Hudson Fasching

Signed to a one-year, two-way deal by the Islanders last August, Fasching became a key contributor for the club down the stretch and into the playoffs, playing the best hockey of his career. All told, Fasching finished with 10 goals and 19 points in 49 games. His strong play earned him a well-deserved two-year deal with the club this time around. There's no fantasy impact here, but Fasching should open the season as a regular member of New York's bottom-six.

Highly touted for his intangibles coming out of the NCAA, the 22-year-old Fasching has yet to really make his presence felt -- he enters the final year of his entry-level contract with just 54 career pro games under his belt (17 in the NHL). Hampered by a groin injury all of last season, the budding power forward never found his groove at any level, notching just a dozen points in his 37 AHL games. If he reaches his full potential, Fasching can be a middle-six winger who creates lots of room with his size, and his hands are good enough to make him a dangerous scorer around the net, as evidenced by his final college campaign (20 goals and 38 points in 37 games). he'll likely spend the season with AHL Rochester, catching up on the development time he’s lost to injury, but Fasching may get the occasional call-up if the need arises.

Fasching, who was acquired by the Sabres from the Kings in a deadline deal in 2014, will return to the University of Minnesota for his junior season this fall. He's scored 56 points in 78 career games with the Gophers, and could turn pro if he submits a big campaign in 2015-16.