Ben Hutton

Hutton has settled into a role as the Golden Knights' seventh defenseman over the last couple of seasons. With the team enjoying better health in 2022-23, Hutton was limited to eight points, 34 blocked shots and 52 shots on goal and 31 contests. He'll likely be in a similar role to begin 2023-24 -- he's enough of a veteran to be able to step into the lineup after weeks in the press box. As such, Hutton has little fantasy value going forward, especially as the Golden Knights could opt to give prospects like Kaedan Korczak or Brayden Pachal looks when there's an opening in the lineup.

Hutton played 69 games for the Canucks in 2018-19, recording five goals and 20 points, but the 26-year-old finished with an awful minus-23 rating. Hedid not receive a qualifying offer from the Canucks at season's end, and as a result, became an unrestricted free agent. Hutton landed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with LA in September, and will slot in as a bottom-four defender for the Kings in 2019-20, but his lackluster offensive upside and defensive shortcomings will keep him off the fantasy radar in most formats.

After a promising two-year start to his NHL career, Hutton took a big leap backwards last season, scoring just six assists in 61 games and sitting out as a healthy scratch due to his poor play. His career plus-minus is now at minus-52, and he was getting beat one-on-one and caught out of position on a nightly basis despite his evident skill. He has a long way to go to re-establish himself as an NHL player and will be fighting for a roster spot at training camp. Hutton doesn't appear to have a standout skill, which unfortunately relegates him to being a depth player who provides little fantasy value.

Hutton put together another modestly productive campaign in 2016-17, notching a career-high five goals and 19 points. He’s posted a disastrous plus-minus in each of his first two full NHL seasons, but it’s hard to be critical, given the team’s overall struggles. Hutton excels at rushing the puck up ice and jumping into the play, making him an appealing fantasy blueliner. However, the Canucks didn't make too many changes this offseason, so it’s hard to see Hutton taking a major step forward; still, he should continue to progress. The addition of Michael Del Zotto and growth of Troy Stecher could jeopardize his power-play time, but Hutton possesses enough offensive talent and awareness to produce in any situation. Although Vancouver’s going through a tough period right now, Hutton has emerged as a fan favorite and is sure to deliver another solid campaign on the back end.

Hutton broke onto the scene in 2015-16, putting up 25 points in a 75-game rookie season. While he only scored once, he averaged a solid 19:52 of ice time and became a steady presence on the power play. There is a youth movement occurring in Vancouver and Hutton is right in the middle of it. He’ll likely be paired up with newcomer Erik Gudbranson, who is a defensive-minded rearguard, leaving Hutton the opportunity to take more offensive risks. The 23-year-old is a young and energetic up-and-coming blueliner who should take another step forward in 2016-17. If he can maintain his role as the power-play quarterback on the top unit with the Sedin twins and newcomer Loui Eriksson, Hutton could be one to watch in 2016-17.