David Steckel

Steckel isn't a great skater and he shouldn't be counted on for offense. But man, can this guy win faceoffs. He's one of the NHL's best men at the dot, particularly while shorthanded. He's a player who'll be far more valuable on the ice than in the fantasy arena.

Steckel was acquired by New Jersey at last year's trade deadline in a deal for Jason Arnott, but had a minimal impact with the Devils the remainder of the season. He's a checking forward that is one of the league's top face-off men, but his offensive upside is minimal.

Steckel is coming off his third full season with the Capitals but has yet to breakout. He is a good two-way player and will probabl continue to play on the third or fourth line. The former first round pick scored five goals with 11 assists in 79 games last season. He is nothing more than a lower-line forward and does not have much fantasy value.

Steckel broke out last season and had a career year tallying 19 points (8G,11A). He should continue to man the fourth line and play a large role in their penalty kill. The former first round pick really picked up his game down the stretch and in the playoffs last year. His numbers should improve entering this season with the team, but Steckel is nothing more than a lower-line forward and does not have much fantasy value at this time. It may be wise to keep an eye on him though.

Steckel is coming off his first full season with the Capitals and should continue to man the fourth line and play a large role in their penalty kill. The former first round pick scored five goals with seven assists in 67 games last season. His numbers should improve entering his second full season with the team, but Steckel is nothing more than a lower-line forward and does not have much fantasy value at this time. It may be wise to keep an eye on him though.

Steckel put up an impressive 76 points in 90 AHL games last season, including the playoffs, but the 25-year-old will only provide organizational depth in 2007-08.

Steckel scored 34 points in 74 AHL games and even saw time in parts of seven NHL games in 2005-06, but his ceiling isn't that high and he's being quickly passed on the organizational depth chart by younger, more talented prospects.

Steckel split time between the AHL and ECHL last season, and should spend more time as minor league filler this year.