8 Jordie Benn D

Canadiens' Jordie Benn: Starting on third pair

Benn emerged with a starting spot on the third pair, skating with Xavier Ouellett, while the highly paid Karl Alzner has been a healthy scratch the first two games. With Montreal allowing just 24 shots per game (T-5th) and leading the NHL with 26.5 hits per game, Benn and the rest of the blue-liners should remain in place for Thursday's home opener against the Kings.

Canadiens' Jordie Benn: Posts 15 points during first full season in Montreal

The 30-year-old has established himself as a consistent double-digit point scorer as a defensemen, and while 15 points isn't overly flashy, he's hit the mark three of the past four seasons. Physical play and strong defense is what Benn brings to every game, as his 153 blocked shots led the club, but he was a healthy scratch four times late in the season as Montreal switched to a more defensive rotation. In 2018-19 we should see Benn's best as he's in a contract year, and although he should continue blocking shots at a high rate, a drastic increase in his point total doesn't seem likely.

Canadiens' Jordie Benn: Scratched Tuesday

Benn, who has gone 14 games without a point, was replaced by Joe Morrow.

Canadiens' Jordie Benn: Still seeking first point of New Year

Although Benn has never been much of an offensive defensemen, he hadn't gone more than 10 games without recording a point each of the last two seasons, before his current dry spell. Still, the British Columbia native has done an excellent job of getting in front of the puck, as his 98 blocked shots rank 20th in the NHL, and he's notched 56 hits as well in 2017-18. Since Benn is averaging 19:20 of ice time and skating on the second defensive unit, it's only a matter of time until he collects an assist, as he's been receiving consistent ice time in his first full season in Montreal.

Canadiens' Jordie Benn: Shooting more this season

Benn's provided some early offense, registering four goals and nine points through 32 games, which has fueled a career-high shooting pace for the stay-at-home defenseman. He entered the season having averaged just 1.01 shots per game, but is taking 1.63 per game in 2017-18. The 30-year-old isn't about to become an offensive-minded D-man at this stage of his career, but even a modicum of offense is a boost to fantasy owners employing him as a shot-blocker (64, 24th in the league).