Jerome Samson

Samson's signing of a one-year, two-way contract in July of 2012 almost assures he will be used as an organizational depth player in 2012-2013, bouncing between AHL and NHL, much in the same way he was last season. His fantasy outlook both in the short term and the long is dicey at best, after managing five points in 16 NHL contests last season.

Samson is one of the smaller forwards going through the Carolina development system, but that has not hampered his production. The young center averaged more than a point-per-game the last two seasons in the AHL with Albany/Charlotte. As far as this year is concerned, if Samson contributes as a low-line center with some time on the man advantage, that would qualify as solid year for the emerging winger.

Samson signed a two-year, two-way contract in June of 2010, and it's likely that the club will use him for call-ups throughout the season, if not more. He was a star with Albany last season, potting 37 goals and 41 assists in 74 games. It's time to start eying the 23-year-old Samson, especially in keeper formats.

Samson performed admirably in his 2008-09 campaign with the Albany River Rats. In 70 games, he had 54 points (22G, 32A) to compliment 56 penalty minutes. While he still needs time to polish his game with Albany, he could end up as a call-up choice if injuries decimate the ‘Canes forwards.

Considering his age (just 21), he's a solid prospect. It would take a monster training camp for him to make the NHL roster, but a midseason depth callup is quite foreseeable. Probably two years away from fantasy significance, but that still makes him noteworthy at a young age.

Justin Williams, Erik Cole, Scott Walker, Craig Adams, Keith Aucoin. See where Samson fits in the organization's depth chart at RW? The 20-year-old has a lot of developing to do, and a lot of accomplished players to climb over, before he'll see NHL ice time.