Luca Caputi

Caputi is a long shot at best. Sure, the guy doesn’t turn 23 until the start of October. But he feels more like a tweener to us than anything else. He does muck the corners as well as a farm boy in a barn stall and his shot is strong and quick. But his development curve has been considerably slower than most pundits ever thought. He’s on a contract year so he’s going to hit camp hard. But he’s borderline to make the Buds this season and could quickly find himself fitting into that “Quad-A” stereotype. There’s little fantasy value -- even in a deep keeper league -- for that.

We're not entirely sold on this kid but we're willing to cut him some slack. Sure, he was Pittsburgh's "top prospect" before he arrived in the Big Smoke but c'mon -- how often do fourth-round picks turn into stars? Yes, he has a heavy shot with a quick release and he's not afraid to drive the net or smash the corners. But he doesn't have the kind of top-end speed you need to succeed in today's NHL. Someday he might top out with 60 or 65 points. For now, he'll struggle in his own zone and probably find himself on the Buds' third line. A sub-30 point season will be the result. But deep keeper leagues, particularly those using an auction format, might end up with a decent $1 end play.

Caputi has a chance to make the team out of camp, according to coach Dan Bylsma. The 21 year-old spent the 2008-09 campaign in three leagues, including the ECHL, AHL and NHL. His first professional season saw him play in 66 contests for the Baby Penguins, registering 18 goals and 45 points with 45 penalty minutes. The Pens brought him up in mid-season due to injuries. He scored a goal on his first shift against Montreal, but that was the only point in five games for the youngster. He then went back to the AHL and was demoted to the ECHL after some off-ice maturity issues. Caputi, along with Eric Tangradi, represent the organization's top two prospects. Both have chance to see significant time at Mellon Arena. Caputi could collect somewhere around 30 points in Pittsburgh if things break his way in 2009-10.

Caputi has probably created the most buzz among potential Penguins newcomers over the summer. The 6-4, 185 pounder finished third in the OHL with 51 goals and 111 points last year. Penguins management has stated that Caputi, who totaled eight points in 19 AHL playoff games in the spring, will have an open shot making the Pens out of camp.