#6 in the West: Chicago Blackhawks

After winning the Stanley Cup in 2010, the Chicago Blackhawks sneaked into the post-season last year with the Dallas Stars' inability to beat the Minnesota Wild one last time. Unfortunately for the 'Hawks, they met the Vancouver Canucks in the first round. The team put up a great fight, but were ultimately defeated in an exciting Game Seven OT by Alexandre Burrows. He'll be sure to send a thank you card to Chris Campoli for that one. Joel Quenneville has plenty of coaching experience in the NHL. He's been the boss behind the bench in Chicago for the past three seasons, going 141-73-28. Stan Bowman, son of legend Scotty Bowman, has been the general manager of this club since the summer of 2009. Bowman and Quenneville understand the game and want nothing more than another Cup for this franchise. This off-season, management addressed some roster issues and made several moves to improve the lineup. Don't expect the Blackhawks to just squeak by this season. They will be successful.


The first two lines for the 'Hawks are extremely talented, beginning with two, young superstars: Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. The captain and highest scorer for the team, Jonathan Toews, leads by example. He plays both sides of the puck incredibly well. He put up 76 points last season AND was nominated for the Frank J. Selke Trophy. His positive-25 last season was easily the highest of any Blackhawk forward. He's a Conn Smythe Trophy winner, so pressure doesn't affect his play at all. In fact, it appears to motivate him. Toews will likely be a Hall of Famer eventually, although it may be far too early to tell at the age of 23. I expect him to lead the Blackhawks every shift he's in the lineup for the rest of his career. There simply isn't a better option. The other youngster, Patrick Kane, is one of the smoothest hockey players I've ever seen. He's not physical or intimidating, but his speed, stick-handling and sniping abilities command respect from opponents. I couldn't name another player in the league that's better at setting up the power play than Kane. He knows exactly what to do with the puck and rarely makes mistakes in the offensive zone. The only downside I can find about this forward is his hesitation to engage along the boards. I'd like to see Kane battle in front more, but I'm sure that makes 'Hawk fans a tad nervous. Anticipate another strong season from him with around 80 points. Marian Hossa is as solid as they come. Like Toews, he plays well offensively but doesn't sacrifice any defensive abilities. He is definitely one of the best back-checkers in the game. Add to this how quickly he gets off his snap/wrist shot and you have a deadly combination of skills. His long-term contract "ensures" he'll be a 'Hawk for a long while. Patrick Sharp was resigned over the summer to a five-year deal totaling $29.5 million. He's a veteran who has been in the league for eight NHL seasons, but is just now starting to show his true colors. In the past four seasons, Sharp has averaged just over 60 points per year. Twenty-six of his 71 points were scored on the power play last year. His numbers should look about the same this coming season. Dave Bolland is an underrated player in the NHL. His name gets lost amongst the superstars in the lineup, but shouldn't. He's an incredibly valuable player in the faceoff circle, on the penalty kill and even strength. His concussion and general injury history is a bit of a concern, but as long as he remains healthy, he should have a breakout campaign. The Blackhawks were able to dump Brian Campbell's ridiculous salary onto Florida in exchange for Rostislav Olesz. Olesz has never had more than 30 points in a season - a difficult accomplishment playing in Florida - but has the size and skill to make an impact in the lineup, especially on a talented team in Chicago. Michael Frolik is another player on the verge of a breakout season. He came over to the 'Hawks in February last year and only put up nine points in 28 games, but has the talent to increase that if given more opportunities. Andrew Brunette was a steal of a signing this summer. He agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract. Playing on one of the top two lines in Chicago should provide him with every chance to succeed. He's a talented, hard-working veteran who's going to be a menace around the net. Viktor Stalberg is coming into his third season in the NHL. He has the potential to be an impact player, but averaging only ten minutes of ice time per game won't do much for his cause. On such a deep team, I'm not sure he's going to get enough time to increase his output. Ben Smith only played in six regular season games and seven playoff games last year, but was able to record four points - not too shabby. I seem to recall Smith turning a few heads in the playoffs. Look for more of that this season. Daniel Carcillo and Jamal Mayers were brought in for one reason: protection. With a ton of talent up front, someone has to do the dirty work and these two players thrive on it. Byron Bickell is a big body with soft hands. I'm really looking forward to his progression in the lineup. He's proven he can keep up with some of the best on this team. For Bickell, I don't think 40-45 points is out of the question this season. Brandon Segal has done a bit of traveling in the NHL, but hopes to find his place in Chi-Town.


Offensive Score: A-/B+


On defense, this club has two of the best defensemen in the game: Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Both are incredible athletes with a sound mind for the game. Keith will be an eventual Norris Trophy winner. He had a bit of a "down" season last year with 45 points, but moves the puck extremely well, especially on the power play. Expect him to return to his 60-point form this season. Seabrook is his NHL and Olympic defensive partner. He put up 48 points last year - the best of his career. He also is an essential element on the power play and should continue this high level of play for many years to come. Both of these individuals play about 25 minutes a night, so opponents should become familiar with their faces. Last summer the Blackhawks matched an offer sheet presented to Nick Hjalmarsson by the San Jose Sharks, paying him $3.5 million per season for four years. Although only 24 with room to grow, his salary doesn't match his contribution. He only had ten points last season. He's still a reliable defenseman in his own end, but the organization expects more from him this coming season. Steve Montador was signed as a restricted free agent to a surprising four-year deal averaging $2.5 million per year. Montador is a hard-nosed player who easily gets under the other team's skin. He protects the goalie as well - a valuable and appreciated characteristic for a defenseman. Nick Leddy had a solid rookie campaign with the 'Hawks last season, but this year should be even better as he learns from the talented veterans ahead of him in the lineup. The same can be said for Sami Lepisto. He was signed as an unrestricted free agent and has become a better player every year. Playing for the 'Hawks is only going to expedite his progression. Rounding out the defense are Sean O'Donnell and John Scott. O'Donnell was also signed as an unrestricted free agent this summer to a one-year deal worth $850,000. He's a mean, hard-hitting, veteran defenseman with a bit of an offensive upside. He'll be a valuable addition on and off the ice. Scott is an intimidating, versatile monster who can play on offense and defense. He's 6'8" and weighs 258 pounds. Get out of the way!


Defensive Score: A-


Last year, Corey Crawford had a tremendous season, posting an average of only 2.3 goals against per game and a save percentage just under 92. He went 33-18-6 - an impressive showing for a rookie goaltender expected to backup Marty Turco. If he continues to play at this level, I expect the 'Hawks to climb the standings very quickly. Alexander Salak is backing up Crawford this season, but has only played two NHL games in Florida with no wins. It will be interesting to see how many games he gets this season, especially if Ray Emery is still in the mix.


Goaltending Score: B


The Chicago Blackhawks may be better than predicted.

#5 in the West: Anaheim Ducks

The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim didn't drastically alter their lineup this off-season because it wasn’t necessary. The organization possesses some of the most talented individuals in the league along with a few key role players. Over the past five seasons, Randy Carlyle has coached this club to an impressive 223-142-45. Carlyle is very familiar with management and the players on his team, so there are no transitional difficulties to deal with this season. Bob Murray once worked under Brian Burke as the Senior Vice President for the Ducks before being promoted to general manager in 2008. Having learned from one of the best in the business, Murray will continue his success as the big boss. With a healthy goaltender back in net, a formidable defense and a potent offense, Anaheim will again be dangerous this season.

On offense, the Ducks have the best top line in the NHL consisting of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan. This line produced 37% of the team’s offensive production last season - 245 of a total 661 points. They also spent over 20 minutes on the ice per game. The majority of this time was spent cycling down low in the opponent’s end. Their big bodies make it impossible for defensemen to move them off the boards. The main center and captain, Ryan Getzlaf, has terrorized the league since the 2005-06 season. He’s been especially dangerous in the last four years, attaining point-per-game status every season. Getzlaf is a Stanley Cup champion and, as the leader of this squad, understands what it takes to win. Unfortunately, he missed several games last season with a facial injury, but should come back this season for a strong performance - 100 points isn’t unthinkable. Corey Perry was the MVP of the league last year, leading his team with 50 goals and 98 points. Like Getzlaf, Perry has been in the big league for six seasons, so he’s just now entering his prime. He always seems to know exactly where to put the puck, whether it’s a crisp pass or a quick snipe. Did I mention he’s mean? He had 104 penalty minutes last year. With the ability to dish, finish and fight, expect Perry to have another outstanding season, especially if you’re in a fantasy league. Bobby Ryan is the youngster on this line at age 24. Although not as experienced as the two mentioned above, Ryan still has a plethora of talent to devastate opposing players. His production has increased every season since joining the team and there are no indications of him slowing down. He’s learning from some of the best in NHL and should continue to develop into an elite superstar. The Ducks’ second line shouldn’t be overlooked however. Teemu Selanne is back for at least one more season for $4 million. Although 41, this contract is a steal for a forward who produced 80 points last season. Selanne is most dangerous on the power play where he accumulated 34 of his points. Still possessing the abilities to skate, shoot and fin(n)ish, Selanne is going to have another strong performance. He was also able to convince Saku Koivu to come over, and ultimately stay with the club. As a fellow Fin, Koivu has an eerie chemistry with the sniping winger. Over the past six seasons, in Anaheim and Montreal, he has been a consistent producer of at least 45 points a season. Last season was the worst in that time frame, but I anticipate a bounce-back year playing another season on a line with Selanne. Although Jason Blake played alongside Koivu and Selanne last season, if his performance repeats, he will definitely see a demotion. He was only able to muster a meager 32 points in 76 games. For his $4 million contract, this is completely unacceptable. In a contract year this coming season, we may see Blake return to his 50-point form.  Andrew Cogliano was brought over from Edmonton in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2012. With all of the new, young talent flooding the offense in Edmonton, management no longer felt the need for his services. Cogliano is only 24, leaving plenty of time to grow into a consistent role in Anaheim – maybe replacing Blake on the second line. While playing for the Oilers, he was good for 30-40 points a season. Playing with more talented teammates should increase his usefulness. After the top seven players, there is a sharp drop in talent. George Parros is a Princeton-educated man who provides player security on the ice. Standing 6’5” and weighing 222 pounds, Parros is a terrifying opponent to face. When the gloves need to be dropped, he doesn’t hesitate – proof lies in his 171 penalty minutes last season. Don’t count on him for more than ten points, but expect him to play his role well. The Ducks have two youngsters with the potential to breakout next season: Brandon McMillan and Matt Beleskey. In his first NHL season, McMillan was able to put up a respectable 21 points in 60 games. In these next few seasons, McMillan will be counted on for more ice time and production, but the two almost go hand-in-hand. He plays the penalty kill as well which speaks volumes to his responsibility. Beleskey missed a good chunk of last season with a concussion. In his two NHL seasons, he’s accumulated 28 points in 95 games which isn’t awful, but his combined negative-20 over that time is a different story. Beleskey is a speedy forward who can definitely make an impact when in the lineup. If his defensive play improves, he’ll be trusted with more responsibilities, other than fighting. Jean-Francois Jacques was recently suspended for immediately starting a fight after jumping on the ice. He’s played sporadically for the Oilers, but appears to be solely relied upon for his muscles. With Parros already in the lineup and his recent suspension, he may have lost some confidence from the organization. Andrew Gordon was signed as an unrestricted free agent over the summer after playing only 12 games in the past three seasons in Washington. He had two points last season and is looking to secure a spot in the Anaheim lineup. Dan Sexton and Kyle Palmieri will also get more time to shine throughout the year.

Offensive Score: B+

Lubomir Visnovsky heads a group of talented defensemen. Last season, he led all NHL defensemen in points with 68. His plus/minus was impressive as well at a positive-18 – good enough for second on the team. He averaged the most time on ice out of any player on his team and will likely continue that statistic this season. His offensive abilities and puck-moving skills come at no cost to his defensive responsibilities. His partner, Toni Lydman, is an extremely solid defensive defenseman whose plus-32 was the highest on his team and second in the NHL, behind Zdeno Chara. These two paired together form one of the most dynamic, defensive duos in the league. Cam Fowler was tremendous in his rookie campaign for the Ducks. Although he was a negative-25, worst on the team, he did put up 40 points. He’s a power play specialist with the ability to get pucks to open teammates and to the front of the net when shooting. At only 19 years of age, Fowler will continue to grow and eventually be a cornerstone of this defensive squad moving forward. After leaving Anaheim in 2009, Francois Beauchemin is back for at least another year with the club after being traded for Joffrey Lupul, Jake Gardiner and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2013. I say “at least” because giving up so much would indicate that the Ducks want to extend his stay. Beauchemin is a physical defenseman who blocks a ton of shots. He has an offensive side as well, but it probably won’t be more than 30-35 points. Luca Sbisa was signed to a four-year extension just before the end of last season. He’s 21 and has played in three, brief NHL seasons. Over those seasons, he’s totaled 19 points in 115 games. Like Fowler, Sbisa is a talented, young defenseman with a lot of time to improve his game. Carlyle will ensure he gets the most out of this defenseman. Sheldon Brookbank and Kurtis Foster round out the defensive troops. Foster was brought over from the Oilers in exchange for Andy Sutton. Foster is currently nursing a left-thigh injury he suffered earlier this month and is sidelined indefinitely. He’s played for a variety of NHL teams, but when healthy can be counted on for about 30 points. The same cannot be said for Brookbank. He’s never had more than nine points in an NHL season, but provides some strength on the backend. He’ll get a few penalty minutes and bruises throughout the course of the season.

Defensive Score:  B+

A sigh of relief can be breathed by the Duck faithful as Jonas Hiller is symptom-free from vertigo. Hiller missed a good portion of the 2010-2011 season and all of the playoffs from the condition, but is ready to bounce-back. He’s an Olympic goaltender who in the past few seasons has truly solidified himself as a starter. He’s never had a losing season in the NHL and I don’t expect that to change. His backup, Dan Ellis, has shown glimpses of brilliance, especially in his first season with Nashville, but hasn’t been able to play well consistently. Over the past two seasons however, Ellis has been a reliable backup going 36-23.

Goaltending Score: B+

Anaheim will definitely be a strong competitor at season’s end.

#4 in the West: Los Angeles Kings

The summer was kind to the Los Angeles Kings. Last season, the Kings were beaten by the cross-state, rival Sharks in the first round of the playoffs. This was largely due to the absence of Anze Kopitar who was sidelined with a broken ankle in late April. During the off-season, the Kings made some key maneuvers to improve their chances at obtaining Lord Stanley. GM Dean Lombardi is still dealing with contractual issues surrounding Drew Doughty, but the team is lethal without him. Over the past two seasons, Terry Murray has coached this squad to an impressive 92-57-15. With an improved cast, the Kings are poised for a long playoff run.

On offense, the Kings' first two lines are incredibly formidable. Their star player, Anze Kopitar, has recovered from his injury mentioned above and should come back to torture opposing defensemen with his speed and skill. Over the past five seasons, Kopitar has been able to rack up an impressive 358 points. When Kopitar first came into the league, the Kings weren’t a contender and struggled to win games. Even without a strong team around him, he soared. Now that Kopitar is surrounded by talented teammates, it’s reasonable to predict a rise in his production – maybe even 90 points. The Kings big acquisition over the summer was Mike Richards. He cost the team a pretty penny (Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn and a 2nd round pick), but Richards is a proven producer and leader. Over the past four seasons as captain of the Philadelphia Flyers, he averaged around 70 points a year. Richards plays both sides of the puck responsibly as well. He and Kopitar will make a dynamic one-two punch down the middle. Dustin Penner was acquired from the Edmonton Oilers last season and was a bit of a disappointment. Penner is a big body with some skill - he just doesn't produce in correlation with his salary. After signing the offer sheet in Edmonton, hockey fans expected  a player similar to Ryan Getzlaf. Brian Burke was smart to let this one go. Penner should see a rise in his numbers playing alongside one of the two gentleman mentioned above. Justin Williams has a bit of an injury history, but when healthy, is a dangerous winger. He finished the last season with 57 points in 73 games. His plus-14 wasn't too shabby either. If healthy, expect Williams to do some damage. Jarrett Stoll in a nice veteran presence on the third line. He's a durable forward that attacks the net with force. He also has the ability to finish (43 points). Simon Gagne was acquired via free agency and should provide a nice addition on one of the top two lines. Gagne has always been a shooter and will continue to be on this club. Unfortunately, injuries are a concern, but let's all hope he stays healthy. If so, 60 points are a fair estimate. Dustin Brown is a hard-nosed player who comes at an incredibly reasonable price - $3.175 million. As the captain, Brown leads by example hitting everything in his place and putting pucks in the back of the net. I anticipate him having another tremendous season playing with Kopitar. Brad Richardson is obviously playing as he should because the club resigned him over the summer to a two-year deal worth $2.35 million. He statistics don't necessarily jump out at you, but Richardson plays some tough minutes including the penalty kill. Expect more of the same from him this season. Scott Parse was off to a tremendous season last year before hip surgery sidelined him for the remainder. He only played in five game, but had four points. I'm not saying he would have accumulated 65 points, but definitely would have been valuable. Expect him back healthy and firing. Kyle Clifford brings some much needed sandpaper to the lineup. He's not the biggest bruiser in the game, but will drop the gloves when necessary. He also has the ability to pitch in offensively. Clifford has proven his worth and should see a rise in his ice time. Colin Fraser was acquired in order to dump Ryan Smyth's salary. Unless he makes a strong impact in training camp, he won't see a ton of playing time. Trevor Lewis is another forward resigned by the club this summer. He'll see some fourth-line, maybe third-line, minutes this year and contribute a bit offensively. Lewis hasn't been in the league that long, so he still has some time to develop into more of an impact player. Ethan Moreau was signed as a free agent to a one-year contract worth $600,000. This is a fairly decent contract for a player who plays solid defensive hockey. He won't produce much offensively, but will be a reliable option late in a game. Kevin Westgarth is in the same situation as Clifford. My guess is: whichever of these two players blossoms quicker stays. If the two progress well, I'm sure the organization won't have a problem keeping them both.


Offensive Score: A-


Although the Kings are still without their stud Drew Doughty, their defense is still respectable. Much like Doughty, Jack Johnson is a young, talented, offensive defenseman. Johnson actually finished last season with more points than Doughty - granted he did play six more games. While he can produce offensively, he also does a great job moving the puck out of his own end. I truly believe that Willie Mitchell is one of the most underrated defenseman in the game. He makes such a difference on the penalty kill. He's a very defensive defenseman who controls play well along the boards. Actually, Rob Scuderi is another unappreciated player. He was crucial in the Penguins' Stanley Cup victory and continues his defensive excellence on a team stacked with offense - a lethal combination. Matt Greene is another important piece in the lineup. Although not an incredible point producer, Greene played almost 17 minutes a game for a club flooded with good defensemen. This is due to his reliability. Alec Martinez is an emerging offensive defenseman for this club. He should see some more power play time this season which will do wonders for his numbers. At 24, Martinez has plenty of time to secure a spot on this club long into the future. As long as Doughty is out of the picture, Davis Drewiske has a decent shot at playing in most of the games. However, if he keeps up this stagnant pace, he may have to settle for watching the games.


Defensive Score: B+


The Kings' goaltending tandem of Jonathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier will likely compete for the William M. Jennings trophy this coming season. Last year, Quick solidified his position as the number one goalie. He also represented the United States in the Olympics, so he's no joke. Quick will continue to pile up the wins in a very competitive Western Conference. If he can't continue his success, Bernier is an extremely reliable back-up. He'll likely develop into a starter, but the questions remain: when and where?


Goaltending Score: A-


The Los Angeles Kings will contend for the Cup this season.

#3 in the West: Detroit Red Wings

For the second straight year, the Detroit Red Wings were ousted by the San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Fortunately for the Wings, they've made the playoffs every year since 1990 and this season will be no exception. GM Ken Holland had his hands full this summer, begging Nicklas Lidstrom to come back for at least another season - a crucial move because of Brian Rafalski's retirement. Rafalski is a big loss, but some additions made this off-season should help. Mike Babcock is the knowledgeable boss behind the bench. He’s been an NHL coach since 2002 and will continue to demand excellence from his team. With about $5 million left in cap space, there will be more shake-ups in this lineup. The only question is when.

On offense, the Red Wings have solid depth throughout their roster beginning with two of the most dynamic forwards in the league: Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Throughout his career, and especially in last season’s playoffs, Datsyuk has amazed hockey fans with both his defensive play and his offensive dangles. He’s won the Frank J. Selke Trophy and the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy a number of times. You’d be hard-pressed to find another player in the NHL that understands body positioning and angles better than this guy. It seems every time he’s battling along the boards, he comes out with the puck. In my opinion, he is the best player in the league right now. Expect another stellar season from Datsyuk – maybe even 100 points. Zetterberg is another superstar forward, but plays a slightly different game. He doesn’t have the same stick-handling skills as Datsyuk, but his hockey sense is right on par. Zetterberg has a great shot and never passes up an opportunity to fire the puck on net – his 306 shots last season are evidence. He has a great mindset consistently directing him towards the front of the net. I anticipate his production, barring any injuries of course, to be around 80 points again this season. Johan Franzen, or the Mule, is another sniper for the Wings with 248 shots last season. His 28 goals led the team, but he has only eclipsed the 30-goal mark once in his career. This coming season should be his second. He receives enough power play and general ice time to accomplish this. I’d like to see him utilize his size more, especially in front of the net. Valtteri Filppula is a versatile forward that can play both down the middle and on the wing. Sometimes, when I watch him play, I confuse him with Datsyuk because of the way he skates. The confusion lasts until Filppula gives the puck away. He has so much potential and Wings’ fans are waiting for him to blossom. His 39 points last year weren’t terrible, but with his talent and salary cap hit, he should be closer to 50. Jiri Hudler is next on the cap chart at $2.875 million for one, last year. After spending a year in the KHL, Hudler came back last season. His dismal play saw him finish at a team worst negative seven with 37 points. For a player expected to produce 50 points, this was a huge disappointment. Trade rumors are rampant, but hopefully Hudler can silence them with a strong start this coming season. Daniel Cleary, on the other hand, had a fantastic season. A former first round draft pick, Cleary did not live up to expectations in Chicago and was subsequently passed around to a few other teams. On Detroit, Cleary has been a consistent 40-point producer over the past five seasons. His talent and work ethic combine for what should be another great season. After his violent incident in Vancouver, Todd Bertuzzi was traded to the Wings. He left, then came back for another stint after a few years. Since the incident, Bertuzzi hasn’t quite been the same physical player or scorer. He puts up consistent 40-point seasons, but needs to understand he can still play physically without endangering other players. Tomas Holmstrom has been a work-horse for the Wings his entire career. When it comes to screening goalies and deflecting pucks, Holmstrom is the best in the league. He’s definitely not the most talented player at 38 years old and his skills are diminishing as I write this piece, but his presence in Detroit’s lineup has been and will continue to be invaluable. Patrick Eaves has been a wonderful surprise since signing in Detroit. He recently re-upped with the Wings, signing a three-year deal worth $1.2 million per season. This is a great deal for a player who plays the penalty kill and important “grind line” minutes. With the ability to score more than a few goals, Eaves is definitely a noteworthy player. Darren Helm is Kris Draper reinvented with more skill, except for his faceoff ability. Helm’s speed and work ethic is second to none. At $912,000 this year, he is easily one of the biggest steals in the league. Expect more ice time and better production from him this season. The same applies for Justin Abdelkader. He took big strides last season and it’s exemplified in his plus/minus at 15 - the highest on a talented team. He’s not as fast as Helm, but brings with him size and grit that will be counted on to protect the stars in the lineup. Drew Miller was also signed over the summer for a two-year deal worth $1.675 million. Much like Eaves and Helm, Miller brings determination and hard work every night. Although not incredibly flashy, he sure does make an impact when he’s on the ice, especially around the cage. Jan Mursak and Cory Emmerton are going to get their first real shot at a roster spot this season. Combined, they played a total of 21 games last season – each accumulating one assist. They will get more ice time this season, although they will likely battle the emerging Tomas Tatar.

Offensive Score: A-

The defense of the Red Wings is likely to see drastic changes in the coming years with the eventual retirement of Nicklas Lidstrom. Lidstrom has won seven Norris Trophies and if he played for another five years, would likely be in the running every year. One can’t say enough about a defenseman who’s had such an impact on not only his team, but the entire National Hockey League. He’s a future hall of famer and the epitome of a class act. Brad Stuart is an 11-year veteran, and at 31, still has many years ahead of him. He missed 15 games last season with a broken jaw, but came back relatively quickly for such a painful injury. He and his defensive partner Niklas Kronwall play physical defense without sacrificing positioning. Hopefully the Wings resign him during or after this season. Speaking of Kronwall, ouch. He is a fantastic open-ice checker who also contributes a significant amount offensively – 37 points last season. He may not be the second coming of Lidstrom as was once thought, but his progress certainly has been impressive. He’ll be asked to contribute more with every season and the organization looks forward to his development. Jonathon Ericsson received a nice raise this summer with a three-year contact worth $9.75 million. This is likely due to the lack of free agent defenseman available, but that’s still a lot for a player who’s never eclipsed the 20-point mark. The club is expecting major steps to be made by Ericsson this season. Ian White was signed as an unrestricted free agent this summer to help soften the blow of Rafalski’s retirement. White never really put his game together in Carolina or San Jose, but the Wings are hoping his potential finally shines in Motown. The sixth and final spot will be a battle between three players: Mike Commodore, Jakub Kindl and Brendan Smith. Commodore is an experienced NHL defenseman with a bit of history with Mike Babcock. Kindl played half of last season as a rookie, but only put up four points. He still played a respectable 13 minutes per game. Finally, Smith is a young prospect who’s developed for a few years in the AHL. The organization thinks he may be ready for the big league. We shall see!

Defensive Score: B+

In goal, the Wings have an emerging, young goaltender in Jimmy Howard and an experienced back-up in Ty Conklin. Howard had a bit of a down season last year, but displayed his abilities to be a stud the year before. Critics like to point to the team in front of him as cause for his success, but that’s always the case in Detroit. Howard lets in a few soft shots here and there, but overall is a very solid goaltender. Conklin is back in red and white for his second go-around. His first stint with the club was the best of his career, winning 25 games. The Wings are safe if Howard stumbles early in the season with Conklin – and even his backup, Joey MacDonald, who had a tremendous year backing up Howard last season.

Goaltending Score: B+/B

Lidstrom wants to lift that Cup one more time.

#2 in the West: Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks finished one win short of a Stanley Cup Championship last spring. An extremely successful season followed by a strong playoff run ended when the Canucks met a bigger Bruins’ lineup in the Finals. GM Mike Gillis has done a great job building a perennial contender for the past few years and should have continued success for years to come. Alain Vigneault has proven his abilities to coach this club efficiently – getting the most out of his superstars. This coming season will be no exception as the Canucks plow through what may now be the weakest division in hockey. They will likely finish at the top of the Western Conference because of their placement within it, but I still have some faith in the Sharks.

On the offensive side of the puck, Vancouver sports a dangerously talented group of individuals – from the first line to the fourth. The two most crucial pieces of this puzzle play on the same line and came from the same womb: the Sedin twins. Henrik Sedin is the current captain of this squad and will be for the foreseeable future. I don’t know if he is the most vocal captain in the world, but it doesn’t really matter because he leads by example on the ice. Henrik constantly sets up his linemates for easy, tap-in goals. He seems to have incredible telepathy with his twin brother Daniel. I have been watching hockey for my entire life and never have I seen two players work so well together. Even if their heads were always down, their passes to each other would probably still be tape-to-tape. Although the two share almost everything, Daniel plays a different role. He shoots. Henrik has the ability to score, but understands Daniel is the one who finishes. Henrik won the Art Ross Trophy in 2010. Daniel followed his lead in 2011. Expect the Sedin twins to continue their dominance over the league with 90-110 points each! The final member of this potent first line is Alexandre Burrows. After watching the Stanley Cup Finals, I lost a ton of respect for him. That being said, he’s still a terrific hockey player who can play a multitude of roles: pest, scorer, playmaker, etc. He eats up a lot of space on the ice for Henrik and Daniel to create. This is not to say he can’t match their level of play because he absolutely can…and does. Burrows consistently attacks the net and causes havoc for defensemen along the boards. Ryan Kesler centers the second line, but would easily be a number one with a different club. He is a premier two-way center who won the Frank J. Selke Trophy this past season for his outstanding defensive play in addition to his vital offensive production. Kesler will have another successful season – probably around 70-75 points – but may not see the same 41-goal production. Mason Raymond is next on the depth chart. He’s an explosive winger who doesn’t hesitate to use his speed.  He’s had a small history of injury woes and experienced an unfortunate check in the Finals that ended his season. If healthy, Raymond will return for a “bounce-back” year. His production dipped slightly last season, but I anticipate around 55 points from him in 2011-2012. Mikael Samuelsson provides the most bang for his buck. At 16 minutes of average ice time and making $2.5 million a year, his 50 points last season came at a small price. He works well on the power play, especially with his talented teammates. His turnovers cause Canuck fans an enormous amount of stress however. Manny Malhotra has exemplified his importance as a defensive forward for the past decade. After missing a portion of the season with an eye injury, Malhotra returned in the Stanley Cup Finals. To everyone’s surprise, it wasn’t just an emotional move. The Canucks relied on him to win numerous faceoffs – his greatest asset. He’ll be back again for what we all hope will be a healthy season and career. Marco Sturm was brought in to provide more veteran leadership to this group. Although his level of play has diminished over the years, an improved cast in Vancouver may result in improved numbers. Sturm still has the potential to reach 30-40 points. Over the past three seasons, Chris Higgins has played for a total of five teams: Montreal, Florida, New York, Calgary and now Vancouver. In the 14 games he played in Vancouver, he was able to muster five points. Higgins has a ton of potential but hasn’t found an environment to flourish. If one exists, it’s Vancouver. Jannik Hansen has slowly been earning his spot on the roster. Now that it’s solidified, he has the opportunity to really shine this season. He possesses all of the necessary tools to make it in the NHL, other than this. Dumb. Maxim Lapierre is garbage. I don’t enjoy having strong opinions, but this man and Matt Cooke are both despicable hockey players. I understand Lapierre’s role – it’s just obnoxious. He’ll chip in a few goals here and there but mostly, he’s just a distraction. Much like Higgins, Andrew Ebbett has played for 4 different teams over the past two seasons. He should see some fourth-line minutes with this club. That’s enough time to prove he belongs in the big league. Lastly, we have Mark Mancari. He has been valuable in the AHL, but these talents haven’t translated to the NHL. He has the potential to be a solid addition and Vancouver is the place to do it.

Offensive Score: A

Not only is this team effective up front, but also on the back-end. With a new  5-year contract signed over the summer, Kevin Bieksa becomes the highest paid defenseman on the team at $4.6 million per year. This is no accident. Bieksa is a talented, punishing individual. He throws his body around when needed, but most importantly, he can shoot and move the puck. The loss of Christian Ehrhoff hurts this team, but the resigning of Bieksa certainly lessens the blow. I expect nothing but the best from him this coming season. After spending his entire career in Nashville, Dan Hamhuis was signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Canucks. His first and only year with the team, Hamhuis put up 23 points and was a positive 29. That’s definitely not something to scoff at, but for $4.5 million, he needs to contribute more offensively. He should see a bit more ice time with Ehrhoff’s absence. Alexander Edler led all Canuck defensemen last season in average time on ice. This is true testament to the level of his play, especially on a team with a defensive squad as good as the Canucks’. Back surgery limited him to 51 games last season, but he was still able to pile up a respectable 33 points. I anticipate Edler having an exceptional season with 45-50 points. Keith Ballard hasn’t quite been the defenseman the organization hoped for after he was acquired from the Panthers. He was benched for a portion of the playoffs for his less-than-stellar play (-4 and 0 points in 10 games). Hopefully, the 2011-2012 season can be a return to relevancy. Sami Salo is a 12-year veteran who missed the majority of last season with an injury. He only appeared in 27 games with this club, but if he should come back healthy, expect more solid defensive work along with a booming slap shot from the point. Andrew Alberts is another player who missed a significant amount of time last season. He isn't a big point-producer, however he is a big body on the back-end who makes smart decisions with the puck and that can't be overlooked. Aaron Rome is probably best remembered for his late hit on Nathan Horton in the Stanley Cup Finals that got him suspended. What confuses me is how you can concuss a player after being a victim of one yourself? That hit aside, Rome is a capable 5th or 6th defenseman. He will see some playing time this year, but he's going to have to battle for it. Finally, we end with Chris Tanev. He played 29 games for the Canucks last season accumulating a massive point in the process. It's going to be tough to crack this lineup, but I wish him the best. 

Defensive Score: A-

The Canucks have one of the best goalie tandems in the league. Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider are two talented goalies and should provide incredible stability for this club. Critics say Luongo won't last long as the starter, but I disagree. He is a professional and will always be a starter, until maybe the end of his career. The last seven games of his season weren't his best and he's well aware of that. I guarantee Luongo bounces right back into his best form. If not, Schneider will be there to pick up the pieces. Schneider is on the brink of a starting position - it's just a matter of when and where. 

Goaltending Score: A

A return to the Finals isn't out of the question.

#1 in the West: San Jose Sharks

This season, the San Jose Sharks stand a legitimate chance at taking home Lord Stanley. This isn't much different from the past few seasons as management has created one of the most successful franchises over the past decade. After several years of failing to reach the Stanley Cup Finals, I believe the Sharks will finally break that curse this coming season. Coach Todd McLellan and GM Doug Wilson will spend the rest of the summer and training camp setting these expectations for the club. The players will respond.


Up front, the Sharks have a good mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy. The top line consists of three, skilled veterans: Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton and new arrival, Martin Havlat. Thornton is the captain of this squad for a variety of reasons. Aside from being one of the best playmakers in the game, he also has incredible determination. Naysayers have pointed to his playoff history and stated he isn't capable of leading a team to a Cup. I strongly disagree. Throughout his entire career Thornton has been a dominating force, especially this last season. Look for Thornton to again dictate play in the Western Conference. Marleau is easily one of the fastest players in the game - and at 32, he's in his prime. In the last five seasons, he has only dipped below the 71-point mark once. Marleau also averages the most time on ice out of any forward due to his penalty killing abilities. As one of the best all-around players in the league, Marleau will not fade this year. Havlat comes over in a swap for Dany Heatley with the Minnesota Wild. Although Havlat isn't quite the same producer as Heatley, he does bring with him a strong skill-set at a smaller salary. Havlat will be close to a point-per-game player as long as he stays on this top line. His point totals this coming season will easily eclipse last season (62). After that tremendous first line, the Sharks are still impressively strong down the middle with Joe "Baby Joe" Pavelski and Logan Couture. Pavelski is a great two-way forward coming into his sixth NHL season with the organization. Pavelski has never finished in the negative and I don't expect that to change. On the other hand, his 66 points last season are a testament to his offensive abilities. He has a great shot and is a lethal weapon on the power play. Couture had a wonderful rookie campaign last year as he was nominated for the Calder Trophy. I believe he should have won due to the intangibles he showed when the team struggled, but it's hard to argue with Jeff Skinner's performance. Couture is another strong two-way center and this creates a formidable attack. Couture had the second-highest plus/minus on the team - a tough accomplishment for a rookie. Expect this individual to shine even brighter next season. Ryan Clowe is a big, power forward with a scoring touch. In his seventh NHL season, Clowe is just now coming into his prime. He understands what's expected of him and his play - crashing the net and moving the puck along the boards. I anticipate him around the same point total as last season at 62. Michal Handzus was brought in from the Los Angeles Kings. He is a seasoned, intelligent veteran and will be another respected leader in the locker room for the youngsters to learn from. Handzus should produce more points for this club than his previous campaign. Torrey Mitchell is set for a breakout season with the Sharks. He is another incredibly fast player with the ability to finish. He's had some injury troubles in the past, especially with his knee, but if he can stay healthy, expect 35-40 points. James Sheppard is a younger Ryan Clowe at about the same weight and height. If Sheppard wants to consistently play on this squad, it would be wise to start taking notes on Clowe's play. Sheppard played well in his three seasons with the Wild and the Sharks got a good deal for him - trading a third-round pick. Jamie McGinn is a tough forward who really needs to step up his game this season. Six points in 49 games with an average ice time of 11 minutes in not acceptable. I anticipate him picking up his game this season. If not, hello bench. Ben Ferriero had nine points for the Sharks last year, but he only played in 33 games. More opportunities will create more production for this young player. The coach seems to trust his play - putting him out there in vital OT situations. In training camp, Andrew Murray will be competing with Sheppard for a spot. Murray played his past four seasons in Columbus. Hopefully a change of scenery will present him with a better opportunity to display his abilities. Andrew Desjardins had a small stint with the big club playing in 17 games and accumulating three points. He may have to wait a bit longer for a larger role, especially with the awful number choice.


Offensive Score: A


Along with the Bruins and Sabres, the Sharks have one of the deepest defensive squads in the league. Dan Boyle is an incredibly valuable offensive defenseman. He led all Sharks' defensemen last year with 50 points - a difficult accomplishment for an individual specialized in preventing goals. With an improved cast surrounding him, I anticipate Boyle reaching around 60 points this season. To complement Boyle, the Sharks brought in another proficient puck-moving, offensive defenseman in Brent Burns. He was able to achieve 46 points with a less talented Minnesota Wild organization, so expect his production to dramatically increase on this team. The Sharks power play will be astonishingly dangerous with these two stars at the point. Oh by the way, both of these individuals played 25-26 minutes a game last year - leading both of their respective teams. Why have 6 defensemen when you can roll four? Marc-Edouard Vlasic will continue to be a capable shutdown defenseman for this team. Like Pavelski, Vlasic is coming into sixth NHL season. Although his point totals won't drop any jaws, his defensive responsibilities never go unnoticed by management. The same can be said for Douglas Murray. He may not be as mobile as Vlasic, but he will crush opponents. I don't play in the NHL but I can guess that he is one of "those" defensemen that opponents don't want to play against. Murray had 203 hits last season and most were probably fairly punishing. Jason Demers has really come into his own over the past two seasons with the Sharks. He's another offensive defenseman on this team and should see some power play time on the second unit. Demers has averaged around 22 points each season, but with the additions made this summer, his numbers should rise significantly. Jim Vandermeer was signed in the off-season and should provide another reliable body on the back-end. An 8-year veteran, he understands his role on this team: to play when asked. It won't be a ton of ice time, but they will be valuable minutes. Colin White will be in a similar situation to Vandermeer. White is a hard-hitting, 11-year veteran. After spending his entire career with the Devils, management decided his services were no longer needed. The Sharks gladly swept him up for only $1 million this season. Justin Braun was a pleasant surprise for the organization producing 11 points in only 28 games. Although this bodes well for his future, it's going to be difficult cracking this deep lineup. If he keeps up his play, he shouldn't have any worries. 


Defensive Score: A+


In net, the Sharks have two reliable options: Antti Niemi and Antero Niittymaki. Niemi has already proven his worth by winning a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks. Last season, he stopped 92% of the shots thrown his way and only allowed an average of 2.38 goals per game. With the offense in front of him, that's not a problem. His record speaks for itself: 35-18-6. Niittymaki was supposed to battle with Niemi for the starting spot last season, but never really put up a fight. His save percentage was just shy of 90 and his goals against average was at 2.72. These aren't impeccable numbers, but as a backup they will suffice. He played 24 games last season and I expect about the same this season.


Goaltending Score: B+


2011-2012 Stanley Cup Champions. 

#15 in the East: Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators' rebuilding phase is going to be a long one and it starts with next season. Although there are some bright spots in the lineup, ultimately they stand to lose the majority of their games. After a myriad of departures, Heatley, Havlat, Chara, etc., this team dug it's own grave. MacLean will be a valuable addition behind the bench with a loads of coaching experience on every level (IHL, UHL and NHL). Having served under Mike Babcock for several years, MacLean knows what to do. Murray, the GM, isn't new to the game either. These two are the right men for the journey.


The few bright spots on offense include Alfredsson, Spezza, Butler and Michalek. Other than these four players, the offense is fairly thin. Alfredsson is a 15-year veteran with skills still left in the tank. Although he's 38 years old, he was able to put up 31 points in an injury-riddled, 54-game season. Respectable. While his points are important to this club, his leadership is going to be more vital to the future. Clarification: this is not leadership. Spezza is a tremendous all-around player. Like Alfredsson, he was injured for a good portion of last season but still accumulated 57 in 62 games. Although he finished last season in the negative, he did play 20 minutes a night. He will be relied upon heavily next season, both for points and leadership. Is he worth $7 million a year? If anyone is on this team, I s'pose it's him. Michalek is a fast winger who once played with the likes of Thornton and Marleau in San Jose. Unfortunately, this organization doesn't have the same level of talent. Still, Michalek has some valuable attributes that need to shine next season for the team to get out of the NHL's basement. Butler only played 36 games last season with club, but achieved more than most expected - 21 points. If he continues to progress, and I expect him to, he should breakout next season with the opportunities presented to him. Filatov was traded for a third-round pick. As a former first-round selection, GM Murray figures there's more to gain than lose from this transaction. Filatov has speed and skill, but he has yet to flaunt it. Neil is a pain in the butt for his opponents. When he's on the ice, every player on the other team in constantly looking over his shoulder. He won't put points on the board, but will have a nice collection of bruises. Da Costa recorded no points for the Senators in the four games he played last season. Expect him to get more ice time next season. Foligno played well last season. He didn't perform as well as management anticipated, but I think his development will continue this season - maybe 40-45 points. Regin is a young forward I was really forward to blossoming last season. Unfortunately, he fell under the shadow of Butler's performance. He will have a better campaign this year - count on it. Condra was a pleasant surprise last season as he earned 11 points in 26 games. His ice time will definitely increase this season and so will his numbers. Winchester doesn't see a ton of time on this team, but he's a reliable forward. He's not the most talented forward, but he does work hard. Konopka fights. I don't know what else to say about a player who accumulated 572 penalty minutes over the past two seasons. Sheesh! Smith and Greening fill out the last two roster spots. Both have chipped in here and there, but to keep their positions they must produce more.


Offensive Score: D


Altogether, the defense's total plus minus was a negative 106. This is despicable. There are some talented individuals on this team, but their defensive responsibilities must improve. Karlsson is the future of the Senators' blue line. Although he was a -30, he did put up an impressive 45 points, good for second on the entire team. He is only 21 and plays more than anyone else on the team, other than Anderson obviously. Gonchar is severely overpaid for what he brings to the table. He's definitely still an important piece of the defense, but isn't the same player that dominated in Pittsburgh. That will happen when you play for a bad team. $5.5 million? Ouch. Kuba is another valuable piece of this squad, but hasn't produced like in the past. His 16 points last season were the worst of his career. Look for a bounce-back, contract year. Phillips is another talented, shutdown defenseman who can't show off his abilities in the organization. He and management are hoping this season doesn't turn out as I predicted. Carkner is a valuable bruiser in his own end. He won't put up many points, but he will stop a few. If the gloves need droppping, look sfor Carkner to be the guy. Runbald and Lee will be fighting for the last spot. More than likely, Lee will be the individual selected, but one can never tell. It all depends how camp progresses.


Defensive Score: D+


Goaltending is one area the Senators can count on. Anderson has always played for sub-par teams, but truly is a gifted goalie. He's tall and agile - a tough combination for scorers. If there is one saving grace this coming season, it's going to be Anderson.The team brought in a very capable backup as well: Auld. He has been a backup for almost his entire career and will be a solid substitute when Anderson needs a rest.


Goaltending Score: B+


Get ready for a long season in Ottawa.

#14 in the East: New York Islanders

Unfortunately for Long Island, it will be another long season in an old arena. I was a little uneasy to rank them so low at first, but then I realized there is no proof this team can win consistently. The Islanders have a ton of young talent that will one day push them back into contention. One day, not next year. They have the potential to reach the playoffs but there are still more growing pains to experience before that. The good news: after a few seasons of hopelessness, the organization finally has some building blocks to form a solid foundation. 


As stated above, especially on offense, this team is packed with young talent. The highest number on the payroll however, belongs to the veteran Rolston. He and a conditional pick were acquired in a trade with the Devils for Hunter. Most importantly, this deal gets the Islanders closer to the cap minimum which is $48.3 million. The Islanders current payroll is just over $48.7 million. Cheap jerks. Rolston brings with him a magnificent slapshot. He may have slowed down over the years, but he can still put a puck or two behind the goalie. Next on the salary cap chart is the franchise's future: Tavares. In his first two years in the NHL, Tavares has totaled 121 points. For such a young player, that's incredible. Not every first overall pick can be Crosby, Stamkos or Ovechkin, but Tavares isn't too far off. In fact, if he played on a better team, I'm willing to bet he'd be right up there with this elite company. Tavares will eclipse 70 points - very soon. Moulson has been an important contributor to this lineup. He has scored at least 30 goals in his previous two seasons. Being a great shooter, I expect more of the same this time around. Grabner was nominated for the Calder Trophy, and rightfully so. He is an incredibly fast, talented, offensive player. I think this season he could be a 40-goal scorer. It's a bit of a stretch, but definitely possible. His positive plus/minus also speaks volumes about his defense. Okposo comes back into the lineup after a season spoiled by injuries. He is another tremendous shooter for this club and will continue reeking havoc on opposing goalies. I would like to see at least 20 goals from him. Niederreiter is a highly touted Swiss prospect. He's only played a few games for the Islanders, so he doesn't have a lot of experience but I anticipate him making an impact in this lineup. Hopefully he brings with him a two-way game that this organization desperately needs. Comeau has played four seasons in the NHL and finally broke out last season with 46 points. His minus-17 looks bad, but most players on this team are negative. Either way, time to tighten it up. Reasoner was brought in to provide some leadership. He has been in the league for 12 years and that's no accident. He's an incredibly responsible forward good for around 25 points. Parenteau left the city and came to the island where he thrived last year scoring 53 points. At 28, he's only played in three NHL seasons, but it looks like he's ready for many more. I honestly don't know much about Martin. I look forward to seeing how he plays. His 14 points last year don't stand out, but he may bring some intangibles to the game. Gillies is a grinder who creates more bruises than scoring chances. He'll be relied upon to protect some of these young guns. Haley didn't see a lot of ice time last season and likely won't this season. Last, but not least, we have one of the best bargains in the league - coming in at $525,000: Nielsen. Here is a great all-around player who will be vital to the Islanders' future. He plays both sides of the puck very well. His positive plus/minus is an indication of his defensive responsibilities and his 44 points prove his offensive worthiness. 


Offensive Score: B-/C+


On defense, the Islanders couldn't be happier to get a healthy Streit back in the lineup. This Swiss-born defenseman is the most crucial player in the lineup other than Tavares. Streit missed the entire season last year, but should be back for opening night. He is a fantastic puck-moving defenseman with an accurate shot. The power play truly missed his presence last season. Eaton is another veteran who's going to be counted on strictly for his defensive play. He hasn't had more than 16 points in his entire 11-year career. Although he hasn't played quite as long, the organization is hoping Jurcina will provide the same, sturdy services. Hamonic and MacDonald were the highest scoring defensemen for this team at 26 and 27, respectively. It was Hamonic's rookie campaign at 21-years old, so look for him to shine even brighter this season. MacDonald has had two years of NHL experience and will be counted on for another strong performance. Both players had a rare, positive plus/minus last seaon. Mottau did fairly well in New Jersey, then struggled with the Islanders last year - playing in only 20 games. If his play doesn't improve, he is not going to see more ice time. Reese and Wishart are the final two defenders. Combined, they have 71 games played in four NHL seasons. I'm not going to pretend like I know a lot about either of these gentlemen.


Defensive Score: C


Ah, DiPietro. If only you could recover. After signing an extraordinary 15-year contract, DiPietro has been the victim of constant injuries. Over the past three seasons, he has played in a total of 39 games. The contract looks more and more ridiculous every year. I'm anticipating DiPietro having more injury complications this season. This will finally give Montoya a shot at a number one position. I watched him play on the Rangers and Coyotes. He really is a talented goalie and I'm excited for the opportunity he has in a new city. Although Montoya could shine, the Islanders definitely have some goaltending issues to figure out. Nabakov is another viable option for this team, if he wants to play. The Islanders claimed him off waivers last season, but he didn't report. Suddenly, he's ready to put on the orange sweater. I'm skeptical...and excited to see what develops.


Goaltending Score: C+


Here's to the future...and a new arena.

#13 in the East: Florida Panthers

GM Tallon dug deep into his pockets this summer, acquiring a number of free agents - mostly former Blackhawks. The graph below sums up the Florida Panthers' off-season:



If you're having trouble with the graph, and truly I hope you're not, the Panthers paid way too much for their free agents this summer, but at least it helped them get to the cap floor. Although these signings have potential, the level of skill does not reflect the compensation. Vokoun was not resigned, which is going to be detrimental to the organization's success. Yes, they found a capable replacement, but he is no Vokoun. He never received the recognition he deserved in this small market and they will miss him dearly this coming season. There is hope however. With these overpriced signings, Florida now has some respectable talent up front that could give the team the boost is so desperately needs to make it back into the playoffs. Unlikely, but possible. With 15 forwards and six defensemen, I expect more shakeups in Florida.


On offense, this team looks completely different than next season. They finished last in the Eastern Conference last season, so this must be a good thing, correct? Yes and no. It's a minimal improvement. The offense will be able to score more goals, but I'm not convinced they can prevent them. The largest signing, not trade, over the summer was Fleishmann. He is an extremely talented offensive player who's had some health problems over the past two seasons. This history causes some conflict with the new contract's term of four years. That's a steep investment for a fragile asset. In the 114 games he's played in the last two injury-plagued seasons, he's accumulated 82 points. That's quite a ratio. If he can come back 100%, expect Fleishmann to make a big difference, especially on the power play. Booth is coming into his 6th year in the NHL. Over this span of time, he's proven himself a goal scorer. He's had some concussion problems in the past, but last year played the full schedule. Booth is going to have a great year in Florida with a few more talented linemates. Upshall was another summer-signing. He is a speedy, responsible center. Upshall plays the defensive side of the puck very well, but will probably only contribute 35-40 points. Is that worth $3.5 million a year for the next three years? We will see. The leader on this team, Weiss, averaged the most points per game and time on ice among Panther forwards last season. He has tremendous vision paired with the hands to finish. Look for this center to have a great year - possibly 60 points.Versteeg was traded for some draft picks. He is an energetic fellow who never found his place in Philadelphia. He can be quite a thorn in the opposition's side, especially come playoff...oh, nevermind. I'm feeling about 40 points for this individual. Kopecky was another former-Blackhawk addition. Kopecky is a big center who does his best work in front of the net. He's not afraid to battle along the boards and always drives the puck to the net. He's now earning $3 million per year, but should put enough points on the board to justify the contract. Bergenheim had a terrific playoff run with the Lightning last season scoring nine goals in 16 games. For his efforts, he was rewarded by the Panthers with a four-year, $11 million contract. That's a pretty good deal for a player who has never had more than 30 points in an NHL season. He's a good player, but I don't see him getting more than 40 points. Goc will likely play third-line center which gives Florida some nice depth. He'll probably only score ten goals, but he won't allow much offense for his opponents. After a brief stint in Nashville for two seasons, Santorelli exploded onto these scene in Florida accumulating 20 goals and 21 assists. He thrives on the power play, but could use some work on the defensive side of the puck. Bradley was brought in with a fairly cheap, two-year contract. He brings some grit to the lineup and should create some ice for teammates with the hits he throws. Dadonov was quite impressive in his first 36 games with the big club. He racked up 17 points in that short amount of time. His potential should put him in the top six eventually. Matthias has been fairly consistent for the Panthers over the past two seasons. Hopefully he can stay healthy for the full schedule and raise his totals to 25 or 30. Skille is a young, talented forward who got his feet wet in Chicago before being shipped over to Florida. He has the potential to be an offensive threat, but it remains to be seen if he'll take advantage of the time provided to him. Repik and Carter finish off the offense. Repik has only played 55 NHL games and will likely see limited time again this season - probably about 40 games. Carter is in the exact same boat as Repik. Only because of their potential...


Offensive Score: C+


The defense on this team isn't anything to get excited about. The Blackhawks were lucky enough to find a team willing to take on Campbell's massive contract. Boy, those seasons in Buffalo really set this guy for life. Five more years at just over $7.1 million a season - for about 40 points per - seems a little high to me. But, Tallon is familiar with Campbell's play and may see something I don't. He will get the majority of the power play time on this squad, so his figures may increase quite a bit. Also, he apparently sings. The 35-year old Jovanovski got a four-year deal for $4.125 million per year. He is a smart veteran, but is getting older. The past two seasons saw him injured quite a bit and the Panther organization is hoping he can get back to his durable self. Kulikov was the highest scoring defenseman on the team last year. With the additions of the two defensemen mentioned above, expect Kulikov's time on ice to dwindle. However, the leadership and knowledge gained from playing alongside these veterans will help in the future. After some traveling, Weaver finally found his place in Florida. He is a responsible shutdown defensemen who makes smart decisions in his own end. Expect more of the same this coming season. Ellerby saw 54 games last season. His 12 points and minus-15 rating aren't too appealing, but hopefully the veterans on the team will assist his growth. In his first full, 82-game season, Garrison led the team in average time on ice. He also frequently throws his body around - both to check and block shots. His development will continue at a rapid pace.


Defensive Score: C-


The giant void left by Vokoun was filled with Theodore. Although a former Vezina and Hart Trophy winner, his best days are in the past. Theodore will struggle to stop the insane amount of shots this team gives up on a daily basis. He was a good signing for what was left, but won't get this team where it needs to be. Clemmensen will probably start in 25 games, but play in about 40. Catch my drift? No, that might be an exaggeration, but who knows? I think Clemmensen is capable of handling the number one duties if Theodore falls early.


Goaltending Score: C

Maybe all it takes is a little bit of money.

#12 in the East: Toronto Maple Leafs

Consolation prize: Tim Connolly. Over the summer, Brian Burke’s main concern was finding a bona fide number one center for winger Phil Kessel. The free agent pool was thin at this position and after losing the race for Brad Richards, Burke took the next best thing in Connolly. Burke usually goes for the bulky players, but it appears his tastes may be changing as the NHL moves forward. Wilson and his team definitely have their work cut out for them this season, however if the young players continue to progress as they have been, the playoffs aren’t out of the question. The reason they fell so low on the rankings is because of potential injury. 


As stated above, Kessel needs a center to play with and Connolly will definitely suffice. Kessel is a speedy forward with one heck of a shot. If I had to pick one player in the NHL to take a breakaway for my team, it would be him or Vanek. He seems to always find the holes in a goalie and never hesitates to fire it on net. Connolly is next on the cap chart with an annual hit of $4.75 million for the next two years. Although he’s been close to a point-per-game player over the past few seasons, his injury history is troublesome. A two-year contract was the right way to go, but the price seems a little steep. Either way, Connolly is a fantastic playmaker with great vision. He and Kessel should form quite the pairing if all goes as planned. I expect Lupul to be paired with Connolly and Kessel to start the season. I like Lupul’s game. He’s a big body with soft hands that always drives to the net – something I know Burke appreciates. His numbers should see a nice little bump playing on the top line. The Toronto faithful are hoping Lombardi’s concussion complications are over. When healthy, Lombardi is one of the faster players in the league. The trade to bring him in was a steal. Hopefully he returns to his true form because his play could really help this club. After playing in Buffalo and Atlanta, MacArthur had an outstanding season in Toronto scoring 62 points and playing all 82 games last year. This production earned him a two-year contract for an annual cap hit of $3.25 million. If MacArthur keeps up his play, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him play on the top line. Next on the list is Armstrong. He is a tenacious forward who doesn’t hesitate to throw his body around. He really enjoys hitting players coming around the net. With the ability to score a few goals, I expect more from him this season than just 23 points. Grabovski and Kulemin are two players who should have a significant impact on the lineup this season. They skate hard and shoot when necessary. Both players should produce around 60 points this season with an improved offensive cast. Bozak has been a pleasure to watch and should blossom into a reliable center. As for now, his defensive play needs to improve. Once that happens, I anticipate this kid having a long, successful NHL career. Kadri is yet another youngster on this roster waiting for his time to shine. He is quite talented and, once presented with more ice time, will see a dramatic rise in his production. He scored 12 points in just 29 games last season. Orr and Brown bring the necessary grit to a relatively small lineup. If any opponents feel like taking a cheap shot at one of the stars, they will have to answer to one of these gentlemen. Boyce is another budding center that should see a bit more ice time this season. His plus-8 on a mostly negative team is an indication of his responsible play. Dupuis was signed after Colorado failed to tender him an offer. He’s looking to start a career in a new environment. I’m interested to see where this decision takes him. Last, but not least, we have Rosehill. He probably won’t see a lot of minutes, but who knows? I don’t.


Offensive Score: B-


Captain Dion Phaneuf leads the defensive troops in, not just salary, but a few major categories: points, shots and average time on ice. Finishing at a minus-two last season makes sense when you take into consideration his average time on ice combined with the team's goals for/against ratio. Phaneuf has come under some scrutiny for his salary, which makes sense to a certain extent, but he is here to mentor and lead this club. With an improved cast, expect improved numbers. Up next should be Schenn, but has has yet to be signed. I don't anticipate him playing anywhere else, but anything can happen. He is a vital cog in this defensive machine. Schenn is most notable for blocking shots and throwing hits. His 22 points are important especially as a 21 year old. There is still time to grow - a lot of it. Komisarek comes in at a ridiculous $4.5 million a year...for another three years! This is unthinkable. The signings of Finger and Komisarek are laughable. Although he provides a much needed service in protection, the cap hit isn't justified. He plays about 13 minutes a game and ended last season with ten points. Not good. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Liles was a fantastic acquisition  The Leafs gave up a 2nd round pick in 2012 that once belonged to the Bruins. A small price to pay for a talented defenseman. With one year remaining on the contract at $4.2 million, Liles has a chance to prove himself in their system and possibly earn a long-term contract. Gunnarsson is beginning to take on a larger role for this organization. Increased ice time last season provided him with a chance to prove his worthiness. They may be baby steps, but if this player keeps progressing he will be a mainstay. As stated above, the trade for Franson was an absolute steal. In Nashville, Franson was turning into one of the better defenseman on that squad. This obviously excludes Weber and Suter. Either way, Franson could easily be a top-four defenseman on this team. Lastly, we have Aulie. Although he didn't shine in his first season, Aulie did get some experience playing in the big league. He should see some ice time this season and his future depends on that time.


Defensive Score: B-


Between the pipes, Toronto has Reimer and Gustavsson. Reimer really broke onto the scene last season with a stellar performance going 20-10-5. That's quite a record for a rookie. And with a save percentage above 92%, this kid looks to have a bright future. I'm going to need at least another season of play to actually determine what Reimer can do. Gustavsson is a monster who was highly touted when he first came into the NHL. Unfortunately expectations were too high and injuries were too often. If "No Reimer Reason" struggles early, Gustavsson will have a chance to reclaim his reputation. 


Goaltending Score: B-


This team has a legitimate shot at the playoffs. Will they pull the trigger?