Bolland hasn't played in an NHL game since December of 2015 due to a devastating back injury that will leave him on long-term injured reserve for the final year of a five-year, $27.5 million contract that the Coyotes purchased from the Panthers. He obviously has no fantasy value away from the ice.
After recording back-to-back 37-point seasons for the Blackhawks at the start of the decade, Bolland’s production has dropped off considerably ever since. Bolland's first year with the Panthers was one to forget, as he scored just six goals and 23 points in 53 games. At 29 years old, Bolland looks to be hitting the decline phase of his career a bit early, and it's possible he notices an even more marginalized role in 2015-16. He should still have opportunities to put up points if he lands the third-line center role, though recent history has shown Bolland is unlikely to regain his standing as a solid offensive option.
Bolland had a lost season with the Leafs in 2013-14 due to a lascerated ankle tendon. He made into only 23 games and registered just 12 points. While Bolland shouldn't be expected to have a sudden breakthrough at the age of 27, just a return to health should bring him close to the 40-point mark. He will likely find himself in the Panthers' top-six and playing in all situations, including some time on the power play. He will be kind of a forgotten man heading into this year, so take advantage if you can.
Bolland is a great little player, but he's no savior, at least as far as the Leafs' top-six is concerned. He really is best suited as a tough, third-line center, but as Leafs' general manager Dave Nonis has said, Bolland is the kind of player "who thrives" in a system like the one Randy Carlyle runs. Still, draft him as a third-line guy who gets second-unit power-play time. Better yet? Pump his tires to your Leaf-loving league mates and talk them into an overdraft. That will leave you with a better guy on the board when it's your turn.
Bolland does the heavy lifting in the Windy City. The defensive center takes the tough draws and even tougher match-ups, so it's little wonder his numbers seem stale (he's had 37 points in each of the last two seasons). He stayed healthier during the 2011-12 season, but his terrier-like approach to the game will always make him a risk for hurts both big and small. We hope his ceiling is higher than the 47 points he registered in 2008-09, but we would we'll see that in 2012-13. Draft on the premise his offense will remain stale and everything else is gravy.
Bolland missed a significant amount of time in the second half of the season last year, but came back in the playoffs to spark the team. Entering his seventh season with the Blackhawks, Bolland will be counted on to be a major contributor for a team that will have high expectations. Coming off a season in which he had 15 goals and 22 assists in 61 games, Bolland would like nothing more than to stay healthy for a full season and flourish on the second line.
Bolland is known as a first-rate leader on the ice, and someone who performs well in the clutch. He was monumental in helping Chicago find Stanley for the first time since 1961. While he may be a better "real life" player than a fantasy player, he could still break out with enough games under his belt.
Bolland signed a big contract in the offseason after coming off his first big season. Bolland had a sore shoulder going into camp, but the team does not expect it to hinder him. He played every game during the 2008-09 regular season except for one with 19 goals and 28 assists. He also had four goals and eight assists in the postseason in 17 games. The 2009-10 season is big for Bolland to see if he can continue his growth.
Bolland saw action in 39 games with the Hawks last season and took advantage of his opportunity. He's proven that his AHL success can carry over into the NHL. His plus-6 rating is good opening argument for more ice time and he should see plenty of it as the leader of the Hawks' second line. Bolland amassed four goals, 13 assists, and 28 penalty minutes last season to support his strong plus-minus rating. The trade of Lang to Montreal should give him significantly more ice time this season.
Bolland will start at Rockford in the AHL this season. He was hampered by a knee injury during preseason and is behind in his development compared to other prospects in the Hawks organization.
