Sami Niku

Niku has struggled to translate his scoring touch to the NHL, as he managed just four points in 30 games with the Jets last season, compared to the 54-point campaign he put up with the Moose in 2017-18. Unless the organization beings in another blueliner, the 22-year-old Finn should have the inside track on a spot in the lineup for Opening Night against the Rangers on Oct. 3. Still, his hold on a third-pairing role should be considered tenuous at best, though a productive start to the 2019-20 season should cement his place, especially with Anthony Bitetto and Logan Stanley pushing for minutes.

Niku isn't your average blue-line prospect given his wealth of experience at junior in his native Finland. He spent 311 games in that region, not including playoff action and appearances in various international tournaments. Better yet, Niku made a seamless transition to the North American brand of hockey with the Manitoba Moose last season, claiming All-Rookie and First All-Star Team honors, as well as receiving the Eddie Shore Award for best AHL defenseman after recording 17 goals and 40 assists over 85 games between the regular season and Calder Cup playoffs. The Jets sent Niku to the ice for his NHL debut last April and he found the back of the net in that single appearance. Mobile defensemen capable of joining the rush and lighting up the scoresheet don't grow on trees, so consider nabbing Niku while he's still a relative unknown across the fantasy hockey spectrum.