Scottie Upshall

Upshall emerged as one of the better depth scorers on an offensively challenged Panthers club in 2013-14 with 37 points in 76 games, but as the squad cleared out more minutes for younger forwards this past season, the 32-year-old saw his role marginalized. His ice time fell over three full minutes, and when he wasn't battling an injury, Upshall occasionally found himself as a healthy scratch. The Panthers determined he wasn't worth re-signing in the offseason, and several other teams bypassed the opportunity as well, resulting in Upshall having to settle for a professional tryout contract with the Blues in early September. He'll report to training camp to audition for a checking-line role, but will need to outshine several options in order to earn a spot on the club.

Upshall was finally healthy again for the first time since 2010-11 and nearly reached the 40-point mark, finishing with 15 goals and 37 points. For good measure, he played a strong physical game with 134 hits and 73 PIM, while recording the second-highest shot total of his career with 161. Upshall is likely destined for the Panthers' third line and if he remains healthy he can be expected to produce similar numbers in 2013-14 or a little better, as the Panthers assemble more talent around him.

Upshall appears to have completely lost his scoring touch since leaving the Coyotes in 2011. He only manages to post four goals and one assist in 27 games with the Panthers last year. Some fantasy owners may draft him because of his recognizable name, but it would be wise to hold out for lesser known players with more potential instead.

Upshall followed up his 34-point 2010-2011 campaign with a five-point injury riddled one this past season. Upshall has sleeper potential, but the versatile forward will need to find a way to stay on the ice if he hopes to make any sort of fantasy impact. He topped out at 22 goals two years ago in combined duty with Phoenix and Columbus, after posting 18 the season before with the Coyotes.

Upshall cracked the 20-goal mark (22) for the first time in his career last season, splitting time between the Coyotes and the Blue Jackets. The high-energy versatile forward will look to make an impact playing for the fifth team over eight NHL. He's not a great fantasy option, however, unless goals are all that matters, as he'll be getting used to a new team again, plus Upshall isn't much of a playmaker and doesn't shine in the other categories.

If he didn't blow out a knee in 2009-10, Upshall could have had a monster year. The energetic forward notched 32 points (18G 14A) in 49 games. His recovery from his knee injury looks to be on target and if he doesn't lose any speed, he could clearly improve upon those numbers. For 2010-11, Upshall could be poised to have a breakout season.

Quickly becoming a fan favorite in the desert after coming over in a trade at the deadline last year. Upshall quickly made fans forget about the gritty Daniel Carcillo, stepping right in and filling the role of tough guy who can put the puck in the net. Upshall had 13 points (8 G, 5 A) in 19 games with the Coyotes, and is a former first round pick who is starting to play like one. Upshall slots in quite nicely as the second line right-winger for the 'Yotes. Phoenix made a whale of a deal at the deadline to acquire Upshall, and he's only going to be better in 2009-2010.

Upshall set career marks in basically every statistical category last year in his first full season with the Flyers. He had modest numbers most of the season, but was slowed toward the end of the year with a right ankle injury. Regardless, Upshall will most likely be on a second-line unit with center Jeff Carter and fellow winger Mike Knuble who both scored 29 goals each last season. With two decent scorers on his line, look for Upshall to have good potential to net double-digit goals and a good amount of assists. He should see more power play time also but is only worth a late-round pick, if that, in deep leagues.

Upshall made an immediate impact on the struggling Flyers last season, with 13 points in 18 games. Upshall is a high-energy player with a scoring touch. He's set up this season on a scoring line, so expect good numbers.

Upshall will get his chance to show what he’s capable of in a full season this year with the Predators. Most likely pegged for third-line duty, Upshall has never disappointed in his stints at AHL affiliate Milwaukee. In a brief 23 games last season Upshall posted 17 goals and 16 assists while with the farm club. Upshall made an appearance in 48 games with the Preds last season, collecting eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points in that partial season. We expect Upshall to transition well into the blue-collar lineup of Nashville this season. A 20-goal, 50-point campaign is not out of the question.

Upshall drips character, and is a likely future NHL captain, but intangibles don't count for fantasy purposes. His line last year in the AHL (19 goals, 46 points, 108 PIM) points to his rough ceiling numbers-wise in the NHL, although a kid with his makeup could easily end up surprising.