Evgenii Dadonov

Dadonov had 33 points in 73 contests in 2022-23, but 15 of those points came in 23 games after he was traded from the Canadiens to the Stars. That was enough of a positive impression to earn the veteran winger a two-year deal this summer to remain in Dallas. Dadonov is likely never going to be a 60-point threat again, especially at age 34, but he's got enough scoring chops to fill a middle-six role with power-play time. Dadonov shot just 6.4 percent last season, by far the lowest mark of his career, so a rebound to around the 15-20 goal mark is definitely a reasonable expectation for 2023-24. He's established enough to be considered a solid late-round pick in fantasy drafts. However, keep in mind that there will be plenty of options with far more upside than Dadonov on draft day.

Dadonov began the year in Vegas and was seemingly traded to Anaheim at the deadline before an issue with his no-trade protection prevented the deal from going through. The Golden Knights finally moved on in June, shipping him to Montreal for the contract of the effectively retired Shea Weber. It seems like a great move for the Habs. Dadonov may never post 65-plus points again, but he's scored at least 20 goals four of the past five years and has always been effective with the man advantage. An expected increased role should make Dadonov an option in the mid-to-late rounds of your draft this fall.

Dadonov signed a lucrative three-year, $15 million contract with the Senators last October on the heels of three seasons with the Panthers in which he posted no fewer than 25 goals per campaign. The Russian lasted all of one season in Ottawa, posting 13 goals and 20 points in 55 games before being shipped to Vegas this summer in exchange for defenseman Nick Holden and a third-round pick. That move should do wonders for Dadonov's fantasy value as long as he can secure a top-six role with the Golden Knights. It's difficult to believe Vegas would opt to add a $5 million third-liner. Dadonov should make for a fine pick in the mid-to-late rounds of your draft this year.

The Senators were 25th in goals per game with the league's worst power play last season, so they signed Dadonov in an attempt to help remedy that this offseason. His 81 goals in three seasons with the Panthers ranked 37th in the league, and he'll be asked to provide much of the same after signing a three-year deal worth $15 million with Ottawa. It'll be much harder to score goals for the Sens because they don't really have any elite playmakers, and he'll also be drawing more of the opposition's attention as the primary trigger man. He'll get the lion's share of the scoring opportunities, but the quality of those chances will undoubtedly be lower. Dadonov's fantasy value is derived mostly from his goals and shots, where he's still above average despite his new surroundings, making him a viable mid-round pick.

Dadonov was one of four Panthers to hit the 70-point mark last season, along with Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau and Mike Hoffman. The 30-year-old Russian also potted 28 goals for the second straight season since returning to the NHL following a five-year hiatus in Russia. With 53 of his 70 points last season coming at even strength, Dadonov should continue to be a fantasy force as long as he stays on the top line alongside Barkov and Huberdeau. That trio is unlikely to be broken up given its success last season, but Dadonov's stock would take a major hit if he were to move down the lineup.

Seeing his first NHL action since the 2011-12 campaign, Dadonov quickly made a name for himself as a dangerous, goal-scoring winger. The Russian potted 28 goals and 65 points in 74 games for Florida last season. In his prior NHL stint, Dadonov scored just 10 goals and 20 points in 55 games across three seasons. Clearly, playing in the KHL was a big boost for his career. Still, even in Russia's top professional league, Dadonov has topped out at 30 goals, so his sudden NHL success came as a surprise. He'll slot into the lineup as a top-six winger as well as being a key factor on the power play which should allow him to post another 25-goal season.

Following a five-year hiatus from the NHL, Dadonov qualifies as an intriguing sleeper pick heading into the 2017-18 campaign. He's an immensely talented playmaker, but a limited role with the Panthers had previously foiled his chances of attaining tangible fantasy value; he had 20 points in 55 outings spread across three seasons. However, fantasy owners should note that the winger refined his scoring touch in the KHL -- 30 goals and 36 helpers in 53 contests last year -- and he will likely slot into a top-line, power-play role for a shot at redemption with the Cats in 2017-18.

When Dadonov was traded to Carolina mid-season last year, it was assumed that the 'Canes would try to work him into the mix at the big-league level in hopes that he could develop into an everyday NHL player. As Dadonov still awaits a shot with Carolina, it might be safe to say the Hurricanes brass have seen some things in the minors they don't like about the 23 year-old Russian. Even in dynasty formats, players like that are always a risk. Dadonov notched 28 points in 55 AHL contests last season and remains one of the more talented prospects in the Carolina system.

Dadonov posted eight goals and 9 assists in 36 games played for the Panthers this past season. The solid point production may be just enough for the talented youngster to remain with the big club once camp breaks. Dadonov's value, as of now, lies mostly with keeper leagues due to the fact that there is a chance he may begin the year in Rochester. The Panthers were one of the most active clubs this off season bringing in a host of forwards to fill out the roster. Increasing his physical play could help the talented winger make the permanent jump to the NHL.

Late last season, hockey fans in South Florida got a sneak peak at Dadonov, the Panthers' third-round draft selection who oozes with skill. He appeared in four contests with the parent club but was held off the stat sheet; the same year, in the AHL, it was a much different story. While adjusting the the American style of hockey, Dadonov went plus-9 and finished seventh in team points with 40 (17 G, 23 A). He will report to Rochester of the AHL in 2010-11.