Pontus Aberg

[newper114]

What's the thought on him? What's his expected timeline to NHL/fantasy?

Who do we see him turning into

Thank you

[russtyj]

Too little too late is my overall opinion of Aberg. Had a great year in the AHL (good goals, pts, shots and PIMs) and has torn up leagues in Europe in the past. But... he's 23 going on 24 in Sept, he hasn't had a significant impact in the NHL and I don't think he will get much of one with Nashville going forward. From the limited amount that I have read on him, Aberg is more of an offensively minded forward so he will need a top-6 spot to be effective and barring injuries (which do happen), the top-6 wing spots in Nashville are currently taken (I'm penciling in Fiala and assuming Neal won't play down the lineup both of which are debatable). His contract is up at the end of the year so maybe he moves elsewhere and gets an opportunity. Ceiling imo Drew Stafford but very likely a bust.

That all being said, I did actually just snag him in a league with 16-team 50-prospect bench slots based on this post. So he has value if your league is deep enough...

[Eskimo Brother]

I agree with the general sentiment of Russ above. That being said, I'm not so down on him just because of his age. I think generally he's just not going to turn into a top scorer. Maybe a second line support kind of guy similar to C. Smith or C. Wilson from previous years to give you a comparable with the same team.
He's a good player, and a bundle of energy like Arvidsson and Salomaki, but he likely won't be producing enough to have relevance in most fantasy leagues. Of course it is always relative to what else is available. For Nashville depth depending on the categories I would be looking at Jarnkrok, Scissons, Salomaki and Watson all before Aberg.

[Axeman33]

I also don't see his age as an issue. Most of the college kids getting signed are 23-24 years of age as well and just finding their way into pro hockey.

I see him as a decent 3rd line, energy guy with some offensive upside who can fill in on the 2nd line if injuries require. I don't think he's near done yet.

[Rodgort]

I see him as a Fiala type in getting to the NHL on Nashville (lots of cups of coffee but no time with better scorers until they need him), and then I think he can max out as a L2 guy, but if the Preds can get a decent 3rd line skilled centre (putting Fisher on the 4th line), like trusting Kamenev (? may have that spelt wrong) then I think he can produce. So all in all he needs skill guys to produce but can put up a decent number of points on his own

[agentzero]

Useful player but not an impact guy. Skill, but don't count on any big numbers. I think he will settle into a supporting role and get supporting role ice time and corresponding numbers. If he hits 45 pts that would have to be considered a successful season. Doesn't mean he can't be useful in fantasy, but depends on your league setup and if it allows for picking up guys in hot streaks and dropping them (i.e. if you have a waiver wire).

[The Bottlenecker]

Role player now who will have some offensive punch from the third line. Think Nick Bonino (Penguins) or Michael Backlund (Calgary) as far as potential offense numbers.

[agentzero]

For some reason he screams Jan Bulis to me haha Except he's a winger.. A poor man's Sami Kapanen.. Bates Battaglia?......

[ericdaoust]

I just can't see him being given a great opportunity to shine but I think he'll be in Nashville a lot next year.