There aren't many reasons to get excited about Dawes ahead of the 2010-11 season. He battled leg and knee injuries last season with Calgary, and far too often, he rotated with his Flames' teammates trying to generate consistent offense, albeit with little success. If and when he's healthy and signed on with a team, he should only be a bottom-feeding fantasy pick in deep fantasy pools.
Dawes took a slight step backwards in 2008-09 as he split the year with the New York Rangers and Phoenix Coyotes. He recorded 21 points (10 G, 11 A), down from 29 points in his rookie campaign. Dawes now finds himself on a talented Flames roster with the potential to be a top-6 forward. He should be able to top his first two seasons in the league and he might even challenge the 50-point barrier if everything goes according to plan. Think of Dawes as someone to keep your eye on, not someone to push to the top of your priority list.
Dawes had a solid rookie season for the Rangers with 14 goals and 29 points in 61 games. He led the Rangers with a plus-11 rating. Will probably pair with either Chris Drury or Scott Gomez which will certainly help his value, but is still a number five or six forward at best.
Dawes is another youngster that could possibly earn himself a roster spot; last season he made the team outright as the fourth-line forward, but limited playing time and production forced the organization to send him packing to the AHL ranks. Standing tall at 5-8, Dawes is a bit on the small side by NHL standards; but what he lacks in height -- he makes up for with speed and slick puck handling skills; Think Tampa Bay's Martin St. Louis. Dawes led the Hartford Wolfpack in points last season recording 27 goals and 33 assists for 60 points in 65 games.
Small and speedy, Dawes is in the same mold as MVP Martin St. Louis -- both can score, and have overcome the “small” label throughout their careers. The Rangers are looking to fill a void on their third line, and Dawes could be the right fit for that role in the upcoming year. In 77 games with the Hartford Wolfpack last season (2005-06), Dawes has registered 35 goals, 32 assists and a plus-16.
Small and speedy, Dawes is in the same mold as MVP Martin St.Louis -- both can score, and have overcome the 'small' label throughout their careers. Dawes has not gain such recognition as of yet, but look out for this guy -- Dawes has a quick shot and can fly down the ice.
