Niklas Hagman

To say that Hagman was a disappointment last year would be a gross understatement. The 6-foot Finn compiled his lowest point total (27) in five years, and looked lost at times in coach Brent Sutter's system. Hopefully for Calgary, Hagman regains the form he once displayed with the Stars and Maple Leafs. If so, he could be looking at anywhere between 30-40 points in 2011-12.

As was the case with Matt Stajan, Hagman's production went down after getting traded to the Flames by the Leafs. He had 20 goals and 13 assists in 55 games at the time of the deal, and then had just 11 points (5 G, 6 A) in 27 games, including no power-play goals. This despite frequently skating with Jarome Iginla and getting time on the Flames' top power-play unit. The question to ask with Hagman (and Stajan, and even Olli Jokinen) is whether the Flames' personnel or their system to blame for the steep offensive declines for their incoming forwards? We tend to think it's more a case of the former, though we acknowledge that there's also an adjustment period for most forwards when they join a new team. Hagman probably doesn't have a scoring spike in him, but a best-case scenario where he tallies 25 goals and 50 points does exist, though that's the top-end of what you could possibly hope for from him.

Hagman is a top-six player in Toronto, something he wouldn't be on 20 other teams. But his calling cards -- speed and tenacity -- get him to places faster than stink and that opens up opportunities other guys just wouldn't have. Concussions dogged him last season but he looks free and clear from those. We really like the guy -- he will do whatever is asked without complaint. But his output puts him fantast reserve space in most league formats. His supporting cast isn't strong enough... yet.

He may have scored 27 goals last season but he's not going to repeat that feat in blue and white. He's incredibly fast which makes him a prime candidate to slot in on the same line as Jason Blake. But without a high-octane center, this hot-and-cold winger will likely be on the cool side of the continuum more often than not.

Hagman may have scored 27 goals last season but he’s not going to repeat that feat in blue and white. He’s incredibly fast which makes him a prime candidate to slot in on the same line as Jason Blake. But without a high-octane center, this hot-and-cold winger will likely be on the cool side of the continuum more often than not. Just remember -- a huge number of his goals last year came in one very early spurt. If you end up with him and he repeats the feat, you need to start trade talks immediately.

Steady, dependable role player with Dallas after a mid-season trade from Florida. He'll return in a depth role with Dallas.

Hagman is a workhorse, but it's unclear if he will ever put up solid numbers on this side of the pond. The Finn will be entering his fourth NHL season, but has yet to eclipse the 30-point plateau. His speed and determination should be beneficial under the rule changes. If he can stay healthy, he's worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses.