Kempny had a rollercoaster season in 2017-18. Failing to garner consistent playing time with the Blackhawks, the rearguard ended up as one of the more impactful trade-deadline acquisitions in recent history, becoming a mainstay, top-four cog for the Capitals during their Stanley Cup run. Kempny was rewarded with a four-year, $10 million contract extension and he is expected to return alongside John Carlson for the near future. An offseason to get further acclimated to his new surroundings and consistent top-four minutes could set the stage for better offensive totals in 2017-18, but his fantasy value remains somewhat limited until he can find a higher gear.

Kempny was solid in his 2016-17 rookie campaign, notching eight points (two goals, six assists), 67 shots on goal and 76 hits in 50 games with the Blackhawks. The Slovakian blueliner should establish himself as a regular member of Chicago’s lineup this season; while he should improve upon his numbers from a season ago, there’s no reason to believe his expanded role will translate to fantasy appeal in 2017-18.