Leo Komarov

The 32-year-old Russian isn't the goal-scorer that he was two or three years ago, but he did post a career-best 20 assists and plus-18 rating while dressing for all 82 games in his first season with the Islanders in 2018-19. Komarov made his NHL debut at age 26, and in his first four seasons, posted an 11.9 shooting percentage. However, over the last two campaigns, that percentage has dropped to 6.8. Now in his early thirties, perhaps age can explain that decline, but he could also be due for a bounceback in that department. However, Komarov is also receiving far less playing time than he did two seasons ago (17:04 versus 13:53 ATOI), and as a result, only posted 78 shots on net last year. For that reason alone, owners should be pleased if Komarov is able to produce 10 goals and 25 points in 2019-20.

Uncle Leo had the worst offensive season of his career in 2017-18. His 19 points were well shy of the 34 he had averaged the previous two seasons, and it was in part because of lost power-play time. There were just too many young studs in Toronto who ate up that time. Unfortunately, Komarov isn't likely to see much time on the man advantage in Long Island, either. But he will be his abrasive self and a menace on the checking line. Count on Uncle Leo for help in leagues that use hits -- he should deliver 225-250 of those in 2018-19 -- but avoid him otherwise.

Komarov is an abrasive checking forward that finishes his checks and drives the opposition crazy. He's the player that opponents love to hate, but that doesn't make him a fantasy asset. Komarov excelled last season in a checking role beside Nazem Kadri and the two will reprise those spots this season. Komarov's 32 points last year (including 14 on the power play) weren't a career high, and that number is likely to continue to decline. The arrival of Patrick Marleau is likely to limit Uncle Leo's power play time, so it's wise to expect a drop back to the mid-20s.

Uncle Leo is coming off his best NHL season – it earned him a selection to the NHL All-Star Game – and his career arc will continue upward in 2016-17. Komarov is a Mike Babcock kind of guy. His 53.3 CF% (Corsi For Percentage) was among the Leafs' best last year and his dogged pursuit of the puck drags his offensive-minded linemates along for the ride – they just play harder with Uncle Leo on their wing. Komarov is going to suit up on the right side of a scoring line and he'll see time in front of the net on the second power-play unit. A 20-20 season is within reach. And along with that will come 300 hits if he can stay out of the infirmary. No guarantees on that, though – Komarov's hard-nosed style means he'll miss 15-20 games each year. Have a handcuff ready.

It was a tale of two seasons for Komarov in 2014-15. Before suffering a concussion at the end of November, the hard-nosed forward was a revelation on the ice, delivering 16 points in 23 games. But he struggled upon his return and delivered just 10 points in his final 39 contests. His 250 hits were a high point for those in specialty leagues, but physicality was about all he was able to consistently deliver over the course of the season. If he’s healthy, Komarov will win the right-wing gig on the fourth line alongside Mark Arcobello. And this year, the Leafs will play their fourth line a whole lot more than they did in the Randy Carlyle days. However, his health and some trouble with the law in Finland could find him fighting for his hockey life. Draft him only if he locks down the job and your league counts hits.

Komarov is a checking-line beast. He is relentless on the forecheck and is the kind of player that makes opposing defenders wince when the puck gets dumped into their zone. He creates loose pucks with his bone-crushing hits, but he's not exactly an offensive stud. He'll deliver a passable eight to ten goals and as many as 20-25 points, but will bring you 225-250 hits without taking stupid penalties along the way. Bottom line: he'll be electric on the Leafs' fourth line and on the penalty kill, but he won't bring you a fantasy championship any time soon.

Komarov has a shot at a job on the Leafs' bottom two lines this season. He's 25 and coming off a World Championship victory with Finland in 2011 and a KHL championship this past spring. He's 5-11 and 198 pounds, and he knows how to be a pro. He has real leadership abilities and is willing to do whatever it takes -- hit, fore-check, throw grit or score -- on every shift. His NHL value will come as a lunch bucket type; his fantasy value will mirror that.

Komarov profiles as a checking-line player, much like Jarkko Ruutu -- skilled but dynamic and obnoxious, and really hard to play against. He spent the past three seasons with Moscow Dynamo of the KHL where he played 46 games last season, scoring 11 goals and 13 assists with 58 penalty minutes. He was second on the team in penalty minutes and third in points.