Christian Djoos

Djoos was expected to log regular minutes for the Capitals following their Stanley Cup run, but a thigh injury leading to compartment syndrome derailed the Swede's 2018-19 season, as he posted just one goal and 10 points in 45 games. Though he remains an unsigned RFA, the 25-year-old is expected to return to the Capitals in 2019-20, but with emerging competition from Jonas Siegenthaler and other top blue-line prospects, the undersized defender could struggle to see regular ice time.

After a 59-point campaign with the Hershey Bears in 2016-17, Djoos finally made the jump to the majors in 2017-18, posting three goals and 14 points and averaging 14:02 in ice time in 68 games during his rookie season. Though benched to start the playoffs, Djoos was a steady presence in 22 playoff games and appears to have solidified his grip on a roster spot heading into 2018-19. However, he will continue to be pushed by the likes of Brooks Orpik and Madison Bowey for ice time, and there are several prominent defensive prospects waiting for their chance to make the jump from Hershey. As a result, the 24-year-old Swede will need to get stronger and improve his production to garner consistent ice time. With top-four minutes and power-play time seemingly out of reach, his fantasy value is limited to deeper leagues and dynasty formats.

The son of former NHL'er Par Djoos took a major step forward in his career while playing with AHL Hershey in 2016-17, potting a whopping 13 goals and 58 points in 66 games last season -- adding two goals and eight points in 12 playoff games. An excellent skater with good positioning and puck-moving skills, his lack of size (6-foot, 168 pounds) has been the persistent drag on his career, but given that the Capitals are a team in desperate need of puck-moving defensemen following the offseason departures of Kevin Shattenkirk and Nate Schmidt, the time may be nigh for the 195th overall pick from the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Djoos is worth consideration in deeper leagues if he can secure a roster spot.