Eric Gryba

Perhaps in another era, the 6-foot-4, 228-pound Gryba would be a hot commodity, but teams value speed, mobility and finesse more than ever. Despite appearing in 53 games and scoring six points for the Oilers this past season, Gryba was not a particularly sought after free agent. He’s a stay-at-home defenseman without a lot of upside, but because he is also a right-handed shot there will always be a market for him. Teams just have to realize that he doesn’t bring a lot to the table.

Grbya was acquired by the Oilers on draft weekend from the Senators in exchange for a fourth-round pick. In 165 games for Ottawa, Gryba only scored four goals and 25 points. He'll fit in as a depth defenseman for his new squad, but don’t expect him to notice an uptick in his offensive production.

Gryba only recorded two goals and four assists in 33 games last season, mostly due to his defense-first style. He's a solid player and will most likely play almost every game this season, but he's not going to burst out for a ton of points. With a minus-3 rating to go along with his lack of offensive production, Gryba isn't a viable option in most fantasy leagues.

Gryba has been considered one of Ottawa's more underrated defensive projects the past couple of years, but it's now become time for him to make a real challenge for at least a part-time role with the big club. He's a big, mean defensive blueliner who likes to make life tough for opposing forwards. While not the best skater, he is able to compensate with decent positional play. He's one of several defensive prospects who should challenge for playing time in Ottawa in 2012-13.

Gryba spent his first full season at the pro level in 2010-11, playing in 66 games for the Binghamton Senators where he recorded three goals and four assists and was a plus-7. At 6'3" and 214 pounds, Gryba is a physical, shutdown defenseman who skates fairly well for a big man. He's close to NHL-ready now, but will likely spend one more year at the AHL level due to the current logjam on Ottawa's blueline.

While he doesn't get the same press as Ottawa's other defensive prospects, Gryba is very close to being NHL-ready. He's big, tough, and can skate well for a big man. Gryba plays a very calm and positionally sound game, but will step up into the offensive zone if he sees an opening. He'll likely start the season in the AHL, but could see some action with the big club in 2010-11 should injuries occur on Ottawa's blueline. Look for him to crack the NHL fulltime in 2011-12.