Mark Mancari

After splitting time between the NHL and AHL each of the past three seasons, Mancari was rewarded with a one-way contract from the Canucks this offseason. The 26-year-old winger was stellar while playing for Portland of the AHL last season, finishing with 64 points (32 G, 32 A) in 56 games. Mancari could be worth a late-round flier in deep leagues if he nabs a spot on the Canucks’ third line.

Mancari has been an offensive star in the Sabre organization, both with Rochester and Portland. His production in the minors has not translated into a regular shot to stick with the big club however. Mancari has 91 goals and 132 assists in four seasons in the Sabre organization, and has two goals and three assists in 16 appearances with the Sabres over that span. It is strange that Mancari has never gotten a legitimate shot to stick with the big club. If 2010-11 continues along that theme, it may be in the wingers best interest to leave as an unrestricted free agent.

Mancari finished the 2007-08 season as AHL Rochester's leading scorer with 57 points (21G, 36A) in 80 games. He could win an NHL roster spot with a strong training camp, but he's not a top prospect and thus is more likely to return to the AHL. He's a big guy with a booming shot (over 100 mph), but needs to improve his skating.

Mancari averaged almost a point per game in 64 contests for AHL Rochester last year. However, there are three or four players ahead of him on the Sabres' prospect list, so he should spend a lot more time in the minors this year.

Mancari spent all of last season with Buffalo's AHL affiliate and it appears he might spend one more year there. He is still only 21 years old, so he has a lot of time to develop. He's a deep sleeper for prospects lists, but veterans who played with him in training camp are talking about his game. Mancari recorded 36 goals and 32 assists last year with Ottawa in the Ontario Hockey League and could have returned as an overage player. The Sabres, however, decided to sign him based on his progress.

Mancari, a 6-foot-3, 225-pounder, was selected in the seventh round of the 2004 draft. He recorded 36 goals and 32 assists last year with Ottawa in the Ontario Hockey League. He's a few years away, but veterans who played with him in training camp are already talking about his game. Could be a nice deep sleeper in prospect pools.