Enstrom once again saw his season shortened due to various injuries in 2016-17. The veteran blueliner only appeared in 60 contests -- tied for his second-lowest total, excluding the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign. Some might attribute his injury-prone nature to his limited size -- 5-foot-10, 180 pounds -- yet despite any perceived limitations, the veteran was able to piece together several productive seasons early in his career. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, the last time the Swede hit the 30-point threshold was during the 2013-14 campaign, which was also the last time he was able to suit up for all 82 games in a year. At this point, the injuries have to be a red flag for fantasy owners, but those willing to take a risk on Enstrom could get 20 to 30 points relatively cheaply.
Enstrom hasn’t found much success as a member of the Jets, hitting a new low in 2015-16 with just two goals and 14 assists in 72 games. Knee surgery ended his season, but the damage has been done; the 31-year-old is no lock to stay on the first pairing. While he’d benefit from skating with Dustin Byfuglien, the Swede could fluctuate as a top-four defenseman, especially if health continues to be an issue. Enstrom is expected back in time for the season, but his best days are clearly behind him, so he's a depth option in most formats.
Enstrom has been a bit of a disappointment since posting back-to-back 50-point seasons in 2009-10 and 2010-11. Nevertheless, the 30-year-old defenseman had a relatively solid season in 2014-15, posting 23 points (four goals, 19 assists) in 60 games with the Jets. After a 2013-14 season in which he suited up for all 82 of Winnipeg’s regular season games, Enstrom once again struggled to stay healthy last season, missing a total of 22 games due to injury. He underwent shoulder surgery in April, but is expected to be ready for the start of the Jets’ training camp in September. While Enstrom may not ever regain his 50-point form, he's still a solid defender who contributes enough offensively when healthy to make a decent addition to fantasy squads in deeper leagues. He'll likely return as a top-four defender for the Jets this season.
Enstrom had an underwhelming season in 2013-14, collecting 10 goals and 20 assists while appearing in all 82 games for the Jets. Many pundits thought Enstrom could make the jump to becoming an elite fantasy defenseman after putting up back-to-back 50-point seasons in 2009-10 and 2010-11, but injuries limited his game over the next two seasons and his production dipped accordingly. That’s not to say that he’s worthless to fantasy owners, though. He posted a career-high 56 PIM last year and after just barely cracking 30 points last season, he should be available late in most fantasy drafts. Considering that he racked up eight points in seven games near the end of the season, there’s reason to believe that Enstrom still has that 50-point ability in his back pocket. Fantasy owners should be careful not to reach on him, but in the right round, Enstrom could end up being a high-value pick.
Enstrom only managed to play 22 games last year due to injury (back), but did manage four goals and 15 points in that short amount of time. When healthy, Enstrom is a premier quarterback on the blueline, racking up 48 points in 84 games over the last two seasons combined. With his passing ability and Dustin Byfuglien's shooting strength at the point, there's no reason Enstrom can't challenge the 60-point plateau in 2013-14. However, Enstrom's health may hamper his ability to reach that potential, as back injuries can sometimes linger.
2011-2012 was for Enstrom a tale of two seasons: On the one hand, the Swedish blueliner sustained his first major injury since turning pro, sitting out 20 games, and finishing with the second-lowest points total of his five-year career. Yet at the same time, No. 39 had never been better with respect to shots-per-game than he was in 2011-2012, and secured himself a five-year contract extension in the process, registering 33 points in 62 games. With so much invested in Enstrom moving forward, the Jets brass is likely to give the 27-year old every possible chance to succeed.
Enstrom finished last season tied for fifth in the league in points among defensemen (10 goals, 41 assists for 51 points in 72 games). He's a great quarterback for a Jets power play that is loaded with young talent. There is no reason to think he'll slow down this year and he could top 60 points if he plays a full 82 games.
Although the Thrashers always knew he had an offensive flare to his game, Enstrom took things to a new level last season by cracking the 50-point mark (44 assists). The mobile defenseman did sacrifice his plus/minus a bit dropping to a minus-5 rating last season after posting a plus-14 in 2008-09. That said, all evidence points to him putting up another 50-plus point season as the team around him looks poised to make the playoffs in 2010. He should also bring his plus/minus rating back into good standing as the team continues to try and rebuild.
Enstrom had a frustrating sophmore campaign with the Thrashers last season with 32 points, and only five goals. He was highly anticipated to have a much better year last year, but couldn't get going. This year he will be put in a situation to succeed once more with some power-play time and will look to get over the hump. Although, the new aquisition Pavel Kubina will probably bump him off the first power-play unit.
This young man had an outstanding rookie campaign. He finished 15th in the league amongst defensemen with 33 assists last season, and 22 of them were on the power play (four of his five goals were also on PP). He will only get better. He will see tons of ice time and should definitely be considered as an upper tier defenseman in your draft.
The 5-foot-9 Enstrom, an eighth-round pick in the 2003 draft, is hoping to make the Thrashers this season but that may be a bit of a stretch -- especially early in the year. Steve McCarthy, Garnet Exelby, Ken Klee, Mark Popovic, Karel Pilar and Joel Kwiatkowski are all competing with Enstrom for four spots. Keeper leaguers need to keep an eye on Enstrom, but don't expect too much (if any) production this season.
