Stephane Robidas

Robidas was reportedly the subject of trade rumors over the summer, but all signs point to him returning in his role as one of Dallas' to- two defensemen. And that illustrates part of the problem in Dallas. Quite frankly, Robidas is better served as a third or fourth defenseman on a good team. And with just one goal and 13 points in 48 games last year, his point production continues to trend downward. He's durable and can dish out the hits if your league rewards that, but there's not much else here.

Robidas' 10-31-41 season from 2009-10 is a fading memory at this point, as he managed just 22 points in 75 games last year. Dallas' poor power play and lack of scoring depth certainly contributed. There's reason to believe they'll be better in both aspects this season, but Robidas is clearly second fiddle behind Alex Goligoski when it comes to Dallas' play with the man advantage.

Dallas' designated punching bag (you should see the hits this guy absorbs on a nightly basis) was miscast as a No. 1 defenseman until Alex Goligoski arrived. His 10-31-41 season of a year ago turned into a more lukewarm 5-25-30 campaign this past season, though he could still see some time on Dallas' top power-play unit with Brad Richards no longer manning the point.

Robidas enters the season as Dallas' No.1 defenseman, which helps illustrate the problems Dallas has had on the blue line the past few seasons. Robidas enjoyed a nice season as a point man on the man advantage alongside Brad Richards, racking up seven power-play goals and 12 power- play assists, among his 41 points (10G, 31A) on the season. He'll continue with the same role going forward, and makes for a decent second tier fantasy blueliner as a result.

Robidas' offense dried up a bit, seeing his goals drop from nine (and seven PPG) from the year prior to just three last season. He should still see some time on a power play unit, but 30 points figures to be his absolute ceiling.

As tough as they come in a small package, Robidas spiked to nine goals from the blue line following a bagel in that category the year prior. He'll see a drop in that figure this season, and could see a big dip in power play time if Philippe Boucher comes back healthy.

Hits hard and often when considering his small frame (5'10", 180), but provides nothing in terms of offense. He'll start the year as Dallas' fifth defenseman, and could be moved as some youngsters mature.

Like Jon Klemm, figures to fight for ice time this season after appearing in 75 games for Dallas last year.

Veteran blueliner that will help Dallas phase in youngsters Shawn Belle, Trevor Daley and Dan Jancevski. Could find himself among Dallas' second D pair with John Klemm.