Ranking the 10 Biggest Injury Risks for the 2014-15 NHL Season

NHL teams cannot control injuries, and they can have a major impact on playoff races and Stanley Cup victories. Many contenders have worries at important positions and shore up their benches in those areas just in case the unthinkable happens.

Once training camps begin and good health is established, it's easy for fans to forget about it and assume the past is a distant memory. NHL general managers cannot afford that luxury and have to be ready with a backup plan instantly.

Here are the 10 biggest injury worries for general managers for the 2014-15 season.

10. Tyler Bozak, C, Toronto Maple Leafs

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How Important Is He?

Tyler Bozak is the top center for the Toronto Maple Leafs and one of their key playmakers. His 30 assists in 2013-14 ranked third on the team. 

How Risky Is He?

Bozak played only 58 games during the regular season and spent significant time on the injury list. The main problem was a strained oblique muscle, and he missed games in October, November and December.

What's The Backup Plan?

Toronto has Nazem Kadri as an option, but the Leafs are not blessed with tremendous depth at center. They've added Mike Santorelli and Petri Kontiola in an effort to improve at the position, but Bozak will be relied on heavily.

9. Johan Franzen, LW, Detroit Red Wings

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How Important Is He?

Johan Franzen is a quality forward for the Detroit Red Wings. He's played over 560 NHL games and has been productive into his 30s.

How Risky Is He?

Franzen played only 54 games in 2013-14, owing mostly to head injuries. At age 34, he remains useful when healthy, but time and the nature of his injuries are a concern.

What's The Backup Plan?

Detroit is a quality organization that continues to draft and develop well. A look at last season's roster suggests it has a new generation of players ready to step in. The Red Wings have retained and are clearly hoping to play their veterans in 2014-15.

8. Loui Eriksson, RW, Boston Bruins

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How Important Is He?

Loui Eriksson is an established offensive winger for the Boston Bruins. His production is badly needed in 2014-15, as the team had to let go of Jarome Iginla due to cap challenges.  

How Risky Is He?

Eriksson is still in the prime of his career, but he missed significant time a year ago due to concussions. He missed games in October, November, December and January during the season. 

What's The Backup Plan?

Boston's depth chart is thin because of the cap issues, and the step down in quality might be catastrophic for the Bruins. Eriksson's health and productivity looms large for 2014-15.

7. Dennis Seidenberg, D, Boston Bruins

Winslow Townson/Associated Press

How Important Is He?

Dennis Seidenberg is a quality NHL defenseman for the Boston Bruins. He can play heavy minutes and is one of Boston's best options when healthy. 

How Risky Is He?

On December 29, Fluto Shinzawa of The Boston Globe reported that Seidenberg was lost for the season. He missed the rest of the regular season and playoffs for the Bruins because of a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee. 

What's The Backup Plan?

The Bruins have plenty of defensemen, but very few of them have legitimate NHL experience. The team's tight cap situation doesn't lend itself to bringing in another veteran, so Seidenberg's health is vital to Boston's chances this year.

6. Mark Giordano, D, Calgary Flames

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How Important Is He?

Mark Giordano is one of the best defensemen in the NHL and by far the Calgary Flames' best player. 

How Risky Is He?

Giordano missed 18 games during the 2013-14 season due to a broken ankle. The Flames won five of those 18 contests. 

What's The Backup Plan?

The Flames are in a rebuild, and Giordano will be a key player in making the transition painless. Calgary has no one in its lineup or in its system to make up for an in-season loss due to injury. 

5. Kris Letang, D, Pittsburgh Penguins

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

How Important Is He?

Kris Letang is a brilliant puck-moving defenseman and a major player in the Pittsburgh Penguins offense. In his last 72 regular-season games, Letang has scored 60 points. 

How Risky Is He?

On February 7, it was announced on the Penguins website that Letang would miss at least six weeks of play after having a stroke. The announcement stressed the problem was not believed to be career-threatening.

What's The Backup Plan?

The Penguins don't have a veteran replacement and may not need it based on the story and Letang's performance after returning. The Penguins do have a large number of gifted defenders developing in pro and junior hockey.

4. Henrik Zetterberg, C, Detroit Red Wings

Michael Dwyer/Associated Press

How Important Is He?

Henrik Zetterberg is the Detroit Red Wings' top player and one of the best two-way players in the NHL. 

How Risky Is He?

On February 21, NHL.com reported that Zetterberg had undergone back surgery and would need eight weeks to recover. He missed the last 24 regular-season games and three playoff contests. Zetterberg is also entering the later portion of his career.

What's The Backup Plan?

Detroit got a good look at its future last season, because so many veterans were injured. Names like Gustav Nyquist and Justin Abdelkader will eventually emerge as leaders.

3. Pavel Datsyuk, C, Detroit Red Wings

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How Important Is He?

Pavel Datsyuk is the emotional leader of the Detroit Red Wings and remains a highly productive two-way talent. 

How Risky Is He?

Datsyuk suffered through various injuries during the regular season, including a head injury and a sore knee. He played only 45 games in 2013-14.

What's The Backup Plan?

Detroit has been transitioning to youth for several years now, and Datsyuk is an aging player. If healthy, he will play big minutes, as he remains productive.

2. John Tavares, C, New York Islanders

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How Important Is He?

John Tavares is the New York Islanders' best player and one of the NHL's finest young centers at this time. 

How Risky Is He?

On February 20, NHL.com reported that Tavares would miss the rest of the NHL regular season due to a knee injury. The article noted he had sustained a torn MCL and torn meniscus in his knee at the Sochi Olympics. 

What's The Backup Plan?

Tavares is the Islanders' franchise player, so a backup plan is impossible. Fans will rest easy only when they see their star player in regular-season action performing at his previous level of ability.

1. Alexander Steen, LW, St. Louis Blues

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How Important Is He?

Alexander Steen scored 33 goals for the St. Louis Blues in 2013-14, playing on a very productive line with David Backes and T.J. Oshie. The line was especially effective at even strength. 

How Risky Is He?

On December 28, Steen was placed on injured reserve because of a concussion. He missed 11 games and was less effective on his return. Concussions are unpredictable, but the Blues will be counting on Steen to play at his usual high level.

What's The Backup Plan?

The Blues have a plethora of quality forwards, and newcomers Jori Lehtera and Joakim Lindstrom should be in the mix for available minutes. There is no one on the St. Louis roster who could replace Steen's offensive output.