Steve Reinprecht

Reinprecht scored four goals and added six assists over 29 games this past season with the Panthers. Reinprecht was waived halfway through the season and was eventually loaned to a team in the German hockey league after going unclaimed in the NHL. Assuming Reinprecht makes the team out of camp, Reinprecht has limited fantasy appeal.

The 10th time's a charm? In 2009-10, Reinprecht finally played all 82 games in the NHL schedule, and it came in his first year with Florida. Unfortunately, he favored the first few months of the hockey calendar; more than 75-percent of his 38 points last season were accumulated from the the season opener on October 2 through the end of December. In short, he's one to start through thick and thin because you never know when he'll catch fire. When he does, you'll want this cat in your lineup. Expect Reinprecht to fall in the 40-point neighborhood this year.

Acquired in an off-season trade for a minor-leaguer, Reinprecht will be given the opportunity to fill out the Panthers' top six as the second-line center. Sounds good, doesn't it? Problem is, Reinprecht is pushing mid-30s and hasn't proved to be much better than a 40-point type. Expect that to be a ceiling in Florida, though it seems more likely he'll post less.

Reinprecht had a lack luster season by his standards in 2007-2008. He just seemed not with it as he would pass up obvious opportunities with an ill-timed pass that blew the scoring chance. Right now, he still should be considered as the number two center for the Coyotes, but Kyle Turris could challenge him for that spot. He needs to improve on his 46 point season (16G 30A) to be an impact on any fantasy roster.

Last season was a difficult one for Steven Reinprecht. The center acquired by the Coyotes with a trade from Calgary, 2006-2007 was the year that the coaching staff tagged for him to break out and show the NHL what he could do on the ice. The outlook changed when he broke his clavicle early in the season and missed a significant amount of games. Despite the injury, and only playing in 49 games, he still had 24 assists with 9 goals and a minus 3 rating. Reinprecht for 2006-2007, was ranked 2nd on the team for assists and 3rd on the team for total points. When he came back from his injury, it took Reinprecht a while to get his timing back, but he ended the year on a strong note. Since Reinprecht is a one of the few veterans on the young Phoenix Coyotes team with an offensive game, now that he's healthy again, he should have a more solid season for 2007-2008.

This year should be an improvement across the board for Reinprecht as he becomes more familiar with Coach Wayne Gretzky's battle plan. He should be watched closely in shallow leagues, but should be on every owner's draft list in deeper leagues.

Reinprecht is a curious player this year, he may be lined up with Iginla on the other wing or he may center the second line. The only thing sure is he will not center the top line, that will be Daymond Langkow. Coach Darryl Sutter prides himself in being able to interchange all lines and still be affective. Therefore we believe Steve will start on the second line when the season begins, because the fans want to see the Amonte-Langkow-Iginla line. His point production will be lower because of playing on the second line, however he may see some time on the top line now and then, including power play. Reinprecht looks fully recovered from his injury in 2003/04 that had him miss 38 games and will be a nice sleeper pick in the middle rounds.