Following the initial flurry of free-agent signings to launch Summer 2023, here's an ultra-preliminary look at how some prominent fantasy performers predictively fit in with their new squads. Blake Wheeler, RW, New York Rangers: If the veteran winger earns the opportunity to skate on a top line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, as anticipated, he should easily re-visit his 0.92 point/game pace from 2021-22.
A gig on a second unit with center Vincent Trocheck doesn't strike as too lousy either. Settling into his ideal landing spot — with a contender on the east coast — Wheeler now needs to prove last season's substandard output was the product of a broken relationship in Winnipeg and not personal decline.
Signed to a single year, his next contract depends on it. The 36-year-old should be drafted as an incentivized No. 2 RW in all fantasy redraft leagues of reasonable size.
In net, new backup Jonathan Quick sports limited fantasy value behind No. 1 Igor Shesterkin, who projects to be one of the league's busier netminders in 2023-24. Ryan O'Reilly, C, Nashville Predators: As it stands, the former Stanley Cup Champ/Conn Smythe winner is set to center a top line and power play with Filip Forsberg.