1 Player on Each NHL Team in Need of a Bounce-Back Season in 2015-16
It's amazing what one season can do for a hockey player.
We see it all the time: Good players have one bad season and end up undervalued. Devan Dubnyk is a great recent example of this.
Dubnyk entered 2013-14 as the Edmonton Oilers' starting goalie, a position he earned through years of good work in a tandem with Nikolai Khabibulin behind one of the league's worst defences. He struggled, and badly, eventually finding himself in the minors after a series of trades.
Arizona picked Dubnyk up on a cheap, one-year deal and got good play from him and then a draft pick for his rights. Minnesota, the team that gave up the pick, did even better; Dubnyk almost single-handedly carried them into the playoffs. He ended up with significant votes as both the NHL's best goalie and the league MVP.
So when looking at the following list, the right way to consider it is not as a group of underachievers coming off a bad year. Instead, it's a group of players whose track records offer reasons to believe they could have real value if they can find their form of past seasons.
For each player on the following list, we consider his stats line for last season, as well as two possibilities: an encouraging one based on his potential to rebound, and a discouraging one based on if he continues to slump. In every case, either could come to pass. It just depends on the individual.
Anaheim Ducks: Chris Stewart
1 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 81 games, 14 goals, 22 assists, 36 points
If He Rebounds: As recently as 2012-13, Chris Stewart was an impact offensive weapon, posting 18 goals and 36 points during the lockout-shortened campaign. He barely managed that point total over a full season last time around and hasn't hit 18 goals since.
But if he can get back to being the goal-scoring power forward of just a few years ago, it will improve the Ducks' Stanley Cup prospects and reinvigorate the career of one of the league's most enigmatic players.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Stewart wasn't a hot commodity in free agency; he ended up being forced to settle for a one-year deal at a $1.7 million salary. If he can't find some success with a strong Anaheim game that loves the type of player he is, he may have trouble landing a contract next year.
Arizona Coyotes: Mike Smith
2 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 62 games, 14-42-5 record, 0.904 save percentage
If He Rebounds: Mike Smith enjoyed three solid seasons as the Coyotes' No. 1 goaltender, but after last season's collapse, the 33-year-old is an uncertain quantity in net. If he can recover, getting his save percentage back somewhere close to his career average of 0.912, he'll be fine.
Such a rebound would make a big difference for Smith but an even bigger one for Arizona, a team that collapsed last season without reliable goaltending.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Smith will be in decent shape regardless of what happens. He has four years left on a contract worth $5.67 million annually, which the Coyotes imprudently gave him back in 2013. However, another bad season would leave Arizona with no choice but to replace him as starter.
Boston Bruins: Loui Eriksson
3 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 81 games, 22 goals, 25 assists, 47 points
If He Rebounds: Boston still hasn't had a chance to see Loui Eriksson at his best. A three-time 70-point forward with the Dallas Stars, Eriksson may not be able to replicate his success but should certainly be able to contribute more than the 47 points he did in 2014-15.
Such a bounce back would give Boston some much needed offensive firepower and give Eriksson a shot at another big contract as he enters free agency.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Eriksson still has value as a 45-point man, particularly given his two-way reputation. Boston is in danger of missing the playoffs again, and another low-end year from Eriksson wouldn't help. It would also make it hard for any team to look at him in free agency as more than a support player.
Buffalo Sabres: Robin Lehner
4 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 25 games, 9-12-3, 0.905 save percentage
If He Rebounds: There were no shortages of candidates on Buffalo's roster for this kind of treatment, but the fate of the Sabres depends more on Robin Lehner than any other. For the team to make progress, it needs the 23-year-old to get back to looking like an NHL starter. If he does, a leap up the standings is possible.
Such a leap would also go a long way toward establishing Lehner as a future No. 1. Formerly a can't-miss prospect, Lehner still has value, but some of the shine has come off after a poor campaign.
If He Doesn't Rebound: If Lehner plays poorly next year, the Sabres are likely to repeat as the worst team in the NHL. Buffalo was bad with good goaltending last year. Despite the team's improvements, bad goaltending would leave the team in a terrible spot.
A bad performance wouldn't be the end of the world for Lehner, but right now, he's being handed a No. 1 spot that likely won't happen again if he doesn't deliver.
Calgary Flames: Matt Stajan
5 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 59 games, seven goals, 17 points
If He Rebounds: Matt Stajan's year-over-year point totals fell by basically 50 percent last time out, so there would seem to be a lot of room here for the veteran pivot to make up some ground. It must be acknowledged that much of the issue was a reduction in role, as Stajan took on fewer minutes in an increasingly defensive role.
Stajan still has an important role to play for the Flames as an all-purpose centre who adds needed experience to a young roster, and if he can provide a little more offensive punch, it will make Calgary that much more dangerous.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Stajan has three years left on a contract that pays him $3.125 million annually. That's a lot of money for a player who isn't really being used much at even strength. Calgary needs to get more than a fourth-line forward out of that investment.
Carolina Hurricanes: Jeff Skinner
6 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 77 games, 18 goals, 13 assists, 31 points
If He Rebounds: Jeff Skinner scored 31 goals in his first year in the NHL and potted 33 in 2013-14, so for him to fall to just 31 points over a full season represents spectacular underachievement. A big chunk of the problem was on the power play, during which he fell from 11 goals to four.
The Hurricanes desperately need the 23-year-old star to get back to putting up crooked numbers for them. At his best, Skinner is a top-line goal scorer, and playing at that level would go a long way toward getting Carolina back into the playoff picture.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Skinner is a franchise cornerstone, signed long term, but a second disappointing season might give rise to doubt. If he can't get back to doing what he's done previously, it's going to alter Carolina's rebuilding plan.
Chicago Blackhawks: Trevor Daley
7 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 68 games, 16 goals, 22 assists, 38 points
If He Rebounds: Daley may seem like an odd choice, given his impressive stats line; he's clearly firing on all cylinders offensively. His two-way game, though, has the potential to be much better than it was last season.
Daley, historically, has outperformed his teammates in terms of on-ice shot metrics and scoring chances. That changed last season; he went from sitting three percent above the Stars' average to being eight percent below in terms of scoring chances (not coincidentally, he went minus-17 after six consecutive positive seasons).
If he gets back to where he was, the Blackhawks will have a highly capable two-way defenceman who will solidify their top-four.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Rightly or not, Daley is likely to be compared to Johnny Oduya. If he rebounds, he'll be a slight upgrade. If he doesn't, he may put up more points but leave the Hawks worse off overall.
Colorado Avalanche: Nathan MacKinnon
8 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 64 games, 14 goals, 24 assists, 38 points
If He Rebounds: It's weird talking about a rebound season for a player who won't even turn 20 until September 1, but that's how high Nathan MacKinnon set the bar with his dazzling rookie campaign in 2013-14. He recorded 24 goals and 63 points that season, establishing himself as a dynamic scorer immediately.
Last year's scoring slump was a bump in the road, but with a good year, MacKinnon can make people forget it and, more importantly, help the Avalanche get back into the playoffs by boosting the power play.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Another year of lower scoring totals is probably not that big of a deal at team level except to Colorado's power play. MacKinnon's two-way game improved last year, and his five-on-five scoring only had a marginal adjustment, from 2.11 points/hour to 2.00 points/hour.
The drop-off was pretty much all on the man advantage, where MacKinnon went from 5.53 points/hour to 2.78 points/hour. That certainly does matter, and an effective MacKinnon on an effective power play will help the Avs improve as a team, but it's no cause for long-term concern about the player.
The only party really hurt might be MacKinnon, whose entry-level deal expires next summer. He stands to make less money on his next contract if he doesn't have shiny point totals, whatever the state of his overall game. So while the team might not care much, MacKinnon himself would benefit a lot from increasing his production.
Columbus Blue Jackets: David Clarkson
9 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 61 games, 10 goals, five assists, 15 points
If He Rebounds: Columbus took on the David Clarkson contract in exchange for the even uglier (financially) Nathan Horton deal and got a player who has more to give than he's shown so far on his current deal.
Just two years ago, Clarkson was coming off his second consecutive season scoring at a 40-plus-point pace (it was the 2013 lockout year) and was in high demand as a tough, physical winger who could also score and play two-way hockey.
It's not likely that Clarkson will get back to that level, but if he could be a 15-goal, 30-point man, he would have a lot of value to the Jackets given his other abilities.
If He Doesn't Rebound: If Clarkson can't rebound, there will be lots of quiet disappointment but no action. The Blue Jackets aren't relying on him to give them that much, and he has five seasons left in a buyout-proof contract.
Dallas Stars: Kari Lehtonen
10 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 65 games, 34-17-10 record, 0.903 save percentage
If He Rebounds: Since his first full season in Texas, Kari Lehtonen's five-on-five save percentage has been 0.929, 0.925, 0.925, 0.928 and last year 0.914. One of those things is not at all like the others, and coming out of the clear blue sky, it suggests he either had a weird off year or that the Stars defence collapsed.
On the latter note, it's of interest that every other Dallas goalie also got lit up.
Lehtonen has been an above-average starter for years now, and if he can get back to his previous level, there's no reason he can't be again.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Lehtonen's replacement is already in the system, as the Stars went out and added a middling Antti Niemi on a three-year deal with an average annual value of $4.5 million. If Lehtonen doesn't rebound, he'll be the No. 2 immediately and a buyout might not be far behind.
Detroit Red Wings: Jimmy Howard
11 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 50 games, 23-13-11 record, 0.910 save percentage
If He Rebounds: Detroit committed to Jimmy Howard to the tune of a six-year, $31.75 million contract, and while mediocre work over the last two seasons has put his status as starter in jeopardy, he can likely secure the job with a bounce-back performance.
Such a performance would also help the Red Wings as they enter the first year of Jeff Blashill's tenure as coach. Detroit squeaked into the playoffs by four points last season, and high-end goaltending would help ensure they stay there.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Howard's poor performance opened the door for prospect Petr Mrazek, who ultimately took over as the club's playoff starter. If Howard isn't strong from the start of training camp, he could be supplanted, leaving Detroit in a difficult position because he has four years left on his current deal.
It's worth remembering Blashill won an AHL championship with Mrazek and likely won't be afraid to turn to the youngster.
Edmonton Oilers: Teddy Purcell
12 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 82 games, 12 goals, 22 assists, 34 points
If He Rebounds: Teddy Purcell isn't fast, but he's a big winger. At his best, he's a pretty formidable complementary offensive player. Between 2010 and 2013, Purcell largely played with Steven Stamkos and did an admirable job of meshing with the Lightning star, averaging 59 points per 82 games played.
He may get the chance to play with a major star in Edmonton next year, and if he can recapture his 60-point form, he'll have value to a lot of different teams.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Purcell fell to just 34 points last season, and an offensive winger who can't manage 40 points isn't going to get much love from NHL executives.
There are a lot of similar wingers out there in free agency right now, and if Purcell can't find his offensive touch, he might find it tough to even land a major-league contract next summer.
Florida Panthers: Al Montoya
13 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 20 games, 6-7-2 record, 0.892 save percentage
If He Rebounds: One of the items that kept Florida out of the postseason last year was lousy backup goaltending. A resurgent Al Montoya would stabilize the position and greatly increase the chances of the Cats returning to the playoffs.
It would also go a long way toward keeping Montoya in the NHL. He's in the final season of a two-year contract and will earn looks as a backup somewhere if he can deliver reliable starts for the Panthers.
If He Doesn't Rebound: There's a limited amount a backup goalie can do to submarine a team, but the Panthers project as a playoff bubble club and need every inch they can get. If Montoya struggles, it could be fatal to the club's postseason aspirations.
It would almost certainly be fatal to Montoya's career. The 30-year-old journeyman has had two good NHL seasons and two bad ones to date; a third poor season could justifiably be used to write him off as a major-league option.
Los Angeles Kings: Dustin Brown
14 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 82 games, 11 goals, 16 assists, 27 points
If He Rebounds: Dustin Brown's even-strength offence has been sliding for a while now, but he has a history of producing at reasonable second-line levels in the not-too-distant past. If he could get back to that place, it would give the Kings some much-needed offensive punch.
More importantly, though, is arresting any further slide in his two-way game. He played much softer minutes than he usually does last season and, despite this, ended up below the team average in terms of both scoring chances and shot metrics for the first time in the Kings' championship window.
Los Angeles could use a Brown who scores; it needs a Brown who plays strong two-way hockey.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Brown just completed the first year of an eight-season contract with a cap hit of $5.875 million. He turns 31 in November. If he can't turn things around in a hurry, Los Angeles can look forward to paying an aging, declining third-liner top-six forward money for most of the next decade.
Minnesota Wild: Thomas Vanek
15 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 80 games, 21 goals, 31 assists, 52 points
If He Rebounds: Thomas Vanek scored 27 goals and managed 68 points overall in a down 2013-14 season that saw him hop between three different teams. The year before that, he was a better than point-per-game player in Buffalo.
He can be an offensive difference-maker, particularly on the power play. The latter point is particularly important to the Wild, who struggled badly on the man advantage last year. A resurgent Vanek would be a legitimate top-line winger and greatly improve the Minnesota attack.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Vanek has two years left on a contract that pays him $6.5 million per season, so it won't cripple the Wild if he settles in as a secondary scorer—it'll just be disappointing and, to some degree, hurt their championship hopes.
It would hurt the player, though. Vanek is now 31 and at the stage of his career when any drop off in performance runs the risk of being the new reality for him. Another bad season might mark the end of his days as a top-flight offensive weapon.
Montreal Canadiens: Zack Kassian
16 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 42 games, 10 goals, six assists, 16 points
If He Rebounds: Zack Kassian's numbers weren't bad on the year thanks to a seven-goal outburst in February, but he had just two goals and six points during his first 26 games of the season. If he can distribute that production a little better over the course of the year, the Habs will be laughing.
Kassian could well be a 15-goal, 30-point physical presence, and if he hits even that level, he'll be a useful part of a generally undersized Montreal attack. The 24-year-old could carve out a nice NHL career without ever climbing past those numbers.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun described Kassian as being "on a trajectory to be out of the league" shortly before the player took off in February, and while teams will cut a big scorer a lot of breaks, that's apt. Kassian can't afford to go months at a time without lighting the lamp.
Nashville Predators: Cody Hodgson
17 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 78 games, six goals, seven assists, 13 points
If He Rebounds: Cody Hodgson is one year removed from a 44-point campaign with the Sabres, which itself was a little disappointing after a more impressive run in 2012-13.
The 10th overall pick in the 2008 draft has had long stretches of solid play as a middle-six centre, the kind of player who runs up the offence in a sheltered scoring role. There's a lot of value in a player who can do that effectively, and it will improve Nashville's offensive depth if Hodgson can regain that form.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Hodgson is probably finished as an NHL player if he can't put together some kind of comeback. His performance in 2014-15 was miserable, and it wasn't all shooting percentage related; it is fair to wonder if he was really a better option than the next AHL player on the call-up list.
The Preds aren't paying very much for Hodgson's services, so if he can't reignite his career, they won't be in bad shape; this was always a low-risk bet for the team.
New Jersey Devils: Travis Zajac
18 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 74 games, 11 goals, 14 assists, 25 points
If He Rebounds: Travis Zajac has the power to help the Devils in a major way. He was signed to a rich, long-term deal that still has six seasons left on it with the idea that he'd be a top two-way pivot. High-end scoring may be out of the question, but superb two-way play isn't.
If Zajac rebounds, the Devils will once again have a big, defensive centre providing secondary scoring. They need both the offence and his ability to play tougher minutes to buy room for more prolific scorers.
If He Doesn't Rebound: The thought of Zajac not rebounding is terrifying.
He'll be 31 next summer, coming off a second consecutive wretched year and still have five years to go on a deal with a $5.75 million cap hit and a no-trade clause. Given his age, it would be hard to imagine a scenario in which he suddenly turns things around at that point.
New York Islanders: Mikhail Grabovski
19 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 51 games, nine goals, 10 assists, 19 points
If He Rebounds: Mikhail Grabovski was one of New York general manager Garth Snow's less successful moves in what was by and large a pretty successful season. But there's still good reason to think the centre can recover from a difficult and injury-filled year.
In five of the six seasons preceding 2014-15, Grabovski was a capable secondary offensive weapon and a solid two-way forward. He'll struggle to post big numbers without power-play time but could improve the offensive punch of a deep Isles lineup with a rebound campaign.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Grabovski has three years left on his current contract at an average annual value of $5 million. That's a lot of money tied up if he can't improve upon a difficult initial season. As it is, he may find himself relegated to the No. 3 centre role.
New York Rangers: Viktor Stalberg
20 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 25 games, two goals, eight assists, 10 points
If He Rebounds: Viktor Stalberg is a pretty good player at his best. He scored at better than a 40-point pace for an awfully good Chicago team for two seasons, and he did it while adding the combination of size and speed so many NHL teams value.
He could carve out a role as a physical third-line player with a good season, and with a full recovery, he might even spend time in a top-six role.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Stalberg scored pretty well in minuscule minutes with Nashville, so the risk here is somewhat limited, but it could be that he starts off slow and never gets a chance to play above the fourth line. He's on a reclamation contract, so while the Rangers aren't risking much, such a performance would be disastrous for Stalberg's career.
Ottawa Senators: Jared Cowen
21 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 54 games, three goals, six assists, nine points
If He Rebounds: Jared Cowen, the ninth overall pick in the 2009 Draft, was once a key building block for the Senators, and the hope in Ottawa has to be that he can be again.
Primarily a defensive defenceman, Cowen at his best has significant ability with the puck. His on-ice shot metrics were strong as a rookie in 2011-12, and he scored 17 points in 82 games that year. If he can get back on track, the Sens will have a 6'5", 230-pound shutdown option who can make a good outlet pass.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Cowen has two seasons left on a deal that pays him $3.1 million annually. Once that concludes, he will be a restricted free agent. Ottawa gave him that deal because it was banking on him to become a top-four shutdown defencemen. If he can't get to that level, his time with the team (and with big paychecks) may be over.
Philadelphia Flyers: Vincent Lecavalier
22 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 57 games, eight goals, 12 assists, 20 points
If He Rebounds: Vincent Lecavalier's big problem is two-way play. His offensive totals haven't been that bad over his tenure in Philadelphia—even his disastrous 2014-15 season would have been okay in that department if he'd had a reasonable shooting percentage.
The veteran centre is fighting for his NHL career at this point. A strong performance could keep him in the league a few more years, as well as solidify Philly's second or third line.
If He Doesn't Rebound: The Flyers chose not to buy out the final three years of Lecavalier's contract and were obviously unable to trade him this summer. That may change next year, as the actual dollars remaining on his contract fall off sharply.
In the event of a buyout, Lecavalier would likely be done as an NHLer. In the event of a trade (likely involving retained salary and a sweetener on the part of the Flyers), he'd be finishing off his major-league days with a team likely looking just to reach the cap floor.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Chris Kunitz
23 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 74 games, 17 goals, 23 assists, 40 points
If He Rebounds: A former first-team NHL all-star and Canadian Olympic gold medalist, Chris Kunitz saw his goal totals cut in half from 2013-14 as he fell below 25 assists for the first time since 2009-10. His worst season since his days in Atlanta (yes, Atlanta; 2014-15 was worse than any season during his time in Anaheim) leaves lots of room for improvement, though.
A resurgent Kunitz would help give the Pens not just perhaps the most potent but also one of the deepest offences in hockey. He'll certainly play behind Phil Kessel and also possibly behind David Perron too (if Perron ends up at left wing) and could help make Pittsburgh a match-up nightmare for opposing teams.
If He Doesn't Rebound: If Kunitz can't regain some of the ground he lost last season, the suspicion is going to be that he's done. He'll turn 36 in September, and a winger who can't find his offensive touch with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin at that age isn't likely to get much of a shot elsewhere.
St. Louis Blues: Paul Stastny
24 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 74 games, 16 goals, 30 assists, 46 points
If He Rebounds: Paul Stastny failed to score at least 20 goals during a season when he played at least 50 games for the first time in his career last time out, and the Blues were still a good team. They'll be better still if he can truly unlock his offence in a feature role.
One of the Blues' issues in recent playoff years has been their inability to get that necessary extra goal or two; a rejuvenated Statsny could go a long way toward providing it.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Stastny has three years left on his $7.0 million-per-year deal and is being counted on to provide at least 50 points for that money. The team will still be good, but salary-cap management will be extremely difficult.
San Jose Sharks: Martin Jones
25 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 15 games, 4-5-2 record, 0.906 save percentage
If He Rebounds: There is a glorious opportunity in front of Martin Jones. San Jose acquired him over the summer with the obvious purpose of installing him as its starting goalie. The 25-year-old may never have a better chance to establish himself as a No. 1 netminder in the NHL.
If he gets the job done, the Sharks will have landed a long-term replacement for Antti Niemi.
If He Doesn't Rebound: This may be Jones' only shot at a starting gig if things go poorly, but the real emphasis here has to be at the team level. In terms of NHL doomsday scenarios, another underwhelming season for Jones has to be near the top of the list.
Not only are the Sharks committed to a $3.0 million salary for Jones over each of the next three years but also sent their 2016 first-round draft pick to Boston to make a deal happen. If Jones posts a save percentage in the 0.905 range, only an uninspiring Alex Stalock will stand in the way of an incredibly high Sharks pick going to the Bruins.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Jonathan Drouin
26 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 70 games, four goals, 28 assists, 32 points
If He Rebounds: Jonathan Drouin is perhaps a bit of a stretch here—there weren't many disappointing seasons in Tampa Bay—but it's fair to say that a four-goal regular season followed by regular scratches in the playoffs were not what the Lightning expected from a prospect with back-to-back 100-point seasons (in less than 50 games) in the QMJHL.
Drouin was projected as a top-line NHL forward, and while he doesn't have to get there right away, if he could provide the Lightning with secondary scoring, it would make the marriage more comfortable and improve the Bolts' championship chances.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Drouin, who turned 20 in March, obviously still has plenty of time on his side as far as an NHL career goes. What may have less time is his relationship with the team.
It couldn't have been easy to be a scratch for the most important games of the season, and another bad year might sour relations to the point where a trade would be in the best interest of both parties.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Joffrey Lupul
27 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 55 games, 10 goals, 11 assists, 21 points
If He Rebounds: Joffrey Lupul is a legitimate top-six winger, something he has proved many times over. Over his first three seasons with Toronto, he managed 45 goals and 103 points in just 110 games; those are first-line numbers and the kind of production the Leafs need.
Getting back to that level would confirm Lupul's status as a difference-maker and either allow the Leafs to partially replace Phil Kessel's lost production or potentially to shop another useful veteran as their rebuild continues.
If He Doesn't Rebound: The Leafs are in rebuilding mode, and Lupul has three years left on his lucrative contract, so a failure to recover would be depressing but not critical to the hopes of either party. Still, another bad season would likely spell the end of Lupul as an impact player.
Vancouver Canucks: Ryan Miller
28 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 45 games, 29-15-1 record, 0.911 save percentage
If He Rebounds: For five consecutive seasons from 2008-13, Ryan Miller's even-strength save percentage never fell below 0.924, a solid number for an NHL starter. A bad finish to 2013-14 tanked his numbers after a strong start.
Then came 2014-15, the first start-to-finish weak season for Miller in ages. If he can put it behind him, the Canucks will have above-average goaltending and a reliable No. 1, something they'll need if they are to repeat as a playoff team.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Vancouver just traded away Eddie Lack, it's goaltending safety net, meaning the team will now lean heavily on a pricey Miller and an unproven Jacob Markstrom to deliver quality goaltending. If Miller can't get the job done, it's likely to cost the team a playoff berth and perhaps even launch a full-fledged rebuild.
Washington Capitals: Dmitry Orlov
29 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: Did not play (injured)
If He Rebounds: Just a year ago, Dmitry Orlov was a top young defenceman forcing his way into the Capitals' top-four on merit. Then a wrist injury cost him pretty much the entirety of 2014-15—he played three games in the AHL—and he dropped off the radar as a result, at least outside Washington.
A return to form from Orlov would erase the even-strength pain of losing Mike Green and give the Caps a very strong top five on the back end. It would also re-establish the 24-year-old Orlov as one of the NHL's better up-and-coming rearguards.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Player and team alike will be in a bit of a pickle if Orlov struggles in his first full season back from injury. The Capitals would need to decide how much of the problem is just Orlov needing time to find his game again, and Orlov's status as a can't-miss NHL defenceman would take a big hit.
Winnipeg Jets: Toby Enstrom
30 of 30
2014-15 Stats Line: 60 games played, four goals, 19 assists, 23 points
If He Rebounds: Toby Enstrom used to be not just a much bigger point-producer than he is now but also a more dominant two-way defenceman.
The 30-year-old can deliver a lot more on the power play (one goal was the lowest he's ever posted in a full season) and at even-strength offensively. Last season was also the first time that Enstrom trailed the team average in unblocked shot attempts (Fenwick) as a Jet.
At his best, Enstrom is one of the NHL's best-kept two-way secrets.
If He Doesn't Rebound: Enstrom was still a good player last season, so if 2014-15 marked the beginning of a slow decline as he enters his 30s, that would hardly be catastrophic to the team or the player.
Statistics courtesy of NHL.com and war-on-ice.com. Salary information via General Fanager.
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