Nicklas Grossmann

After coming over in an offseason trade with the Flyers, Grossmann should slot into the Coyotes' second or third defensive duo. Grossmann put up just 14 points in 68 games and took only 43 shots on net last season, so his offensive contributions aren't likely to catch the attention of fantasy owners. He did, however, dish out 132 hits and blocked 89 shots, which is where his value lies in real life and in fantasy.

The good news? Grossman had a career year last year, recording his most assists, points and PIMs in his nine-year NHL resume.The bad news? He only had 14 points and was a minus-6. Honestly, it's surprising that he didn't see more production through sheer coincidence alone, particularly considering he spent a large part of the season paired with puckmover Mark Streit. Things won't change much for Mr. Grossman this year and fantasy general managers would be advised to avoid him for a more productive option.

Grossman had his 2012-13 season cut short after suffering a concussion in March. The 28-year-old defenseman has never posted more than 12 points in a season, collects limited PIMs, and doesn't project to be a valuable fantasy contributor this season.

Grossmann played 22 games as a Flyer last season posting six points and 10 PIMs after a trade from Dallas. The defensive grinder has never been much of a points producer and will be counted on to shut down the opposition for the 2012-13 season.

Grossman missed nearly two dozen games with various hip and knee injuries, but was Dallas' primary shutdown defenseman when healthy. He offers little from a fantasy perspective, never eclipsing 12 points or 51 PIMs in a season.

Grossman returns this season as Dallas' primary defending defenseman, though Marc Fistric was better in that role last season. Like Fistric, Grossman provides nothing in terms of scoring or PIMs so there's no fantasy relevance here.

Like fellow Dallas blueliner Mark Fistric, Grossman doesn't do any one thing (score, fight, shoot) to be an asset on a fantasy squad, but he's a solid stay-at-home defenseman. His 12 points and 51 PIMs in 81 minutes figure to be a typical output going forward, though a healthier Dallas squad should help him improve his +/-.

Grossman stepped in nicely for the Stars when injuries felled some veterans, posting a tidy +10 figure in 61 games. He won't provide any offense, and doesn't rack up near enough PIMs to have any sort of fantasy relevance though.

Grossman is ready to step in as the sixth defenseman after a second solid season in the AHL. His ice time will be limited as the sixth defenseman, and he offers nothing in terms of offense.

Solid North American debut in 2005-06 with Iowa, Grossman is expected to return there in 2006-07 given the depth of the Dallas blueline. A steady stay-at-home type with limited offensive upside.