The main reason that the Flames may find themselves looking in on the playoffs is the amount of scoring they lost. Losing Krisitian Huselius and Alex Tanguay was huge. I am not sure if picking up Mike Cammalleri will make up the difference, especially since he’ll be playing on their top line with MVP candidate Jarome Iginla and Daymond Langkow.
The one thing on Calgary’s side is that they have their core of Dion Phaneuf, Kiprusoff, and Iginla—but will it be enough?
10. Nashville Predators
There are too many “what if's” for me to put Nashville in the playoffs. Martin Erat just got a lovely contract extension because Nashville believes his scoring will go up, but “what if” it doesn’t?
Dan Ellis put up the best numbers of his career last year—but he has only played one season, and “what if” the numbers go down a little?
Shea Weber is expected to bounce back after an injury-plagued season and lead the defense, but “what if” his injuries come back into play? The “what if” concept can be used for just about any team, but it fits right into Nashville’s lineup like another player. Hopefully “what if” will have a good season for the Preds.
11. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Jackets still don’t have the center that they want for Rick Nash, but R.J. Umberger may suffice, and adding Kristian Huselius will help take a little pressure off of Nash.
Pascal Leclaire is coming off an amazing season and will be the number one goalie to start the season. “Third string” goalie, Steve Mason, will be waiting in Syracuse for a potential call-up this season. Look for him to replace the ever-inconsistent Fredrik Norrena as the permanent backup. Mason put up great numbers in the OHL last season.
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