Player movement, new signings, and lineup shifts are part of the game, but they do not always bring good news for fantasy managers. Whether it's a player getting pushed down the lineup, losing prime power-play time, or finding themselves stuck in a less favorable situation, these factors can quietly chip away at a player's fantasy value. Here's a look at 10 players who, for one reason or another, find themselves in a situation that may potentially affect their fantasy value heading into the upcoming season.

10. Matthew Knies – Toronto Maple Leafs

Losing a 100-point, 75-assist player like Mitch Marner is a huge blow for the Leafs, but it also cracks the door open for Matthew Knies to step up and finally get top PP minutes, so why is he on this list? Well, his production now leans heavily on two things: how much offense Auston Matthews can generate, and whether Matthews can stay healthy. The Leafs could load up the top line with Knies, Matthews, and William Nylander, keeping Knies in a prime spot with elite talent. The addition of Matias Maccelli who is known as a crafty playmaker adds another wrinkle on what first line production may look like. If Matthews misses time, Knies' upside takes a hit. May not be major, hence why he is at No. 10, but still something to consider when it comes to draft season, he may have an inflated ADP.

9. Frank Vatrano – Anaheim Ducks

This one could really go either way depending on how the Ducks' season unfolds. Right now, Cutter Gauthier is penciled in on the top line with Leo Carlsson, while Alex Killorn and Chris Kreider anchor the second unit alongside Mason McTavish and Mikael Granlund. Vatrano's potential third line role on the left side signals a sharp drop in minutes and production. Last year, he spent a lot of time with Ryan Strome and Troy Terry, but if that trio stays together lower in the lineup, it is not great news for their fantasy value. Expect plenty of line shuffling, but right now, Vatrano looks like he's getting the short end of the stick.

8. Logan Stankoven – Carolina Hurricanes

You cannot help but be happy for Nikolaj Ehlers finally getting the recognition and payday he deserves with a seven-year deal from the Hurricanes. Credit to Eric Tulsky, too, who keeps swinging for the fences to keep Carolina in the contender conversation. Ehlers is locked into a top-six role, but where does that leave Logan Stankoven? We all know Rod Brind'Amour loves to spread ice time across his top six, sometimes even his top-nine, unless your name is Sebastian Aho. If Stankoven gets pushed down the lineup along with PP2 deployment, that slows his production and dents his fantasy upside. Good news for Ehlers, but tread carefully with Stankoven.

7. Jonathan Drouin – New York Islanders

I do not see how this move is an upgrade for Jonathan Drouin. His career was back on track in Colorado, largely thanks to riding shotgun with Nathan MacKinnon on the top line and power play. Sure, Drouin should slide into the Islanders’ top six, but the caliber of linemates is not close to what he had with the Avs. Barzal should be ready for camp after missing most of last season, but even then, there might be some rust. The bigger concern is Drouin's shooting percentage which was at a career-high 19.6% last year, well above his usual 10% and likely due for a correction. Factor in the loss of Noah Dobson and this feels like a clear downgrade for Drouin's fantasy outlook.

6. Anton Lundell – Florida Panthers

Anyone hoping for Anton Lundell to climb the lineup and finally enjoy a breakout season will need to reset those expectations. With all the speculation about Sam Bennett's price tag or where Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand might end up, Bill Zito wasted no time shutting it all down prior to the kick off of free agency. Florida reloaded and solidified its status as a contender once again. That leaves players like Lundell stuck exactly where they were before. Florida dealing with significant injuries is how Lundell made most of his 17 goals and 28 assists across 79 games while seeing little power play time. Expect more of the same going forward.

5. Mason Marchment – Seattle Kraken

Mason Marchment is a reliable 5-on-5 producer who found success in Dallas, even in a depth role alongside quality linemates like Matt Duchene, Mikael Granlund, and Tyler Seguin. He put up 47 points in 62 games and a solid 62-point pace. His move to Seattle feels more like a lateral step, or even a slight downgrade. He is likely slotted for third-line minutes with Shane Wright and Eeli Tolvanen, which is not quite the same caliber as his Dallas linemates. Add in Seattle's balanced deployment and split power-play units, and the upside here feels limited. It is hard to see this move boosting Marchment's production beyond what we saw last season unless he gets prime deployment.

4. Connor Bedard – Chicago Blackhawks

Connor Bedard's talent is not in question – he is still going to produce, but let's be real, most of us expected Chicago to be more aggressive in adding additional support around him. That never happened. Aside from extending Ryan Donato and adding Andre Burakovsky, the Blackhawks sat quiet while the market fizzled out. Kyle Davidson remains committed to building through youth, which makes sense long term. However, for Bedard, it means another season carrying the load with little support. The frustration was visible last year, and nothing suggests that will change this coming season. His fantasy value may take a hit because of it, so temper expectations.

3. Nick Schmaltz – Utah Mammoth

Nick Schmaltz spent most of last season in a top-line role alongside Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, or Barrett Hayton, with steady time on the top power-play unit. But the JJ Peterka trade shakes things up. Utah's top six is now deeper, and Peterka likely grabs the second-line left wing spot. With Schmaltz's versatility, he probably shifts back to center, which works fine at even strength. The real question is the power play. One of Peterka, Cooley, or Schmaltz is getting bumped to the second unit, and my guess would be Schmaltz is that guy. If that happens, expect a dip in production and fantasy value. Utah will likely tinker with the lineup, but for now, Schmaltz's role feels a little shaky.

2. Mark Stone – Vegas Golden Knights

This one's interesting, I actually think Mark Stone could be the one who loses a bit of fantasy value, mostly tied to his power-play role. Both he and Marner are locked into top-six spots, but they both play the right side, which muddies things up on the man advantage. The top unit likely features Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, Tomas Hertl, Shea Theodore, and either Pavel Dorofeyev or Stone. Dorofeyev does not have the same resume, but this is Vegas, they do not care about seniority if the lineup works. Stone quietly put up 67 points in 66 games with 25 on the power play, but do not be surprised if his PP time and minutes drop.

1. Noah Dobson – Montreal Canadiens

Great move for the Canadiens, not so much for Noah Dobson's fantasy value. In New York, Dobson was the go-to guy, averaging top minutes and deployment, largely driven by his spot on the Islanders' top power-play unit. That is about to change. With Lane Hutson expected to run the show in Montreal, Dobson likely drops to the second unit, and his 63% share of PP time from last season takes a big hit. He will still play big minutes, but without that prime PP role his offensive ceiling comes down a notch.

Thanks for reading! See you next week! For more fantasy hockey content and analysis, follow me on X @Punters_hockey. If you have any questions about your team or a trade? My DMs are always open, happy to help!