Evgenii Dadonov Activated from LTIR; Veteran Winger Eyes Return to Middle-Six Role

Evgenii Dadonov, 35, has been activated from long-term injured reserve after recovering from a hand injury. The veteran winger, who scored 12 goals in 51 games with the Stars last season (17.6% shooting), is expected to handle power-play minutes. Dadonov posted 33 points in 73 contests in 2022-23, with 15 points in 23 games after his trade to Dallas, earning him a two-year deal. While not expected to be a 60-point threat again, a rebound to 15-20 goals is reasonable given his career-low 6.4% shooting last season. He has scored at least 20 goals in four of the past five years and has always been effective on the man advantage. His extensive career includes stints with the Panthers, Senators, Vegas, Canadiens, and Stars, with notable periods of 25+ goals in Florida and a return to the NHL after a KHL hiatus. He's considered a viable mid-to-late round fantasy pick.