The 31-year-old Comeau brings a solid veteran presence to the Avalanche’s bottom six, but he shouldn't be counted on to make much of a difference in the scoring department after finishing short of the 40-point mark in each of the past six seasons. While he’s notched at least 58 PIM every year since 2014-15, it’s not hard to find similar production in that category from a player with significantly greater scoring upside. Comeau’s ceiling is just too low to get much fantasy consideration, especially after factoring in his minus-28 rating over the past two seasons.
Comeau slotted into a crowded top six and performed as expected, potting 12 goals and attaining a career-high 24 assists. It’s not surprising that the winger was able to reach a new milestone with so much talent surrounding him, and if you add in the 58 PIM and 142 shots on goal, the 30-year-old becomes very usable in deep leagues. Being a 10-year veteran, his potential may be capped, especially when noting the inconsistencies in his box-score production. Comeau did stay healthy this past season, which is unusual for the 30-year-old journeyman, which allowed him to post about the best production we'll see out of him.
Comeau signed a three-year contract with the Avalanche during the offseason after spending the 2014-15 with the Penguins. The 29-year-old supplied 16 goals and 31 points in 61 games -- a big improvement on the 16 points he managed in the same amount of games during the previous year with Columbus. While averaging 15:17 of ice time in Pittsburgh, Comeau was an underrated complementary part of fantasy squads, as he contributed 65 PIM, five game-winning goals, and 147 shots on goal. He’s been a part of five different teams over the past few seasons, but Comeau profiles as a solid scorer who can pot 15 or 20 goals when he stays healthy. With the Avs’ top six looking fairly crowded entering training camp, expect Comeau to slot in on the third line and be a key depth player for a young and exciting Colorado team. He’s never hit 50 points in his career and probably won't at any point, but he’s the kind of guy you want on your radar in the late rounds of deeper leagues.
Pittsburgh liked what it saw from Comeau so much in last year's playoffs that the organization signed him to a one-year deal in the off-season. As an energy guy, the forward dished out a career-high 197 hits in 61 contests for Columbus. He once scored 46 points for the Islanders back in 2010-11, but it's more likely he serves as a grinder with the Pens. If and when injuries strike, Comeau could serve as a useful pickup in fantasy leagues using hits as a category. Otherwise, poolies can look elsewhere for more consistent production.
Depth forward Comeau managed five points in nine games after a late-season trade to the Blue Jackets, but he will have a hard time just earning a regular shift this year. His 24 goal, 46 point explosion in 2010-11 is a distant memory at this point.
Comeau’s 2011-12 season got off to a disastrous start with the Islanders, with him garnering a minus-11 rating and no points in 16 games before being released. However, following a pickup by the Flames, Comeau played a bit better, scoring five goals and notching 10 assists in 58 games. Comeau has the potential to be a decent fantasy player, as he put up 24 goals and 46 points in 2010-11, but that depends on whether he can get that confidence back. He also is playing on Calgary’s third line, which limits his production a bit. He’ll likely end up with between 20 and 30 points in 2012-13.
Comeau had the best season of his career with 24 goals and 46 points last year. It might be hard for him to top those numbers this season as the Islanders aren't as inept offensively as they once were, which could push Comeau down to the third line where he won't see as much power-play time (2:30 TOI/G) as he was given in 2010-11. Still, he is a useful player for the Isles and should be productive once again.
One thing about the Islanders is that if you show anything at the AHL level, you're going to get a chance with the big boys. Comeau may have finally taken advantage of that situation by scoring 17 goals last season, more than his first three seasons combined. Comeau won't be a first line player for the Isles and shouldn't be for your fantasy team either, but you could do worse than to have him as a reserve.
2008-09 did not get off to a good start for Comeau as he spent most of the first half in Bridgeport (AHL). When he was called back up, he went on to record 25 points in 53 games. He may not put a heap of points on the board, but he has the potential to be a decent two-way forward for the Isles. Depending on how he is used and which line he skates on, he may get into the 30-to-40 point range.
Comeau netted 15 points in 51 games with the Islanders in 2007-08. While not blessed with high-end offensive talent, he has enough skill and a strong work ethic to not look out of place on either end of the ice.
Comeau completed his rookie season in the AHL in 2006-07. He led all Bridgeport rookies with 43 points (63 games). His development has progressed quickly, but he still needs some seasoning. He'll reside in Bridgeport again this year, but don't be too surprised if the Isles call his number a few times throughout the season.
Will play for Bridgeport of the AHL in 2006-07.
Comeau is a very capable player. He can skate, is a decent passer, can light the lamp, play physical, can forecheck and penalty kill. Some scouts feel he can be a better scorer, but even if he does not develop that way, he can be a solid player with a decent overall game in the NHL.
