Dan Hamhuis

The veteran defenseman's second season in Dallas was better than his first one, as Hamhuis' 24 points were his highest total since 2012-13 despite the fact that he saw almost no power-play time. At this stage of his career, he's no longer a reliable source of secondary scoring off the blue line, but the 35-year-old brings experience and a plus hockey IQ to the ice that allows him to still be effective in his own end. Hamhuis inked a two-year deal in the offseason to return to Nashville, where he spent the first six years of his career, and he'll give the Predators a steady hand on a bottom pairing.

Hamhuis managed to stay healthy last year, playing in 79 games in his first season with the Stars, but it was otherwise a disappointing campaign for the veteran as he managed only one goal and 16 points. He still has one year left on a somewhat bloated contract, so after going unclaimed in the expansion draft he'll return to Dallas to supply some experience and depth for a team that’s beginning to break in a number of blue-line prospects. Hamhuis’ main value to the Stars this year will likely be as mentor rather than on-ice contributor.

Fantasy owners typically pronounce Hamhuis “ho-hum,” as that’s been the best descriptor for his typical production – but even that would have been an improvement over his 2015-16 campaign. Indeed, Hamhuis played a career-low (not counting the lockout) 58 games and managed a career-low 13 points to go with his first negative rating since 2008-09. But apparently the Stars saw enough positives to sign the 33-year-old to a two-year, $7.5 million deal this offseason, and they’ll presumably install Hamhuis on their second defensive pairing in hopes that he’ll help solidify last season’s below-average defense. A small bump in scoring wouldn’t be surprising thanks to the change of venue, but Hamhuis is one of those players who are more valuable in reality than fantasy.

After stepping up offensively over the previous two seasons, Hamhuis noticed a backslide in production in 2013-2014. After posting 24 points in lockout-shortened 2012-2013, Hamhuis managed only 22 points in a full 2013-2014 campaign. It’s hard to blame him, though, considering the Canucks had the 28th-worst offense in the league. He still put forth an altogether solid season, leading the team with a plus-13 rating while averaging 23:57 of ice time. A previous power-play contributor, Hamhuis saw his man-advantage time dip to 1:51 last season, managing only three assists. With the departure of Jason Garrison to Tampa Bay, Hamhuis is likely to see an upgrade in power-play time this upcoming season, but a return to his high water mark of 37 points in 2011-12 seems unlikely. Still, the 31-year-old is a rock-solid defenseman who can be counted on for around 20 to 30 points every season.

Hamhuis quietly put together the best season of his career in 2012-13, finishing with 24 points (four goals, 20 assists) in 47 games, which put him at a career-high pace of 0.51 points per game. While his plus-minus rating took a step back, he remained a solid source in the category with a plus-9 mark. The 30-year-old veteran will once again be called upon to lead the Canucks’ top defensive pairing, which will lead to a hefty workload and plenty of time on the power play. He doesn’t have as high a ceiling as the elite defensive options available, but Hamhuis rarely misses action and has proven to be a steady contributor who can help fill out your blue line.

Always a steady defender, Hamhuis finally put his offensive game together to post the best season of his career in 2011-12. The 30-year-old blueliner finished with a career-high 37 points (4 G, 33 A) while posting a plus-29 rating, which was the second best plus-minus rating amongst blueliners. Playing on the top defensive pairing and being among the leaders in ice time for one of the highest scoring teams in the league will put Hamhuis in position to repeat his success from last year. Plus, his unlucky shooting percentage of 0.29 hints at the upside for more goals should the puck bounce his way more often. Hamhuis should be one of the steadier defensive options you can get at a decent price come draft day.

Hamhuis produced as expected in his first season with the Canucks, and if it weren't for multiple minor injuries during the regular season, he would have likely eclipsed 30 points for just the second time in his career. Even after missing 18 games, Hamhuis was able to post a career-best plus-29 rating while arguably providing the best play on the back end for the Canucks. He had offseason surgery on a sports hernia suffered during the Stanley Cup Final, but is expected to be ready for the start of camp. Barring a setback, look for Hamhuis to open the regular season as part of the Canuck’s top defensive pairing.

The Canucks completed the retooling of their blue line by inking Hamhuis to a six-year deal this offseason. The 28-year-old defenseman has proven to be a steady defender throughout his six-year career, but he has managed to eclipse the 30-point plateau just once, and that was in 2005-06. Playing with a more talented roster in Vancouver should give Hamhuis' production a slight bump across the board, but he’s only worth a look in leagues deep enough to value 30-point blueliners.

Hamhuis is a workhorse, having never played less than 80 games in a season. He scored three goals and 26 points last season. While he isn't likely to match his 2005/2006 campaign (seven goals, 38 points) he should score a handful of goals, put up 20+ points, and he also usually gets around 66 PIMs and takes quite a few shots. In a deep league, he might be worth a shot.

Hamhuis took a step in the right direction last season. The injuries to Shea Weber opened the door for Hamhuis to become more productive and he did. This season he will be expected to contribute more and should with the departure of Marek Zidlicky. Hamhuis is a capable defender with some decent offensive skills. He should push back into the 30-point form that he showed in 2005-06.

Hamhuis took a step back in offensive production last season. He was lost in a talented group of blueliners at Nashville. This season he will be expected to contribute more and should with the departure of Kimmo Timonen. Hamhuis is a capable defender with some decent offensive skills. He should push the 40-point plateau this season as one of the more NHL experienced defensemen on the team.

Hamhuis posted respectable, career-best offensive numbers with the Predators last season. He racked-up seven goals and 31 assists in the full 82 game season. Hamhuis has shown that he has some decent offensive talent and should even improve slightly on those numbers in 2006-07.

Hamhuis' offensive skills have never been in doubt -- he scored 51 points in 76 games for AHL Milwaukee last season -- but he has yet to display the defensive consistency that will land him a regular shift, and top unit duty, in the NHL. At 22, though, he still has plenty of time to round out his game.