Ryan Wilson

Early last season, Wilson was excelling as one of the Avs’ best two-way defenseman before he suffered a concussion December 6 against the Canucks. After returning more than a month later, the hard-hitting defenseman and enforcer amassed just nine penalty minutes the rest of the season, clearly still suffering from the head injury that prevented him from playing the type of physical game he favors. Wilson still finished second on the team in plus-minus, but seemed lost at times and was frequently a healthy scratch down the stretch. Fortunately for Wilson, the Avs re-signed him to a new three-year contract in July and, assuming he is symptom-free, he should return to being a feared force on the Avs’ back end.

Wilson played in 67 games last season, finishing with 16 points (3 G, 13 A) and 68 penalty minutes. The rearguard also ranked third on the team in hits (135) and fourth in blocked shots (110). Wilson is one of the building blocks for a franchise trying to turn things around, though fantasy owners should be forewarned that he is more of a shutdown type than someone that can light up a fantasy scoreboard.

Wilson has the skill set to be an offensive, puck-moving defenseman, but the Avs are currently not using him in that capacity, instead relegating him to stay-at-home defender status and PK duty. Wilson averaged just over 16 minutes of ice time per game last season, but with the recent departures of Brett Clark and Ruslan Salei, there is an opportunity for him to move up the Avs' depth chart somewhat. Just don't expect a big jump in his offensive totals next season, as he likely won't be given a chance to play a top-four role just yet.

Wilson was part of the package deal that sent Jordan Leopold to Calgary. He is an offensive-minded defenseman who is most likely still a year or two away from the NHL.

Wilson has been stellar in the OHL the last few seasons, averaging more than a point a game. He should get a crack at the Flames lineup in a couple years, but for now, he will stay in the minors.