Slater was limited to just 27 games last season while dealing with a hernia as well as issues with the labrum in his hip. Offseason surgery was needed to resolve his hip problem, but the center is expected to be healthy heading into the season. But will he stay that way? Slater’s biggest problem, though, is his inability to stay healthy. He’s only played 53 games combined over the last two seasons and has a total of four points to show for it. Since he’s not very effective even when he’s in the lineup, Slater will need to prove he can suit up on a consistent basis before fantasy owners should worry about picking him up.
An 8-year veteran, Slater is a typical career NHL grinder but he lacks the offensive ability to help most fantasy teams and should be left on the wire.
Slater had five goals and seven assists for just 12 points in 36 games with the Thrashers last season. On top of his scarce offensive contributions, Slater suffered from concussion issues last spring. Couple that with the fact he's a checking forward at his best and there is little reason to give him a look on your fantasy squad.
With 11 goals and seven assists for 18 points in 2009-10, Slater has shown he can be an effective role player in the NHL. He was most effective on the score sheet last year when playing with Evander Kane and Bryan Little, with Colby Armstrong subbing for Little on that line as well. Going into 2010-11, Slater can expect to play with similarly good young talent as a complimentary contributor. Given 11 goals is his career high, expect Slater to score a maximum of 15 goals and 25 points, and that’s if he plays a full 82 games this season.
Slater has 70 points in 274 games with the Thrashers. His role as a fourth-line center grinding down defenseman and banging bodies will more than likely remain the same this coming year. He may grab an occasional shorty or fourth-line tally, but he won’t be a fantasy force by any means.
Slater was the team's fourth line center and the best we can see happening this season is a move up to the third line. He has had moments in the past where he's been put on one of the scoring lines but he didn't respond and seems much more suited to a checking role. Assuming he stays on the third or fourth line expect another season in the 20 point range.
The former 1st round pick showed some scoring prowess in College and early in the 2005-06 season when he was put on a line with Peter Bondra and Marc Savard -- so he does have some scoring skills. Last year, he managed 20 points in 71 games in a decent rookie campaign. The Thrashers have a hole at right wing on their second line so it’s possible Slater gets the call again to one of the scoring units but he’ll have competition from many other players, including some much more talented prospects like Alex Bourret or even Brian Little eventually. We expect Slater to improve on last year’s numbers but not enough for him to warrant your fantasy attention.
Slater has shown a scoring touch in the minors but projects to be a third or fourth line center if he makes it to the NHL. He is a well rounded player to who can do many things well, but nothing spectacularly. He will most likely be playing the 2004-05 season with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL.
