NHL 2008-2009 Preview

Hockey continues to make an impact in Canada and the US. The lockout fixed many of the problems that were ignored for years. The game is more exciting and it couldn't have happened at a better time. The new wide-open style is perfect for Crosby and Ovechkin to showcase their talent.

The Detroit Red Wings are the NHL's most dominant team right now but the Penguins could be a potential future dynasty. The Pengins have 5 top-tier draft picks (Crosby, Malkin, Fleury, Staal, and Whitney) who they are building their team around. Not only they were fortunate to receive high draft picks but they used them wisely. Crosby already won a Hart and on any other team Malkin and Fleury would be franchise players.

Now that things are going well the NHL will think about expanding. When expasion occurs again no other place would be better than Canada, the world's most hockey-mad country.

2008-2009 Regular Season Predictions (Playoffs Predictions)

1. Detroit Red Wings (Stanley Cup Champions)

The Red Wings are the defending Stanley Cup Champions and are the heavy favourites this year. The Red Wings kept their core players and added Marian Hossa to their team this year.

Offense (1st) The Red Wings had a strong balanced offense last year and the addition of Hossa will improve Zetterberg and Datsyuk's offensive totals.

Defense (1st) Lidstrom, Rafalski, Kronwall, and Stuart lead the league's strongest defense that was key to preventing Crosby and Malkin from hoisting the Cup.

Goaltending (3rd) Two years ago Chris Osgood was a castoff goaltender and entering this year he is the league's most steadiest goalie with the Stanley Cup defending team.

Key Player: Nicklas Lidstrom The first ever European to Captain a Stanley Cup team will likely captain a repeat this year.

2. Pittsburgh Penguins (Stanley Cup Finalists)

The Penguins matured last year and this year most of their players will be better and itching to make it to the finals.

Offense (4th)
Crosby/Malkin/Jordan Staal give the Penguins strongest center depth in the league. With the losses of Hossa and Malone the Penguins will struggle early to find offensive chemistry.

Defense (4th)
The Penguins defense is the most under-rated in the league and provides strong offensive firepower on the powerplay. (Gonchar and Whitney)

Goaltending (2nd)
Marc-Andre Fleury finally lived up to his billing as a first overall draft pick and almost won the Cup last year.

Key Player-Sydney Crosby Crosby is the league's most marketable player and the Penguins future is in his hands.

3. Anaheim Ducks (Conference Finalists)

The Ducks have less distractions this year with Scott Niedermayer committing for another season and the emergence of Getzlaf and Perry.

Offense (8th) The Ducks need more secondary scoring and they hope Brenden Morrison and Bobby Ryan can help them this year.

Defense (2nd) Schneider is aging and likely will be traded to clear salary cap room for Selanne.

Goaltending (6th) G.S. Giguere is a solid goaltender who made it to finals twice but failed to help the Ducks make it past the second round.

Key Player- Scott Niedermayer The Ducks need a full season from Niedermayer and they need him to regain his all-star form.

4. Dallas Stars (Second Round of the Playoffs)

Brett Hull has aggressively tried to improve the Stars by acquiring Brad Richards and try to shake up the Stars so they can compete against the Red Wings.

Offense (9th) Richards was a necessary addition for the Stars who needed offense because Modano's star is fading as his career reaches its end.

Defense (3rd) The Stars defense battled through injuries but surprise performances from players like Robidas kept the Stars in the playoffs.

Goaltending (4th) Marty Turco is one of league's fittest goalies and is no longer a concern in the playoffs.

Key Player-Stephane Robidas 31 year old Stephane Robidas had his strongest season yet last year.

5. New York Rangers (Conference Finalists)

The Rangers will be tested this year with the loss of their franchise player (Jagr) as they hope various players will step-up to keep the Rangers competitive.

Offense (13th) The losses of Jagr and Straka have depleted the Rangers offense and younger players will be given an opportunity to score goals.

Defense (5th) The Rangers hope Redden will improve their defense and cancel out the loss of Jagr on offense.

Goaltending (7th) Henrik Lundqvist is the Ranger's new franchise player and any playoff success rests on his shoulders.

Key Player-Wade Redden Redden was losing key ice time in Ottawa and in New York he will regain more playing time and no.1 defense status.

6. Calgary Flames (Second Round of the Playoffs)

The Flames have one of the league's strongest player cores (Iginla, Phaneuf, Kiprusoff) but the rest of team has always been the problem. If the Flames find the right chemistry they could be a force in the Western Conference.

Offense (10th) The Flames made some changes but it's doubtful their will be any secondary scoring after Iginla's line.

Defense (8th) Similar to the Flames offense their defense is led by Phaneuf and Regehr.

Goaltending (11th) Kiprusoff had a brutual season and will look to rebound this year.

Key Player-Jarome Iginla Iginla had one of strongest seasons last year but isn't a consistent 40+ goal scorer every year.

7. Washington Capitals (Second Round of the Playoffs)

Like the Penguins the Capitals are a year behind them in development and with the emergence of Green, Semin, and Backstrom the Capitals are ready to compete with the best in the East.

Offense (6th) Ovechkin is longer alone and is now being surrounded by equally skilled players.

Defense (17th) Mike Green leads a young Capitals defense that still doesn't match Pittsburgh.

Goaltending (9th) Jose Theodore has regained his MVP form and the opportunity to play with Ovechkin was a big motivator is choosing to play in the US Capital.

Key Player-Alexander Ovechkin Ovechkin needs the Capitals to go deep into the playoffs to compete against Sydney Crosby as the league's top player.

8. Chicago Blackhawks (First Round of the Playoffs)

The Hawks were awfull for so long and now they are reaping the rewards of mediocre years- high draft picks (Kane and Toews)

Offense (5th) The sudden rise of Kane and Toews makes the Blackhawks a playoff team.

Defense (10th) Brian Campbell was a huge addition to an already improving defense and a team that could use an all-star pointman on the powerplay to complement Kane and Toews.

Goaltending (17th) Huet and Khabibulin could lead to goalie instability if Khabibulin isn't moved quickly.

Key Player-Martin Havlat If Havlat is healthy the Blackhawks duo of Kane and Havlat could be the league's most lethal right-wing duo.

9. New Jersey Devils (First Round of the Playoffs)

The Devils are still a playoff team but the return of Rolston and Holik seem more like a step back to the past than a bold step to improve the team.

Offense (7th) The devils have a great balance on offense of scoring forwards and strong defensive forwards.

Defense (29th) The devils lack a major defenseman and presently their defense is over-reliant on Martin Brodeur.

Goaltending (1st) Despite gaining in years Brodeur is the undisputed no.1 goalie with no successor waiting in the wings.

Key Player-Martin Brodeur Like every year Brodeur is key to the Devils success.

10. Montreal Canadiens (First Round of the Playoffs)

The Canadiens made a dramatic return to NHL dominance with a comeback year from Kovelev and a strong rookie goalie (Price) who have returned the Canadiens to the NHL's elite.

Offense (14th) It will be interesting to see if most of the Canadiens players repeated last year's career performances.

Defense (12th) The Canadiens defense will take a step back with the loss of Streit after they lost Souray from the year before.

Goaltending (12th) Carey Price is the Canadiens undisputed starter and he hopes to improve over last year's totals.

Key Player-Alexei Kovalev Kovalev's dramatic comeback year propelled the Canadiens to first place and the Canadiens are expecting similar numbers this year.

11. Minnesota Wild (First Round of the Playoffs)

The Wild lost a few core players (Rolston, Demitra) but they always find a way to stay competitive.

Offense (16th) Mikko Koivu and Gaborik lead a weakened Wild offense.

Defense (11th) Zidlicky joins a strong Wild defense who the team has always centered around.

Goaltending (13th) Backstrom didn't compete for the league lead in GAA this year but still provided strong regular season play.

Key Player-Owen Nolan The Wild need Nolan to be an important role player for their team after the loss of Rolson.

12. Buffalo Sabres (Second Round of the Playoffs)

The Sabres collapsed last year after the losses of Briere and Drury but if they repeat their strong play from the second half of the season.

Offense (12th) Vanek-Roy-Pominville are a strong first line and inconsistent young players play on the rest of the lines.

Defense (22nd) Brian Campbell is a huge loss and the Sabres don't have a strong pointman to replace him.

Goaltending (8th) If Miller provides more consistent play the Sabres will be a playoff team again.

Key Player-Ryan Miller Ryan Miller needs to take a step forward if the Sabres are able to make the playoffs.

13. San Jose Sharks (First Round of the Playoffs)

The Sharks have been great in the regular season but lack the mental toughness to be considered a serious playoff team.

Offense (19th) With Thornton the Sharks offense consists of good promise that has failed to live up the hype (Miichalek) and inconistency (Marleau).

Defense (14th) Boyle and Blake greatly aid the Sharks defense but how quickly will they gel.

Goaltending (10th) Nabokov had a career year in games played and was even talked about as being league MVP.

Key Player-Dan Boyle With the loss of Campbell the Sharks hope Boyle can duplicate Campbell's offensive contribution.

14. Philadelphia Flyers (First Round of Playoffs)

The Flyers acquired a few key free agents and returned to the playoffs but will all the players repeat last year's success.

Offense (7th) Briere/Richards/Carter lead a strong rejunvenated Flyers offense.

Defense (17th) After Timonen and Coburn the Flyers defense is aging and has wholes.

Goaltending (21st) Biron is an average starter who has struggled to maintain his starter status despite moments of glory.

Key Player-Mike Richards Richards huge improvement earned him a 13 year contract with the Flyers.

15. Phoenix Coyotes (First Round of the Playoffs)

Gretzky has coached the Coyotes for a few years without any playoff reward. This year could be the year the younger Coyotes emerge and become a playoff competitor.

Offense (15th) Olli Jokinen instantly adds more offense to the Coyotes who were over reliant on rookies to score goals for them in the post-lockout NHL.

Defense (16th) The Coyotes used some of their defensive depth to acquire Jokinen but their defense is still playoff worthy with Jovanovski and Derek MOrris.

Goaltending (14th) Ilya Bryzlagov acquired off waivers seized the starter position and finished the season as one of the league's most reliable goaltenders.

Key Player-Steve Reinprecht Reinprecht was acquired originally acquired to provide offense but now Phoenix needs him to be a role player with the arrival of Jokinen.

16. Ottawa Senators (First Round of the Playoffs)

Two years ago the Senators made it to the Stanley Cup Final- now Emery is playing in Europe and only 2 defensemen are left from their Stanley Cup run.

Offense (2nd) The Senators are still scoring and Fisher is one of the league's strongest checking forwards.

Defense (23rd) Phillips and Volchenkov are the only 2 defensemen left from their Stanley Cup run.The Senators have not been able to replace Redden and Meszaros.

Goaltending (25th) Martin Gerber is an adaquate starter and Auld isn't good enough to push him out.

Key Player-Danny Heatley Heatley is the Senators most lethal scorer and part of the strongest Senator asset-their first line.

17. Boston Bruins

The Bruins like the Canadiens returned to the playoffs but the Bruins will have a hard time making the playoffs even with a full season from Patrice Bergeron.

Offense (24th) The Bruins could use more offensive depth and Savard doesn't have any wingers with the talent of Kovalchuk or Hossa like he did in Atlanta.

Defense (9th) Zdeno Chara leads a strong reliable defense.

Goaltending (17th) The Bruins have 3 strong goalies, their starter (Thomas), the goalie who was suppossed to be their starter (Fernandez) and their future starter (Rask).

Key Player-Zdeno Chara Chara is the Bruins franchise player and their only hope at making the playoffs.

18. Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes have struggled to make the playoffs since their Stanley Cup win and will likely just miss the playoffs again because they haven't made a major overhaul to their team.

Offense (11th) The Hurricanes should have a full year from Brind'Amour and Samsonov. The added surprise could be if Jeff O'Neill is able to make the team and make an impact.

Defense (19th) Pitkanen and Corvo add offense to a Hurricanes defense that lacks starpower but has several NHL-ready defensemen.

Goaltending (20th) Cam Ward had his best ever regular season but he needs a reliable backup goalie.

Key Player-Rod Brind'Amour The aging Hurricanes needs to maintain his points total till new younger players are able to replace him.

19. Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers made noise by attempting to sign Hossa or Jagr but they failed. There were a few minor changes but nothing dramatic enough to make them surefire playoff contenders. New ownership will help but that help won't make a difference till next season.

Offense (22nd) It's questionable if all of the young Oilers will repeat last year's success. Jarett Stoll is a huge loss on faceoffs and as a checking centerman.

Defense (6th) Visnovsky improves the Oilers defense which was surprisingly strong last year.

Goaltending (19th) Garon stole the starter job but due to his history of inconsistency the Oilers have kept Roloson who is a $3 Million backup goalie.

Key Player-Dustin Penner Penner will likely be displaced by Cole on the first line. How he adapts to a lesser role will determine where the Oilers finish.

20. Florida Panthers

The Panther appear to be in a downward spiral after losing Jokinen and being unable to sign Bouwmeester long-term. But they did acquire Meszaros and McCabe on defense.

Offense (26th) Jokinen left and everbody moved up one spot on the depth chart.

Defense (13th) Bouwmeester's ice time will be reduced and there will be less pressure on him then Meszaros and McCabe.

Goaltending (15th) Tomas Vokoun maintained his strong play from his time with the Predators and eased the loss of Luongo.

Key Player-Bryan McCabe McCabe received a large contract last year but was quickly discarded by the Leafs after he dropped on the defensive depth chart. The Panthers hope he returns to form.

21. Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks look to be in the rebuilding mode after the loss of Naslund and Morrison. Replacing them are less flashy players (Bernier and Demitra).

Offense (27th) Bernier, Demitra, and Wellwood don't offer much goal scoring assistance.

Defense (25th) The Canucks need a powerplay quarterback to supply more defense.

Goaltending (5th) Luongo is one of the league's best goalies and could use a more reliable backup.

Key Player-Roberto Luongo Luongo is the Vancouver Canucks and their win-loss record depends excusively on his save percentage.

22. Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets made the biggest changes in their franchise history this year but it still isn't enough to make the playoffs.

Offense (18th) Umberger and Husselius are new additions who offer some help to score more goals.

Defense (15th) With the departure of Foote, Klesla must step-up and become the Blue Jackets undisputed no.1 defenseman.

Goaltending (22nd) Pascal Leclaire regained the starter position but hasn't proved he is an elite no.1 goalie yet.

Key Player-Mike Commodore Commodore was part of the Flames and Canes Cup runs. The Blue Jackets hope Commordore does similar things with the Blue Jackets.

23. Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning made drastic changes and it will take a while before the players click.

Offense (3rd) Lecavailer leads a Lightning offense that was overhauled last year. Stamkos, Malone, and Prospal are new additions that increase the Bolts goal scoring totals.

Defense (30th) Meszaros leads a weakened Lightning defense.

Goaltending (23rd) Smith and Kolzig will share goaltending duties and could limp the Lightning into the playoffs.

Key Player-Vincent Lecavailer Now that Richards is gone, Lecavailer is the team's undisputed no.1 centerman.

24. Atlanta Thrashers

The Thrashers are one of team's heading into reverse. Kovalchuk likely will be lost after the trade of Hossa and there was no notable free agents signed to replace Hossa.

Offense (21st) The only reason the Thrashers are this high is due to Kovalchuk.

Defense (27th) The Thrashers defense has always been weak and the Thrashers will have to wait for Bogosian.

Goaltending (16th) Kari Lehtonen must regain his form and come the face of the franchise if Kovalchuk leaves.

Key Player-Marty Reasoner Players like Reasoner will have to provide secondary scoring if the Thrashers don't want to be at the league's bottom.

25. Nashville Predators

The Predators relied on over-inflated seasons from several players to make the playoffs. They didn't sign any key players and lost a few more players.

Offense (25th) It's doubtful the Predators offense will duplicate last year's goal output.

Defense (21st) Weber is the leading defenseman of a defense that drops off after the top 3.

Goaltending (23rd) Ellis will have to carry the burden and won't have Mason for support.

Key Player-J.P. Dumont Dumont must repeat last year's career season if the Predator have any hope of making the playoffs.

26. Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche barely made the playoffs and weren't able to spend any more money on free agents and lost Theodore who helped them crawl into the playoffs.

Offense (20th) It would be nice if Forsberg rejoined the Avs.

Defense (20th) It's doubtful Foote will repeat his late-season performance for a full season.

Goaltending (29th) The Avs lost Theodore and picked up Raycroft. Not a great move.

Key Player-John-Marc Liles Liles is the Avalanche's powerplay quarterback and an emerging no.1 defenseman.

27. Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs look like a team aiming for the celler and a chance to draft Travers.

Offense (30th) They lost Sundin and bought-out Wellwood and Tucker. Easily the league's worst offense.

Defense (18th) Despite the loss of McCabe the leafs still have Kaberle and Kubina.

Goaltending (27th) Toskala is the goalie for a weaker Leafs teams and there is little hope for success.

Key Player-Jamal Mayers It would be great for the Leafs if Mayers is able to secure a second-line spot and score 20+ goals.

28. NY Islanders

The Islanders signed Mark Streit and Doug Weight so they can hit the salary floor.

Offense (28th) Weight, Guerin, and Comrie are not the players they once were when the played with the Oilers a decade ago.

Defense (28th) Streit helps the Islanders defense but he is just one player.

Goaltending (19th) Dipetro slipped and continues to have shoulder problems.

Key Player-Kyle Okposo Okposo is the team's top prospect but not guaranteed a top spot on the team.

29. LA Kings

The Kings are under the salary floor by $10 million and will be penalized if they don't sign some more players.

Offense (23rd) Cammalleri was a big loss that was not replaced by another forward.

Defense (26th) The loss of Visnovsky and Blake depleted the Kings defense.

Goaltending (30th) LaBarbera will be one of the Kings 2 goalies but who the other goalie is will still be unknown till October.

Key Player-Alexander Frolov Frolov is one of the Kings up and coming forwards who needs to emerge and become a point a game + player.

30. St. Louis Blues

The Blues haven't shown any desire to become a legitimate playoff team. They are rebuilding and will wait for more prospects to develop.

Offense (29th) Kariya-McDonald-Boyles is a good first line and after that the team drops off.

Defense (24th) Erik Johnson is improving.

Goaltending (27th) Leagace and Mason will likely share goaltending duties.

Key Player-Chris Mason If Legace falters Mason is ready to takeover and become and NHL Starter again.

Top 100 NHL Players

100. Steve Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

Every Calder-trophy winner in the post-lockout NHL has been a first or a second overall pick.

99. Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens

Price failed to deliver like previous Canadiens rookies Dryden and Roy who won the Cup for Montreal. But he still could have just as part of a future.

98. Derek Roy, Buffalo Sabres

Roy stepped up after the loss of Briere and Drury.

97. Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks need the Sedin's to score more to lower Luongo's burden.

96. Mark Streit, NY Islanders

The Islanders are lucky to have a acquired a verstile player who can play defense and on the wing.

95. Ryan Smyth, Colorado Avalanche

Smyth missed most of last season due to injuries and needs to stay healthy for the Avs to be a playoff team.

94. Alex Hemsky, Edmonton Oilers

Hemsky's point totals should keep increasing as the Oilers offensive talent continues to improve.

93. Kim Johnsson, Minnesota Wild

Johnsson's point totals have dropped since arriving in Minnesota 2 years ago but with the Wild's loss of defensive forwards a less-restricted offense could improve his point totals.

92. Nicklas Backstrom, Minnesota Wild

Backstrom repeated last year's success and confirmed he is the Wild's goalie of the future.

91. Mike Richards, Philadelphia Flyers

Richards was rewarded with a 13-year contract for his breakout season.

90. Ryan Whitney, Pittsburgh Penguins

Whitney is an emerging NHL defenseman whose point total is not reaching his full potential during the playoffs because he wasn't on the first powerplay unit.

89. Illya Bryzlagov, Phoenix Coyotes

Rescued off waivers from the ducks and then returned the favour in a big way by securing the starter position last year. The Coyotes hopes this carries over with a playoff spot.

88. Olli Jokinen, Florida Panthers

Jokinen's point totals could increase with more talented wingers like Doan at his disposal.

87. Anze Kopitar, LA Kings

Kopitar should continue to improve but without adaquete goaltending the Kings will not make the playoffs.

86. Brian Boucher, Dallas Stars

Boucher missed most of last year due to injuries and will have to regain his form quickly or he will lose his spot on the depth chart.

85. Joe Sakic, Colorado Avalanche

Sakic lost his first line spot but decided to return for at least one more year.

84. Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes

Doan could have his most productive offensive year ever with Jokinen as his centerman.

83. Paul Stastny, Colorado Avalanche

If Stastny slips, Sakic will regain his spot.

82. Lubomir Visnovsky, Edmonton Oilers

Visnovsky should regain his 60 point form with a team on the rise and more consistent goaltending.

81. Kari Lehtonen, Atlanta Thrashers

Goaltending is the only position the Thrashers aren't worried about.

80. Tomas Vokoun, Florida Panthers

Vokoun is a solid goaltender who must defend his starter position against Anderson who had a late season surge last year.

79. Braydon Coburn, Philadelphia Flyers

Coburn's trade from the Thrashers to the Flyers is one of the key reasons Atlanta is in disarray and the Flyers turned around in one year.

78. Marc Savard, Boston Bruins

Savard has shaked off critics who claimed his point production was due solely to Kovalchuk and Hossa.

77. Brian Rolston, New Jersey Devils

Rolson returns to where it started and the team that best values his two-way game.

76. Tomas Kaberle, Toronto Maple Leafs

Kaberle is one of the few core players the leafs decided to keep after a summer of buyouts.

75. Ryan Malone, Tampa Bay Lightning

Malone showed he is one the game's top character players in the Pengins accent into the Stanley Cup Final.

74. Jason Pominville, Buffalo Sabres

Pominville surprised many by making the Sabres hockey team and he continues to surprise after he has turned into a point a game player.

73. Ed Jovonovski, Phoenix Coyotes

Jovanovski was healthy and played till potential last year.

72. Jose Theodore, Washington Capitals

Theodore was grossly overpaid for 2 years and had a solid second-half last year. The Avs reward for over-paying for Theodore- he signed with the Capitals.

71. Mats Sundin, Unrestricted Free Agent

Sundin was offered $10 million a year by the Canucks but that still doesn't seem to be a big enough motivation to return to the NHL.

70. Sheldon Souray, Edmonton Oilers

Souray needs to be healthy and score 20+ goals for the Oilers to justify his $5M a year contract.

69. Stephane Robidas, Dallas Stars

Robidas moved up the depth chart with Boucher's injury and if he maintains his strong play he could secure a lucrative long-term contract.

68. Patrick Sharp, Chicago Blackhawks

Sharp emerged as one of the league's top two-way players and his offensive numbers should continue to climb if he is able to play with Toews and Kane.

67. Chris Drury, New York Rangers

Drury was below expectations a bit in New York where they expected him to push for first-line playing time.

66. Chris Perry, Anaheim Ducks

Perry and Getzlaf will be the offensive face of the Ducks for the next decade.

65. Patrick Elias, New Jersey Devils

Elias must fight age if he wants to be on the top-line.

64. Eric Staal, Carolina Hurricanes

Staal's point totals should return to the century-mark with offensive d-men Pitkanen and Corvo on the PP.

63. Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres

Miller is still considered to be the Sabres franchise goalie despite a lacklustre year. He will receive less playing time this year.

62. Sergei Zubov, Dallas Stars

Zubov like Boucher hope to remain healthy and lead the Stars deep into the playoffs.

61. Johan Franzen, Detroit Red Wings

Franzen will prove this year if his playoff performance was a preview of his career or if he is the next Pisani or Druce.

60. Brad Richards, Dallas Stars

Richards ia a big-name talent that could have done more for the Stars last year.

59. Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks

Despite missing the playoffs- Keith was near the top in the league in ice-time and also plus/minues.

58. Thomas Vanek, Buffalo Sabres

Vanek didn't repeat his 40 goal-season because a diastrous first-half.

57. Brent Burns, Minnesota Wild

A former winger used his offensive instincts to accumulate 43 points.

56. Evgeni Nabokov, San Jose Sharks

Nabokov played almost every game for the Sharks last year and will need a rest this year.

55. Mike Ribeiro, Dallas Stars

The Stars have committed to Ribeiro long-term and hope he continues his point-a-game production.

54. Marian Hossa, Detroit Red Wings

Hossa played the best hockey of his career with Crosby and Malkin. It's puzzling why he left them to play in a new city for a similar contract.

53. Daniel Briere, Philadelphia Flyers

Briere will be in a dog-fight to fend off Richards and Carter for ice-time.

52. Miika Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames

Kipper had his worst-season in Calgary ever under his first-season under Mike Keenan.

51. Michael Rozsival, New York Rangers

Rozsival's numbers may drop with lost ice-time to Redden.

50. Rod Brind'Amour, Carolina Hurricanes

Brind'Amour is near the end of his career but is not showing any signs of decline in the post-lockout NHL.

49. Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals

Backstrom's numbers will continue to climb if he continues to play with Ovechkin.

48. Scott Gomez, NY Rangers

Gomez will have new linemates and will likely be the Rangers leading point scorer this season.

47. Brad Stuart, Detroit Red Wings

Stuart seems to excel when he is a top-4 defenseman and not expected to shoulder a team's defense.

46. Rick Nash, Columbus Blue Jackets

New linemates could help the NHL's former leading goal-scorer increase his output.

45. Teemu Selanne, Unrestricted Free Agent

Selanne may not be able to regain his form after another delayed season.

44. Peter Mueller, Phoenix Coyotes

Mueller could lead the Coyotes second line or play on Jokinen's wing. Not bad for a second-year NHL player.

43. Wade Redden, New York Rangers

Redden needs a change of scenery to regain his all-star form.

42. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

King Henrik will again be one of the league's best goalies.

41. Rostislav Klesla, Columbus Blue Jackets

Nash is the flashy superstar but Klesla may be the Jackets top player who provides unnoticed sound defensive-play.

40. Jay Bouwmeester, Florida Panthers

Bouwmeester signed a one-year deal and if he wants a big payout he needs to have a mammoth season.

39. Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia Flyers

Kimonen was a great free agent signing who helped the Flyers regain playoff status.

38. Marian Gaborik, Minnesota Wild

Gaborik's point totals shouldn't drop with the loss of Demitra who failed to live up to expectations in Minnesota.

37. Brenden Morrow, Dallas Stars

Morrow had a career best-year last year and proved that he was more than a Captain but also a lethal goal scorer.

36. John Madden, New Jersey Devils

Madden's offensive numbers increased and his 20 goal season is enough to move him up to the Devils second-line.

35. J.S. Gigure, Anaheim Ducks

Giguere is the undisputed no.1 goalie with Bryzlagov gone and ready for another cup run with less distractions this year.

34. Mike Green, Washington Capitals

Green could be among the highest scoring defensemen this year after the capitals realized his offensive potential.

33. Brian Campbell, Chicago Blackhawks

Campbell was the most conveted free-agent and will help the hawks make the playoffs.

32. Andrei Markov, Montreal Canadiens

Markov anchored the league's top powerplay.

31. Illya Kovalchuk, Atlanta Thrashers

Kovalchuk will likely be traded as the Thrashers rebuild.

30. Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

Toews only play 64 games last year but that was enough for 54 points and becoming the new team Captain.

29. Dan Boyle, San Jose Sharks

Boyle will be given a big opportunity to score as he is being given Campbell's spot.

28. Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks

Luongo is argubaly the best goalie in the league but playing for a lousy team lowers his rank.

27. Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

St. Louis's point totals should remain consistent despite massive change among Lightning forwards this year.

26. Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks

Getzlaf emerging sooner than expected as the Ducks top forward last year.

25. Sergei Gonchar, Pittsburgh Penguins

Gonchar should have another 60+ point season with Malkin and Crosby up front.

24. Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa Senators

Alfredsson's totals will only decrease if the top-line is broken up to spread out scoring.

23. Dion Phaneuf, Calgary Flames

Phaneuf has quickly emerged to be one of the league's top offensive defenseman and his defense should continue to improve.

22. Marty Turco, Dallas Stars

Turco can win games in the regular season and playoffs but his SVP keeps him from being considered among the game's elite.

21. Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins

Malkin challenged Ovechkin for the point lead when Crosby was out but slowly fell back behind Crosby's shadow when he returned.

20. Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins

Chara has delievered on his $7 Million contract by getting the Bruins into the playoffs last year.

19. Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

Kane should take another step forward with Campbell on the powerplay.

18. Jason Spezza, Ottawa Senators

Spezza is a solid playmaker but his value is lowered by his defensive shortcomings.

17. Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings

Datsyuk could be a 100 point player with the addition of Hossa.

16. Brian Rafalski, Detroit Red Wings

Rafalski was the best UFA signing last year.

15. Alexei Kovalev, Montreal Canadiens

Kovalev had his best year since 2001.

14. Danny Heatley, Ottawa Senators

Heatley is a surefire bet to score 40-60 goals this year again.

13. Chris Pronger, Anaheim Ducks

Pronger's ice-time will be reduced on a deep ducks team.

12. Chris Osgood, Detroit Red Wings

Osgood silenced his critics with his second Stanley Cup win.

11. Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks

Thornton should be on pace this year for a point-a-game in assists with Boyle for a full year on defense.

10. Nicklas Kronwall, Detroit Red Wings

Kronwall's point totals could surge if he continues his stellar play from last year's playoffs.

9. Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsbugh Penguins

Fleury ditched his trademark yellow pads and proved while the Penguins made a wise decision by selecting him first overall.

8. Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings

Zetterberg's Conn Smythe win was a reward for his solid two-way play.

7. Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay Lightning

Lecavailer will end his career in TB with a recently signed long-term contract.

6. Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings

Lidstrom was the first European to Captain a Stanley Cup Winner.

5. Scott Niedermayer, Anaheim Ducks

Niedermayer ready to go from the beginning of the season should return him to among the NHL's elite defensemen.

4. Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames

Iginla had a 50-goal season and his play progressed under Keenan.

3. Alexander Ovechkin, Washinton, Capitals

The games most talented offensive star needs to show he is a leader too that can take his team into the playoffs.

2. Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils

Brodeur is the reason why missing the playoffs isn't a realistic possibility for the Devils.

1. Sydney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

Crosby should continue to improve if he is injury-free this year.

Related Rants:

NHL 2007-2008 Preview

NHL 2006-2007 Preview

NHL 2005-2006 Preview

canadianwild.ca Interactive: Your Chance To Rant

Updated: September 21, 2008
Created: September 21, 2008

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