Observations:

September 2017 – The former first-round draft pick signed a professional tryout contract with New Jersey. Unless he’s had a radical attitude adjustment, and is prepared to play much more consistently and physically, Erixon will be lucky to get a two-way contract from the Devils. He’s become a competent AHLer at best in spite of physical tools that suggest much more. Mark Allan

June 2017 – At 26, the former first-round pick has transitioned from prospect to suspect. Pittsburgh hasn’t called him up once in the two seasons it’s had him and not promoting him even once when its blueliners were savaged by injuries this season spoke volumes. Erixon’s played in 93 NHL games compared to 251 in the ‘A.’ Much too inconsistent and passive in the NHL, he’s a decent minor pro league defender, totaling 17 points and being plus-11 in 54 games this season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. About to become an RFA, he could be on the move again. Mark Allan

February 2017 – The once-promising blueliner is noodling along in the AHL with 11 points in 32 games. Pittsburgh has called up almost every other Wilkes-Barre/Scranton defender this season, including plugger Steve Oleksy. Erixon's contract expires at the end of the season and the Penguins might not offer him another. Mark Allan 

November 2016 – After a strong AHL post-season (two goals and four assists in 10 games), Erixon has one assist and is plus-2 in six games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, strengthening the suspicion he will never amount to more than a solid AHLer. Mark Allan

September 2016 – The AHL veteran/borderline NHL prospect was one of 17 players demoted to Wilkes-Barre-Scranton, where he had 20 points in 65 games last season. The former NHL first-rounder has never lived up to his perceived potential, and will again be a solid presence on the Penguins' AHL blueline. He would need at least two or three Pittsburgh defensemen to eat tainted seafood to get another chance to impress in the NHL. In spite of good size an a well-rounded game, he hasn't done it yet and there's little reason to expect he'll do it this time. Erixon must clear waivers to join WBS. If not, he could be with his fourth AHL squad. Mark Allan

June 2016 – The good news is that Erixon remains on Pittsburgh's payroll, allowing him to escape a contract purge that resulted in seven free agents not being tendered a qualifying offer. The bad news for the former first-round NHL draft pick? It's a one-year, two-way deal that pays him only $575,000 if he plays in the NHL, which he didn't all of last season. The consistently inconsistent blueliner is clinging to an NHL lifeline, but only barely. Mark Allan

June 2016 – The former first-round pick has reached the end of a contract with little to show in terms of his NHL marketability. About to become an RFA, he's coming off a season in which he consistently watched other Wilkes-Barre/Scranton blueliners promoted to the NHL Penguins. The veteran of three AHL squads had a decent minor-pro campaign with three goals, 20 points, plus-14 and 44 PIMs. Rising to the occasion in the Calder Cup playoffs, the veteran tapped into his extensive international experience playing for Sweden with two goals and four assists in 10 games with the WBS Penguins. He's established himself as an all-around talent and a solid AHLer. To what kind of free-agent contract offer might this lead? Mark Allan

January 2016 – It's about time to forget Erixon was once drafted 23rd overall. True, he's just 24 but he seems to be settling in nicely as a solid AHL blueliner. He's upped his +/- to plus-7, which might get him a look as an NHL depth D-man, but 12 points in 31 AHL games won't provoke many NHL GMs to phone him for a callup. Mark Allan

November – Erixon's game-winner in a 4-1 victory over the St. John's Ice Dogs was his first goal for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, helping the AHL Penguins to their eighth straight win. The veteran defenseman has a goal and an assist in six games with a plus-4 rating. He has eight shots on goal, and has yet to prove he's anything more than a solid AHLer/short-term emergency NHL callup. Mark Allan 

October 2015 – When forward Bryan Rust was promoted Oct. 15 from the AHL to the NHL, Erixon was demoted to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton without playing aN NHL minute. Now with his fourth NHL organization, he's managed to establish himself as a tweener – in the twilight zone between the NHL and AHL. Mark Allan

October 2015 – Erixon is one of eight defensemen left after Pittsburgh reduced its roster to 25 players. He doesn't project as a top-four blueliner, but he's got a shot at securing a depth role with one more round of cuts to come. Mark Allan

July 2015 – Although he has played internationally for Sweden a remarkable 16 times, the 23-year-old has done nothing at the NHL level to justify being drafted in the first round. He doesn’t do anything especially well, although he’s passable to good in most sectors of his skill set, including his size. Erixon has been first-class trade bait, wearing the jerseys of four NHL teams (three in the 2014-15 season) before coming to Pittsburgh in the Phil Kessel deal. The son of former NHL checking forward Jan (The Shadow) Erixon previously went from Columbus to the Rangers in the Rick Nash blockbuster. Young Erixon’s challenge for the coming season (after which he’ll be an RFA) will be to play his butt off and try to stick with his new NHL club, whose defense corps is in flux. If his confidence was damaged by last season’s three-team whirlwind and he doesn’t show more than he has in 93 NHL games so far (14 points, minus-3), he’ll play for his third AHL squad. There’s still time for Erixon to have a decent NHL career as a depth defenseman. Establishing an identity that an NHL coach can match with a role would hike his odds. It doesn’t seem like he’ll ever develop a physical game or post eye-catching offensive numbers. Mark Allan

March 2015 – Erixon is currently a defenseman in flux, his play is beyond the AHL, but not strong enough to secure a regular role on an NHL squad. The Leafs have claimed him off waivers in anticipation of moving a couple defenders at the deadline, should the ‘plan’ be carried out, Erixon should see regular minutes the rest of the season with an opportunity to succeed finally instead of being an insurance option. He has tools that are attractive and a good frame, but now it’s time to fully utilize it. He is a restricted free agent following this season and would be a cheap resign should his play warrant keeping his rights. Jason Banks

March 2014 – Erixon is enjoying a productive season with the Springfield Falcons of the AHL. He currently has 31 points in 34 games, surpassing his previous production with the team in six fewer games. Erixon has only played in two games for the Blue Jackets this season compared to 31 last year. However, his play in the AHL is certainly encouraging. If he keeps up this kind of pace, expect him to see more NHL time next season. If he does find himself in a regular role with the Jackets in the near future, it will be mostly comprised of minute-eating, even strength time. His hockey sense and positioning are likely his strongest skills. These are extremely important to an organization, but not incredibly valuable to a fantasy owner. He has the potential to exceed this prediction if he can further develop his offensive game. His size and speed don’t hurt either. Chris Bagwell

February 2013 – He failed to make the Blue Jackets out of the short training camp, but he received a quick recall. Erixon is seeing limited minutes on the bottom pairing but he is doing a good job showing that he deserves to be a regular for Columbus. He will not be expected to add offense to the Blue Jackets attack this season with Fedor Tyutin, Jack Johnson and James Wisniewski providing the punch needed. Jason Banks

October 2012 – Erixon was moved to Columbus in the blockbuster Rick Nash deal. When the NHL returns, it is very likely he gets a long look as a sizable piece on the Blue Jacket’s blue line, which has been poor the past few years. Currently he is lacking production at the AHL level with only a pair of points in seven games, but he is the second leading shooter amongst D-men for Springfield, a sign that he is creating opportunities. His major competition in Springfield for a NHL job is David Savard and John Moore, with Moore having the inside track at the moment. Jason Banks

April 2012 – Erixon is a very intelligent defenseman that plays offensively and defensively well. He has a pretty heavy shot, can certainly quarterback the power-play, and great with his responsibilities in his own zone. Erixon has very good hockey sense, mobility, and moves the puck well. He enjoyed a fairly successful pro rookie campaign with the Connecticut Whale and gaining playoff experience currently in AHL. He will definitely compete for a full-time roster spot for the Rangers in training camp. Russ Bitely

Fantasy Outlook: D

Still in his mid-20s, Erixon's career is in neutral. His chances of making it to the NHL and staying there are virtually nil. Playing in Sweden might be an option.

Footage:

Tim Erixon interview and video footage prior to NHL Entry Draft in 2009.

{youtube}S3Y4G2EKXYg{/youtube}

Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.