Bob Sanguinetti

Sanguinetti signed with the Canucks in July after spending the last three seasons split between the Rangers and Hurricanes. He has spent most of his last five seasons in the AHL, where he has posted great offensive numbers. In his last two years with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL, the 26-year-old defensemen amassed 16 goals and 71 points in 96 games. If he cracks the Canucks’ roster this season -- and that's a long shot, at best -- he would likely slot in as a bottom pairing defensemen and get some second-unit power-play time. Although he has just played 45 NHL games, Sanguinetti may just get a shot with the Canucks. If he doesn’t live up to expectations, he will certainly give a boost to the farm team in Utica.

Sanguinetti re-upped with the Hurricanes for one year this past summer, and figures to get his share of chances with the big club in 2012-2013. The 24 year-old finished third among AHL defensemen in points last season, posting 50 in 60 games, and, given his first-round selection upside, he will have many opportunities to succeed as the Carolina front office looks to develop him into an everyday NHL blue liner.

Sanguinetti, originally drafted by the Rangers in the first round (No. 21 overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, is a high-profile defensive prospect who should give fantasy owners in keeper leagues something to think about ahead of the new season. He has definite upside moving the puck, as demonstrated by his gaudy assist totals in past junior and minor league campaigns. Sanguinetti did miss the better part of 2010-11 with a hip injury, but a successful recovery could put the former first-round pick on the fast track in Carolina's development system. The Hurricanes signed him to a one-year, two-way contract in the offseason, which will allow him to freely pinball between the NHL and AHL in 2011-12.

Formerly a member of the New York Rangers, Sanguinetti was dealt to Carolina in June of 2010 for a pair of draft picks. He has blazing speed and a hard shot, accounting for some of his upside, but he must turn in a good training camp to avoid falling out of favor like he did with the Rangers. Still, he's in a better situation with Carolina since the team really needs defensemen that can score, and potting goals is what Sanguinetti can bring to the table.

Sanguinetti is one of the Rangers' prized defensive prospects and will compete this fall for a spot on the roster from Day 1. There's some stiff comeptition for defensive slots in New York, but the Rangers really like what Sanguinetti offers them in the long-term. He may not put up fantasy-worthy numbers this season, but he's one to watch going forward.

Sanguinetti had 29 goals and 40 points in 61 games with Brampton Battalion of the OHL last season. He is on the Rangers radar, but the Rangers have a set top six and he will have to wait for a trade or an injury in order to be called up to the big team.

In 2006-07, Sanguinetti appeared in 67 games with the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), tallying 23 goals and 30 assists for 53 points, along with 48 penalty minutes.

Sanguinetti appeared in 68 games for the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL, tallying 14 goals and 51 assists for 65 points and 44 penalty minutes. He has some a nice feel for the game, and is a natural playmaker, but would need some more work on being more physical in order excel to the next level.

Sanguinetti is all-offense and all-skating, which would be great for a forward but merely OK for a defenseman. He tends to shy away from the physical stuff but at only 174 lbs (6'1"), we don't blame him. He does play the defensive angles well enough to make him a valuable addition to any NHL squad, particularly on the power play. He's a rare, right-handed shot from the blue line and he'll likely become a darn good fantasy player.