Ron Hainsey

Hainsey's 23 points from his first season in Toronto was his best offensive production since 2009-10. Will that continue? It's highly doubtful. At 37 years old, Hainsey's game is slowing and his role will diminish as well. His ability to play the right side saw him paired with Morgan Rielly on the top duo last season and Hainsey helped the young man to a career year, despite looking sluggish in the second half, likely from overuse. He's a solid penalty killer and might start the season with Rielly again. Still, it won't take long for Hainsey's spot to be taken by the rising Travis Dermott. He's a nice player, but better suited on the bottom pairing. There is no fantasy relevance here.

Hainsey is a 36-year-old veteran who arrives in Toronto with a resume packed with perseverance and guts. Remember -- he's the guy who played 907 NHL games before even seeing ice in the playoffs. Hainsey then translated that into playoff glory lifted Lord Stanley's Cup last June, some 16 seasons after his NHL debut. That leadership will go a long way on the young and rising Leafs, just like his ability to play the right side on the blue line. Hainsey is yet another left shot on a crowded left-handed blue line in Toronto, but his flexibility makes him a likely partner for Morgan Reilly on the Buds' top pair or with Jake Gardiner on the second unit. That won't make him a fantasy darling, but it will help his partner grow his game. He’s not likely to be relevant from a fantasy standpoint, however.

At this point in his career, Hainsey does not generate much offense, but that’s not his job any longer. As a stay-at-home defenseman, the 34-year-old Hainsey is expected to play a lot of minutes, keep the puck out of his own zone and shut down opposing team’s best forwards. And last season, Hainsey did just that. He was first on the team in blocked shots (120), second in total shifts (2,228), third in total average ice time per game (21:05), and third in shorthanded ice time per game (2:01). Hainsey scored just 10 points -- the lowest full-season point production of his career -- but again, he’s not expected to jump into the rush, not with guys like Justin Faulk on board. Bottom line: if your fantasy format rewards the aforementioned secondary stat categories, Hainsey may be of some use to you. Otherwise? Avoid.

Hainsey, who signed a three-year, $8.5-million contract extension with the Hurricanes in June, hasn't topped 20 points in a season since 2009-10 with the Atlanta Thrashers. However, he showcased his trademark durability last season – his first with the Hurricanes – appearing in all 82 games. Beyond the lack of offense (15 points, plus-9 rating), Hainsey delivered useful counting stats on the defensive end (96 hits, 124 blocks) and will likely be counted on to slot in on the Canes’ second defensive pairing for the next few seasons. If you participate in a deep fantasy format where the aforementioned secondary stat categories are counted, then Hainsey could be of use to you as a late-round selection. Otherwise, fantasy GMs would be wise to avoid him.

His 13 assists in 47 games last year were more than he had in more action during the 2011-12 season. That said, he finished with a minus-8 rating and hasn't scored a goal since the 2010-11 season, giving him little-to-no fantasy relevance.

Hainsey's statistical output has displayed a curious relationship over the past four seasons: the nine year veteran's points total has decreased every year since 2008, while his plus-minus differential has improved in each of those seasons. As the Connecticut native settles into more of a stay-at-home role with the Jets, expect him to deliver in the ice-time and plus-minus columns, but not in the offensive categories, as he finished with no goals and 10 assists in 56 games last season.

Hainsey recorded three goals and 16 assists for 19 points with the Thrashers last season. Last year marked the third straight season that Hainsey's offensive production fell. However, he managed to post a positive plus/minus rating for the first time in five years. Because he is more of a responsible veteran these days, he is not really worth a selection in your entry draft.

With his lowest point total since 2005-06, Hainsey chipped in five goals and 21 assists for 26 points in 2009-10. Although he scored less than 30 points last year for the first time in four years, Hainsey did improve in the plus/minus department, exhibiting more responsible defensive play than in previous years. Playing with veteran Johnny Oduya for a full season should help Hainsey steady his plus/minus and the upgrades made at forward in the offseason should help Hainsey increase his point production as well. Bet on Hainsey to climb back over the 30-point mark and chip in a half-dozen goals in 2010-11.

Hainsey, who just came over from Columbus this off-season, scored eight goals (all on the power-play) and tallied 24 assists with the Jackets in 2007-08. He is a agile defensemen and does have an offensive mindset. He will see some time on the power-play in 2008-09 and should see similar production as last year.

In his second season with Columbus Hainsey emerged as a decent scoring threat off the blue line, setting a career high with 34 points, 23 of which came on the power play. The Blue Jackets did little in the offseason to add anyone to the roster who could bump Hainsey from his power play spot, so Hainsey could be in line for his first 40-point season. In leagues that count plus/minus, however, note that Hainsey will likely be a liability in that category (he was a minus-19 in 80 games last year).

Hainsey was a pleasent surprise for Columbus in '05-'06, scoring 17 points in 55 games with a sparkling +13, setting a new club record for plus/minus. His fantasy value is limited, but he should be a solid top-six defenseman for the Blue Jackets.

Ron Hainsey is another young American defenseman. His problem is consistentsy. Hainsey has been known for a lackluster work ethic, something that has frustrated the team. But, his play on the farm team this past season was impressive and the Canadiens brass feel as though he has turned the corner. If he can play his way into a regular with the team, 35 points is not out of the question for the offensive minded rearguard.