Ericsson needs to improve in order to avoid losing his spot on the top defensive pair, MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ericsson was lackluster in his own zone last season as evidenced by a career-worst 61 giveways. As noted in the report, the hulky defender needs to demonstrate better footwork. The Swede has registered exactly three goals and 12 assists in each of the past two seasons, leaving a lot to be desired from a fantasy perspective, and the possibility that he'll move way down to the third pairing only gives you more reason to avoid him in just about any format. Fans of the Winged Wheel should consider Xavier Ouellett as a sneaky alternative since he's a puck-moving blueliner no longer exempt from waivers and ready to secure a full-time role in the NHL.