Matt Beleskey

Beleskey was among the Bruins left unprotected in this summer’s expansion draft, and his annual $3.8 million cap hit surely deterred Vegas, especially after the winger logged just three goals and eight points in 49 games last season. An injured knee that caused Beleskey to miss time and led to some conditioning issues factored into his dip in productivity, so with a full offseason to mend, there’s reason to believe that the 29-year-old could bounce back this coming season. At this stage, though, the gritty Beleskey profiles more as a secondary scorer than the reliable performer the Bruins presumably envisioned they were receiving when they signed him as a free agent after he racked up 22 goals in 65 games for the Ducks in 2014-15.

Beleskey finished the 2015-16 season with 15 goals and 37 points in 80 games, to go along with 65 PIM. While he didn’t approach the 22-goal mark he attained in 65 games for the Ducks in 2014-15, he’s still one player who earned his keep during a disappointing campaign for the Bruins, who failed to make the playoffs for the second straight year. The 28-year-old winger brought consistent grit and compete level to the table in a campaign that saw him rack up 260 hits, a mark that placed him eighth in the NHL, while topping the 244 hits that former Boston power forward Milan Lucic logged for the Kings. Looking ahead to 2016-17, Beleskey’s spot with the Bruins is secure, though who his linemates will end up being has yet to be solidified. Last season, Beleskey was limited to seven power-play points, though the left winger does have the sharp-shooting ability to rack up more this coming season, if given the opportunity.

The 27-year-old Beleskey was one of the top prizes on the free-agency market this offseason, ultimately landing a five-year deal from the Bruins worth $19 million. He earned the long-term contract after tallying a career-high 22 goals with the Ducks in 2014-15, while adding 10 assists in 65 games. In his new locale, Beleskey slots in as a top-six forward for the B's, a role that should allow him to retain fantasy utility during the upcoming campaign. He'll be tabbed to help replace fellow left winger Milan Lucic, who was traded to the Kings, and given that there’s a solid shot he’ll be working on a line with center David Krejci, Beleskey seems destined to see plenty of scoring chances. Beleskey will have some doubters after never having been a major producer in the NHL before last season, while benefiting from the luxury of skating next to Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry to aid his breakout, but the Bruins are obviously banking on the sharp-shooting winger’s continued ascent.

Beleskey is coming off a year in which he posted a career-high in both assists (15) and overall points (24). Though his postseason was cut short when he suffered an injury against the eventual Cup-champion Kings, Beleskey still managed to notch two goals and two assists in five playoff games. Watch for him to crest the 30-point mark this season if he gets a full-season under his belt.

Beleskey picked up eight goals and five assists 42 games in the 2012-2013 season. He was a scorer in junior, but his calling card in the NHL has been his grittiness. He has never tallied more than 18 points a year, but could hit that mark in 2013-14 while adding about 80 PIMs. That makes him more than your average pylon in leagues that count sin bin points. And it's always nice to roll guys in those formats who won't be a complete anchor on your other counting categories.

Beleskey only played 35 games with the Ducks last season, totaling 10 points on three goals and seven assists. He did, however, make six playoff performances with the Ducks, though it was followed by surgery to repair a torn labrum in May. Still considered a prospect, fantasy owners need Beleskey to stay healthy before he can be an attractive pickup in any league.

Beleskey played his first full season with the Ducks in 2009-10. With 18 points and a minus-10 rating, his value to the Ducks is not his point production. What he brings to the team is his versatility as the coaching staff can place him in a variety of different roles based on need and situation. If the Ducks commit to a true third scoring line, Beleskey would benefit by a rise in his point totals.

Beleskey received his first taste of the NHL in 2009, playing two games without scoring a point. Don't let the lack of goal production fool you however as Beleskey has proven to be a goal scorer in the OHL with 41 goals in 2007-08. He is certain to begin the season in the AHL and will be called up once injuries start to hit the Ducks.

The Ducks appear to have gotten an excellent value when they were able to nab Beleskey in the fourth round of the 2006 draft. He's steadily improved his offensive production at Belleville (OHL) in his four seasons there, while racking up 41 goals and 49 assists in 62 games for the Bulls last season. He seems destined for an eventual top-six forward spot in Anaheim, but look for Belesky to spend his time with the Ducks' new AHL affiliate in Iowa this season.