The Slovak defenseman hasn’t been the same since leaving the Senators in 2008, making minimal impact with the Lightning, Flyers, and Bruins. There will certainly be a spot for Meszaros on a young Sabres team, but if his performance continues to decline, the Sabres won’t save a spot for him. Hopefully a change of scenery will benefit Meszaros, but as one of Buffalo’s more experienced defenders, the pressure on him to play solid defense will be that much greater. Meszaros collected 22 points in 52 games during the 2013-14 season, but sat as a healthy scratch for both the Bruins and Flyers.
Meszaros saw limited action last season due to a nagging shoulder injury, and there's talk he may not be ready for the start of the season. If he's healthy, Meszaros can post a solid plus/minus rating and even collect a few points.
Meszaros tore his right Achilles tendon during preseason training and is highly unlikely to recover in time to see any action in the Flyers’ 2012-13 campaign. This is a big blow for Philadelphia, as Meszaros was a steady player and contributed enough in most categories to earn a spot in leagues that reward plus-minus, hits and blocked shots.
After seeing his production fall off a cliff in Tampa Bay, Meszaros reverted to the type of production he saw in his Ottawa days to the benefit of the Flyers, posting 32 points and 41 PIMs in 81 contests after totaling 33 points in two years with the Bolts. The 26-year-old also posted a plus-30 rating, his best since his rookie year. Given his inconsistencies, it's hard to say for certain that he'll be able to replicate his solid numbers, but it's a situation that certainly appears to have to do with his time in Tampa, not his overall ability.
Meszaros' production has fallen off a cliff the last two seasons, thanks largely to a major decrease in assists. His shortcomings were well-hidden during his time in Ottawa, but the light was fixed on those during his time in Tampa Bay. Meszaros will be surrounded by more talent in Philly, but it's still a long shot that he'll return to the 40-point threshold that he flirted with while playing for the Senators. Heading into camp, Meszaros, who turns 25 in October, projects as a third- or fourth-line defender.
Mez struggled mightily last season and then underwent surgery with 30 games remaining. He’s not a number one defender. He may not even be a true number two. But for this year, he’ll be the most productive defender on the Bolts’ blue line with a shade over 35 points. That’s double his output from last year. Just don’t overdraft him – his feet are still stuck in quicksand.
The newest Bolt had a great rookie season (2005-06) but has been slipping ever since. Meszaros is slow-footed and is often exploited in his own zone. He does have a big shot, though, so he’ll get his share of chances. But those sluggish feet mean he likely slots in behind Matt Carle and Paul Ranger on the power play.
Look for Meszaros to have a typical sophomore year with a lot of ups and downs. Ottawa’s additions of Corvo and Preissing will probably mean less power-play time for the youngster this year, but keep him on your lists, especially in later rounds, and most especially in keeper leagues. Meszaros is still 7-8 years from his prime.
Just 19, Meszaros has a good chance of making the team and is a player worth drafting in keeper leagues now.
