Christian Hanson

Hanson, who recorded 10 goals, 11 assists and 42 penalty minutes in 52 games for AHL Hershey last season, has 43 games of NHL experience under his belt and some interesting bloodlines, given that his father Dave played one of the Hanson brothers in the film 'Slap Shot.' That interesting tidbit aside, Hanson is strictly a depth forward for the B’s.

Hanson is a 25-year-old center who has over 40 games of NHL experience in his last three seasons. A Notre Dame alum, he has spent his last three seasons between Toronto and their AHL affiliate. He had 13 goals and 21 assists in 58 games in the AHL last season. He will be in Hershey this season, but could be called up if injuries occur. He has some time to continue to grow, but may get to the NHL someday.

Hanson is a big-bodied centerman who already seems comfortable in the defensive zone. Unfortunately, his offensive game has been slow to develop and his only hope in Toronto is for a permanent shift to the right flank. Even then, his top side this season will likely be 30 points and keeper leaguers should expect a ceiling (someday) of perhaps 55 points. That makes him a consideration in only the very deepest of leagues.

Hanson was one of those coveted college free agents that caught the eyes of at least a dozen or more teams last spring. The Leafs lured the offspring of one of the famous Slap Shot Hanson brothers to the Big Smoke and the kid saw five games of action in the NHL. He could use some seasoning in the AHL but there's a chance he could make this big club. His fantasy value will be limited for the next few seasons as he learns the pro game.