Wade Redden

Redden spent most of last season as the captain of the Rangers' AHL affiliate, the Connecticut Whale. Redden has experienced a star-crossed career after signing as a big-money free agent with the Rangers and had even contemplated retirement before agreeing to report to the AHL. Unless his fortunes take an unexpected turn, the 35-year-old defenseman will likely spend much of his season playing for the Whale and will be of little interest to fantasy owners.

It'd be shocking to see Redden play again for the Rangers. Between his play and contract, the Rangers demoted him and moved past him. The only way Redden see the NHL again is if he decided to walk away from his contract and another team signed him to a new contract.

The Rangers brought Redden over from Ottowa as a free agent in 2008. Since then, Redden has been nothing short of a disastor. The Rangers tried to trade him last season, but due to his massive contract, they couldn’t find any takers. In the preseason, the Rangers announced that Redden was sent down to Hartford of the AHL, where he will remain until next season, when New York can release him. He’s nothing more than just a recognizable name at this point in his career so you should avoid him at all costs.

Redden played in 81 contests last year, but produced just 26 points and 51 PIMs. He's getting big money, but hasn't lived up to the contract through its first year. There's a number of young defenders in the Rangers' system that will be pushing him for time this fall, but his contract should keep him on the ice for the time being.

Redden has lost a step and needs to improve his strength. But Redden will log heavy minutes in all situations and improve the power play while playing one of the points.

After last season's debacle, Redden is a good candidate for a bounce back season. He'll spend a lot of time on Ottawa's first power play unit and, should he remain healthy for most of the season, 40 or more points is certainly attainable.

After a tough season in which Redden lost his mother late in the year, the 29-year-old should be near the top of your lists for defensemen in 06-07. Redden should better last year's numbers and be given heavy consideration as the number one defenseman for your team.

Redden's numbers were most impressive in the 2003-04 NHL campaign (17 goals/43 points) but the 28-year-old is more than just an offensive defenseman - he's averaged a plus-22 for the past three seasons. Chalk up another 45-point season and another positive double-digit plus/minus number for Redden in 2005-06. In addition to his stellar all-around game, Wade's no pushover. He'll get you 60-70 PIMs.