Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Marko Dano
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Heading into the 2018-19 campaign, Dano figures to have his best chance thus far of securing regular minutes with the Jets. The fleet-footed 22-year-old will have to hold off challenges from Brendan Lemieux and Nicolas Petan in training camp, but a spot on the fourth line is likely his to lose. The Austrian has never played in more than 38 NHL games in a season and likely has one season to prove he can hang with the team long term. If he remains in the lineup, which is by no mean guaranteed, Dano's creativity and quality shot make him an intriguing depth option for fantasy owners.
Dano performed well despite limited ice time (10:41) last season, notching four goals and seven helpers in 38 contests. Project that over a full 82-game campaign and the converted winger could approach the 25-point mark, but his ability to play night in and night out is going to be challenged every step of the way. Even if he prevails over the likes of Michael Sgarbossa and Shawn Matthias to earn a permanent spot in the Jets’ lineup, it's unlikely to be anything but a bottom-six role, which severely depresses his fantasy value.
Having played for three teams in as many years, Dano may have found a home in Winnipeg, at least for the time being. The 21-year-old hasn’t had the opportunity to really strut his potential, but his best chance will come on the left wing with the Jets. The 2013 No. 27 pick isn’t afraid lay out his competitors, and if he can skate in the NHL for more than half a season, 20-plus points should be a breeze. Dano had just four goals and four assists with Winnipeg last year (10 total points counting his time with Chicago), but played in only 21 games with the team. He isn’t worth reaching on, and inconsistency will be an issue with the young player, but don’t discount him in the long run.
Dano got his first taste of the NHL in Columbus last season, contributing eight goals, 13 assists, and plus-12 rating in 35 games. He’s a hard-hitting, two-way forward with the versatility to play all three positions. But Dano actually prefers the wing, and models his game after new teammate Marian Hossa. The key get for the Blackhawks in the Brandon Saad trade, Dano will likely be penciled into a top-nine role right away, and could be a top-six player if he impresses in camp. And there’s plenty of room on fantasy teams for a potential 35-point, 200-hit thumper. He’ll rise through the team's ranks quickly, but probably won’t see much power-play time for a few years.
After 41 uninspiring games in the KHL last year, the 19-year-old Dano made his North American debut in Springfield and promptly racked up two goals and six points in 10 games. The uptick in production shouldn't be surprising, as the feisty Slovak's skill set seems far better suited for this side of the pond, and while fellow 2013 first-rounder Alexander Wennberg has the most advanced game among Blue Jackets prospects, it could easily be Dano who gets to the NHL first as a bottom-six agitator. Long-term, his ceiling is much higher than that, but for the moment, Dano will focus on making his body stronger and his sandpaper-game grittier.
The third of Columbus' three first round picks this season, Dano looks like a future agitator and fan favorite if he can add the strength necessary to compete on a nightly basis in the NHL.
