CarterHud

           After reaching the playoffs for a sixth straight season, GM Chuck Fletcher was booted, changing the way the Minnesota Wild run. But, the Wild didn\’t make any significant moves, nothing even close to trading away Marco Scandella for Tyler Ennis and Marcus Foligno last offseason. Let\’s look at some fast facts for the Minnesota Wild.

Head Coach: Bruce Boudreau
General Manager: Paul Fenton
Arena: Xcel Energy Center
AHL Affiliate: Iowa Wild
2017-18 record: 45-26-11 (101 points)
2017-18 placement: 3rd
Division: Central
2017-18 goals leader: Eric Staal (42)
2017-18 assists leader: Mikael Granlund (46)
2017-18 points leader: Eric Staal (76)
2017-18 points leader (defenseman): Ryan Suter (51)
Captain: Mikko Koivu
Assistant Captains: Ryan Suter, Zach Parise
2018 first round pick: Filip Johansson

Offseason additions: JT Brown, Greg Pateryn, Eric Fehr, Matt Hendricks, Andrew Hammond, Matt Read, Matt Barkowski

Offseason subtractions: Tyler Ennis, Daniel Winnik, Matt Cullen, Kyle Quincey

Forwards: Eric Staal\’s rejuvenation was key for the Wild. Mikael Granlund had another great year. Jason Zucker\’s 33 goals surprised many. Unfortunately, Nino Niederreiter, Charlie Coyle and Zach Parise were hurt and disappointed. Jordan Greenway, Joel Eriksson Ek and Luke Kunin are three young players ready to play. Though, Kunin tore his ACL and is questionable for the start of the season, thus is why he isn\’t in the lines below.

Forward lines:

Zach Parise – Eric Staal – Jason Zucker
Nino Niederreiter – Mikko Koivu – Mikael Granlund
Jordan Greenway – Charlie Coyle – Joel Eriksson Ek
Marcus Foligno – Eric Fehr – JT Brown
Other: Matt Hendricks, Kyle Rau, Matt Read
Injured: Luke Kunin

Defensman: Ryan Suter: Ryan Suter is aging, but still playing half the game. Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin and Matt Dumba are still good top-4 defenseman, and all are in their prime, with Dumba and Brodin under 25, and Spurgeon at 28 years of age. Nick Seeler is a young, psychical defenseman coming up. Greg Pateryn will be his partner.

Defensive pairs:

Ryan Suter – Jared Spurgeon
Jonas Brodin – Matt Dumba
Nick Seeler – Greg Pateryn
Other: Nate Prosser

Goalies: Devan Dubnyk isn\’t as good as he used to be, but is still a good starter. Alex Stalock is a serviceable backup, and Andrew Hammond was once great, but now just a third goalie.

Goalie alignment:

Devan Dubnyk
Alex Stalock
Other: Andrew Hammond

Predictions:

Top five scorers:

Mikael Granlund
Eric Staal
Nino Niederreiter
Jason Zucker
Ryan Suter

Playoffs: Yes
Division: 4th
I think the Minnesota Wild will once again, be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

              In a big bounce back year, the Los Angeles Kings finished made the playoffs again, but they scored just three goals in four games, and were swept by the expansion Vegas Golden Knights in the first round. Bounce back years for Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown were huge for the team. This offseason, the Kings went to Russia and signed star Ilya Kovalchuk. Before we look into their team, here\’s some fast facts for the Los Angeles Kings.

Head Coach: John Stevens
General Manager: Rob Blake
Arena: Staples Center
AHL Affiliate: Ontario Reign
2017-18 record: 45-29-8
2017-18 placement: 4th
Division: Pacific
2017-18 goals leader: Anze Kopitar (35)
2017-18 assists leader: Anze Kopitar (57)
2017-18 points leader: Anze Kopitar
2017-18 points leader (defensman): Drew Doughty (60)
Captain: Anze Kopitar
Assistant Captains: Drew Doughty, Jeff Carter
2018 first round pick: Rasmus Kupari

Offseason additions: Ilya Kovalchuk, Peter Budaj

Offseason subtractions: Tobias Rieder, Torrey Mitchell, Andy Andreoff, Scott Wedgewood, Christian Folin, Kevin Gravel.

Forwards: Anze Kopitar is a top five center in hockey, maybe even a top 10 player. If Ilya Kovalchuk can transfer nicely back to the NHL, and Dustin Brown repeats his 2017-18 campaign, than that is a lethal first line. Jeff Carter, Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson form the legendary 70s line. Alex Iafallo, Mike Amadio and Jonny Brodzinski can be underrated bottom six players, alongside veterans Kyle Clifford and Trevor Lewis.

Forward lines:

Ilya Kovalchuk – Anze Kopitar – Dustin Brown
Tanner Pearson – Jeff Carter – Tyler Toffoli
Alex Iafallo – Adrian Kempe – Jonny Brodzinski
Kyle Clifford – Trevor Lewis – Mike Amadio
Other: Nate Thompson

Defenseman: Drew Doughty is the third best defenseman in the league. Jake Muzzin and Alec Martinez are both top 20 left defensemen. Dion Phaneuf can play top-4. Derek Forbort is really underrated. This is a good core.

Defensive pairs:

Jake Muzzin – Drew Doughty
Alec Martinez – Derek Forbort
Dion Phaneuf – Paul LaDue
Other: Dan Brickley, Oscar Fantenberg

Goalies: Jonathan Quick, when healthy, is among hockey\’s best goalies. Back again, Peter Budaj will back up Quick, with former first round pick Jack Campbell as the third goalie.

Goalie alignment:

Jonathan Quick
Peter Budaj
Other: Jack Campbell

Predictions:

Top five scorers:

Anze Kopitar
Drew Doughty
Ilya Kovalchuk
Tyler Toffoli
Jeff Carter/Dustin Brown

Playoffs: Yes
Division: 4th
I think the Kings will be eliminated in the 2nd round of the postseason.

            After missing the playoffs by one point in 2017-18, the Florida Panthers seek revenge in 2018-19. Knowing they have a good team, the Panthers didn\’t lose any key pieces, and acquired another top-6 winger in Mike Hoffman. Before we look into the roster, let\’s look at some fast facts for the Florida Panthers.

Head Coach: Bob Boughner
General Manager: Dale Tallon
Arena: BB&T Center
AHL Affiliate: Springfield Thunderbirds
2017-18 record: 44-30-8 (96 points)
2017-18 placement: 4th
Division: Atlantic
2017-18 goals leader: Vincent Trocheck (31)
2017-18 assists leader: Aleksander Barkov (51)
2017-18 points leader: Aleksander Barkov (78)
2017-18 points leader (defensman): Keith Yandle (56)
Captain: Derek MacKenzie
Assistant Captains: Aaron Ekblad, Aleksander Barkov, Vincent Trocheck, Keith Yandle
2018 first round pick: Grigori Denisenko

Offseason additions: Mike Hoffman, Troy Brouwer, Michael Hutchinson, Mark Letestu.

Offseason subtractions: Radim Vrbata, Harri Sateri, Connor Brickley.

Forwards: Aleksander Barkov was a point away from a point for game last year, cementing himself as a top-10 center in the league, at just 23. Jonathan Huberdeau and Nick Bjugstad return, both of whom have had injury issues in the past, before playing in their first 82 game season ever. Henrik Borgstrom will debut, as the third line center. Derek MacKenzie will be the only captain in the league to be a healthy scratch. There is a lot of potential in this team, as they might have the best forward depth in the league. Denis Malgin and Jared McCann especially. It\’s a fun group to watch.

Forward lines:

Jonathan Huberdeau – Aleksander Barkov – Nick Bjugstad
Mike Hoffman – Vincent Trocheck – Evgenii Dadonov
Frank Vatrano – Henrik Borgstrom – Denis Malgin
Jamie McGinn – Jared McCann – Colton Sceviour
Other: Troy Brouwer, Derek MacKenzie, Maxim Mamim.

Defenseman: Keith Yandle\’s 56 points were very surprising, as he might have overtaken Aaron Ekblad as the top D on the team. Michael Matheson and Mark Pysyk are solid middle pair guys. They are relying on MacKenzie Weegar and Ian McCoshen to play bottom pair.

Defensive pairs:

Keith Yandle – Aaron Ekblad
Michael Matheson – Mark Pysyk
MacKenzie Weegar – Ian McCoshen
Other: Alex Petrovic

Goalies: Roberto Luongo is 39, and may not be able to play at a high level for much longer. James Reimer is a good backup, and was a starter in Toronto.

Goalie alignment:

Roberto Luongo
James Reimer
Other: Michael Hutchinson

Predictions:

Top five scorers:

Alexsander Barkov
Vincent Trocheck
Jonathan Huberdeau
Mike Hoffman
Nick Bjugstad

Playoffs: Yes
Division: 4th

I think the Panthers will be eliminated in the first round.

         When Connor McDavid was named captain and lead the Oilers to a playoff spot in 2016-17, things were looking good for Edmonton. But, in 2017-18, Taylor Hall won the Hart in New Jersey, while Adam Larsson scored 13 points in 63 games, while the Oilers finished with a wimpy 78 points. They are hoping some players can get past their struggles in 2018-19. Let\’s look at some fast facts for the Edmonton Oilers.

Head Coach: Todd McLellan
General Manager: Peter Chiarelli
Arena: Rogers Place
AHL Affiliate: Bakersfield Condors
2017-18 record: 36-40-6 (78 points)
2017-18 placement: 6th
Division: Pacific
2017-18 goals leader: Connor McDavid  (41)
2017-18 assists leader: Connor McDavid (67)
2017-18 points leader: Connor McDavid (108)
2017-18 points leader (defenseman): Darnell Nurse (26)
Captain: Connor McDavid
Assistant Captains: Milan Lucic, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Adam Larsson
2018 first round pick: Evan Bouchard

Offseason additions: Tobias Rieder, Alex Chiasson, Kyle Brodziak, Mikko Koskinen, Jakub Jerabek

Offseason subtractions: Michael Cammalieri, Laurent Brossoit, Iiro Pakarinen, Eric Gryba, Yohann Auvitu

Forwards: Kailer Yamamoto might make the team. Connor McDavid is hockey\’s best player. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl are pretty good, and could be could top-6 players. Jesse Puljujarvi has things to prove this year. Ryan Strome does too, but I think he\’s already a bust. Milan Lucic had a really bad year, and needs to do more. This is a group that has a lot to work on.

Forward lines:

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Connor McDavid – Drake Caggiula
Milan Lucic – Leon Draisaitl – Jesse Puljujarvi
Tobias Rieder – Ryan Strome – Kailer Yamamoto
Pontus Aberg – Kyle Brodziak – Ty Rattie
Other: Zack Kassian, Jujhar Khaira, Alex Chiasson

Defenseman: Another injury to Andrej Sekera will keep him out of the lineup for the beginning of the season. Adam Larsson, Kris Russell and Oscar Klefbom could really use a bounce back year. Matt Benning is a solid bottom pair defenseman playing middle pair. Ethan Bear, Ryan Mantha, Jakub Jerabek, Kevin Gravel and Evan Bouchard are among those fighting for a spot. Darnell Nurse still hasn\’t come to camp, and is in need of a contract. It\’s an interesting situation to watch.

Defensive pairs:

Adam Larsson – Darnell Nurse
Oscar Klefbom – Matt Benning
Kris Russell – Ethan Bear
Other: Jakub Jerabek
Injured: Andrej Sekera

Goalies: Like his team, Cam Talbot had a really disappointing 2017-18 after a Vezina contending 2016-17. If the Oilers want to reach 80 points, Talbot needs to rebound. Mikko Koskinen signed a two year deal to return from the KHL. He hasn\’t seen NHL action since 2010-11, where he played in the only four games of action he\’s ever seen in the league.

Goalie alignment:

Cam Talbot
Mikko Koskinen
Other: Al Montoya

Predictions:

Top five scorers:

Connor McDavid
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Leon Draisaitl
Milan Lucic
Kailer Yamamoto

Playoffs: No
Division: 6th

           For the second straight season, the Detroit Red Wings failed to eclipse 80 points, and ended up drafting Filip Zadina 6th overall. But, they didn\’t make too many changes, adding veterans, without losing any. Let\’s look at some fast facts for the Detroit Red Wings.

Head Coach: Jeff Blashill
General Manager: Ken Holland
Arena: Little Caesars Arena
AHL Affiliate: Grand Rapids Griffins
2017-18 record: 30-39-13 (73 points)
2017-18 placement: 5th
Division: Atlantic
2017-18 goals leader: Anthony Mantha (24)
2017-18 assists leader: Dylan Larkin (47)
2017-18 points leader: Dylan Larkin (63)
2017-18 points leader (defenseman): Mike Green (33)
Captain: None
Assistant Captains: Justin Abdelkader, Niklas Kronwall
2018 first round pick: Filip Zadina, Joe Veleno

Offseason additions: Thomas Vanek, Jon Bernier, Harri Sateri.

Offseason subtractions: Henrik Zetterberg, Xavier Ouellet, David Booth.

Forwards: An injury forcing Henrik Zetterberg to retire will hurt them. Zadina will be placed in a top nine spot. Tyler Bertuzzi is an underrated player for the Wings. Andreas Athanasiou is one of the league\’s fastest skaters. Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha are a solid duo. Gustav Nyquist has lost some value, but is still a top nine winger.

Forward lines:

Gustav Nyquist – Dylan Larkin – Anthony Mantha
Tyler Bertuzzi – Andreas Athanasiou – Filip Zadina
Thomas Vanek – Frans Nielsen – Martin Frk
Justin Abdelkader – Luke Glendening – Darren Helm
Other: Evgeny Svechnikov
Injured: Johan Franzen

Defenseman: This is a real struggle for them. They should have picked Quinn Hughes, but they couldn\’t pass up Zadina. Still, they needed Hughes. Danny DeKeyser and Mike Green lead a deflated, aging core, with Trevor Daley, Niklas Kronwall and Jonathan Ericsson. Dennis Cholowski and Filip Hronek are the future, and could get some playing time this year, but maybe not on opening night.

Defensive pairs:

Danny DeKeyser – Mike Green
Trevor Daley – Jonathan Ericsson
Niklas Kronwall – Nick Jensen
Other: Filip Hronek, Joe Hicketts.

Goalies: Jimmy Howard won out Petr Mrazek, as he was traded to Philly at the trade deadline. Howard could be traded, but for now is the starter. Jonathan Bernier was brought in as a backup, but a guy that might need to start. Harri Sateri has been a backup in Florida before, but is now the third goalie.

Goalie alignment:

Jimmy Howard
Jonathan Bernier
Other: Harri Sateri

Predictions:

Top five scorers:

Dylan Larkin
Anthony Mantha
Andreas Athanasiou
Gustav Nyquist
Tyler Bertuzzi

Playoffs: No
Division: 6th