Matthew Phillips

Phillips recorded a goal, five points, eight hits and 15 blocks in 31 contests between Washington and Pittsburgh last season while serving in a bottom-six capacity. While those aren't standout numbers, it is by far the most the 26-year-old has played in the NHL over a single season. Phillips will be looking to build on that after signing a one-year, two-way contract with Colorado over the summer, but first, he'll need to earn a spot on the team during training camp. The Alberta native is far from a lock to make the squad, but the Avalanche's depth isn't the best, and with Valeri Nichushkin (suspension) unavailable for the start of the season, and Gabriel Landeskog (knee) and Artturi Lehkonen (shoulder) questionable for the opener, there is an opportunity for Phillips to get some playing time. Although he probably won't play a big enough role to factor into anything but the deepest of fantasy leagues, Phillips has demonstrated some offensive prowess at the AHL level -- he had 36 goals and 76 points in 66 minor-league contests in 2022-23 -- so under the right circumstances, Phillips might surprise people.