Rudolfs Balcers

Balcers regularly saw top-six usage in his first year with the Sharks in 2020-21, turning that into 17 points in just 41 contests. Unfortunately for the Latvian, Alexander Barabanov seemed much more comfortable on the second line at the end of the campaign, while Balcers logged just four points in his last 16 games. The 24-year-old seems likely to start the year in a bottom-six role on a rebuilding team -- that's not a good sign for fantasy managers who might expect him to take a step forward in a full campaign. While Balcers can provide some physicality, the lack of a scoring-line role greatly limits his potential production. A full season of bottom-six work would likely see him struggle to reach 20 points, but he may be worth a look off the waiver wire if injuries arise among Sharks forwards.

Balcers only made 15 appearances with the Senators in 2019-20, notching three points and 19 hits. With AHL Belleville, he had 36 points in 33 contests, showing the scoring touch that eluded him with the parent club. He'll have to compete with the likes of Drake Batherson and Austin Watson for a roster spot in 2020-21, and that most likely leaves Balcers on the outside looking in for playing time with the parent club. Expect Balcers to either spend most of the season in the minors or as an option on the Senators' taxi squad.

Balcers has yet to make his NHL debut, but given the team's lack of depth up front, he could potentially make Ottawa's Opening Night roster this season. The 22-year-old forward was pretty productive in the minors last season, notching 17 goals and 31 points in 43 contests, and didn't look out of place during his time with the big club, either, posting five goals and 14 points in 36 appearances. He'll compete for a spot in the Senators' bottom six during training camp.

Last season, Balcers put up 48 points in 67 games, playing for AHL San Jose. He also added four points in as many playoff contests with the Sharks minor-league affiliate. After a productive season in the AHL, the talented winger found himself packaged off to Ottawa where he figures to be given a chance in training camp to show he's ready for full-time NHL action. While he may not start the season in the show, chances are the native of Latvia works his way into the mix at some point this season. It's best to avoid him on draft night (unless he breaks camp with the big club), but monitor his status as he could be an under-the-radar waiver wire pickup down the road.