NHL 2011-12: Roberto Luongo and 7 Players with High Expectations This Season

As the NHL season approaches, there are several teams and players with high expectations coming into the new year.

Players like the San Jose Sharks' captain Joe Thornton and Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo will be under enormous pressure to win their team's first ever Stanley Cup this season, and the burden of previous playoff failures will only add to the pressure both superstars will face.

Young stars like Taylor Hall of Edmonton and Phil Kessel of Toronto will be expected to lead their teams out of the cellar, and back into the playoff picture.

Let's look at seven players who will be facing enormous expectations this season.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist for Bleacher Report, and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston. Follow him on Twitter for Bruins and NHL news and analysis.

Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings

Drew Doughty still hasn't signed a new contract with the Los Angeles Kings, and remains a restricted free agent.

When he does sign, he will be under enormous pressure to be the face of the Kings, and lead them deep into the playoffs.

After a disappointing 2010-11 season, Doughty must quickly prove he is worth the contract he'll receive, which will no doubt make him one of the top-paid defenseman in the NHL.

Jeff Carter, Columbus Blue Jackets

Jeff Carter was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets from the Philadelphia Flyers just before the 2011 NHL Draft, and will be expected to carry the Columbus offense along with team captain Rick Nash.

Carter never lived up to his potential in Philadelphia, but his offensive talents are certainly top-line worthy, and perhaps a change of scenery is all he needs to fulfill his potential.

The Blue Jackets are expected to make a run at a playoff spot, and Carter will have to score goals for that to happen.

Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks

Joe Thornton is often criticized for not delivering in the playoffs throughout his career, but last season he played well for the San Jose Sharks in their run to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season.

Thornton played courageously in the 2011 NHL playoffs, battling through injuries and still being productive.

After acquiring defenseman Brent Burns from Minnesota, trading repeated playoff failure Dany Heatley, and acquiring veteran forward Martin Havlat, the Sharks have their best team for a Cup run in 2012.

Thornton will need to excel in the playoffs to meet the highest of expectations, and win his first career Stanley Cup.

Brad Richards, New York Rangers

Brad Richards signed a nine-year, $60 million contract with the New York Rangers this summer, and will be expected to carry an offense starving for goals.

The Rangers badly needed a No. 1 center last season, and filled that need with Richards this offseason.

Richards will have to carry the offensive load for the Rangers along with Marian Gaborik.

A run to at least the second round of the playoffs is expected for the Rangers this season, and Richards' Stanley Cup experience will be crucial to New York's success in 2011-12.

Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks

Roberto Luongo finally led his Vancouver Canucks to the Stanley Cup Finals last season, but he was absolutely dominated by the Boston Bruins in seven games, and once again failed to win the Cup.

Luongo gave up 15 goals in Games 3, 4 and 6 in Boston during the Finals, and allowed three goals in Game 7 at home in Vancouver. He was pulled in Games 4 and 6.

Luongo has endured numerous playoff failures in his career, with his best achievement being a gold medal triumph with Team Canada in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

This season, the Canucks will once again be a top team out West, and Luongo must play better in the playoffs for the team and the city of Vancouver to celebrate its first Stanley Cup title.

Taylor Hall, Edmonton Oilers

Taylor Hall's expectations will always be high since he was the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, but the young Edmonton Oilers forward showed signs of becoming something really special last season.

Hall scored 22 points and dished out 20 assists last season for 42 points, despite getting off to a slow start to the year.

Hall will be counted on to make the Oilers contenders for a playoff spot this season, and for the near future.

Phil Kessel, Toronto Maple Leafs

Phil Kessel is the best player on the Toronto Maple Leafs, and is expected to carry the team's offense by scoring at least 30 goals.

Kessel was acquired by the Maple leafs from the Boston Bruins after the 2008-09 season for two first round picks, with one of those picks being the second overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, and the other being the ninth overall pick in the 2011 draft.

Kessel's offense will be crucial to the Leafs' chances at ending their playoff drought, and bringing the excitement of playoff hockey back to Toronto.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist for Bleacher Report, and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston. Follow him on Twitter for Bruins and NHL news and analysis.