Observations:

March 2014 – The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired Andrei Loktionov in exchange for Tuomo Ruutu. In 42 games with the New Jersey Devils, Loktionov picked up four goals and 12 points struggling to really find his way with the team. Brendan Ross

July 2013 – After his hot six game start in New Jersey, Loktionov cooled considerably posting only seven points in the remaining 22 games, featuring scoreless droughts of five and seven games. That streaky performance saw his ice-time drop from the 17-18 minute range in March to 12-13 minutes by the end of the season. In saying that, Loktionov continued to see plenty of time on the power-play. That may continue if he can post a strong showing in camp and the early part of the coming season. The loss of Kovalchuk opens a huge hole on the powerplay. Free agent signee Michael Ryder has at least physically filled that opening, but he won’t entirely replace the production. That’s where a guy like Loktionov has a chance to benefit as the Devils seek to make up the difference, but he’s going to have to step up and show more consistency than he did last season. Rex Doty

March 2013 – Was traded to New Jersey and promptly put on the Ilya Kovalchuk line…Made a splash early on with five points in six games, but since has fizzled going pointless in five…Devils seem to be willing to give him a long leash, as he has remained on that big line despite lack of production, which is a great sign. Dobber

December 2012 – Loktionov’s offensive numbers at the AHL level have taken a hit over the last 18 or 24 months as he hones his two-way game. Aware that the Kings play a more defensive, gritty brand of hockey, and also aware that roster spots are hard to come by, Loktionov seems to be re-inventing himself. Good for his NHL chances. Bad for his fantasy hockey owners. Dobber

June 2012 – Many factors made Loktionov a middle round draft pick despite his offensive acumen. He is undersized, Russian and non-physical, without stats that isn’t very attractive to NHL teams. But his production has spoken for itself. Since coming to North America, he has 99 points in 71 OHL games and 84 points in 111 AHL games. This production has yet to translate in the NHL, but it should come soon. Loktionov is very ready to center a solid LA Kings third line next season. Fantasy players should be aware that he only has 52 penalty minutes in 243 games since crossing the pond, so he will not help you if your league includes them. That said he is a shooter, averaging over two shots per game with regular minutes. The Kings like big wingers and Loktionov will flourish centering players similar to Dustin Penner, Jeff Carter and Dwight King. Jason Banks

Fantasy Outlook: C+

Loktionov joins his third NHL squad and time is running out for him to prove he can be an everyday NHL forward.

Footage:

Loktionov shows a bit of his hands on his first but fluky, NHL goal.

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