Lubomir Visnovsky

Once the Islanders traded Mark Streit to the Flyers, Visnovsky became the Islanders' number one offensive defenseman and it's not really even close. Visnovsky will anchor a power play that should continue to be dangerous and it would be an upset if he didn't produce double digit goals this season. Visnovsky had some issues during his first season on Long Island but once he started to play everyday, both he and the team were very happy with the results.

Visnovsky was acquired by the Islanders from Anaheim during the draft to give them a good 1-2 scoring punch with Mark Streit on defense. A year removed from being an elite scorer on the blue line, Visnovsky struggled much last season with Anaheim, posting 27 points after registering 68 during 2010-11. However, problems abound as Visnovsky filed a claim through arbitration that his no-trade clause should have kicked in to prevent his trade to the Islanders. The Ducks argued that the clause went out the door when he was traded to the Ducks from Edmonton. For his part, Visnovsky has not stated that he doesn't want to play on Long Island. Another thing to consider, is that Visnovsky lives in Europe and only has one-year left on his contract. He's let it be known that he may stay in Europe if all or most of the NHL season is cancelled due to labor problems. If his situation clears itself up, Visnovsky is well worth a flier in the later rounds of drafts.

Visnovsky led all defensemen in points (68) during the 2010-2011 season, averaging .84 points per game in 81 games played. It's been the story throughout his career that Visnovsky is an offensive-minded defenseman with a knack for piling up points. Quarterbacking a loaded Anaheim power play should stabilize his place in the top tier of fantasy blueliners, and we're talking about a very safe option when you consider that Visnovsky has averaged close to 50 points per season, over his last five campaigns.

With the depletion of the Ducks' blue line, Visnovsky's value on the team greatly improved. Visnovsky is an offense-minded defenseman that has the ability to score points. Among his last three years with the Kings' organization, he put up some solid numbers for a blueliner, averaging 55 points within that span. However, with a trade to the Oilers, his production dropped, and after then being shipped to the Ducks last season, he could not improve on his numbers. Still, the decline wasn't a lack of trying, as Visnovsky attempted 53 shots in 16 games, putting him fifth among team defensemen with that statistic. The Ducks are looking at him to continue his offensive mindset and he is certainly capable of doing so. The question remains: how many points he'll be able to provide in 2010-11? Considering that points from a defenseman provide a bonus, Visnovsky seems primed for a solid season in 2010-11.

Visnovsky suffered a shoulder injury ending his first season in Edmonton prematurely after only playing in 50 games. During those game he was everything the Oilers hoped he would be scoring eight goals and 31 points. Problem is his shoulder is still not 100% and one has to wonder how long this will linger into the regular season. Draft him with caution at this point.

Visnovsky, who will be 32 when the season starts, is a top scoring defenseman who dropped to 41 points in 82 games last season after scoring 58 points in 69 games in 2006-07 and 67 points in 80 games in 2005-06. Visnovsky will see big minutes in Edmonton and be part of a power play that will feature the likes of Sheldon Souray, Ales Hemsky, Erik Cole and impressive rookie Sam Gagner, so his fantasy value should remain strong and a rebound to the 45-50 point level appears within reach.

Visnovsky has established himself as one of the biggest offensive threats from the blue line in the entire league. He tallied 18 goals and 40 assists despite being limited to 69 games last season, while converting on an outstanding 11.3 percent of his shots on goal. Look for him to fly off the board as one of the first 10 blueliners in most drafts, although he doesn't help with penalty minutes (26) or plus-minus all that much (plus-1).

Last year was his breakout year by far, and he will be one of the first defensemen taken in a lot of drafts this year. Visnovsky was touted as an offensive defenseman and he finally put it all together to lead the Kings in points. He set new career highs in points, goals, power play goals, and power play assists. Visnovsky doesn�t have the track record of some of the other top defensemen, but he will be a top fantasy defensemen this season. Do not hesitate to draft him, but at the same time don�t overbid on him.

He will be looked to quarterback the power play and lead the charge from the blue line for the Kings. Visnovsky is your typical offensive defenseman, and will put up solid numbers. Luckily for him the Kings also have a couple other blue liners that can score so not all the pressure will be on him to score.