Martin Marincin

Marincin got into just two NHL games in 2017-18. He had been ticketed for the third pairing, but was soundly beaten out by Andreas Borgman for that gig. So, off to the AHL he went. There, Marincin played a solid, two-way game and delivered 20 points in 52 games. And, oh yeah -- a Calder Cup win. Marincin won't ever be an offensive guy. He has just three goals and 25 points in 177 NHL games, finding himself in a steep competition for the role of sixth/seventh defender. Even if he wins the job, Marincin will have no fantasy value.

Marincin is arguably the Leafs' best shutdown defender, but he just doesn't get much respect. He's viewed as soft for a big guy (6-foot-5, 200 pounds) and his game fails the eye test for traditional scouts. But his advanced metrics tell another story. Marincin is an excellent shot suppressor in possession. His xGA60 (Expected Goals Against per 60) in 2015-16 puts him in the NHL's top 15 defenders with studs like Mattias Ekholm, Seth Jones, Anton Stralman and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. And if his development curve continues, Marincin could just become one of the league's elite shutdown men. Just don't expect any fantasy value from him – he's a classic example of a player who's better on the ice than in the fantasy.

Marincin is another one of those young Oilers defensemen who can make their mark with a solid training camp. Is he ready for prime time? Maybe, maybe not -- he has never really stood out, other than his outstanding rookie season in the WHL. The Oilers have brought in some veterans to give their young defenders a chance to develop, so for the first time in a long time, they don't feel the need to rush players like Marincin and Oscar Klefbom. Expect him to get more seasoning at the AHL level this year.

Marincin is likely to begin his pro career this season with Oklahoma City of the AHL. Marincin and Justin Schultz are considered to be the Oilers' top two defensive prospects. Schultz is expected to start this season in Edmonton, but Marincin requires seasoning to advance the mental aspects of the game.

Marincin signed a three-year entry level deal with the Oilers in April, and is slated to begin his pro career with Oklahoma City of the AHL. It's unlikely that Marincin would be called up by the Oilers this season as he still needs time to grow into his 6-foot-4 frame, but the talent is there and he could make some noise before long.

Marincin was taken by the Oilers in the second round of this past June's draft. He is the defintion as a project as he is 6'4" but only 190 lbs. He will need time to fill out his frame and at 19 years of age the Oilers will give him time to do so.