 82 games. He exceeded his ADP (161) by finishing 112th in Yahoo, even with a minus-13 rating. His linemates may be different, but you should expect the same type of production this season, making Trocheck a decent bench filler.
Jonathan Huberdeau, LW -- Following two straight seasons of at least 54 points, a leg injury forced Huberdeau to miss 51 games last season. However, his pace was encouraging. Had Huberdeau played a full season, he would have finished with around 68 points and 227 SOG, each being NHL career highs. The Panthers' roster overhaul hurts, but Huberdeau should still play with Barkov and newcomer Evgeny Dadonov on the top line and PP unit, and has plenty of sleeper potential as a bounce-back candidate.
DEFENSEMEN
Keith Yandle -- The consensus on Yandle heading into last season was the move to Florida would do wonders for his fantasy stock. That didn't come to fruition because of injuries to the Panthers roster, and Yandle finished with his lowest point total (41) in a full NHL season since 2009-10 with the Phoenix Coyotes. Yandle's shooting percentage has declined the past four seasons (2.9 percent combined on 811 SOG). Be careful when selecting Yandle, but realize he has top 15 potential at his position.
Aaron Ekblad -- A big reason why Yandle had a down season is because of Ekblad, who outside of his shot volume was among the biggest busts in Yahoo in 2016-17. After being drafted 79.9 on average, Ekblad finished 291st overall (53rd among defensemen). But there's reason to believe he'll bounce back. Ekblad had 10 goals on 225 SOG (4.4 percent) after averaging 7.65 percent shooting in his first two seasons. If that number deviates back to the mean, Ekblad has the potential to finish top 5 in goals among defensemen.
GOALTENDING
Roberto Luongo -- He isn't getting any younger. Luongo, 38, appeared in 40 games (39 starts) for the Panthers last season, his lowest total in a full season since he was a rookie in 1999-00. He missed chunks of 2016-17 because of a lower-body injury and it's unlikely he'll start 60-plus games this season. Florida doesn't seem to be trending in the right direction, so avoiding Luongo may be the best course of action.
James Reimer -- Should Luongo get injured (and even if he doesn't), Reimer will likely play an increased role this season. He was signed to a five-year contract last offseason to be the goalie-in-waiting behind Luongo and played well in his place, finishing 18-16-5 with a .920 save percentage and three shutouts in 43 games (39 starts). Reimer is a necessary handcuff to Luongo and has plenty of upside should Florida improve.
Others to consider: Evgeny Dadonov (LW/RW), Radim Vrbata (RW), Michael Matheson (D), Nick Bjugstad (C), Denis Malgin (C/RW)
