NHL: One Player from Each Team Poised to Take a Step Back

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Another NHL season is in full swing and the aim of every player is to get better and perform to the best of their ability.

While, many players doing just that, there are others who are trending in the other direction.

For whatever reason, age, immaturity, being in a poor situation there are several players who are under performing and failing to live up to expectations.

Here is one player from each franchise who is poised to take a step back this season.

Anaheim Ducks: Jason Blake

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It appears that Jason Blake's best years are behind him. It's a good thing he's making $4 million this season because he won't see paychecks like that again.

If he can find work next season, it will come with a significant pay cut.

Boston Bruins: Joe Corvo

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The Boston Bruins brought in Joe Corvo to help fill the void left by Tomas Kaberle.

While Tomas Kaberle hasn't exactly wowing the people of Carolina, Corvo has also been under performing in Beantown and doesn't appear to be turning it around anytime soon.

Buffalo Sabres: Ville Leino

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Those that were concerned over the length and value of Ville Leino's contract may have been right on. Leino has yet to prove he can be consistently good over an extended duration.

Couple that with the fact that he is perceived as being a strong willed player who could potentially clash with Lindy Ruff and disaster seems eminent.

Calgary Flames: Matt Stajan

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Matt Stajan is among several aging players with deteriorating skills in Calgary.

He is one play in particular who appears his game won't turn around. The Flames would love to deal him, but teams are not exactly lining up to get him.

Caorlina Hurricanes: Jamie McBain

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In this being Jamie McBain's second full season in the NHL, expect to see some growing pains. He'll eventually mature into a solid defensman but he may go through a bit of a sophomore slump.

At least his step back will be a temporary one. Look for him to rebound and take two more steps forward.

Chicago Blackhawks: Andrew Brunette

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Andrew Brunette has been consistent throughout his career and has been nothing but a true professional.

However, he's now 38 years old and another long season could wear on him. His play may drop off a bit during the later half of this year, but look for him to rebound.

Colorado Avalanche: T.J. Galiardi

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The Colorado Avalanche are stock piled with young talent in their organization. Each prospect is different and therefore, will grow at different rates.

A player the Avs need to be patient with is T.J. Galiardi. He's going to go through so growing pains this year, but should eventually develop into a solid player.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Steve Mason

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The question here isn't-- will Steve Mason fall? It's-- how far will he fall?

After his rookie season, he's been absolutely atrocious as he's posted some of the worst numbers in the league over the last two seasons. A change needs to be made in Columbus and it needs to be soon.

Dallas Stars: Sheldon Souray

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Lets start off by saying Sheldon Souray has gotten off to a tremendous start and has seemingly resurrected his career in Dallas. However, with that being said, the only place to go for Souray is down.

He'll, for all intents and purposes, have a good year, but there is no way he can continue with this production and play at such a high level.

Detroit Red Wings: Todd Bertuzzi

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Todd Bertuzzi is north of 35 and it appears his game is dropping off from even where it used to be just a few years ago.

It doesn't appear that there is much left in the tank for this power forward who has taken a beating over the course of his career.

Edmonton Oilers: Magnus Paajarvi

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Another player who is clearly going through a sophomore slump is Magnus Paajarvi. The Oilers must remain patient with him, though.

Being a European trained player, it will likely take Paajarvi longer to develop than his North American counterparts.

Florida Panthers: Erik Gudbranson

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We have to remember that this kid is just 19 years old. He has a lot of maturing and growing to do as a hockey player.

A poor start to his career, doesn't mean he won't turn into a good defenseman. He's been thrown right into the storm and needs to learn on the fly.

Los Angeles Kings: Dustin Penner

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Dustin Penner simple hasn't worked out in Los Angeles. It appears he'll keep falling until he is in new surroundings.

The best option for both the Kings and Penner at this point would be to trade him. .

Minnesota Wild: Cal Clutterbuck

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Cal Clutterbuck had a career year last season, but don't expect a repeat performance.

Although he has a really sweet 'stache, Clutterbuck appears to be taking a step back this season as the team has a bit off a different make up.

Montreal Canadiens: P.K. Subban

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Whether it's growing pains or he is just pressing to try and earn a new contract, P.K. Subban hasn't looked like the same player as last year.

Maybe the best solution for both the team and Subban would be to get a contract squared away now, so the defenseman can focus on hockey.

Nashville Predators: Jordin Tootoo

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Last season, Jordin Tootoo seemed to be roudning into something closer to a complete hockey player, but now it seems he's falling back into old habits.

Tootoo is at his best when he is that thorn in the side of the opposition. He must continue to grind it out.

New Jersey Devils: Henrik Tallinder

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Henrik Tallinder, like what seems to happen to a lot players when they come to New Jersey, has had his play drop off.

This season, Tallinder has shown signs of slowing down. He'll needs to be better on the blue line for the Devils to make a push.

New York Islanders: Kyle Okposo

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After a good 2009-2010 campaign, Kyle Okposo appeared to be developing into a promising hockey players.

Since then, he's taken a backseat as other prospects within the organization have surpassed him. He needs to right his game before he's left in the dust.

New York Rangers: Brandon Dubinsky

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With Brad Richards in town, the roles of some players have shifted. While some may have expected Brandon Dubinksy's production to increase with Richards facing the bulk of the opposition's best defenders.

That simple hasn't been the case, however. It appears Dubinsky might be in for a long year.

Ottawa Senators: Chris Phillips

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Another aging defenseman on the decline is Chris Phillips. It appears that his best days are also behind him.

If there is any sort of market for him, the Senators should trade Phillips and give a younger player a shot.

Philadelphia Flyers: Maxime Talbot

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Maixime Talbot is off to a very fast start as far as his production goes, but don't expect those numbers to continue pouring in.

Talbot excels in many areas of the game including killing penalties playing a solid defensive games-- just don't expect him to be counted on to routinely produce offensively.

Phoenix Coyotes: Mikkel Boedker

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After bursting on to the scene at 18, Phoenix Coyotes fans expected to eventually see big things from Mikkel Boedker. However, they are still waiting.

He's still only 21 so he has plenty of time to ripen, but this doesn't appear to be the year he'll be fruitful. A good season for Boedker would be simple playing the entire season with the parent club.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Sydney Crosby

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All signs point to Sydney Crosby soon returning to the lineup, but don't expect that to be the end of his struggles.

After being out so long with post concussion syndrome, it will take Crosby awhile to get back up to speed. However, Crosby simply returning to the ice could be a step forward of its own.