2023–24 Time On Ice Stats
Past Fantasy Outlooks
Denis is currently listed at the pro roster, but Carey Price and Jaroslav Harak are sitting quite comfortably as the No. 1 and No. 2, respectably. Denis will most likely start the year in Hamilton but may be back in the NHL this season. There are two scenarios whereby Denis gets back in the Show: an injury occurs to either Price or Halaka and the Habs need a goalie; Montreal trades Halak after the New Year for a top-four defensmean or power forward.
If there ever was a man who'd like to turn back time, Denis is that fellow. Last season was like a festering boil in a hard-to-reach spot for this former netminding phenom from the junior ranks. In fact, he not only lost the starting gig part way through the season but ended up in street clothes during the playoffs. Denis' numbers have been in slow and steady decline over the past four or five years, and there's nothing to suggest that won't continue. He might get a shot at a platoon this year but he just doesn't seem to have the psychological make-up to be a number one.
Your fantasy peers will look to Denis' career numbers -- a 94-156-28 record with a 2.97 goals-against average and .906 save percentage -- and almost certainly slot him further down draft lists than he deserves. You, however, will know he was 17-6-1 last season and 77-34-12 lifetime with the Blue Jackets when they scored three goals or more. When he gets support, he comes up big and the Tampa Bay offense has a lot more octane than Columbus. Draft accordingly.
Denis posted a solid 2.56 GAA and .918 save percentage in 2003-04, but recorded only 21 wins due to the team in front of him. With Foote clearing the net, and Nash fueling an improved attack, Denis could see an increase in all those numbers, especially the wins. He's by no means an elite NHL goaltender, but should be a solid #2 in most fantasy leagues.
