Setoguchi experienced a cool market in free agency, before ultimately landing with the Flames in August. It was something of an unforeseen development for the 27-year-old winger, who seemed to be destined for future stardom in 2008-09, when he racked up 31 goals and 34 assists for the Sharks. Setoguchi’s production since that time has been nowhere near that level, as he recorded just 11 goals and 16 assists with the Jets last season, but given his age, he still has time to reemerge as a productive player. He thrives off of playing alongside elite offensive talent, and while the Flames have some intriguing young talent at forward, there could still be some growing pains in 2014-15. Setoguchi is certainly worth tracking if the Flames' kid forwards develop quicker than anticipated, but for now, he's probably safe to ignore in most formats.
Setoguchi could very well start his first season with the Jets on a line with Evander Kane and Olli Jokinen, which would give the Jets a second line with a good mix of speed, skill and grit. He's settled in as the type of player that will get you about 20 goals and 40 points. He managed to post a plus rating for the first time in three years which makes him a decent depth play as a right winger in fantasy leagues. At the same time though, he's reached his plateau as a player, so any hope of him returning to the 30-goal form he exhibited as a sophomore in San Jose should be laid to rest.
Setoguchi has leveled off since his breakout 31-goal, 65-point campaign four seasons ago and last year, he failed to crack 20 goals for the first time since that breakout campaign, registering just 19. His first season in Minnesota clearly left more to be desired and he’s getting to the point where potential is giving way to typical -- and modest -- results. There’s some hope for a bounceback if Setoguchi somehow finds himself skating with new teammate Zach Parise. But that's a long shot to say the least. We've officially lowered our ceiling for Setoguchi; you should too.
Just one day after signing a three-year contract with the Sharks, Setoguchi was dealt to the Wild along with prospect Charlie Coyle and the 28th overall draft pick of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft – Zack Phillips. Setoguchi is aggressive, which is a nice complement to his dodging speed and hockey smarts. Certainly it's rare for a 24-year-old forward to have already turned in a 65-point season – Setoguchi had 31 goals and 34 assists in 2008-09 -- but week-to-week inconsistency has prevented him from taking another big leap forward at the NHL level. Also, Setoguchi no longer will be a part of a Sharks team that saw six forwards post 50-plus points last season, though he will be reunited with sniper Dany Heatley. It's shaping up to a boom or bust season for the enigmatic winger.
If any Shark was negatively impacted by the arrival of Dany Heatley last season, it was Setoguchi. It may have been that Seto was more comfortable on Team Teal's first line, rather than the second unit that he played on for much of 2009-10. Just remember, at 23 years old, he's still a kid with plenty of great seasons ahead of him. The Sharks re-signed Setoguchi to a one-year contract this summer, and you can be sure he won't be a forgotten man. Consider nabbing him as your No. 3 or No. 4 fantasy forward.
A former top-ten draft pick, Setoguchi shredded opposing goalies last season and put to rest any concerns about a sports hernia injury that he sustained in 2008. His ascension to the top line seemed to happen overnight and certainly getting paired up with Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau helped his cause. Overall, the 22-year-old speedster broke out in 2008-09 with 65 points (31G, 34A) and added a plus-16 rating, missing only one game. Seto’s relentless playing style can sometimes lead to injuries, so keep close tabs if and when he gets hurt.
Setoguchi heads into the 2008-09 season trying to recover from the following surgeries: a shoulder and sports hernia operation. His average size tends to be a liability against bigger teams but his skating ability is special enough to allow him to breakaway for ample scoring chances. When healthy, he has the potential to play on a top line. The Right winger saw abbreviated action with the Sharks in 2007-08, his first season, scoring 11 goals in 44 games. The streaky right wing will garner fantasy attention at random times this season.
Setoguchi quietly rose up the draft charts all the way to eighth overall when he was selected by San Jose in 2005. Setoguchi is a classic sniper who will make his money in the NHL by scoring goals. He only has average size, but he is a pretty good skater. Setoguchi has struggled a bit with injuries in his career so it would be a wise move for the Sharks to let him begin next season in the AHL and let him get used to professional hockey for a little while.
The eighth overall pick in the 2005 draft is considered someone to watch for the future, but he's not going to be with the big club to start off in 2006.
The eighth overall pick in the 2005 draft can score, but he's still working out other parts of his game. Given that he's just 18, let's wait a while on Setoguchi.
Setoguchi is an offensive whiz ranked as the 18th best skater by the International Scouting Service (ISS). He scored at a point-a-game pace in the tough WHL but most of those points came in enormous bunches. Some doubt whether he will find the consistency necessary to succeed at the next level.
