Markus Nutivaara

Nutivaara fell out of favor with the Blue Jackets last year, posting nine points, 35 hits and 33 blocked shots in 37 games. Luckily for him, he was traded to the Panthers in the offseason and should step into a consistent role in 2020-21. The Finnish blueliner has topped the 20-point mark twice in his four-year career, but he'll likely struggle to do so this year. A reasonable projection would be 12 to 15 points, but injuries are always a concern with the defensively-minded 26-year-old. He'll also have a low ceiling, as he's not expected to see any power-play time with Florida.

Nutivaara solidified his spot on the Columbus blue line last season, playing in a career-high 80 games and proving to be more than just a smooth skater and slick passer. The 25-year-old's offensive potential remains a little unclear, as there aren't many opportunities working behind Zach Werenski and Seth Jones, but Nutivaara has flashed good instincts when it comes to knowing when to join the rush, and when to hang back. A rib injury cost him most of the club's postseason run, but he's expected to be 100 percent by training camp.

Nutivaara had a solid second NHL campaign last year despite a February upper-body injury that cost him 11 games, providing some effective secondary scoring behind the dynamic duo of Seth Jones and Zach Werenski. The 24-year-old doesn't have the upside of either of those two young studs, but he's a smooth skater and passer who plays a heady two-way game, making him a comfortable fit on a second or third pairing. Jack Johnson's exit could push Nutivaara into more ice time and a spot on the second power-play unit, but last season's production likely isn't too far from his fantasy ceiling.

A surprise addition to the roster out of training camp, Nutivaara didn't make any waves as an offensive threat but helped stabilize the Blue Jackets’ bottom defensive pairing, showing good mobility and passing skills as well as a calm demeanor on the puck. A seventh round pick in 2015, the 23-year-old is an inspiring story, but he lacks upside or an edge to his game, and as more physical young defensemen in the system begin to push for spots, Nutivaara may find himself in the press box more often.