2023–24 Time On Ice Stats
Ice Time
Power Play
Short-Handed
Past Fantasy Outlooks
Zednik's 2007-08 season was hastily brought to an end with a life-threatening neck injury. But 'Z' is back and ready to resume hockey life as if a teammate's skate blade never sliced his neck. He was on pace for 40 points before the injury last season, and it appears he'll stay on a scoring line this season.
Zednik had only 21 points in roughly half a season in 2006-07, and it seems far-fetched to believe his numbers will go up by playing on the Panthers' third line with Brett McLean and Radek Dvorak. The only silver lining is Zednik would be a prime candidate to be bumped up to the top six if any injury occurs. Otherwise, his fantasy value is marginal.
After a quick start last season with 11 points in his first 13 games, Zednik's production fell off the table in Montreal and he tallied only 19 points in 56 games the rest of the way while enduring prolonged periods in the coach's doghouse. His career could receive a breath of new life with a trade back to his old stomping grounds in Washington, the team he helped lead to a Stanley Cup finals in 1998. While his 30 points last season were his lowest output since his days with the Capitals, the lack of veteran offensive talent on the team -- especially on the right wing -- could land Zednik in a juicy role on the first line alongside fellow playmakers Alexander Ovechkin and, ironically, one of the men for whom he was traded from Washington in 2001, Dainius Zubrus. Two obstacles lie in Zednik's path. First, Chris Clark -- known more for his checking and tenacious style of play -- thrived on the Ovechkin/Zubrus line in 2005-06, setting career-high offensive numbers and leading the team in plus-minus. Second, the Capitals are in a rebuilding mode, and didn't have much patience last season for veterans on the decline (See: Cassels, Andrew). Zednik's value will be directly tied to his ability to land a role on Ovechkin's line and/or the power play, so in the countdown to your league's draft stay apprised of his role with the team.
Zednik is a power skater, someone that should benefit from the crackdown on obstruction. His game is his legs. Zednik has the ability to drag players with him to the net and if healthy, could put up 35 goals in the new NHL. This top line right winger shoots left, so his shot accuracy is everything. Look for Richard to have a career year.
