Twitter: @NickSymon
1. Anaheim Ducks- The return of age-less 41 year old Teemu Selanne has Ducks management breathing a sigh of relief, providing them with secondary scoring after their big three of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan. The bigger return to the Ducks could possibly be goaltender Jonas Hiller who has said he is full recovered from his bout with vertigo. Hiller can be an elite goalie when healthy and could be the x-factor for the Ducks to compete with the Sharks & Kings for the Pacific division.
2. Boston Bruins- There is always the concern of a Stanley Cup hangover but the Bruins have more than enough depth to overcome that. Sophomore Tyler Seguin could be the breakout player in 2011-12 after his dazzling performance in the latter half of last year’s playoffs. Seguin will probably stay on the wing this season which should see him get top-six minutes.
3. Buffalo Sabres- No one made a bigger impact in the off-season then the Sabres did. Sabres owner, Terry Pegula has brought the passion and more importantly the money to Buffalo – a perpetual small market team where players develop and then leave for the bigger pay day. New faces around the Sabres locker room include, Ville Leino, former Flame Robyn Regehr and Christian Ehrhoff, who join a healthy Derek Roy, up and coming Tyler Ennis and arguably the best goalie in the league, Ryan Miller. The Sabres should compete for the top spot in the east and possibly Lord Stanley’s mug in the spring.
4. Calgary Flames- I hate to be a broken record but the burning question in Calgary is, will the Flames be able to continue their success they enjoyed late last season, which saw them fall just short of the playoffs? Or was it just a team on a hot streak that is continuing to age? Personally I look more at the latter, hoping they prove me wrong. Captain Jarome Iginla continues to carry the team on his back as he approaches 500 career goals (484). Mikael Backlund was in line for a breakout year as he was slotted to play in between Iggy and Alex Tanguay on the Flames top line, but now with his recent injury he won’t likely see action until sometime in November – a big loss for the team, but possibly a bigger loss for Backlund’s development.
5. Carolina Hurricanes- Falling just two points short of the playoffs last season, the Hurricanes will once again be in tough to make it this year. There will be lots of pressure on sophomore Jeff Skinner to back-up his Calder trophy winning season. Skinner was everything and more the Hurricanes could have expected last year and I wouldn’t worry of any setback for this kid. The ‘Canes roster is pretty similar to last years with the notable additions of winger Anthony Stewart (Atlanta/Winnipeg) and defensemen Tomas Kaberle (Boston).
6. Chicago Blackhawks- The Hawks were one goal away from pulling off a 0-3 series comeback to the Vancouver Canucks. This year will be much different as the Hawks shouldn’t find themselves in 8th place. There will be heavy pressure on goaltender Corey Crawford to prove that he can be the number 1 throughout an entire season. A healthy David Bolland and veteran additions of Andrew Brunette, Jamal Mayers and Dan Carcillo should have the Hawks competing for the Central Division title.
7. Colorado Avalanche- the Avs took a step backwards last year after reaching the playoffs the year before. After a couple of questionable moves by GM Greg Sherman, trading away Chris Stewart and over-paying for goaltender Semyon Varlamov, things might not be a bleak as it seems in Denver. The Avs got a potential franchise defensemen in the Stewart trade with Eric Johnson and have a very young core up front, which is only going to get better with time. 2nd overall pick, Gabriel Landeskog is the early favourite for rookie of the year.
8. Columbus Blue Jackets- Scott Howson didn’t sit back this off-season but really didn’t have a choice. Howson, who is no doubt on the hot seat. not only looked to improve his club this summer but also tried to help save the franchise in Columbus. Jeff Carter will finally give Rick Nash his first bona-fide number one centre. Carter and Nash could become one of the best duos in the league. With the addition of Carter as well as defensemen James Wisniewski, it could be a make or break season for Howson and the Jackets.
9. Dallas Stars- It was a messy summer for the Stars. Between questions surrounding their ownership and the loss of star centre Brad Richards, times in Dallas have been brighter. The Stars still have some young talent with Loui Eriksson, Jamie Benn and Alex Goligoski, which won’t make them push overs in the West but the Stars will no doubt be in tough to make the playoffs with the loss of Richards.
10. Detroit Red Wings- The ageless Red Wings saw a couple of their ‘old’ core players retire this summer as both Kris Draper and Chris Osgood decided to call it a career. Like usual, the Red Wings have been grooming players like Darren Helm to replace older players and probably are the best in the league at doing so. Nicklas Lidstrom returns for most likely his last season and will help the Wings continue to be perennial Cup contenders.
11. Edmonton Oilers- Two years, two number 1 draft picks. The future is bright in Edmonton but patience might be the best word around the organization. Number one overall pick, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins proved this pre-season that he has the talent to play with the big club, but how long will the Oilers give him? The nine game window will come quick for RNH, and the question that remains is he ready for the NHL, and is it best for his development to play right away? We all know what happened with a smallish skilled forward name Brule who started his NHL career too early…
12. Florida Panthers- Other than the Flyers, no team went through a makeover like the Panthers did. Potentially 12 new faces, including rookie defensemen Erik Gudbranson could be in Florida’s opening day roster. The Panthers once again won’t be competing for a playoff spot but it could be an important season for young players like Gudbranson and goaltender Jacob Markstrom if they manage to crack the Panthers roster.
13. Los Angeles Kings- Drew Doughty is back, which is a relief for all of Kings nation. The contract hold-out between the Kings and Doughty has been an ugly one and there is no doubt the Kings need Doughty to become one of the elite teams in the NHL. After acquiring Mike Richards from the Flyers to give the Kings one of the best 1-2 punches down the middle with him and Anze Kopitar. The contract dilemma with Doughty has over shadowed everything GM Dean Lombardi did to improve his club over the summer.
14. Minnesota Wild- Things are changing in Minny as fans wanted more exciting hockey. General Manager Chuck Fletcher delivered as he acquired both Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi from the San Jose Sharks – two guys known for being able to put the puck in the net. Nothing comes free unfortunately as the Wild gave up franchise defensemen Brent Burns in the Heatley trade. Pressure will be on the defence with the loss of Burns.
15. Montreal Canadiens- In my eyes, Carey Price will be a top-5 goaltender in the league if he isn’t already. Last year Price proved that not only can he handle the pressure in Montreal but he can also carry the team on his back. Price will get a lot more help in front of him as Josh Gorges and Andrei Markov both return from season ending injuries last year. The Canadiens over-paid for winger Erik Cole but something tells me he along with Mike Cammalleri and Tomas Plekanec will be a very good top line.
16. Nashville Predators- Nothing is new in the Music city, as once again the Preds will score by committee led from the back-end by franchise defensemen Shea Weber and Ryan Suter. The biggest question surrounding the Preds is the long term uncertainty of Weber. Weber has one more season after this before he becomes a UFA but after a ugly arbitration hearing between he and the club, pressure to lock up Weber is GM David Poile’s number one priority as both Suter and goaltender Pekka Rinne are UFA’s after this season as well.
17. New Jersey Devils- Last year, even after a hot finish, was a complete disaster for the Devils, who for the first time since 1996 missed the playoffs. New coach Peter DeBoer has the task of trying to get this team to gel and back into the playoffs. Martin Brodeur isn’t getting any younger and wasn’t at his best last season. The bigger question in New Jersey is what to do with Zach Parise if they are unable to lock him up long term.
18. New York Islanders- Time is ticking on the Long Island as the team’s future in New York looks bleak. Regardless, Garth Snow has done a pretty good job at assembling some good young talent. Locking up franchise player, John Tavares, long term was also a good sign for the franchise that might surprise some teams this season.
19. New York Rangers- The lack of a number one centre wasn’t more evident in the Rangers 1st round loss to the Capitals last season. Que, Brad Richards who will re-join his former coach John Tortorella and the blue shirts. Star players usually die when they go to the Big Apple but in Richards’s case, I think he will be the complete opposite. The Rangers could be another dark-horse team with Richards and all-star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.
20. Ottawa Senators- It’s tough to predict what kind of team the Sens will be this season. One could say they will struggle like they did last year, while another could say they can compete since their healthy. To me there are just too many question marks around the Sens to make them a playoff team in my eyes. A group of young players, Mika Zibanejad, Erik Karlsson and David Rundblad could be fun to watch as they are the core of the Sens future. One more player to watch in the Nation’s Capital is Nikita Filatov who fell out of favor in Columbus after being one of the most sought after prospects in the league a couple years ago.
21. Philadelphia Flyers- The only change the Flyers didn’t make to their team in the off-season was re-naming their franchise. Out are what was supposed to be the Flyers core for years to come, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter. Replacing them, Ilya Bryzgalov, 39-year old Jaromir Jagr, Brayden Schenn, Jakub Voracek and Wayne Simmonds. Reports said the Flyers locker room was divided with Richards and Carter so only time will tell if GM Paul Holmgren knows what he is doing. If the Flyers gel quickly, new captain Chris Pronger stays healthy and Bryzgalov gives stability in net, the Flyers will once again be a top team in the east.
22. Phoenix Coyotes- Another team with an uncertain future has also been one of the biggest surprises the last two seasons. Coach Dave Tippett is no doubt one of the best in the league, leading his underdog Coyotes to two consecutive playoff appearances. With the off-season moves, that trend might end. Tippett no longer has Ilya Bryzgalov to rely on in net. Replacing Bryzgalov is Mike Smith along with returning back-up Jason LaBarbera. Tandem and committee are the best words when describing the Coyotes this season.
23. Pittsburgh Penguins- Much like the Kings, the Pens are waiting on their franchise player to return to the team. Sidney Crosby has made significant strides the last couple of weeks, skating without contact, which makes it seem he might not miss much time at all as he recovers from his concussion. Unlike the Kings though, the Pens are in a better position without Crosby than the Kings are without Doughty. The Pens led by Head Coach Dan Bylsma is a team strong in every aspect and will have a healthy Evgeni Malkin to start the season. With a healthy Crosby, the Pens are my favourite to win the Cup.
24. San Jose Sharks- Another Conference Final appearance, another disappointment. No team has struggled to get to the next level more than the Sharks have in the last decade. There is no doubt the Sharks are an elite team but what will it take to get them to the Cup finals? GM Doug Wilson made two significant trades with the Wild, acquiring both Brent Burns and Martin Havlat. Burns helps the Sharks become more of a complete team at every position and this could truly be the season the Sharks get over that hump.
25. St. Louis Blues- A team on the rise got some very good news as David Perron has re-joined the team after a 10-month layoff due to a concussion. Perron still has a ways to go but that is a very positive sign for a team who is on the verge of breaking out. The acquisition of Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk near the end of the season was a brilliant move. The Blues look like they have the right mix of young and old throughout their roster which I think will help them get into the playoffs.
26. Tampa Bay Lightning- What a job GM Steve Yzerman and Head Coach Guy Boucher have done in just one season with the club. The Lightning went all the way to the Conference finals last season and with the continued growth of young superstar Steven Stamkos and reliable play from Marty St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier, it looks like the Lightning will continue to be a team to watch out for. The only question is in net where Dwayne Roloson gets a year older.
27. Toronto Maple Leafs- Here is another team right on the brink of the playoffs; will this be the year though? The Leafs have a solid group of forwards lead by Phil Kessel and a potent top 6 on defense, but questions surround goaltender James Reimer on whether he is the real deal. Reimer was brilliant last year and was rewarded with a new 3 year contract to be the Leafs number one. Reimer went from #4 on the Leafs depth chart to #1 and only played 37 games last season.
28. Vancouver Canucks- This is going to sound like a Flames fan favored opinion but in my eyes the Canucks will have a tough time making it back to the Cup final this season. Injuries to top-6 forwards Ryan Kesler and Mason Raymond have them out till at least November along with the Cup loss hangover, will have the Canucks off to a slow start. Roberto Luongo proved he needs an all-star team in front of him to truly win the big game and the last time I checked he isn’t playing for team Canada. The Canucks will end the season in the top 3 in the west but I don’t see much more than that from them.
29. Washington Capitals- My award for best off-season moves goes to the Capitals and GM George McPhee. The Capitals lacked the combination of grit/goal scoring big time. McPhee probably over paid for both Troy Brouwer and Jason Ward but along with the addition of Jeff Halpern and the re-signing of Brooks Laich, gives the Capitals possibly the best 4 lines in the league. McPhee also brought in veteran defensemen Roman Hamrlik and the bargain of the summer, goaltender Tomas Vokoun who will not only provide solid goaltending but also provide mentoring to Michael Neuvirth. If Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin can finally prove they can win, the Capitals might be hoisting the Cup next June.
30. Winnipeg Jets- JETS JETS JETS! There isn’t a city on this planet more excited for a hockey season to start. Winnipeg deserved another shot with an NHL team and I can’t be more excited for the organization and the fans. The Jets have some good pieces in place from the former Atlanta Thrashers with Evander Kane, Andrew Ladd, Zach Bogosian and Ondrej Pavelec so it will be up to GM Kevin Cheveldayoff to bring in the right pieces to make sure the ‘new’ Jets are successful. Mark Scheifele, who was a bit of a surprise pick at number 7 in last June’s draft, has looked very good so far in the pre-season and will be a player to watch.
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