Lauri Korpikoski

Korpikoski is what he is at this point in his career: a solid bottom-six forward that has the ability to reach the low double digits in goals, but not much more than that. Still, those kind of complementary players are needed, and Korpikoski should be comfortable enough offering physical play and secondary scoring as a member of Edmonton’s third or fourth line.

Korpikoski is one of the Coyotes' top penalty killers, but had another down season offensively with just nine goals and 25 points -- his 19-goal, 40-point season in 2010-11 really does feel like four years ago. Korpikoski did add a more physical element to his game, delivering a career-high 136 hits, and his regular gig in the 'Yotes top nine means he brings value in deep leagues that count that stat. Just don't buy him thinking that a big offensive breakout is coming.

The Korpedo signed a four-year contract this offseason in a move that may have surprised some after his disappointing 2012-13 campaign. The Finn notched 11 points with just six goals in 36 games and really failed to take a step forward after two previous seasons of 40 and 37 points, respectively. The Coyotes, however, are thin on the wings, which gives Korpikoski ample opportunity (and a long leash) to take a leap to the next level.

Korpikoski followed up his breakout 40-point campaign in 2010-11with 37 points in 82 games last season. Korpikoski's role is likely to increase with the departure of free agent Ray Whitney as the team looks to replace his offense.

The Coyotes locked Korpikoski up for the next two seasons after the winger burst onto the scene in 2010-11, recording career-highs in all meaningful fantasy categories. With 19 goals, 21 assists, four game-winning scores, and a plus-17 rating, Korpikoski emerged as one of Phoenix's most dependable assets en route to earning top-six minutes. General manager Don Maloney believes that Korpikoski is one of the team's core players and he should continue to solidify his role as a viable offensive weapon.

Korpikoski found his way into the Coyotes' line-up in 2009-10 as a third line winger where he scored 11 points (5G 6A) in 71 games played. For 2010-11 he cannot rest on his laurels, especially with the talent that is coming-of-age hungry for a roster spot in the likes of Kyle Turris and Viktor Tikhonov. If Korpikoski does make the NHL squad, expect him to put similar numbers as he did last season.

Freshly acquired from the Rangers in July in a trade for Enver Lisin, the Finnish winger is just another one of the young, former first-round picks on the Coyotes' roster. He has the potential to eventually become a top-six forward for Phoenix, and figures to get many more opportunities on the ice than he would have in New York. His speed and ability on the puck are his best assets. Korpikoski's 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 68 games with the Rangers last season aren't a great measuring stick, as he only averaged 10:50 of ice time and less than a shot on goal per game. The ceiling is high, so it will be interesting to see how he fares with a fresh start in the desert.

Scored 23 goals and 50 points in 79 games for Hartford of the AHL. Was called up to the Rangers and scored a goal in the playoffs. Will battle for a roster spot in training camp, and if he fails to win one would be one of the first forwards called up during the season.

Korpikoski appeared in 78 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL), tallying 11 goals and 27 assists for 38 points, along with a plus-eight rating and 16 penalty minutes. He's still a work in progress, so it'll be awhile before we can mention him for any NHL level work.

Korpikoski is a high-upside prospect that can project to first or second line winger if he diligently works on his game. The former first rounder of 2004 played internationally in 2005-06, skated to 51 games with TPS Turku of the SM-Liiga (Finland) and registered three goals and four assists, along with 16 penalty minutes. He'll likely play in the juniors this upcoming season, but will probably see some time in the AHL as well.

Armed with world-class speed and a bevy of stick moves, Korpikoski gives the Blueshirts another exciting young prospect to follow (in his development) as he matures on the ice. Whether that development will come on the Garden ice or Hartford (AHL), Korpikoski is a high-ceiling, hard-working player that will eventually dominate the NHL ranks.