Paul Gaustad

Gaustad recorded just 14 points in 75 games last season, serving primarily as the Predators’ fourth-line center. He’s long been a faceoff specialist, and with a 56.4 percent success rate, he ranked as one of the top players in that category last season. Looking ahead, with one year left on the four-year, $13 million contract he signed back in 2012, the 33-year-old Gaustad will once again be expected to kill penalties, win draws, and help shut down opposing teams' best forwards. Unfortunately, none of the above usually carries much weight in most fantasy formats.

Gaustad finished the season on a strong note last year, with a goal and four assists in his last five games. Otherwise, it was a pretty dismal campaign for the 32-year-old center, as he registered just 16 points in his previous 70 games. Typically one of the better face-off guys in the league (.580 average last season), Gaustad spent a good chunk of his time killing penalties last season, ranking first among Preds' forwards in shorthanded ice time (2:28 per game). This offseason, the Preds went out and strengthened themselves down the middle by acquiring Mike Ribeiro, Derek Roy and Olli Jokinen, so Gaustad could be looking at a significantly reduced workload come October.

It was a disappointing campaign for Gaustad last year, who underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in April after scoring just five points in 23 games. This year, he will likely battle Matt Cullen for the role of third-line center for the Preds, assuming he can stay healthy which has always been a challenge for him. His career-best was a 36-point season with Buffalo back in 2007-08 and it's been mostly downhill ever since.

Gaustad, who came to Nashville from Buffalo at last year’s trade deadline, had just four assists in 14 games for the Preds, but this was obviously enough for them to re-sign him to a new $13 million, four-year deal in June. Gaustad’s career high in points (36) came four years ago with the Sabres and it’s difficult to envision him challenging that total now that he’s with the offensively-starved Predators.

Gaustad was made to play in Buffalo. The hard-nosed and feisty center embodies what the city is all about, but that doesn't do anybody any good from a fantasy perspective. Gaustad had 31 points (12 G, 19 A) in 2010-11, despite playing in 81 games. Expect more of the same from him in 2011-12, which won't merit a place on many fantasy rosters.

Gaustad's hard-nosed style of play has made him a fan favorite in Buffalo, but, it has also made him susceptible to injuries. He is great on face-offs, which means he will always have a spot in the lineup, so long as he stays healthy. Thirty-five to 40 points is a reasonable expectation for the man they call "Goose."

Gaustad is a versatile player who mixes grit with decent scoring ability. After four seasons with Buffalo, it looks like Gaustad will take a permanent spot on Buffalo's third line, giving him the consistency he needs to put up the numbers he is capable of. Consider Gaustad a good option for those in deeper leagues.

Gaustad recorded 36 points (10G, 26A) and 85 penalty minutes in 82 games last season. He's a gritty two-way player that should center Buffalo's third line once again this season. Gaustad is the kind of player whose contributions are more intangible; he may have reached his statistical ceiling.

An ankle injury cost Gaustad nearly three months last year. When he was healthy, he impressed head coach Lindy Ruff with rugged play in front of the net and leadership skills that Ruff thinks will make him a future NHL captain. Gaustad centered the Sabres’ fourth line and received significant power-play time in 2006-07. He is expected to center a scoring line this season and could win a power-play role as well.

Gaustad had a decent season in 2005-06 on Buffalo's third/fourth line with 24 points in 78 games. Tim Connolly and Daniel Briere have the top two lines well sewn up, but Gaustad is still young and can develop well on the third and fourth lines. He might be a fantasy threat in a couple years, but not right now.

Gaustad has size (6' 4", 225 pounds) but is lacking in natural talent. He'll likely start the season in the AHL and may see the occasional cup of NHL coffee. With the Sabres already being set through three lines and part of a fourth, we don't see much room for fantasy value with Gaustad.

Gaustad has size (6' 4", 225 pounds) but is lacking in natural talent. He'll likely start the season in the AHL and may see the occasional cup of NHL coffee. With the Sabres already being set through three lines and part of a fourth, we don't see much room for fantasy value with Gaustad.