Yakov Trenin

An ideal depth forward, Trenin was a key piece for Nashville a season ago. He played in 80 of the team's 82 regular-season games, posting a career-high 17 goals, 24 points, and 191 hits. Trenin's average ice time per game increased by more than three minutes, up to 14:40 per contest. While the increased role was nice to see, it's doubtful it will lead to Trenin amassing any fantasy value. The 25-year-old doesn't have a single power-play point in his first three NHL seasons, so look elsewhere if you're searching for cheap hits on draft day.

Trenin recorded 11 points, 62 shots on goal and 94 hits in 45 contests as he became a regular presence in the Predators' lineup last year. The Russian forward, a natural center, often saw time on the wing, but his playing style will likely see him peak as a third-line option. The 24-year-old still has some room to grow, which could see him challenge for 25 points and 125 hits in 2021-22, but it remains to be seen if he'll begin to log more power-play time. Most fantasy managers can likely pass over him when filling out their virtual rosters on draft day, but he could be a strong waiver-wire addition in season if he takes a step forward.

Trenin got his first taste of NHL action in 2019-20, amassing six points in 21 games for the Predators. The second-round pick from 2015 also had 35 points in 32 contests with AHL Milwaukee, showing a scoring touch worthy of at least a bottom-six role in the NHL.. However, the Predators added Erik Haula, Brad Richardson and Nick Cousins in the offseason, so Trenin's path to playing time in his natural position may be blocked during the upcoming campaign. Another year in the minors may be in store for Trenin, but if he probably won't be worth a look in standard fantasy formats even if he's on the Opening Night roster.

Following three consecutive 60-point seasons with the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL, Trenin struggled in his first full go-around with AHL Milwaukee last year, scoring just 16 points in 44 games. A second-round pick by the Predators in 2015, Trenin has all the tools to be a scoring threat at the NHL level someday, but he needs to put together one or two strong seasons in the AHL before that happens. He's worth keeping an eye on.