NHL preview
Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 12:36 pm
With the NHL now less than 3 weeks away i decided due mainly to bordom and bad Poker luck online to do this lengthy preview to the season.
Hopefully this will spark others to do their own previews or even just some good debate on the points il be going over.
The preview will be split into two sections East & West. I will go over every team and at the end go over the likely playoff boys, the rebuild boys and new challengers. There will also be a top 10 players to watch for each conference,
Western Conference
Anaheim Mighty Ducks
What better team to start the preview with than Tasku's second favourite team! The Ducks have been through a whole summer of change with the Change in ownership, soon followed by the hiring of Brian Burke as the new GM. Burkey has not hesitated at all in shaping the team to what he wants. The Ducks have added very big names this pre-season, and none bigger than Scott Niedermayer. The NHL's best offensive Defensemen joins the Ducks to play with brother Rob.
The Ducks also shipped Rucchin to the Rangers and added fan favourite Teemu Selanne who was a UFA.
The Ducks this year are a hard one to call. Burke will make the Ducks a Goal scoring force but unless Fedorov and Selanne play very well and stay fit the Ducks may be in their usual 12th-9th position.
Key Move
Scott Niedermayer - UFA signing - $6.75million 05/06
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are one of my favourite teams and the moves they have made will make them even stronger this year. The Flames have added players such as Roman Hamrlik, Darren Mcarty and Tony Amonte. Of course in my opinion the two big moves the team made were with RFA's in re-signing Franchise player Jarome Iginla and Goaltender Mikka Kipprusoff.
The Calgary Flames this year look very tasty, they have a excellent roster, and with their fans they deserve a Cup, and this season they should have no problem in challenging and making the latter rounds of the playoffs.
Key Move
Jarome Iginla - RFA signing - $7million 05/06
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks have been for the last 5 years a neglected franchise on a par with the Penguins and Capitals. Little financial input and bad treatment of fans has left NHL hockey in the sewers in Chicago. But this year things have changed, in a BIG way!
The Blackhawks added one of the biggest UFA names this summer, probably second only to Forsberg to Philly, both the moves shocked the fans. The Bulin wall signed a multi-year $24.5million deal. The Hawks also added Barnaby and Adrian Aucoin.
The Hawks look once again like a challenger, and with their excellent young talent will be a big threat this season. Their player to watch this year is for sure Tuomo Ruutu who may explode this season
Key Move
Nikolai Khabibulin - UFA Signing - $6.75million 05/06
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche waved goodbye to Peter Forsberg and Adam Foote this summer after deciding to keep Joe Sakic and Rob Blake, who eat up 25% of their cap space. The Avs still have Alex Tanguay and Milan Hejduk who are big players for them this season.
The Avalanche also snapped up Pierre Turgeon who could be anything this year who knows?? and Andrew Brunette who many feel is underrated.
The Avalanche are still a decent team and should make the post season but in Goal they lack depth and David Aebischer is going to be watched closely once again.
Key Move
Milan Hejduk - RFA signing - $3.7million 05/06
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets also made some big money moves in the Player market this year, but didnt have to make that many as they already had 19 players on the books. They moved for Adam Foote and Bryan Berard for their Blue line for a combined total of $6.5million. Of course the major move they made was in tying down the young Goal scorer Rick Nash who signed a multi-year deal for around $20million.
The Jackets have a strong team, but not much stronger than the 03/04 campaign, and with only Rick Nash and maybe Zherdev as big point scorers then they may miss out again, but their future is rosie with many a good prospect in their system.
Key Move
Rick Nash - RFA signing - $3.5million 05/06
Dallas Stars
The Stars surprising to many only dropped Pierre Turgeon's contract this off season and subsequently keeping their core should keep the Stars competitive. Bill Guerin, Zubov, Arnott etc are all staying along with Mike Modano who signed a 5year deal which will most likely mean in 2010/2011 Modano's jersey is retired.
After losing a few players on their blueline the Stars quickly snapped up Martin Skoula and Robidas. Of course they still have Marty Turco in Goal who is a very good goalie and will need to play well for Dallas thats for sure if they have any ideas about going far.
Key Move
Mike Modano - UFA Signing - $4.25million 05/06
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings have gone in a new direction or at least signalled they are about to as the franchise signed new coach Mike Babcock from the Ducks. The Wings still have their veteran feel with class acts Shanahan, Yzerman and Lang back for the 05/06 campaign, along with UFA signing Chris Osgood. Ken Holland the GM also after buying out the contracts of McCarty, Hatcher, etc did a good job in replacing them with solid guys in Andreas Lilja and Andy Delmore.
The Wings still are 90% a veteran class outfit, but this year may see the breakthrough of a couple of good youngsters in Defenceman Niklas Kronwall and centre Jiri Hudler, who should get some time in Hockeytown. I expect them to win the Central.
Key Move
Should be Datsyuk well have to wait and see, otherwise not many other big splashes, probably Osgood or Yzerman
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have certainly struck gold in some of their moves this year, especially with the acquisition of Chris Pronger from the troubled Blues. Pronger is joined by Michael Peca who was traded for Michael York.
The Oilers are solid on the Blueline and have some good offensive guys, Dvorak, Smyth, Hemsky, etc its just a question of whether they gel and step up a level to get the Oilers back in the playoffs.
One Question is in net where Ty Conklin and Jussi Maarkanen will have a lot to do for the Oilers this season, especially with the new rules.
Key Move
Chris Pronger - TRADE - $6.25million 05/06
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings saw an opportunity and pounced when Forsberg joined the Flyers. They knew Roenick was available and snapped him up for future considerations. The Kings also signed Pavol Demitra who is capable of scoring big like Roenick and Craig Conroy and Valeri Bure.
The Kings also re-signed RFA Frolov who is expected to be their Franchise Player for years to come. He signed a five-year deal after leading the Kings with 24 goals during 2003-04 and finished second in team scoring with 48 points.
Goaltenders Mathieu Garon & Jason Labarbera were signed to sure up the Kings net.
With the NHL, and especially the West being so close this year its anyones guess where the Kings end up, but im thinking 11th-13th.
Key Move
Jeremy Roenick - TRADE - $4.94million 05/06
Minnesota Wild
The Wild are once again showing their ambition by staying $110,000 above the cap FLOOR. Seriously the Wild still have financial constraints and for the money spent they have an ok team, led by Marian Gaborik.
The Wild have added Brian Rolston, Todd White, Andrei Nazarov, Scott Ferguson, Kurtis Foster, Daniel Tjarnqvist, Joey Tetarenko, Erik Westrum, Dustin Wood, and said good bye to Brunette and Richard Park. As seen here the Wild are clearly going for Character. Be it a positive spin on spending just £12million/$23million or the truth the Wild wont surprise anyone if they make the post season, but i think they will struggle.
Key Move
Manny Fernandez - RFA signing - $1.67milion 05/06
Nashville Predators
The Predators have shown a tad more ambition than the Wild making a shock move and a successful one for Paul Kariya. The Predators remain sort of the same as they did in 03/04. They already have a good young defence that features Timonen, Mark Eaton, Zidlicky and Hamhuis. The addition of Danny Markov only makes them much deeper. They also have a good speedy and young attack, and with Sullivan and Kariya they will be fast.
Vokoun played a huge part in getting Nashville to the post season in 2004 and should be a reliable guy once again.
Key Move
Paul Kariya - UFA signing - $4.5million
Phoenix Coyotes
Well you have to start with the Great one, as we all know Wayne Gretzky took over as Head Coach of the Coyotes this year and everyone in the Hockey world is waiting to see how the team responds. Since he took the role the club sold an extra 2,000 season tickets so his influence is still enormous, and that number is growing, especially with some interesting additions.
The Coyotes before the lockout signed Mike Ricchi, Petr Nedved and Brett Hull these 3 all have contracts for the 05/06 campaign. The Coyotes also signed Oleg Saprykin and Denis Gauthier, not to mention Curtis Joseph.
The Coyotes also have there own players such as Mike Comrie, Tanabe, and Doan and this team could be a playoff team this year, but as i have said before there are so many teams in the West this year who look good, its how they play which will tell, but i fancy the Coyotes this year.
Key Move
Brett Hull - UFA signing - $1.69million 05/06
San Jose Sharks
The Sharks cleaned out after their 2004 trip to the Conference finals and are ready to give their youth movement a try. They have impressive forwards Cheechoo and Marleau, and Nabokov in goal. They also expect to see a prospect called Milan Michalek. He was sidelined with a torn ACL early in the 2003-2004 season, and had three operations on his injured knee in one year. With solid rehab, he could be ready in the fall
The Sharks this season will be good but how good??
Key Move
Patrick Marleau - RFA signing - $4million
St.Louis Blues
The Blues are 60million in debt and are being sold by their walmart owners, they traded Pronger to Edmonton to keep some of their big names and only time will tell if that was the correct decision.
They have Patrick Lalime for net, Keith Tkachuk, Doug Weight, Eric Boguniecki, Dallas Drake and Mike Sillinger for the top forward positions, and Jackman on the Blueline.
They have not missed the playoffs in 20odd years, maybe its time that ended
Key Move
Patrick Lalime - UFA signing - $2.4million
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are my tip for the Western Conference top spot. I think that keeping hold of Markus Naslund was huge and with what seems to be an unfazed Bertuzzi back in the fold the Canucks will be a high scoring powerhouse
The Canucks have made a few additions, Richard Park, Anson Carter, Steve McCarthy, Josh Green, are the key ones. Of course the major move was Naslund who re-signed.
The only question marks for the canucks are over the blueline and net, after losing Malik to the Blueshirts and with Cloutier the number one goalie the Canucks may need to trade to sure up the back.
Key Move
Markus Naslund - Re-signed UFA - $6million
LIKELY PLAYOFF TEAM'S
The Western Conference this upcomin season will be terrific, the teams are so close with only a couple looking above the pack. There is not one team here who is not capable of making the playoffs. My tip; Vancouver Canucks will make it easily with Naslund and Bert, they will win the Northwest and the Conference. San Jose will win the Pacific Division and the Red Wings will win the Central. The Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks will all be fighting for those 5 places.
REBUILDERS & NEW CHALLENGERS
I think that the Blues will end the year trading players for picks and youngsters and go in the direction of the Rangers. The Jackets are still kind of building and are doing a terrific job in doing so. The Kings may alos end up trading around january for picks. The new challengers well i believe Phoenix, Edmonton and Chicago will be top 10
TOP 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH
(be it new player for club or top NHL talent here it is)
1. Jarome Iginla
2. Rick Nash
3. Todd Bertuzzi
4. Markus Naslund
5. Nikolai Khabibulin
6. Scott Niedermayer
7. Chris Pronger
8. Marian Gaborik
9. Tuomo Ruutu
10. Paul Kariya
Eastern Conference
Atlanta Thrashers
The Atlanta Thrashers are one of the most improved teams in the NHL compared to their 03/04 lineup. Whilst trading Dany Heatley and struggling to ink superstar Russian Ilya Kovalchuk the Thrashers have aquired Marian Hossa, Peter Bondra, Greg De Vries, Mike Dunham & Bobby Holik. The Thrashers seem more than set for a run into the playoffs and the only thing they seem to be missing is an offensive defenseman.
Where the Thrashers seem very good is in net. Dunham who was released by the Rangers after his contract went is for sure a good Goalie, for a lot of his time in the big apple he was left exposed and more often than not a bombarded last defensive position. He should do well in Atlanta but an even more exciting young Goalie is arriving. Lehtonen had an impressive 4-0 record and 1.26 goals-against average in Atlanta's last 4 regualr season games of the 03/04 season. In his second season in the AHL, Lehtonen dominated with a 2.27 GAA and 38-17-2 record and led the Chicago Wolves all the way to the Calder Cup final, Lehtonen is shaping up to be a real star.
The Thrashers this season should be aiming for a top 8 finish, with the team they have, and a nice mix of youth and vets they could go far. BUT the key Question is will they have Kovalchuk because the difference with him could mean top 5 compared to top 8.
Key Move
Marian Hossa - TRADE - $5milion 05/06
Boston Bruins
The Bruins are one of the teams that has done an impressive job this offseason in signing players. Before the 'FA frenzy' the Bruins only had 5 players signed, they now have a complete roster which is heading to the playoffs.
The Bruins re-signed their Star franchise player Joe Thornton to a long term deal, and also re-signed RFA's Sergei Samsonov, Hal Gill, P.J.Axelsson, Jiri Slegr, and Goaltender Andrew Raycroft. The Bruins also signed a few UFA players, with the Biggest name arriving in Brian Leetch, who signed in Beantown for $4mil. The Bruins also signed Alexei Zhamnov who spent the 03/04 season in the Flyers Conference finals team.
The Bruins are very confident this year of a run at the cup, but will they actually make it past round 1 as they have failled to do now for a few yrs. In 03/04 they were 3-1 up against the Habs, only for them to end up losing 4-3. They should be in the playoffs but how far will they go??
Key Move
Joe Thornton - RFA signing - $6.666million 05/06
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres go into the 05/06 NHL season basically the same as the team that left the ice after game 82 in 2004. The Sabres have put a positive spin on no spending and re-signed every RFA they have had, well almost. The Sabres inked Martin Biron, Tim Connoly, JP Dumont, Daniel Briere, Jochen Hecht, Jay McKee, Maxim Afinogenov, Henrik Tallinder, Mike Grier and others who were all RFA's. The only UFA signing was Teppo Numminen who signed for $2million after leaving the Stars.
The Sabres are a good team, and in the new NHL they will try to challenge for a playoff spot, but i find this one hard to call. They need to replace Satan and Zhitnik from within which will be hard to do. The teams Goaltending also remains a question with Biron and Noronen sharing the duty. The Sabres will not finish in the bottom 2 but may just miss out again, probably bound for a 8th-12th position.
Key Move
Daniel Briere - RFA signing - $1.93million 05/06
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes, one of my least favourite teams, but il give them as much as everyone else. A problem of the 03/04 season, which is still at the forefront for the Hurricanes is where will they get goals from? especially after losing Jeff O'Neill to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The burden will likely fall to young Eric Staal who scored 11 goals in the 03/04 season and will be looking for an improvement in that total this season. The Hurricanes acquired several UFA's but none of major talent. They signed Oleg Tverdovsky, Cory Stillman, Ray Whitney and traded for Mike Commodore.
The Net is where they look ok, with the number one Martin gerber and prospect Cam Ward who in the AHL posted a 27-17-3 record with 6 shutouts and a impressive 1.99 GAA.
The Hurricanes for me will definitely struggle because they suck.
Key Move
Cory Stillman - UFA signing - $1.75million 05/06
Florida Panthers
The Panthers this year look very good compared to what they were. With a Franchise that arguably boasts the best crop of prospects in the league, they wasted no time in acquiring veterans. In the UFA market the Panthers set the veteran contract at 2.25million by inking Gary Roberts and Joe Nieuwendyk to 2.25mill each. The Panthers also signed Jozef Stumpel & Martin Gelinas who left the Flames and headed south, well way south from Calgary.
The Panthers should be most excited and happy about the RFA business they did in inking Olli Jokinen for $2.5million and Roberto Luongo through arbitration to $3.2million for the 05/06 season. They also re-signed RFA's Jay Bouwmeester, Heelius and Mike Van Ryn.
The Panthers look like a good team this year, and barring injuries or anything troublesome they are looking at top 10.
Key Move
Roberto Luongo - RFA signing after arbitration - $3.2million 05/06
Montreal Canadiens
The Habs look in good stead to make the post-season once again in 2006. The Canadiens biggest splash came in the UFA market re-signing star forward Alexei Kovalev to a 4year $18million deal, which will see Kovalev make 4.5million dollars a year. The only other major UFA signed was Dandenault.
The big moves the Habs had to make and did were in the Restricted Free Agency market with Ryder, Koivu and Theodore all needing new contracts which were delivered. Saku Koivu the Habs star Fin signed for $3.42million, whilst Jose Theodore their Franchise Goaltender signed for $4.5million. The Habs also signed RFA's Jan Bulis, Mike Ribeiro, Michael Ryder, Andrei Markov and Pierre Dagenais.
The Canadiens are a great team and should without a doubt get into the playoffs, where i hope they will go far.
Key Move
Alexei Kovalev - UFA signing - $4.5million 05/06
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils enter the 05/06 season with Martin Brodeur still between the pipes, but without two of their magnificent blueliners. Scotty Niedermayer departed this summer to Anaheim to play with his Bro Rob, and Veteran Scott Stevens decided enough was enough and retired. But The Devils GM signed some good UFA players to plug the holes left. New Jersey re-signed Brian Rafalski and added Vladimir Malakhov, Alexander Mogilny and Dan McGillis from Unrestricted free agency.
In the RFA market the Devils made some significant signings, inking Patrik Elias, Scott Gomez, Jeff Friesen, Viktor Kozlov, Colin White, Jamie Langenbrunner, and Brian Gionta.
As we all know between the pipes they have the NHL's number one guy Martin Brodeur, and in terms of prospects this upcoming season should see Devils Albany River Rats prospect Zach Parise make the team who scored 58 points in 78 AHL games last year.
The Devils still look like a great team, but in the new NHL how will this defensive powerhouse adopt the new style? try and turn it into a defence game again or change to attack? who knows but they should comfortably make the post season
Key Move
Patrik Elias - RFA signing - $4.18million 05/06
New York Islanders
The NY Islanders lost their top two D men this summer like New Jersey, with Adrian Aucoin joining the Blackhawks and Roman Hamrlik going to Calgary. Mike Milbury did a good job in getting in replacements from the UFA market, he signed Alexei Zhitnik and Brad Lukowich. The big UFA splash the Islanders made was in signing Miroslav Satan for $4million a year, who replaces Michael Peca who was traded for Mike York. Satan and York could also be the key to getting Alexei Yashin playing and producing well again.
The Islanders also completed their roster by signing around a dozen RFA's, number 1 being young goaltender Rick DiPietro. Sopel, Kvasha, Hunter, Bates, Martinek, Papineau and Godard also were signed.
Two key Islander prospects Robert Nilsson & Petteri Nokelainen signed rookie deals and will likely break into the team in the 06/07 season but may get some early action.
The NY Islanders this season will be ok but they wont be above 8th, well thats my opinion, and could go as low as 12th.
New York Rangers
The Broadway Blueshirts enter the 2005/2006 season with a mindset on rebuilding through draft picks and youth acquisitions. The Rangers since January 2004 have been amassing picks and players which may this season start to show some fruition. 3 players for the future signed youth deals, Hugh Jessiman, AL Montoya and most notably Henriq Lundqvist. Lundqvist is in my opinion the most exciting prospect the Rangers have who already has been getting rave reviews from the players at camp. He has won MVP awards in Sweden and has international experience.
The Rangers have also to maintain a competitive team, trade stock and to give advice and guidance to the youngsters, a group of UFA veterans. Martin Straka and Rucinsky join Jaromir Jagr as does Marek Malik. The Rangers also traded a high draft pick for likely new captain Steve Rucchin. Add to that Jason Ward, Michal Roszival, Ville Nieminen and already in place Kasparitis and Michael Nylander and the Rangers still have many veterans.
But this still is a rebuild as the Opening of camp showed with 60 odd players taking part and still many a youngster involved including prospects such as Nigel Dawes, Marc Staal, and Jarkko Immonen.
Overrall the Rangers are a mixed bag, and the prospects at most are mediocre with a handful of greats such as lundqvist and tyutin, but no one ever said a rebuild happens overnight, the Rangers are still a long way from challenging and i expect a long haul and bottom 3 finish.
Key Move
Henriq Lundqvist - Rookie Deal - $850,000 05/06
Ottawa Senators
The Senators come into the 05/06 campaign looking extremely strong and already has the look of a champion team. Recently they downed Toronto in a friendly 5-2 and their new boy Dany Heatley registered two assists. A normal friendly i would dismiss as just a friendly, dont worry that Phoenix lost 7-0 to the wild, it aint gonna happen again, but Toronto vs ottawa when or wherever is heated and competitive.
The Ottawa Senators have basically the team that ended the 03/04 campaign with a few subtractions and a few additions. Dominik Hasek was signed in 2004 and will finally play for the Senators this year. Dany Heatley was traded for Marian Hossa and Greg de Vries. The Sens also waved goodbye to Goalie Patrick Lalime who is now in St.Louis.
RFA's re-signed include Martin Havlat, Mike Fisher, and Jason Spezza. Spezza has already expressed his delight at the Franchises choice to dump Jacques Martin and his Defensive style and hiring of Bryan Murray who will bring offense and more offense.
The Senators look extremely good and are my tip for the PResidents trophy and i think they or Vancouver will win the Stanley Cup, i just do, but my #1 tip is the Senators.
Key Move
Dany Heatley - TRADE - $3.5million 05/06
Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers enter the 2005/06 campaign touted by pundits and fans alike as the top team, destined to win the cup in 06. Indeed the Flyers on paper look awesome, but seriously if Forsberg gets a 03-04 style injury and their prospects only break in with 40pts each, you see where im going im not so sure but they do look an awesome outfit.
Of course the Key Flyers addition was Peter Forsberg who decided to join the Flyers after the Avs said they were keeping Joe Sakic and Rob Blake. Forsberg has signed a 2-yr deal and will earn $5.75million this yr. The Flyers also added from the UFA market Derian Hatcher, Mike Rathje, and Brian Savage.
The key RFA signings are Simon Gagne, Robert Esche and Kim Johnsson for the Flyers who are all great and key players for the team. Also Jeff Carter and Mike Richards signed pro deals and should take up positions on 2 of philly's top 3 lines.
The Flyers also have another young star in the pipes. Antero Niittymaki in three games with the Flyers in 2003-2004, went 3-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average and .961 save percentage. He also guided the AHL Phantoms to the Calder Cup.
The Flyers said goodbye to Amonte, Roenick, Recchi, and LeClair and welcome Forsberg and a new array of talent, they are quality and will make the playoffs, but how far? they should and i think they will make it past the first round but i fancy ottawa and Tampa more but it depends on the playoff tree who makes the conference finals
Key Move
Peter Forsberg - UFA signing - $5.75million 05/06
Pittsburgh Penguins
Its hard to say in a few lines what has happened in the last few months with the Penguins. As the lockout was ending they were braced for more rebuilding and the struggle with the mellon arena's lease which ends very soon, etc, but after the change in ownership and Draft Lottery, well they have gone from basement to cup hopeful.
Yes the Pittsburgh Penguins a team who in the 03/04 season struggled to fill a line of seats now has record season ticket sales and many a jersey sold thanks to the 'next one' Sidney Crosby who will make his first NHL appearance hopefully on the 5.10.05 against the Devils. Crosby does seem to be the real deal and will be a crowd puller but what about the whole team and will they make the playoffs?
The Penguins new ownership change means this year that they will spend around $30,000,000 on salary instead of probably $23,000,000. They have signed from the UFA market Zigmund Palffy, Sergei Gonchar, John Leclair, Andre Roy, Lyle Odelein, Steve Poapst and resigned Mario Lemieux. RFA deals include Konstantin Koltsov, Ryan Malone, and Dick Tarnstrom. The Pens also traded for Jocelyn Thibault from the Chicago Blackhawks as they snapped up Khabibulin.
The future looks increasingly bright for this rejuvinated franchise. The media circus surrounding Crosby will either grow (likely) or peter out, and with a new arena on the horizon, the only way is up. Aside Sidney the Pens also have Evgeni Malkin, a top youngster who will come in next season.
The Penguins are hopeful of a run at the cup, but like the flyers im not so sure. They have some great players but they lack depth, and if their veteran signings do a Rangers then they could finish 13th, but they should be top 11.
Key Move
Sidney Crosby - Picked 1st NHL 2005 entry Draft - $850,000+bonuses 05/06
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning had mixed fortunes this summer, losing a Playoff hero but re-signing their franchise boy and their top scorer. Yes Khabibulin signed in the Windy City, but the Lightning inked Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St.Louis to long-term deals, which will make them a lot of $$$$$.
The Lightning have been very very quiet in the UFA market, with their main capital tied up in the RFA's. They signed two players from Unrestricted free agency, Rob DiMaio and Sean Burke join the Defending Champs. UFA's lost include Brad Lukowich, Ben Clymer, Cory Stillman and of course Nikolai Khabibulin.
The Lightning were big spenders in the RFA market tying up $12.5million in two players - Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St.Louis. Dan Boyle, Dave Andreychuk and Nolan Prat were also re-signed.
There are a few Q's that hangover the Lightning, one being that they are on 37million and still need to sign 3 guys or play more youth, another being that my favourite Tampa player Brad Richards will be needing a new deal at the end of the year and its likely Tampa will have to move a lot of people if they want to maintain their top 3 guys, cos Richards who will probably score 80-100pts this year will want what vinny has.
Key Move
Vinny Lecavalier - RFA signing - $6.5million 05/06
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs will be quietly confident going into the new campaign with some interesting new players on the books. The Leafs said good bye to Joe Niewendyk and Gary Roberts who both signed for Florida on day 1 of the 'free agency frenzy'. The Leafs also parted ways with Rangers hero Brian Leetch and Alexander Mogilny.
Toronto have signed from the UFA market Forwards Jason Allison and Eric Lindros, two players who have suffered from concussions and will be key to the Leafs season, and have to stay fit. They also re-signed fan favourite Tie Domi who was targeted by the Penguins and NY Rangers. Mariusz Czerkawski and Brad Brown have also signed for the Leafs, whilst Steve Thomas is on a trial hoping to gain a 1yr deal.
The Maple Leafs in the RFA market have re-signed Aki Berg, Nik Antropov, Kilger, Delak, Tellqvist, Wilm, and Jean Sebastien-Aubin. The only key trade the Maple Leafs have made was near the Draft, they traded some 3rd round picks for Carolina's Jeff O'Neill.
The Maple Leafs still look like a very powerful team but there are question marks. Can the veteran forwards of Lindros and Allison score and keep fit? and will Jeff O'Neill better his very average 03/04 campaign? and what about in net? can Ed Belfour be relied upon at 40? the Questions are there but i still think Toronto will be a challenger.
Key Move
Eric Lindros - UFA signing - $1.55million 05/06
Washinton Capitals
Last but not least Tasku's Washington Capitals. Where to start?? well there is good news and bad for Caps fans this year, let us start on the good news, Ovechkin. At long last the highly touted Russian who has slipped off the radar thanks to Sidney Crosby will play for the Capitals. This guy is apparently a great person, who will play and work hard for the fans, his team and management and score lots of points. He could carry this team into contention faster than expected, but thats long-term.
The Bad news is the Capitals as a franchise stink. Extremely poor ownership and bad treatment of fans could mean the end of hockey in Washington, and if that did happen then it would probably be for the best. The Caps have 24 players under contract for $17,000,000, thats $6,000,000 under the cap floor! to put it into comparison in the English Premier League Frank Lampard - one player - makes £5.2million, thats $11million. The Capitals fans will not like the vibes the franchise is sending out this year thats for sure.
UFA signings include Andrew Cassels, Pettinger, Majesky, mathieu Biron, Brendan Witt and Jeff Halpern. Key RFA's include Zubrus, Eminger, Willsie and Ouellet.
Rookie Deals were signed by Alexander Ovechkin, Jeff Schultz, Mike Green, and Eric Fehr.
Basically the Capitals like the Rangers have some good young players, the Capitals have the best prospect aside Crosby in the NHL, but the Penguins have given Crosby Pallfy, LeClair, Lemieux, etc to play with, Ovechkin will have to do it himself. Along with the Rangers the Caps will be at the bottom all year, which is a pain but what can ya do?
Key Move
Alexander Ovechkin - Rookie Deal - $850,000+bonuses 05/06
LIKELY PLAYOFF TEAM'S
The Eastern Conference like the West looks to be very tight this year but with one difference, which is in the East you can see clear rebuilders, but thats for the next section.
In terms of teams likely to make the playoffs from the East, well take your pick! i think that Tampa Bay will win the Southeast Division, Philadelphia will win the Atlantic and Ottawa will top the Northeast and the Eastern Conference. Then its anyones guess, its extremely difficult to call, i think Montreal will get in, as should Boston. But then, its anyones guess. Atlanta could make the playoffs, they definitely will if Kovalchuk signs. Toronto, Florida, New Jersey, Pittsburgh, the Islanders, any could make it, the NHL is really shaping up to be an extremely brilliant season, with the Cap making teams closer than ever.
REBUILDERS & NEW CHALLENGERS
The Waashington Capitals will in my view be bottom for most of the season and have no ambition at all. The minimum amount a team must spend this year is $23million, Washington are currently on $17million. The fans deserve better and this season will only have one bright light which is Alexander Ovechkin. Hopefully they will have an ownership change or something that will make the team better.
The Rangers will also be around the basement as will Carolina. The Rangers like Washington are also in a rebuild with some good prospects who are hoping to break through this season such as Hugh Jessiman, Al Montoya and Jarkko Immonen. The one to watch is Henriq Lundqvist who could be the Rangers next Richter.
TOP 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH
(be it new player for club or top NHL talent here it is)
1. Sidney Crosby
2. Ilya Kovalchuk
3. Alexander Ovechkin
4. Peter Forsberg
5. Martin St.Louis
6. Henriq Lundqvist
7. Dany Heatley
8. Brad Richards
9. Vincent Lecavalier
10. Carter & Richards
Hopefully this will spark others to do their own previews or even just some good debate on the points il be going over.
The preview will be split into two sections East & West. I will go over every team and at the end go over the likely playoff boys, the rebuild boys and new challengers. There will also be a top 10 players to watch for each conference,
Western Conference
Anaheim Mighty Ducks
What better team to start the preview with than Tasku's second favourite team! The Ducks have been through a whole summer of change with the Change in ownership, soon followed by the hiring of Brian Burke as the new GM. Burkey has not hesitated at all in shaping the team to what he wants. The Ducks have added very big names this pre-season, and none bigger than Scott Niedermayer. The NHL's best offensive Defensemen joins the Ducks to play with brother Rob.
The Ducks also shipped Rucchin to the Rangers and added fan favourite Teemu Selanne who was a UFA.
The Ducks this year are a hard one to call. Burke will make the Ducks a Goal scoring force but unless Fedorov and Selanne play very well and stay fit the Ducks may be in their usual 12th-9th position.
Key Move
Scott Niedermayer - UFA signing - $6.75million 05/06
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are one of my favourite teams and the moves they have made will make them even stronger this year. The Flames have added players such as Roman Hamrlik, Darren Mcarty and Tony Amonte. Of course in my opinion the two big moves the team made were with RFA's in re-signing Franchise player Jarome Iginla and Goaltender Mikka Kipprusoff.
The Calgary Flames this year look very tasty, they have a excellent roster, and with their fans they deserve a Cup, and this season they should have no problem in challenging and making the latter rounds of the playoffs.
Key Move
Jarome Iginla - RFA signing - $7million 05/06
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks have been for the last 5 years a neglected franchise on a par with the Penguins and Capitals. Little financial input and bad treatment of fans has left NHL hockey in the sewers in Chicago. But this year things have changed, in a BIG way!
The Blackhawks added one of the biggest UFA names this summer, probably second only to Forsberg to Philly, both the moves shocked the fans. The Bulin wall signed a multi-year $24.5million deal. The Hawks also added Barnaby and Adrian Aucoin.
The Hawks look once again like a challenger, and with their excellent young talent will be a big threat this season. Their player to watch this year is for sure Tuomo Ruutu who may explode this season
Key Move
Nikolai Khabibulin - UFA Signing - $6.75million 05/06
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche waved goodbye to Peter Forsberg and Adam Foote this summer after deciding to keep Joe Sakic and Rob Blake, who eat up 25% of their cap space. The Avs still have Alex Tanguay and Milan Hejduk who are big players for them this season.
The Avalanche also snapped up Pierre Turgeon who could be anything this year who knows?? and Andrew Brunette who many feel is underrated.
The Avalanche are still a decent team and should make the post season but in Goal they lack depth and David Aebischer is going to be watched closely once again.
Key Move
Milan Hejduk - RFA signing - $3.7million 05/06
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets also made some big money moves in the Player market this year, but didnt have to make that many as they already had 19 players on the books. They moved for Adam Foote and Bryan Berard for their Blue line for a combined total of $6.5million. Of course the major move they made was in tying down the young Goal scorer Rick Nash who signed a multi-year deal for around $20million.
The Jackets have a strong team, but not much stronger than the 03/04 campaign, and with only Rick Nash and maybe Zherdev as big point scorers then they may miss out again, but their future is rosie with many a good prospect in their system.
Key Move
Rick Nash - RFA signing - $3.5million 05/06
Dallas Stars
The Stars surprising to many only dropped Pierre Turgeon's contract this off season and subsequently keeping their core should keep the Stars competitive. Bill Guerin, Zubov, Arnott etc are all staying along with Mike Modano who signed a 5year deal which will most likely mean in 2010/2011 Modano's jersey is retired.
After losing a few players on their blueline the Stars quickly snapped up Martin Skoula and Robidas. Of course they still have Marty Turco in Goal who is a very good goalie and will need to play well for Dallas thats for sure if they have any ideas about going far.
Key Move
Mike Modano - UFA Signing - $4.25million 05/06
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings have gone in a new direction or at least signalled they are about to as the franchise signed new coach Mike Babcock from the Ducks. The Wings still have their veteran feel with class acts Shanahan, Yzerman and Lang back for the 05/06 campaign, along with UFA signing Chris Osgood. Ken Holland the GM also after buying out the contracts of McCarty, Hatcher, etc did a good job in replacing them with solid guys in Andreas Lilja and Andy Delmore.
The Wings still are 90% a veteran class outfit, but this year may see the breakthrough of a couple of good youngsters in Defenceman Niklas Kronwall and centre Jiri Hudler, who should get some time in Hockeytown. I expect them to win the Central.
Key Move
Should be Datsyuk well have to wait and see, otherwise not many other big splashes, probably Osgood or Yzerman
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have certainly struck gold in some of their moves this year, especially with the acquisition of Chris Pronger from the troubled Blues. Pronger is joined by Michael Peca who was traded for Michael York.
The Oilers are solid on the Blueline and have some good offensive guys, Dvorak, Smyth, Hemsky, etc its just a question of whether they gel and step up a level to get the Oilers back in the playoffs.
One Question is in net where Ty Conklin and Jussi Maarkanen will have a lot to do for the Oilers this season, especially with the new rules.
Key Move
Chris Pronger - TRADE - $6.25million 05/06
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings saw an opportunity and pounced when Forsberg joined the Flyers. They knew Roenick was available and snapped him up for future considerations. The Kings also signed Pavol Demitra who is capable of scoring big like Roenick and Craig Conroy and Valeri Bure.
The Kings also re-signed RFA Frolov who is expected to be their Franchise Player for years to come. He signed a five-year deal after leading the Kings with 24 goals during 2003-04 and finished second in team scoring with 48 points.
Goaltenders Mathieu Garon & Jason Labarbera were signed to sure up the Kings net.
With the NHL, and especially the West being so close this year its anyones guess where the Kings end up, but im thinking 11th-13th.
Key Move
Jeremy Roenick - TRADE - $4.94million 05/06
Minnesota Wild
The Wild are once again showing their ambition by staying $110,000 above the cap FLOOR. Seriously the Wild still have financial constraints and for the money spent they have an ok team, led by Marian Gaborik.
The Wild have added Brian Rolston, Todd White, Andrei Nazarov, Scott Ferguson, Kurtis Foster, Daniel Tjarnqvist, Joey Tetarenko, Erik Westrum, Dustin Wood, and said good bye to Brunette and Richard Park. As seen here the Wild are clearly going for Character. Be it a positive spin on spending just £12million/$23million or the truth the Wild wont surprise anyone if they make the post season, but i think they will struggle.
Key Move
Manny Fernandez - RFA signing - $1.67milion 05/06
Nashville Predators
The Predators have shown a tad more ambition than the Wild making a shock move and a successful one for Paul Kariya. The Predators remain sort of the same as they did in 03/04. They already have a good young defence that features Timonen, Mark Eaton, Zidlicky and Hamhuis. The addition of Danny Markov only makes them much deeper. They also have a good speedy and young attack, and with Sullivan and Kariya they will be fast.
Vokoun played a huge part in getting Nashville to the post season in 2004 and should be a reliable guy once again.
Key Move
Paul Kariya - UFA signing - $4.5million
Phoenix Coyotes
Well you have to start with the Great one, as we all know Wayne Gretzky took over as Head Coach of the Coyotes this year and everyone in the Hockey world is waiting to see how the team responds. Since he took the role the club sold an extra 2,000 season tickets so his influence is still enormous, and that number is growing, especially with some interesting additions.
The Coyotes before the lockout signed Mike Ricchi, Petr Nedved and Brett Hull these 3 all have contracts for the 05/06 campaign. The Coyotes also signed Oleg Saprykin and Denis Gauthier, not to mention Curtis Joseph.
The Coyotes also have there own players such as Mike Comrie, Tanabe, and Doan and this team could be a playoff team this year, but as i have said before there are so many teams in the West this year who look good, its how they play which will tell, but i fancy the Coyotes this year.
Key Move
Brett Hull - UFA signing - $1.69million 05/06
San Jose Sharks
The Sharks cleaned out after their 2004 trip to the Conference finals and are ready to give their youth movement a try. They have impressive forwards Cheechoo and Marleau, and Nabokov in goal. They also expect to see a prospect called Milan Michalek. He was sidelined with a torn ACL early in the 2003-2004 season, and had three operations on his injured knee in one year. With solid rehab, he could be ready in the fall
The Sharks this season will be good but how good??
Key Move
Patrick Marleau - RFA signing - $4million
St.Louis Blues
The Blues are 60million in debt and are being sold by their walmart owners, they traded Pronger to Edmonton to keep some of their big names and only time will tell if that was the correct decision.
They have Patrick Lalime for net, Keith Tkachuk, Doug Weight, Eric Boguniecki, Dallas Drake and Mike Sillinger for the top forward positions, and Jackman on the Blueline.
They have not missed the playoffs in 20odd years, maybe its time that ended
Key Move
Patrick Lalime - UFA signing - $2.4million
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are my tip for the Western Conference top spot. I think that keeping hold of Markus Naslund was huge and with what seems to be an unfazed Bertuzzi back in the fold the Canucks will be a high scoring powerhouse
The Canucks have made a few additions, Richard Park, Anson Carter, Steve McCarthy, Josh Green, are the key ones. Of course the major move was Naslund who re-signed.
The only question marks for the canucks are over the blueline and net, after losing Malik to the Blueshirts and with Cloutier the number one goalie the Canucks may need to trade to sure up the back.
Key Move
Markus Naslund - Re-signed UFA - $6million
LIKELY PLAYOFF TEAM'S
The Western Conference this upcomin season will be terrific, the teams are so close with only a couple looking above the pack. There is not one team here who is not capable of making the playoffs. My tip; Vancouver Canucks will make it easily with Naslund and Bert, they will win the Northwest and the Conference. San Jose will win the Pacific Division and the Red Wings will win the Central. The Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks will all be fighting for those 5 places.
REBUILDERS & NEW CHALLENGERS
I think that the Blues will end the year trading players for picks and youngsters and go in the direction of the Rangers. The Jackets are still kind of building and are doing a terrific job in doing so. The Kings may alos end up trading around january for picks. The new challengers well i believe Phoenix, Edmonton and Chicago will be top 10
TOP 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH
(be it new player for club or top NHL talent here it is)
1. Jarome Iginla
2. Rick Nash
3. Todd Bertuzzi
4. Markus Naslund
5. Nikolai Khabibulin
6. Scott Niedermayer
7. Chris Pronger
8. Marian Gaborik
9. Tuomo Ruutu
10. Paul Kariya
Eastern Conference
Atlanta Thrashers
The Atlanta Thrashers are one of the most improved teams in the NHL compared to their 03/04 lineup. Whilst trading Dany Heatley and struggling to ink superstar Russian Ilya Kovalchuk the Thrashers have aquired Marian Hossa, Peter Bondra, Greg De Vries, Mike Dunham & Bobby Holik. The Thrashers seem more than set for a run into the playoffs and the only thing they seem to be missing is an offensive defenseman.
Where the Thrashers seem very good is in net. Dunham who was released by the Rangers after his contract went is for sure a good Goalie, for a lot of his time in the big apple he was left exposed and more often than not a bombarded last defensive position. He should do well in Atlanta but an even more exciting young Goalie is arriving. Lehtonen had an impressive 4-0 record and 1.26 goals-against average in Atlanta's last 4 regualr season games of the 03/04 season. In his second season in the AHL, Lehtonen dominated with a 2.27 GAA and 38-17-2 record and led the Chicago Wolves all the way to the Calder Cup final, Lehtonen is shaping up to be a real star.
The Thrashers this season should be aiming for a top 8 finish, with the team they have, and a nice mix of youth and vets they could go far. BUT the key Question is will they have Kovalchuk because the difference with him could mean top 5 compared to top 8.
Key Move
Marian Hossa - TRADE - $5milion 05/06
Boston Bruins
The Bruins are one of the teams that has done an impressive job this offseason in signing players. Before the 'FA frenzy' the Bruins only had 5 players signed, they now have a complete roster which is heading to the playoffs.
The Bruins re-signed their Star franchise player Joe Thornton to a long term deal, and also re-signed RFA's Sergei Samsonov, Hal Gill, P.J.Axelsson, Jiri Slegr, and Goaltender Andrew Raycroft. The Bruins also signed a few UFA players, with the Biggest name arriving in Brian Leetch, who signed in Beantown for $4mil. The Bruins also signed Alexei Zhamnov who spent the 03/04 season in the Flyers Conference finals team.
The Bruins are very confident this year of a run at the cup, but will they actually make it past round 1 as they have failled to do now for a few yrs. In 03/04 they were 3-1 up against the Habs, only for them to end up losing 4-3. They should be in the playoffs but how far will they go??
Key Move
Joe Thornton - RFA signing - $6.666million 05/06
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres go into the 05/06 NHL season basically the same as the team that left the ice after game 82 in 2004. The Sabres have put a positive spin on no spending and re-signed every RFA they have had, well almost. The Sabres inked Martin Biron, Tim Connoly, JP Dumont, Daniel Briere, Jochen Hecht, Jay McKee, Maxim Afinogenov, Henrik Tallinder, Mike Grier and others who were all RFA's. The only UFA signing was Teppo Numminen who signed for $2million after leaving the Stars.
The Sabres are a good team, and in the new NHL they will try to challenge for a playoff spot, but i find this one hard to call. They need to replace Satan and Zhitnik from within which will be hard to do. The teams Goaltending also remains a question with Biron and Noronen sharing the duty. The Sabres will not finish in the bottom 2 but may just miss out again, probably bound for a 8th-12th position.
Key Move
Daniel Briere - RFA signing - $1.93million 05/06
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes, one of my least favourite teams, but il give them as much as everyone else. A problem of the 03/04 season, which is still at the forefront for the Hurricanes is where will they get goals from? especially after losing Jeff O'Neill to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The burden will likely fall to young Eric Staal who scored 11 goals in the 03/04 season and will be looking for an improvement in that total this season. The Hurricanes acquired several UFA's but none of major talent. They signed Oleg Tverdovsky, Cory Stillman, Ray Whitney and traded for Mike Commodore.
The Net is where they look ok, with the number one Martin gerber and prospect Cam Ward who in the AHL posted a 27-17-3 record with 6 shutouts and a impressive 1.99 GAA.
The Hurricanes for me will definitely struggle because they suck.
Key Move
Cory Stillman - UFA signing - $1.75million 05/06
Florida Panthers
The Panthers this year look very good compared to what they were. With a Franchise that arguably boasts the best crop of prospects in the league, they wasted no time in acquiring veterans. In the UFA market the Panthers set the veteran contract at 2.25million by inking Gary Roberts and Joe Nieuwendyk to 2.25mill each. The Panthers also signed Jozef Stumpel & Martin Gelinas who left the Flames and headed south, well way south from Calgary.
The Panthers should be most excited and happy about the RFA business they did in inking Olli Jokinen for $2.5million and Roberto Luongo through arbitration to $3.2million for the 05/06 season. They also re-signed RFA's Jay Bouwmeester, Heelius and Mike Van Ryn.
The Panthers look like a good team this year, and barring injuries or anything troublesome they are looking at top 10.
Key Move
Roberto Luongo - RFA signing after arbitration - $3.2million 05/06
Montreal Canadiens
The Habs look in good stead to make the post-season once again in 2006. The Canadiens biggest splash came in the UFA market re-signing star forward Alexei Kovalev to a 4year $18million deal, which will see Kovalev make 4.5million dollars a year. The only other major UFA signed was Dandenault.
The big moves the Habs had to make and did were in the Restricted Free Agency market with Ryder, Koivu and Theodore all needing new contracts which were delivered. Saku Koivu the Habs star Fin signed for $3.42million, whilst Jose Theodore their Franchise Goaltender signed for $4.5million. The Habs also signed RFA's Jan Bulis, Mike Ribeiro, Michael Ryder, Andrei Markov and Pierre Dagenais.
The Canadiens are a great team and should without a doubt get into the playoffs, where i hope they will go far.
Key Move
Alexei Kovalev - UFA signing - $4.5million 05/06
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils enter the 05/06 season with Martin Brodeur still between the pipes, but without two of their magnificent blueliners. Scotty Niedermayer departed this summer to Anaheim to play with his Bro Rob, and Veteran Scott Stevens decided enough was enough and retired. But The Devils GM signed some good UFA players to plug the holes left. New Jersey re-signed Brian Rafalski and added Vladimir Malakhov, Alexander Mogilny and Dan McGillis from Unrestricted free agency.
In the RFA market the Devils made some significant signings, inking Patrik Elias, Scott Gomez, Jeff Friesen, Viktor Kozlov, Colin White, Jamie Langenbrunner, and Brian Gionta.
As we all know between the pipes they have the NHL's number one guy Martin Brodeur, and in terms of prospects this upcoming season should see Devils Albany River Rats prospect Zach Parise make the team who scored 58 points in 78 AHL games last year.
The Devils still look like a great team, but in the new NHL how will this defensive powerhouse adopt the new style? try and turn it into a defence game again or change to attack? who knows but they should comfortably make the post season
Key Move
Patrik Elias - RFA signing - $4.18million 05/06
New York Islanders
The NY Islanders lost their top two D men this summer like New Jersey, with Adrian Aucoin joining the Blackhawks and Roman Hamrlik going to Calgary. Mike Milbury did a good job in getting in replacements from the UFA market, he signed Alexei Zhitnik and Brad Lukowich. The big UFA splash the Islanders made was in signing Miroslav Satan for $4million a year, who replaces Michael Peca who was traded for Mike York. Satan and York could also be the key to getting Alexei Yashin playing and producing well again.
The Islanders also completed their roster by signing around a dozen RFA's, number 1 being young goaltender Rick DiPietro. Sopel, Kvasha, Hunter, Bates, Martinek, Papineau and Godard also were signed.
Two key Islander prospects Robert Nilsson & Petteri Nokelainen signed rookie deals and will likely break into the team in the 06/07 season but may get some early action.
The NY Islanders this season will be ok but they wont be above 8th, well thats my opinion, and could go as low as 12th.
New York Rangers
The Broadway Blueshirts enter the 2005/2006 season with a mindset on rebuilding through draft picks and youth acquisitions. The Rangers since January 2004 have been amassing picks and players which may this season start to show some fruition. 3 players for the future signed youth deals, Hugh Jessiman, AL Montoya and most notably Henriq Lundqvist. Lundqvist is in my opinion the most exciting prospect the Rangers have who already has been getting rave reviews from the players at camp. He has won MVP awards in Sweden and has international experience.
The Rangers have also to maintain a competitive team, trade stock and to give advice and guidance to the youngsters, a group of UFA veterans. Martin Straka and Rucinsky join Jaromir Jagr as does Marek Malik. The Rangers also traded a high draft pick for likely new captain Steve Rucchin. Add to that Jason Ward, Michal Roszival, Ville Nieminen and already in place Kasparitis and Michael Nylander and the Rangers still have many veterans.
But this still is a rebuild as the Opening of camp showed with 60 odd players taking part and still many a youngster involved including prospects such as Nigel Dawes, Marc Staal, and Jarkko Immonen.
Overrall the Rangers are a mixed bag, and the prospects at most are mediocre with a handful of greats such as lundqvist and tyutin, but no one ever said a rebuild happens overnight, the Rangers are still a long way from challenging and i expect a long haul and bottom 3 finish.
Key Move
Henriq Lundqvist - Rookie Deal - $850,000 05/06
Ottawa Senators
The Senators come into the 05/06 campaign looking extremely strong and already has the look of a champion team. Recently they downed Toronto in a friendly 5-2 and their new boy Dany Heatley registered two assists. A normal friendly i would dismiss as just a friendly, dont worry that Phoenix lost 7-0 to the wild, it aint gonna happen again, but Toronto vs ottawa when or wherever is heated and competitive.
The Ottawa Senators have basically the team that ended the 03/04 campaign with a few subtractions and a few additions. Dominik Hasek was signed in 2004 and will finally play for the Senators this year. Dany Heatley was traded for Marian Hossa and Greg de Vries. The Sens also waved goodbye to Goalie Patrick Lalime who is now in St.Louis.
RFA's re-signed include Martin Havlat, Mike Fisher, and Jason Spezza. Spezza has already expressed his delight at the Franchises choice to dump Jacques Martin and his Defensive style and hiring of Bryan Murray who will bring offense and more offense.
The Senators look extremely good and are my tip for the PResidents trophy and i think they or Vancouver will win the Stanley Cup, i just do, but my #1 tip is the Senators.
Key Move
Dany Heatley - TRADE - $3.5million 05/06
Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers enter the 2005/06 campaign touted by pundits and fans alike as the top team, destined to win the cup in 06. Indeed the Flyers on paper look awesome, but seriously if Forsberg gets a 03-04 style injury and their prospects only break in with 40pts each, you see where im going im not so sure but they do look an awesome outfit.
Of course the Key Flyers addition was Peter Forsberg who decided to join the Flyers after the Avs said they were keeping Joe Sakic and Rob Blake. Forsberg has signed a 2-yr deal and will earn $5.75million this yr. The Flyers also added from the UFA market Derian Hatcher, Mike Rathje, and Brian Savage.
The key RFA signings are Simon Gagne, Robert Esche and Kim Johnsson for the Flyers who are all great and key players for the team. Also Jeff Carter and Mike Richards signed pro deals and should take up positions on 2 of philly's top 3 lines.
The Flyers also have another young star in the pipes. Antero Niittymaki in three games with the Flyers in 2003-2004, went 3-0 with a 1.00 goals-against average and .961 save percentage. He also guided the AHL Phantoms to the Calder Cup.
The Flyers said goodbye to Amonte, Roenick, Recchi, and LeClair and welcome Forsberg and a new array of talent, they are quality and will make the playoffs, but how far? they should and i think they will make it past the first round but i fancy ottawa and Tampa more but it depends on the playoff tree who makes the conference finals
Key Move
Peter Forsberg - UFA signing - $5.75million 05/06
Pittsburgh Penguins
Its hard to say in a few lines what has happened in the last few months with the Penguins. As the lockout was ending they were braced for more rebuilding and the struggle with the mellon arena's lease which ends very soon, etc, but after the change in ownership and Draft Lottery, well they have gone from basement to cup hopeful.
Yes the Pittsburgh Penguins a team who in the 03/04 season struggled to fill a line of seats now has record season ticket sales and many a jersey sold thanks to the 'next one' Sidney Crosby who will make his first NHL appearance hopefully on the 5.10.05 against the Devils. Crosby does seem to be the real deal and will be a crowd puller but what about the whole team and will they make the playoffs?
The Penguins new ownership change means this year that they will spend around $30,000,000 on salary instead of probably $23,000,000. They have signed from the UFA market Zigmund Palffy, Sergei Gonchar, John Leclair, Andre Roy, Lyle Odelein, Steve Poapst and resigned Mario Lemieux. RFA deals include Konstantin Koltsov, Ryan Malone, and Dick Tarnstrom. The Pens also traded for Jocelyn Thibault from the Chicago Blackhawks as they snapped up Khabibulin.
The future looks increasingly bright for this rejuvinated franchise. The media circus surrounding Crosby will either grow (likely) or peter out, and with a new arena on the horizon, the only way is up. Aside Sidney the Pens also have Evgeni Malkin, a top youngster who will come in next season.
The Penguins are hopeful of a run at the cup, but like the flyers im not so sure. They have some great players but they lack depth, and if their veteran signings do a Rangers then they could finish 13th, but they should be top 11.
Key Move
Sidney Crosby - Picked 1st NHL 2005 entry Draft - $850,000+bonuses 05/06
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning had mixed fortunes this summer, losing a Playoff hero but re-signing their franchise boy and their top scorer. Yes Khabibulin signed in the Windy City, but the Lightning inked Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St.Louis to long-term deals, which will make them a lot of $$$$$.
The Lightning have been very very quiet in the UFA market, with their main capital tied up in the RFA's. They signed two players from Unrestricted free agency, Rob DiMaio and Sean Burke join the Defending Champs. UFA's lost include Brad Lukowich, Ben Clymer, Cory Stillman and of course Nikolai Khabibulin.
The Lightning were big spenders in the RFA market tying up $12.5million in two players - Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St.Louis. Dan Boyle, Dave Andreychuk and Nolan Prat were also re-signed.
There are a few Q's that hangover the Lightning, one being that they are on 37million and still need to sign 3 guys or play more youth, another being that my favourite Tampa player Brad Richards will be needing a new deal at the end of the year and its likely Tampa will have to move a lot of people if they want to maintain their top 3 guys, cos Richards who will probably score 80-100pts this year will want what vinny has.
Key Move
Vinny Lecavalier - RFA signing - $6.5million 05/06
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs will be quietly confident going into the new campaign with some interesting new players on the books. The Leafs said good bye to Joe Niewendyk and Gary Roberts who both signed for Florida on day 1 of the 'free agency frenzy'. The Leafs also parted ways with Rangers hero Brian Leetch and Alexander Mogilny.
Toronto have signed from the UFA market Forwards Jason Allison and Eric Lindros, two players who have suffered from concussions and will be key to the Leafs season, and have to stay fit. They also re-signed fan favourite Tie Domi who was targeted by the Penguins and NY Rangers. Mariusz Czerkawski and Brad Brown have also signed for the Leafs, whilst Steve Thomas is on a trial hoping to gain a 1yr deal.
The Maple Leafs in the RFA market have re-signed Aki Berg, Nik Antropov, Kilger, Delak, Tellqvist, Wilm, and Jean Sebastien-Aubin. The only key trade the Maple Leafs have made was near the Draft, they traded some 3rd round picks for Carolina's Jeff O'Neill.
The Maple Leafs still look like a very powerful team but there are question marks. Can the veteran forwards of Lindros and Allison score and keep fit? and will Jeff O'Neill better his very average 03/04 campaign? and what about in net? can Ed Belfour be relied upon at 40? the Questions are there but i still think Toronto will be a challenger.
Key Move
Eric Lindros - UFA signing - $1.55million 05/06
Washinton Capitals
Last but not least Tasku's Washington Capitals. Where to start?? well there is good news and bad for Caps fans this year, let us start on the good news, Ovechkin. At long last the highly touted Russian who has slipped off the radar thanks to Sidney Crosby will play for the Capitals. This guy is apparently a great person, who will play and work hard for the fans, his team and management and score lots of points. He could carry this team into contention faster than expected, but thats long-term.
The Bad news is the Capitals as a franchise stink. Extremely poor ownership and bad treatment of fans could mean the end of hockey in Washington, and if that did happen then it would probably be for the best. The Caps have 24 players under contract for $17,000,000, thats $6,000,000 under the cap floor! to put it into comparison in the English Premier League Frank Lampard - one player - makes £5.2million, thats $11million. The Capitals fans will not like the vibes the franchise is sending out this year thats for sure.
UFA signings include Andrew Cassels, Pettinger, Majesky, mathieu Biron, Brendan Witt and Jeff Halpern. Key RFA's include Zubrus, Eminger, Willsie and Ouellet.
Rookie Deals were signed by Alexander Ovechkin, Jeff Schultz, Mike Green, and Eric Fehr.
Basically the Capitals like the Rangers have some good young players, the Capitals have the best prospect aside Crosby in the NHL, but the Penguins have given Crosby Pallfy, LeClair, Lemieux, etc to play with, Ovechkin will have to do it himself. Along with the Rangers the Caps will be at the bottom all year, which is a pain but what can ya do?
Key Move
Alexander Ovechkin - Rookie Deal - $850,000+bonuses 05/06
LIKELY PLAYOFF TEAM'S
The Eastern Conference like the West looks to be very tight this year but with one difference, which is in the East you can see clear rebuilders, but thats for the next section.
In terms of teams likely to make the playoffs from the East, well take your pick! i think that Tampa Bay will win the Southeast Division, Philadelphia will win the Atlantic and Ottawa will top the Northeast and the Eastern Conference. Then its anyones guess, its extremely difficult to call, i think Montreal will get in, as should Boston. But then, its anyones guess. Atlanta could make the playoffs, they definitely will if Kovalchuk signs. Toronto, Florida, New Jersey, Pittsburgh, the Islanders, any could make it, the NHL is really shaping up to be an extremely brilliant season, with the Cap making teams closer than ever.
REBUILDERS & NEW CHALLENGERS
The Waashington Capitals will in my view be bottom for most of the season and have no ambition at all. The minimum amount a team must spend this year is $23million, Washington are currently on $17million. The fans deserve better and this season will only have one bright light which is Alexander Ovechkin. Hopefully they will have an ownership change or something that will make the team better.
The Rangers will also be around the basement as will Carolina. The Rangers like Washington are also in a rebuild with some good prospects who are hoping to break through this season such as Hugh Jessiman, Al Montoya and Jarkko Immonen. The one to watch is Henriq Lundqvist who could be the Rangers next Richter.
TOP 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH
(be it new player for club or top NHL talent here it is)
1. Sidney Crosby
2. Ilya Kovalchuk
3. Alexander Ovechkin
4. Peter Forsberg
5. Martin St.Louis
6. Henriq Lundqvist
7. Dany Heatley
8. Brad Richards
9. Vincent Lecavalier
10. Carter & Richards
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