Gemel Smith

On a roster that perhaps has too many players who can sometimes look like they're skating through slush, Smith's electric acceleration attracts a lot of attention. The 24-year-old has yet to seize a regular role in Dallas, even on a checking line, but new coach Jim Montgomery may be more willing to give Smith a chance than Ken Hitchcock had been. Even in the AHL, Smith's wheels haven't translated into consistent offense, and at the top level he may end up being little more than a bottom-six grinder who converts the occasional short-handed rush but otherwise doesn't contribute much. Still, with Dallas looking for someone to emerge behind Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn as an offensive threat, Smith could get a very long look this preseason.