Austin Wagner

Wagner took a step back in his second NHL campaign in 2019-20, seeing his goal and point totals cut in half despite playing three more games and seeing more ice time than he did as a rookie. He was just as physical though, dishing out 145 hits and solidifying his status as a reliable bottom-six grinder. The 23-year-old did post some solid scoring numbers in juniors, but so far in the pros his role has been purely complementary, and his skating likely isn't good enough to ever make him a true offensive threat. There are glimmers of a future power forward here, and his 4.8 shooting percentage from last year could see positive regression, but Wagner is likely destined to be a role player during his career, albeit one who might luck into a 20-goal campaign at some point.

The young winger made his NHL debut last season and acquitted himself well in a tough environment, scoring 12 goals and 21 points with a plus-2 rating in 62 games for a Kings squad in freefall. Wagner was built to be a checking winger in the modern game. He combines great speed on open ice with a solid 6-1 frame and a willingness to get dirty in the corners and high-traffic areas -- his 142 hits last year were second to Dustin Brown among Los Angeles forwards. Expect the 22-year-old to emerge as a fan favorite this season and the kind of player other teams hate playing against, even if his fantasy ceiling will be limited by his role and offensive skills.