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Pens GM Jim Rutherford acquired Spaling as part of the return with Patric Hornqvist from Nashville in exchange for James Neal over the summer. Pittsburgh has struggled with its third line ever since breaking up Jordan Staal, Matt Cooke and Tyler Kennedy several years ago and believes Spaling can help fill the void; he can play any forward position and can kill penalties. Last season, Spaling netted a career-high 13 goals to go along with 19 assists. The 26-year-old might not finish with more than 30-35 points with Pittsburgh, but the Pens feel his value will help keep opponents honest. Spaling collected six power-play points in 2013-14 and could battle for a second-unit spot.
Spaling avoided arbitration by signing a one-year, $1.5 deal with the Predators in July. He chipped in nine points and four assists in 47 games with the Preds last year and has increased his scoring rate in each of his four NHL campaigns. That said, he will likely open the upcoming season in his usual checking role for the Preds.
Spaling recorded a career-high 22 points in 77 games last season, playing the majority of games in a checking role. However, he was given more responsibility last season as evidenced by his ice time which rose by nearly a full two minutes compared to 2010-11 (15:43 vs. 13:56). Unfortunately, given the number of bodies currently ahead of Spaling on the Preds’ depth chart, he won't help you much in traditional fantasy scoring categories unless you're in an ultra-deep league.
Spaling, who signed a new two-year deal with the Predators in July, notched 14 points (8G, 6A) in 74 games last season. He was seeing as much as 17-18 minutes of ice time per game down the stretch last season, but was doing so in a checking line capacity. He will resume this role come October.
Spaling saw limited action with the Preds last season, serving mostly as an emergency callup from AHL Milwaukee whenever the team ran into injury trouble. If Spaling has a good training camp, it's possible he could be in line for the a fourth-line role this season. Unfortunately, this doesn't translate into fantasy value.
Spaling is an 19-year-old prospect forward. He was selected in the second round of the 2007 NHL entry draft. Spaling will get a long look during this season's training camp, although he's probably not ready for the NHL game. Still, the future is bright as he posted career-best numbers of 38 goals and 34 assists in 54 games with Kitchener of the OHL last season.
Spaling is a young prospect forward. He was selected in the 2nd round of the 2007 NHL entry draft by Nashville. Spaling hustles and uses his head to make up for what natural talent he might lack. He displayed a great knack for finding the back of the net last season with the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. Spaling potted 23 goals in 61 games. He'll spend another season in the minors sharpening his skills.
Overlooked in his first year of OHL eligibility, Spaling played Junior B hockey in the small Ontario town of Listowel. His strong play there got him noticed by the Kitchener Rangers but it took them until the sixth round the next season to draft the guy. Fast forward a couple of years and Spaling has done nothing but consistently impress his coaches. In fact, he was even picked this past season to play in the CHL Top Prospects game. He just oozes character and seems to bring to mind a talented young player named Justin Williams (Carolina) whenever his name comes up. If he's half as good as Williams, he'll find a home in the NHL.