Radek Faksa: Traded to Blues, Continues Defensive Role and Faceoff Prowess

Radek Faksa was acquired by the St. Louis Blues via trade from the Dallas Stars for future considerations. His $3.25 million AAV is noted as not favorable for a bottom-six forward, but he brings stability as a center and penalty killer. Faksa has consistently won over 54 percent of his faceoffs for four straight seasons and previously produced solid offensive numbers, including seven goals and 12 assists in 74 games last year. He is described as a defensive center capable of handling tough assignments, often more appreciated on the ice than in fantasy. Despite winning at least 54 percent of faceoffs in four straight seasons and producing solid offensive numbers, he has had no more than 20 points in four consecutive seasons. His usage and ice time saw a significant drop in 2022-23, with his average ice time falling to 15:46 per game and his power-play time plummeting. He finished the 2022-23 season with five goals, 19 points, and a career-worst minus-20 rating in 77 games. Previously, in 2020-21, he had 14 points and a minus-15 rating in 55 games, playing a more defensive role. He has been Dallas' No. 3 center for five years, playing in all situations and contributing offensively with shorthanded goals and power-play points. Fantasy managers appreciate his physicality, and he has scored at least 10 goals in each of the last four seasons. He is expected to provide consistency and over 100 hits annually in deeper fantasy formats. In 2020-21, with Tyler Seguin sidelined, Faksa may have received more ice time. He has scored 15 goals and 30 points in 81 games in a middle-six role, with a career high in average ice time, but offseason additions pushed him into a checking role. In 2019-20, he scored a career-high 17 goals with a plus-21 rating, playing a solid two-way game with offensive upside. As the 13th overall pick in 2012, he has shown impressive hockey IQ, passing skills, and defensive effort. In 2016-17, he provided 12 goals and 33 points, showing a complete skill set despite lacking elite speed. He began his NHL career with the OHL Kitchener Rangers and Sudbury Wolves, also playing in the AHL. The Stars have high hopes for him, and he was expected to be relevant in fantasy drafts within a couple of years. He has good size and drew comparisons to Jason Arnott.