Alexander Romanov

Most players don't see a boost in offense when going to the Islanders, but Romanov's first year with the team saw him produce 22 points in 76 contests. He added 198 hits, 129 blocked shots and 100 shots on goal while filling a top-four role, though that came with virtually no power-play time. Still just 23 years old, Romanov could find another level on offense before reaching his peak, but he'll likely always be more of a sturdy defensive presence. The Islanders saw very little turnover from a team that squeaked into the playoffs, so Romanov's role should remain largely the same entering 2023-24.

The Islanders did virtually nothing to improve their roster this offseason, but they did go out and land Romanov from Montreal in a draft-day deal. The team then inked the restricted free agent to a new three-year, $7.5 million contract. Romanov has recorded 19 points in 133 career NHL games, so fantasy managers shouldn't be drafting him for his offense, but the rugged defender posted a whopping 227 hits and 144 blocks in 79 games a season ago, giving him significant late-round fantasy value in leagues which value those categories. Don't forget about him on draft day.

Romanov began his rookie season with two points in his first three games, but managed just four points in 51 games the rest of the way. The young Russian was banished to the press box for all but four of Montreal's postseason contests. Shea Weber will miss the entire 2021-22 season due to injury and is unlikely to play again, leaving increased responsibility for Romanov this coming year. Romanov averaged 17:05 of ice time per game last season and it wouldn't be the least bit surprising if he flirted with 20 minutes per night campaign. There's sneaky deep league value here for those looking for some points and upwards of 200 hits late in their draft.

Romanov comes to the Canadiens with plenty of opportunity. The defenseman only managed 11 points in 86 career KHL games with CSKA Moscow, but he's expected to compete for a bottom-pairing role with Montreal in 2020-21. Romanov, a second-round pick from 2018, won't unseat Shea Weber or Jeff Petry among the Canadiens' right-shot defenders, so he'll be able to play sheltered minutes during his first North American season. Scoring expectations for Romanov should be fairly modest given his track record, so fantasy managers may want to watch him from a distance unless he takes a dramatic leap forward.