C Antoine Vermette, Arizona Coyotes – Those playing in formats counting faceoffs can boost the pivot up a few notches, but really, he is declining and likely in a tough spot to touch 45 points. Entering his age-33 season, there is just a whole lot of blah.

C Brad Richards, Detroit Red Wings – He isn’t going to reach 1000 points during the 2015-16 season, so with that in mind, the real question is whether he bests his 2014-15 totals. It is likely, as he’ll fill in for Pavel Datsyuk for a stretch and likely receive power-play time. Still, without winger eligibility, he is a deep league only option.

W Sergei Plotnikov, Pittsburgh Penguins – It doesn’t look like there is room, but what if Pittsburgh tries to finally go three lines deep? Who knows, he is a complete flier at this point, but one that plays for a team who can score goals. Maybe Plotnikov can play defense.

W Viktor Tikhonov, Chicago Blackhawks – He figures to see top-nine minutes, and where he lands in that mix is anyone’s guess. A name to note, and a situation to monitor, but Tikhonov impressed at the World Championships, and given the cap crunch, he stands to have a decent role next season.

W Zack Kassian, Montreal Canadiens – Another complete wildcard, but at least with Kassian there is still upside, and he does provide a boost in penalty minutes. Add that he’ll likely post a plus-rating with the Habs, and Kassian might tip the scales in the majority of leagues, maybe.

W P.A. Parenteau, Toronto Maple Leafs – Prone to lazy penalties and a plus-playmaker, Parenteau has nice fantasy upside. The problem is the mess that will be the Maple Leafs. It is likely he posts a peripherally empty 20 goals and 50 points and is dealt in March.

W Viktor Stalberg, New York Rangers – The Rangers already had a lot of stout speedy wingers. In his age-30 season, there isn’t a lot to like, either, except if he receives the right minutes, he’ll chip in offensively a post a plus-rating.

W Steve Downie, Arizona Coyotes – Downie is your penalty minute leader, and he chips in offensively. He is worth owning in all formats that count the category. You can even drop him after he boosts you in the standings.

W Blake Comeau, Colorado Avalanche – He has added the physical element to his game, and it was a huge advantage to his linemates last season. He won’t be playing with the talents he did last year, though. He’ll likely need an injury to enter the top-six group, but he’ll hold value in leagues counting hits, as he has merged into a high-volume shooter.

D John Moore, New Jersey Devils – A strong skater with excellent puck skills, Moore will need power-play time to hold value. New Jersey is going to be strong defensively and score rarely, so Moore is useless without those PP opportunities.

D Paul Martin, San Jose Sharks – He’ll be eaten up in the Western Conference, but he is a nice addition to the Sharks defense and will play sheltered minutes with other horses ahead of him. In cavernous leagues, his 20 points will play.

D Francois Beauchemin, Colorado Avalanche – It’ll be tough for the veteran to receive enough power-play minutes to tip the scales offensively in the majority of leagues. He will likely do enough in the peripheral statistics to maintain worth in those deep leagues.

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— Don Cherry Parody (@DonCherryParody) What to watch for during NHL offseason