Guess who was hit with injuries (again)? This defensive-minded blueliner has played just one full season in his lengthy career and has never lived up to the promise of his draft position (fourth overall). When healthy, Klesla is one of the Coyotes' most reliable defenders and leaders in blocked shots, and there's little reason to think that will change going forward. Unfortunately, there's little fantasy value in what he delivers.
Klesla isn't much for providing offense from the blue line, but he's one of the key pieces that contributed to making Mike Smith's 2011-12 campaign so successful. Klesla, who played in the most games last season (65) since suiting up for all 82 in 2007-08, tallied 112 hits and 150 blocked shots to go along with a career-best plus-13 rating. The addition of Zybnek Michalek should only strengthen the already-stacked Phoenix blue line.
Since 2008, Klesla has struggled to remain healthy. In 2010-11, he saw action in 61 games, tallying four goals and seven assists while finishing with a plus-4 rating, though only one of those goals came while with the Coyotes (16 games). In his 10-year career, Klesla has cracked the 20-point mark just once (2006-07 with Columbus) and there's no reason to expect that to change in Phoenix.
Fragile defenseman managed just 26 games last season, scoring 2-6-8 with 26 PIMs.
Veteran defenseman staggered through an injury-plagued season, scoring 1-8-9 in 34 games.
Klesla got his usual modest point total in '07-'08, but posted a positive plus-minus for the first time in his NHL career. He's developed into a reliable defensive defenseman.
Klesla set career highs with nine goals and 22 points last season, and is still just 25 years old. He'll never be a superstar, but he's becoming a solid NHL defenseman.
Injuries have kept Klesla from producing at the rate he did in junior, and he might never be the defenseman the Blue Jackets thought they were getting with their top pick in 2000. If he can stay healthy he's got a shot at 25 or so points and 100+ PIMs.
Klesla has yet to really meet the expectations that come along with being a first round pick, but the Blue Jackets aren't yet frustrated with the pace of his development. Having Adam Foote around to mentor him should help; don't be surprised if Klesla takes a big step forward in '05-'06, and reaches the 10 goal, 25 point level.
