Nikita Okhotiuk

February 2023 – Okhotiuk, who was drafted by the Devils back in 2019, has been traded to the San Jose Sharks as part of a deal involving Timo Meier. He is a physical, stay-at-home defenceman who has never posted meaningful production from the back end, even dating back to his OHL days. But he loves to throw the body — he is averaging over three hits per game this year in limited action — and has carved out a sheltered role on New Jersey’s third pairing. He may have slightly more opportunity with San Jose but is not likely to hold any fantasy relevance outside of providing decent peripherals. Ben Gehrels

March 2022 – Okhotyuk has been struggling to make a lasting impression in Utica, with only 16 points in 80 games so far in his AHL career. The 21-year-old tends to work at his best off the puck, though, and has some time to get the offense going at 21 years of age. Hadi Kalakeche

March 2020 – Okhotyuk showed some offensive promise with 19 points in just 39 games for the Ottawa 67’s. Injuries slowed down the OHL defenseman a bit but he did improve as the season went on. Okhotyuk remains a long-term project at best.  Chris Wassel 

June 2019 – Nikita Okhotyuk was drafted in the second round, pick 61 by the New Jersey Devils. He is a raw pick who needs much work but did show glimpses of a nice, two-way hockey game. Okhotyuk displays the occasional ability to rush the puck up the ice to create chances. He is opportunistic. The player is not slow on the ice so the long-term project has some skills to work with.  Chris Wassel