MacArthur’s health issues have derailed what was once a solid career, as the 32-year-old winger’s numerous concussions and resultant post-concussion syndrome have forced him to miss all but four games in each of the past two campaigns. However, MacArthur appeared to finally put his health issues in the rearview mirror at the end of the 2016-17 season, returning to Ottawa’s right at the end of the regular season before emerging as an instrumental component of the offense in the playoffs -- he notched nine points (three goals, six assists) in 19 postseason contests. The 2003 third-round pick will likely occupy a bottom-six role during even-strength play in 2017-18 to limit his ice time, but he'll also likely return to his spot on Ottawa’s second power-play unit, bolstering his fantasy value. MacArthur’s health issues make him a highly risky selected, but he’s worth a look in the later rounds of some fantasy drafts thanks to his 40-point upside.
MacArthur's 2015-16 season was an unfortunately short one, as he appeared in just four games before suffering a season-ending concussion. He tried to come back a number of times, but ended up being unable to, thus finishing the season with zero points. Although the danger of concussions recurring is real, MacArthur is poised for a big return this year. However, the 31-year-old will have to play his way off the third line and displace Zack Smith, who had a breakout campaign in his absence last year. The 2003 third-round pick has reached 20-plus goals three times in his career, with one of those campaigns coming in 2013-14 – his first year as a member of the Senators. MacArthur has to prove the concussions are behind him, but if he starts to look comfortable again, 40-plus points should be well within reach.
After a big debut with Ottawa the year before, MacArthur ended up sitting out 20 games of the 2014-15 season, mostly due to a concussion that landed him on IR for more than a month. Despite seeing significant ice time while he was healthy, MacArthur's stats dropped pretty much across the board -- even if he'd played a full season, he was on pace for just 47 points over an 82-game schedule. He still showed a knack for the big moment, though, potting five game-winners, and at 30 years old, he returns alongside Kyle Turris and new-minted breakout star Mark Stone on the Senators' top line. If MacArthur doesn't produce, Mike Hoffman will be breathing down his neck for those top-line duties in no time, so the pressure's on this year as he continues to play out the five-year, $23 million extension he signed prior to last season.
MacArthur spent his first year with the Senators putting together one of the best seasons of his career, racking up 24 goals and 31 assists in 79 games while primarily playing alongside Bobby Ryan and Kyle Turris. The trio proved to be Ottawa's most effective unit last season, and will head into 2014-15 as the top line once again. MacArthur not only had one of his best seasons offensively, but his 78 PIM and plus-12 rating also registered as career-highs. He's probably still underrated by most fantasy owners, and considering that his line will be counted on to do the majority of the scoring this season, he should be a great value pick if he can be scooped up late in a draft.
MacArthur signed with the Sens over the summer in free agency and will be charged with the task of replacing departed captain Daniel Alfredsson's production. MacArthur posted similar numbers to Alfie's last year, with eight goals and 12 assists in 40 games. He'll probably land on the second line in 2013-14, playing with center Kyle Turris. It will be interesting to see if his production can stay consistent -- or even increase -- after joining a revitalized Senators offense that was largely anemic last season.
MacArthur tumbled back to reality a bit last season -- we should have all known that 62-point effort in 2010-11 was a bit of an outlier. Still, he's agile and creative with the puck, and he's a great fit with Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin. So, if he sticks on that line, we think he could top 50 points. But that's a big IF given the addition of James van Riemsdyk. JVR will likely become a second-line winger if he fails at center ice and he could take MacArthur's spot. Use extreme caution -- there's real risk of a third-line job in MacArthur's future.
MacArthur exploded last season on a line with Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin, and ended up second on the team scoring list with 62 points, including a team-high 41 helpers. Can he do it again? We think we've already seen his ceiling but he'll likely come pretty close to a repeat this year (say 55 points?). Those of you in leagues that count hits as a category will also get sneaky value from him -- he led all blue and white forwards last season with 115. That's good value in deeper leagues with positional requirements.
Speed? Check. Shot? Got it. Fit? Not so much, at least so far in his young NHL career. But that may change in Toronto where he may just be the ideal wing man for the skittish but fast Mikhail Grabovski. On any other team, he's a third liner at best. In Toronto, he could be on the second. His role in Leafland will be dictated in part by his own ability and in part by Colby Armstrong. Watch him in camp.
Last season, MacArthur became a permanent staple on the Sabres' roster. As a rookie he registered 17 goals and 14 assists in 71 games and is looking to improve on those numbers in 2009-10. With the Sabres looking to build within their organization, MacArthur could be seeing considerably more playing time this upcoming season, which would obviously build his stats.
MacArthur has shown point-per-game potential in the AHL but he has not been able to translate that scoring touch to the NHL level. He will compete for an NHL roster spot during training camp. Most likely, MacArthur will ride the AHL/NHL/healthy scratch shuttle this season.
MacArthur led AHL Rochester with 63 points (21G, 42A) in 51 games in 2006-07. He scored seven points (3G, 4A) in 19 games for the Sabres. He seems to lack the grit and speed to stick at the NHL level in the near-term. Unless MacArthur has an excellent training camp, he should be in for another year at AHL Rochester.
MacArthur should be a great producer for Buffalo's minor league affiliate in 2006-07, but he's still a year or two away from the NHL. MacArthur did shine in his first season in Rochester last year, finishing second on the team with 53 points off 21 goals and 32 assists. MacArthur won't be as huge a scorer once he reaches the NHL, but his game has good variability and he can do a lot of little things. He's also known for his intensity and tireless work ethic.
MacArthur's stock has been on the rise lately and the Sabres finally locked him up just hours before the July deadline. MacArthur won't be a huge scorer once he reaches the NHL (a few years from now), but his game has good variability and he can do a lot of little things. He's also known for his intensity and tireless work ethic. MacArthur had 30 goals and 44 assists in only 58 games last season with Medicine Hat of the Western Hockey League.
