Morgan Barron

Barron held his own as a full-timer in 2022-23, racking up eight goals and 13 assists over 70 contests in his first full year with the Jets. The 24-year-old forward emerged as a solid physical presence with 118 hits, and three of his points came shorthanded. Barron's got the potential to continue playing in a middle-six role in 2023-24, so a big scoring burst shouldn't be expected, but he could push for 30 points. The physical play moves the needle a bit in fantasy, but he'll need to score a bit more to be generally helpful in fantasy.

Originally a sixth-round pick of the Rangers in 2017, Barron made his NHL debut for New York late in the 2020-21 season before being dealt to Winnipeg at the trade deadline last year in the deal involving Andrew Copp. Barron was a point producer through his collegiate career at Cornell, but he's been ticketed for a bottom-six depth role as a professional, meaning there will be minimal fantasy value to be had. Of course, the fact Barron has already played NHL games is a great result for any player who was drafted 174th overall.

Barron was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as the nation's top college player with Cornell last season, and he has a chance to crack the Rangers' roster from the get-go. With the excellent hockey IQ you'd expect from an Ivy League product and a 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame that can handle the physicality of the NHL, the 22-year-old forward has an NHL-ready skill set and the flexibility to play either center or wing. That said, Barron's ceiling is limited and he projects as a bottom-six contributor long term, so dynasty league managers in search of gems shouldn't get too excited if he's in the lineup on Opening Night.