Don't expect Clark to repeat his 30 points of last season -- the steady defender turns 35 just before Christmas and could be deployed this season as a ballast for rising offensive defender Victor Hedman. He could still get second-unit power-play time but that group won't get an even split of the available time with a power-house group of Steven Stamkos, Marty St. Louis, Vinny Lecavalier, Hedman and whomever ahead of them. He's best watched as a potential waiver grab when he either goes on a scoring jag or someone gets hurt.
Clark will bring a smart, steadying influence to a needy Bolts blue line but he won't deliver much for fantasy owners other than in the obscure shot-blocking categories. Avoid on draft day.
Clark looked like a promising, second-tier offensive defenseman back in 2006-07 when he scored 39 points, but that total dropped to just 12 last season. In the meantime, the Avs went out and acquired two more puck-rushing blueliners in Kyle Quincey and Tom Preissing, so it looks like Clark will be counted on more as a stay-at-home type defender going forward.
Clark will return to his role of top-six d-man for the Avs this season, but he be competing for ice time with the likes of Adam Foote, Ruslan Salei and Jordan Leopold. Clark is a solid all-around defender who can contribute on offense if needed. He had 27 points in 57 games last season before missing the remainder of the year with a dislocated shoulder. Expect 35-40 points this year if he can stay healthy.
Clark led the Avalanche in shifts per game and average time-on-ice last season while recording a career-high 39 points. He'll be part of the Avs' top-three defensive pairs this coming season, but may lose ice time to Ryan Hannan and a returning Jordan Leopold.
In 2005-06, Clark played in a career-high 80 games. He recorded a career-high nine goals and 27 assists. Clark is a sleeper pick this season, as he figures to see a few more scoring opportunities with Rob Blake's departure.
