By Jordan Chong /
Atlanta Thrashers
The Thrashers bring back a similar team from the one that failed to miss the playoffs a year ago. The additions of Nik Antropov and Pavel Kubina in the off-season will complement the face of their organization, Ilya Kovalchuk. Atlanta’s first overall draft pick Evander Kane was another bright spot of the franchise’s off-season, as he is sure to make an impact in the future with the Thrashers -– maybe even as soon as this season.
Boston Bruins
The defending Eastern Conference regular season champions proved last year that they are amongst the league’s elite. Goaltender and Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas leads the charge for the Bruins. Impact forwards Milan Lucic and Marc Savard are coming off their most successful seasons to date, and with free-agent signee Derek Morris joining Zdeno Chara on the blueline, the Bruins appear to be ready for life without Phil Kessel.
Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres may be one of the most underrated teams heading into this season. They have a skilled top-six forward group led by Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville and Derek Roy. And with Ryan Miller in net, the Sabres have a chance to win every night. The Sabres added depth and experience to their lineup this off-season, bringing back Mike Grier, along with defencemen Steve Montador and Joe Dipenta.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes turned a lot of heads last season when they advanced to the Eastern Conference final. Superstar Eric Staal is coming off his second 40-goal season and is surrounded by plenty of talented forwards. Cam Ward is fresh off an invite to Team Canada’s Olympic Camp, and knows what it takes to bring the Hurricanes on a deep playoff run.
Florida Panthers
The loss of Jay Bouwmeester will create an opportunity for young defencemen to step into the spotlight. The Panthers have a talented group of young forwards and will rely on dynamic forwards Stephen Weiss and Nathan Horton to lead the way. Thomas Vokoun will likely be key if the Panthers hope to make it back into the post-season.
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens re-shaped their offence with a trio of proven forwards in Scott Gomez, Mike Camalerri and Brian Gionta. The three will be looked to lead the way on the scoring front. Goaltender Carey Price has all the tools to be an elite NHL goalie, and will be heavily relied on for the Canadiens to have a successful season.
New Jersey Devils
With Martin Brodeur in goal, anything is possible – especially in a season where Brodeur has extra motivation in trying to earn the starting job for Team Canada in the Olympics. Forward Zach Parise proved to be a star in the NHL last season, scoring 45 goals and 94 points. Forwards Patrik Elias, Jamie Langenbrunner and Travis Zajac provide a solid supporting cast for Parise on the front-end.
New York Islanders
First overall draft pick John Tavares leads a young Islanders forward core into this season and will be relied on heavily to ignite the offence – even at his young age. Defenceman Mark Streit is will be anchoring the blueline and has the tools to quarterback a powerplay. The Islanders have three potential starting goalies on their roster in Rick DiPietro, Dwayne Roloson, and Martin Biron. DiPietro played just five games last season due to injury.
New York Rangers
The signing of Marion Gaborik instantly makes the Rangers offence an exciting one to watch. Gaborik, when healthy, is one of the league’s most dynamic players and can single-handedly change the pace of the game. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has proven year-after-year that he can give the Rangers a chance to win every game, and will be called upon to do the same this year.
Ottawa Senators
Captain Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza will be joined by recently acquired Jonathan Cheechoo and Milan Michalek and free-agent signee Alex Kovalev. This group will be counted on as the primary source of offence for the Sens. The Senators traded for goaltender Pascal Leclaire at the trading deadline in hopes that he would take over the number one job in net this season.
Philadelphia Flyers
With possibly the deepest forward core in the league, the Flyers have all the pieces needed to be a contender in the East. The biggest acquisition for the Flyers was Chris Pronger, who brings size, skill, grit and experience to an already talented defensive unit. Ray Emery makes his return to the NHL with the Flyers after a successful season ?in Europe.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The defending Stanley Cup Champion Penguins were relatively quiet this off-season and had every reason to be. With a one-two punch of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins have one of the most dangerous offences in the league. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury silenced his critics last post-season with his play in net, and earned himself a spot at Team Canada’s Olympic Camp.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Second overall draft pick Victor Hedman is the future for the Lightning and the kind of player Tampa Bay can build their franchise around. With the addition of veteran defenceman Mattias Ohlund, Hedman’s transition to the NHL should be execrated. With Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis and rising young star Steven Stamkos leading the offence, the Lightning should be an exciting team to watch this season.
Toronto Maple Leafs
General Manager Brian Burke was amongst the busiest this off-season in his efforts to remodel the Leafs. Burke made his biggest splash when he traded for superstar forward Phil Kessel, who will be called upon to ignite the Leafs’ offence. Burke also added two very solid defencemen in Mike Komisarek and Francois Beachemin who bring talent and experience to a young Leafs blueline.
Washington Capitals
Alex Ovechkin is coming off his second Hart Trophy performance and will lead the fast-paced Washington offence. Ovechkin is surrounded with young talent on all ends, from forwards Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom, to defensive sniper Mike Green, and young goaltender S |