Brendan Guhle

Guhle wasn't able to carve out a full-time NHL role with either the Sabres or the Ducks in 2018-19, appearing in just eight games between the two clubs. He did, however, have 27 points in 50 contests with AHL Rochester before being acquired by the Ducks in exchange for Brandon Montour at the trade deadline. The Ducks are pretty thin on defense, so Guhle should be in contention for a bottom-four role once training camp gets underway. However, the 2015 second-round pick projects to be a physical stay-at-home defender at the highest level, so even if he's able to land a full-time gig with the parent club this season, his fantasy value will be extremely limited.

The second-round pick (2015) spent most of last season with AHL Rochester and excelled, earning 18 games with the big club and looking very much like he could handle himself in the NHL. He notched five assists with a minus-6 rating while averaging over 18 minutes per game. Guhle's expected to at least challenge for a full-time role this season, though he'll have to unseat one of the veterans or hope an injury opens up a roster spot. Guhle's an excellent skater who plays well at both ends of the ice, but he's also not a risk taker and will likely take his time to get used to the NHL. His lack of interest in swashbuckling means scoring won't be a priority for a player who prefers to keep his game simple.

The Sabres loved Guhle's raw athleticism when they picked him in the second round, and the smooth skating two-way defenseman will enter his first pro season after spending time in the WHL, AHL and NHL last season. The Sabres beefed up their defensive corps over the summer and see no reason to rush Guhle's development, so he'll spend most of the season with AHL Rochester where he's expected to play a top-four role.