Casey Cizikas

No NHL club loves playing their fourth-line more than the Islanders, which is why Cizikas saw a career-high 14:32 of ice time per game last season as a 32-year-old in his twelfth NHL campaign. His 21 points and 111 shots on goal were his most since the 2018-19 season, while his 188 hits were a career high. The trio of Cizikas, Matt Martin, and Cal Clutterbuck are all under contract for the 2023-24 season, meaning they'll likely stick together while offering no help to fantasy managers in any format in the process.

Cizikas completed his eleventh NHL season in 2021-22, all of which have come with the Islanders. He posted 10 goals and 16 points in 74 games, numbers that are right in line with what we've come to expect from him in recent years. Cizikas has centered New York's fourth line alongside Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck for several seasons and that should continue in 2022-23. That fourth-line group will be key to what the Islanders hope will be a rebound season, although all three can mostly be ignored for fantasy purposes.

Cizikas is a key cog on the Islanders' fourth line alongside Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck. That unit is widely considered to be the best fourth line in the game and they've been together for years. Cizikias wins faceoffs, kills penalties and is generally good for six to eight goals and 20-25 points, as well over 100 hits per season. Cizikas was able to test the free-agent market this offseason but ultimately agreed to terms on a six-year, $15 million deal with the club that will almost certainly see him retire as an Islander.

Cizikas was limited to 14 points in 48 games for the Islanders last year, which was his lowest output since he broke into the league in 2011-12. The 29-year-old center redeemed himself with sturdy numbers in hits (133) and PIM (41), as he remains an effective bottom-six pest. Cizikas' role isn't expected to change much in 2019-20 -- Cizikas is best suited for fourth-line duties. He'll be a threat for shorthanded points, but his overall scoring isn't likely to exceed 20 points. His fantasy value will primarily come from his gaudy hit totals, making him a decent depth option in deep formats.

With the return of Matt Martin, coach Barry Trotz reunited the Islanders fourth line from a few years ago in 2018-19, and Cizikas benefitted the most. He submitted a career campaign, recording 20 goals and 33 points while posting a plus-22 rating in 73 games. Cizikas' previous high in the points category was 29, but he had never even posted 10 goals or a plus-10 rating before last season. The 28-year-old accomplished this feat by firing a career-best 111 shots on net while averaging 14:01 of ice time per game-- another career high. However, it's important to note that he posted an unsustainable 18.0 shooting percentage on those 111 shots. Buyers beware -- even if he can accumulate 111 shots again (he never had more than 90 before 2018-19), it's very unlikely that Cizikas scores 20 goals again this season.

As far as fourth-line centers go, Cizikas is about as steady as they come. Over the last four seasons, he has averaged eight goals and about 22 points per season. Last year, the gritty skater didn't hit those averages, scoring seven goals and 17 points, but he only played 64 games, so a more healthy season could have meant a chance to eclipse the 20-point mark. However, Cizikas' best value really comes in leagues with faceoffs and hits. He was second on the Islanders with 128 hits and led the team with a 53.1 faceoff percentage. If it's a rebuilding year for the Islanders as most expect, Cizikas could see his minus-12 rating from last season get worse, but he could still be useful in deeper leagues.

Cizikas endured an injury-shortened 2016-17, suiting up for just 59 contests for the Isles, but he saw his offense tick up a bit when he was able to take the ice -- despite playing 21 fewer games than the year before, he finished with just four fewer points (25) and two fewer shots (82). What Cizikas lacks in size, he makes up for with gritty, physical bottom-six play and surprisingly soft hands. That said, although he played career-high minutes last year, 13:54 a game isn't much, and it's not likely that the 26-year-old will see his role expand significantly in 2017-18.

Fresh off a season where he put up a career-high 29 points, the restricted free agent to-be wasted no time in signing a five-year extension before the calendar flipped to July. A solid and dependable two-way center, the 25-year old brings a ton of sandpaper to the Islanders on the fourth line as one of the better checking centers in the NHL. Though the abrasive Cizikas doesn’t figure to light up the scoresheet on a team loaded with offensive talent up the middle, the Islanders brass thought enough of his future to commit an annual cap hit of $3.35 million to their young forward just entering his prime. Perhaps they see a brighter future on the horizon in terms of his offensive game, and while it’s tough to get excited about a fourth-liner for fantasy purposes, Cizikas could make for a very sneaky play in daily formats and the very deepest season-long leagues.

Cizikas is never going to be one to light up the scoreboard, but he is a part of what might be the best fourth line in hockey. The Isles use this line (which also includes Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck) as an energy line. When they play, they pretty much hit anything and everything, and scoring is just a bonus.

Cizikas is the kind of player most teams would love to have - a high energy player who can add some jump to the fourth line. The problem he has is that the Islanders have quickly become loaded at center with John Tavares, Frans Nielsen, Mikhail Grabovski, Ryan Strome, and Anders Lee. Simple math tells you that not everyone can play center or remain on the team. Cizikas could end up being that odd person out.

Cizikas was finally given his chance to earn a full-time role with the Isles and responded positively as a bottom-six forward. He's not likely to see a promotion this season as he is what he is -- a checking forward whose job it is to keep the other team's best offensive players in check. That being said, double digit goals should be within his capability.

Cizikas played 15 games with the Isles last season without scoring a goal but he is expected to develop into a solid offensive player for the organization. The biggest problem for Cizikas could be where to play him. He is a center, but the Isles already have John Tavares, Frans Nielsen and up-and-coming star Ryan Strome at the position. Cizikas may have to learn to play one of the wings in order to become a top six forward for the club, as his opportunities are limited heading into camp.

Cizikas is set to begin his professional career this season, most likely with Bridgeport of the AHL. He is not the Islanders' top prospect but certainly is someone who could develop into a top-six forward. Cizikas had 54 goals between his last two seasons in the AHL and could be ready to fight for a roster spot as soon as October of 2012.

Cizikas is only 19 years of age, but is progressing nicely through the Islanders system. He had his best season to date with Mississauga of the OHL with 25 goals and 62 points last season. He is still two or three years away from being ready to compete for a spot with the Isles however.

Drafted in the fourth round by the Islanders in the 2009 Draft, Cizikas will play for Mississauga (OHL) in 2009-10. He needs a lot of seasoning before being considered for a spot in the NHL.