Alexandre Carrier

Carrier was a life-saver for the Predators a season ago, as the fourth-rounder from 2015 established himself as a full-time, top-four defender for Nashville. Carrier played in 77 regular-season games, posting three goals and 30 points. He played nearly 21 minutes per game (20:59) and added 95 hits and 124 blocks. Everything about Carrier's breakout seems entirely sustainable, although the acquisition of Ryan McDonagh from Tampa Bay could result in his playing time dipping some. Either way, Carrier is primed for another big year, albeit not one that will help you much in fantasy circles.

Carrier averaged more than 20 minutes of ice time in 33 games last season and the door is wide open for the 26-year-old to step into even more ice time -- and responsibility -- in 2021-22 with Ryan Ellis gone. Carrier is a good skater with two-way upside and he isn't afraid to step up into the offense when the game opens up. He'll get a long look with Roman Josi on the Predators' top pairing and could even earn time on the second power-play unit. Carrier could be a sleeper if he sticks in either role.

Carrier is on the bubble for a job on the Predators' blue line. The 24-year-old defenseman had no points in three games last year, his first NHL appearance since the 2016-17 season. With AHL Milwaukee, Carrier racked up five goals and 32 helpers in 55 appearances. A fourth-round pick from 2015, Carrier may be running out of time to make an impact at the NHL level. The Predators aren't particularly deep on the right side of their defense, but he's not likely to best Matt Benning for a spot in the lineup on Opening Night. It's safe to avoid Carrier in virtually all fantasy formats -- he needs to translate his scoring touch from the minors to the parent club before he'll be worthy of a roster spot in the virtual game.

Carrier was the top-scoring defenseman at AHL Milwaukee last season with six goals and 33 assists in 72 games. In 2017-18, Carrier could see an increased role with the Preds with Ryan Ellis expected to be on the shelf until January with a knee injury. However, he will really have to turn some heads in both training camp and the preseason in order to land a spot on the team's third blue line pairing. A more likely scenario has him heading back to the minors to start the season, but he could be due for a callup at any time.