Jiri Tlusty

Tlusty, who had meshed so brilliantly with Eric Staal and Alexander Semin during the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season (38 points in 48 games), was not able to duplicate the same kind of success last year, registering fewer points despite more games played (30 in 68). In fact, Tlusty was so ineffective at the start of the season -- having been held scoreless in 11 of his first 13 games -- that he was subsequently relegated to fourth-line duty for several weeks before missing nine games due to an emergency appendectomy in December. Tlusty finished the season on a relatively strong note, with two goals and two assists in his last three games, but it remains to be seen what his role will be this year. With new coach Bill Peters set to take over the reins, there could be some line juggling involved that once again sees Tlusty playing on a checking line to start the season. Don’t overvalue him on draft day.