Tommy Wingels

Wingels split the 2016-17 campaign between the Sharks and Senators, delivering another underwhelming season in terms of offensive production with a mere 12 points (seven goals, five assists) in 73 games while skating in a bottom-six role with both clubs. The Blackhawks signed the 29-year-old winger to a one-year deal for the 2017-18 season, but his primary responsibility with his new franchise will be killing penalties rather than creating offense. Wingels’ virtually nonexistent offensive upside and limited role will keep him from being a viable option in most fantasy formats this season.

Wingels is a perfect member of any team's third line -- a hard-hitting winger with a nose for the net who can be an asset on the power play. He more or less duplicated his results from the prior season last year -- knocking two games, one goal and one assist off his final line -- but busted out with 10 points on the man advantage despite averaging only 1:30 of ice time. With San Jose's freshened goaltending situation and renewed intensity on defense, his plus/minus ought to bounce back, too. He profiles as a guy with plenty of value in specialty formats, but those in shallower leagues won't have much use for a winger who only produces 30-odd points.

Wingels exploded on the scene for the Sharks this past season. It was the first full, non-lockout-shortened season of his career, and it was certainly qualified for a breakout for him, as he tallied 16 goals and 22 assists over 77 contests. He proved himself a viable fantasy option with a combination of his physical play, a shiny plus-11 rating, and 163 shots on goal. Wingels should see a growing role in San Jose and continue to see solid minutes in 2014-15. You won't see Wingels ranked highly on most cheat sheets, but his numbers should grow this year, potentially making him a sneaky sleeper pick. Don't reach too far for him, but don't sleep on him either. The secret about Wingels isn't out yet, but it soon will be.

Wingels, though only 6-0 and 196 lb, plays an intense, physical game. With his first full season on the Sharks behind him, he appears to be a lock for the third line going forward. He ended the season with five goals and eight assists, which isn't much to write home about. But he also racked up 115 hits in 42 games. That gives him a career total of 223 hits in 80 games. Bam! He's clearly not scared to get in the corners and muck it up. He might not be fantasy relevant yet, but his physical presence on the ice means he's not completely without value, particularly in specialty formats.

Wingels had an outstanding rookie season, dishing out 102 hits in a mere 33 games and adding nine points (three goals, six assists), too. His ceiling is ultimately limited, but he does have third-line -- and fan-pleasing -- upside. He's going to be a specialty play in future years. Enjoy.

The Sharks did well by drafting the American-born Wingels in the sixth-round of the 2008 NHL Entry. He’s smart, fluid on the skates, and someone who can hold his own on both ends of the ice. Wingels made his NHL debut in the season opener last October, but only ended up appearing in five games at hockey’s highest level of competition. When he wasn’t up with the parent club, Wingels worked on his game with AHL Worcester, where he recorded 33 points (17 G, 16 A) and 69 penalty minutes in as many games en route to becoming the team’s Rookie of the Year. Remember Wingels’ name for future fantasy seasons.

Wingels is well known at Miami University (Ohio) where he registered 99 points in 127 games over the course of three seasons. This agile, two-way forward could be ready to begin his professional career after signing an entry-level contract with the Sharks in June of 2010. As talented as Wingels is, rarely do you see players jumping from the collegiate level to the NHL, so we're expecting Wingels to continue his development in the minors in 2010-11.