Zach Werenski, D, CBJ - INJ.\\ (113) --The 21-year-old scored more goals (16) and had more SOG (207) last season than he did as a rookie in 2016-17 (11 goals, 188 SOG). However, he had 10 fewer points (37), went from plus-17 to plus-8, and had 10 PPP, compared to 21 two seasons ago. The dip in production and offseason shoulder surgery means Werenski could slip in drafts, making him a potential defenseman bargain, especially if he's ready for the season opener. In his third NHL season, expect Werenski to put up numbers closer to his rookie season, when he was a finalist for the Calder Trophy and finished among the top 20 fantasy defensemen.
Pierre-Luc Dubois, C/LW (119) -- In his first NHL season, Dubois tied for seventh in goals among rookies with 20 and had 48 points, third on the Blue Jackets. Dubois was plus-8 and had 15 PPP, also third on Columbus. He had 165 SOG (12.1 shooting percentage) and played center on the top line with Panarin and Atkinson down the stretch. Even if he's not with Panarin, Dubois has a chance to take a big step forward this season and finish among the top 100 with Atkinson.
Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW (231) -- The upside is there for the 23-year-old, who had 40 points (11 goals, 29 assists) in 82 games in his first full NHL season. He has room for improvement on the power play (nine PPP) and could end up on the first unit, especially if Panarin is traded. Bjorkstrand will likely go undrafted in standard leagues but should be on your radar as an early-season pickup. If second-line center Alex Wennberg (35 points; eight goals, 27 assists in 66 games) bounces back, don't be surprised if Bjorkstrand is along for the ride.
