The Penguins went 20-3 with Mark Eaton in the lineup last season. His defensive attention really helped out on the Pittsburgh blue line, but his lack of speed was exposed by the New York Islanders in the first round of the playoffs. Eaton did not score a single point in 23 games. He blocked 33 shots but registered only nine hits. Not that the 36-year-old ever did have much in the way of fantasy value, but whatever he did have is officially gone now.
Eaton's roster spot may be in jeopardy as the Isles could decide to go with a younger player at the position. Even if Eaton does make the team, he won't add much offensively as he has only scored one goal the past two seasons. He is the definition of a solid stay-at-home defenseman.
Eaton is the definition of a solid, stay-at-home defenseman who will add next to nothing offensively. The Islanders also have a slew of young defenders who are working their way up the organizational ladder who could cut into Eaton's playing time by season's end.
Eaton only has 23 goals and 55 assists in 10 NHL seasons, so he shouldn't be on your fantasy radar. The Isles signed him for depth and veteran experience along the blue line.
Eaton blocked 148 shots in 68 games, therein ends his fantasy value. Actually, he did score four goals and assist on five others, but the goals were his first in three NHL seasons. Eaton has a propensity for injury and the Penguins will be lucky if he suits up for a similar number of games in the coming year that he did in 2008-09.
The stay-at-home defenseman has missed significant portions of the last two seasons. From a fantasy perspective, Eaton offers little -- he finished with three assists in both of the last two seasons while playing in 35 and 36 games, respectively. Eaton is one player who's value to his team outweigh's his fantasy worth.
The defensive defenseman suited up for just 35 games in 2006 because of wrist and knee injuries. When he did play, the results were less than impressive. He had a number of unexpected breakdowns in his own end, finishing the season with a minus-6 rating. Eaton serves as a stabilizing force on the Penguins' blue line and a return to health would help goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury's stats sheet as much as his own. Eaton has just 50 points (16,34) in 348 NHL contests.
Eaton follows new GM Ray Shero to the Pens from Nashville. He's expected to provide a stabilizing force on the blue line. The 29 year old scored three goals and registered one assist in 69 games for the Predators in 2005-06.
Fairly dependable #5 or #6 NHL defenseman who'll never produce useful fantasy numbers anywhere on the score sheet.
