The Player with the Most to Prove on Every NHL Team in 2015-16
Training camps are just around the corner, which will officially turn the page on the last NHL season. But that doesn't mean everyone has a fresh start. Plenty of players have something to prove in the 2015-16 campaign.
From young players running out of chances to show they belong to veterans on expiring contracts who must convince their next employer they're worth a new contract, a raise or just an opportunity, all 30 franchises have at least a couple of players who fit the bill here as individuals worthy of a little more scrutiny than their colleagues.
In this slideshow, we'll offer our choice for the one with the most to prove for each team.
We're not picking on goaltenders, but there are quite a few of them on this list. There are a number of uncertain situations surrounding that position this season.
Because there are no statistics to really help this sort of selection, the criteria for choosing the top prove-it player for each team came down to personal analysis. Factors such as what the player did a year ago and how much it may have differed from previous seasons, new contracts signed or changes of scenery through trades, big injuries or lingering bust labels were all explored.
Click ahead to see the choice for your team and its competition.
Anaheim Ducks
1 of 30
The player: Frederik Andersen
What he did last year
The Anaheim Ducks goaltender had a .914 save percentage in the regular season and a .913 in the playoffs. His goals-against average was 2.38 on the year and 2.34 in the postseason. He got the job done and has given the Ducks confidence he can help them win despite somewhat average numbers.
What he has to prove this season
When the Ducks went out and got Anton Khudobin from the Carolina Hurricanes to back up Andersen, they made a subtle statement about John Gibson's coming season. They plan to roll with Andersen as their starter and let Gibson continue to grow in the AHL. That said, they won't hesitate to make a change if Andersen struggles, and his numbers from last season would not have been as acceptable on a team less powerful than the Ducks.
The others
Ryan Kesler signed a massive contract this summer, paying him nearly $7 million a season for six more years after his current contract runs out next summer.
Chris Stewart was given yet another chance to prove he belongs in the league, albeit with a massive pay cut. He will earn $1.7 million this season on a one-year deal that will determine his fate as an NHLer after bouncing through four teams in the past six seasons.
Arizona Coyotes
2 of 30
The player: Mikkel Boedker
What he did last year
Boedker looked on his way to surpassing the promising season he'd had the year before, netting 14 goals and 28 points in an injury-shortened season that had devastating results. Spleen surgery ended his year with the Arizona Coyotes early and contributed to a one-year deal signed this offseason for $3.75 million.
What he has to prove this season
Bottom line, he needs to prove the 51-point season in 2013-14 wasn't a fluke and that he's worthy of a new contract with bigger dollars and more term. No pressure, right? He told Fox Sports Arizona reporter Craig Morgan he's ready for it: "I'm open for anything. It obviously puts a lot of pressure on me this season but I think it's their turn to show what I mean to the team. In some ways, it will be interesting to see, but I have to perform on the ice."
The others
Mike Smith had his worst season in the desert with a .904 save percentage and 3.16 goals-against average. Yet the team is married to him based on a big contract with plenty of years remaining. The marriage is going to take a lot of work to last without some sort of divorce.
Youngster Max Domi has to prove his game and mind are mature enough to make the team this fall.
Boston Bruins
3 of 30
The player: Matt Beleskey
What he did last year
The 6'0" left winger had a career season with the Anaheim Ducks, netting 22 goals to obliterate his previous benchmark of 11 and finishing with 32 points in 65 games. He set the stage to become one of the most coveted free agents of the offseason and landed with the Boston Bruins on July 1.
What he has to prove this season
That cracking the 20-goal mark was not a fluke and that he's capable of producing at least a 40-point season alongside David Krejci. A lot is expected of the 27-year-old, in part because he's viewed as a replacement for Milan Lucic—whom the B's traded to the Los Angeles Kings—but also because he was given a five-year, $19 million deal to join Boston. Considering some of the big changes made to the roster, a lot will be expected of the prized free agent.
The others
Pest Brad Marchand saw his offensive numbers dip and his penalty minutes climb last year, and prior to Lucic's trade, it wouldn't have surprised many to see Marchand shipped out instead. He needs to reassert himself as an offensive threat who can agitate without taking costly penalties.
Zdeno Chara just needs to stay healthy after an abysmal year for him injury-wise. He's climbing in age, so he'll be under the microscope all year.
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Buffalo Sabres
4 of 30
The player: Robin Lehner
What he did last year
Underwhelming is the only way to describe the former Ottawa Senators backup's year. He played in 25 games for the Sens, winning just nine of them and posting a 3.00 goals-against average and .905 save percentage.
What he has to prove this season
That he's a NHL No. 1 goaltender. He cost the Buffalo Sabres more than any other goalie moved on the trade market this summer, and you don't give up a first-round pick unless you truly believe you've got a guy who can start for a bad team and still have it compete nightly. That's a heavy burden for a 24-year-old who has won just 30 of 86 NHL contests.
The others
Ryan O'Reilly cashed in big with a seven-year extension worth more than $50 million following his trade from Colorado to Buffalo. Expectations are that he'll be the top center, as the young ones—second overall draft pick Jack Eichel and the previous spring's top pick Sam Reinhart—grow into bigger roles.
Evander Kane was an enigma with the Winnipeg Jets and has to remake his image with the Sabres as well as prove he's worth the return paid for his services in that deal.
Calgary Flames
5 of 30
The player: Dougie Hamilton
What he did last year
The 22-year-old defenseman flashed the potential to become an elite blueliner with the Boston Bruins with 10 goals and 42 points while taking on a bigger role while injures kept captain Zdeno Chara out of the lineup.
What he has to prove this season
He doesn't have to be a top-pairing player immediately with the Flames, but a lot will be expected of Hamilton after the team parted with three draft picks to acquire him and then signed him to a six-year deal worth $34.5 million. That's a fat contract that put him atop the blue line in pay prior to the anticipated Mark Giordano extension. A significant step backward in production would be a massive disappointment.
The others
Jiri Hudler set career highs in goals, assists and points and is a pending unrestricted free agent who will have to try to match the high level from a year ago to cash in on a new contract.
Linemate Johnny Gaudreau was a Calder Trophy finalist and will attempt to avoid the sophomore slump.
Sam Bennett got his chance to shine in the playoffs but has a tough task carrying that momentum into the regular season this time around.
Carolina Hurricanes
6 of 30
The player: Eric Staal
What he did last year
The Carolina Hurricanes captain had a hot streak at the end of the season that significantly boosted his numbers. Of his 51 points in 77 games, 17 came in the final 21 games. He did still score 23 times.
What he has to prove this season
He's dropped from a 70-80 point player to a 50-point guy the past few years, and unless he finds a way to bump those numbers back up, he could be looking at his last season in Carolina. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent in July. The only way to cash in is to play well.
The others
Jeff Skinner is still just 23 but is coming off the worst (non-lockout) season of his five-year career.
Goalie Cam Ward is now being pushed by backup Eddie Lack, who was brought over in a trade this summer.
Chicago Blackhawks
7 of 30
The player: Teuvo Teravainen
What he did last year
The rookie played in just 34 games in the regular season, putting together a four-goal, nine-point audition with the Blackhawks and 25 points in 39 games in the AHL during his first full season in North America. In the playoffs, though, Teravainen contributed four goals and 10 points in 18 contests.
What he has to prove this season
With the departure of Brad Richards in free agency, the Blackhawks are looking at the 20-year-old as the second-line center to play alongside Patrick Kane—assuming Kane's personal troubles don't affect his ability to play this season. If Kane does have to miss time, Teravainen's importance grows even more. It's time for him to show on a full-time basis he was worth the first-round pick in 2012.
The others
Newcomer Marko Dano was good in a small sample size with the Columbus Blue Jackets last season and wants to make an impression with his new team.
Veteran Andrew Shaw will have massive expectations to step up his offense after the team shipped out another young player, Brandon Saad, for cap reasons.
Colorado Avalanche
8 of 30
The player: Matt Duchene
What he did last year
He scored 20 goals for the Colorado Avalanche, but it was a setback season for Duchene. After earning 70 points the previous year, he managed just 55 in 2014-15, as the whole team struggled to find a groove.
What he has to prove this season
That he's still on track to become an elite NHL speedster. Duchene's stock was on the rise two years ago but flattened a bit with last year's struggles. His linemates (Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay) likely won't change early so it will be up to the 24-year-old to make those aging players better.
The others
There was plenty of competition here with Carl Soderberg signing on for a bigger role than he had in Boston, Nikita Zadorov getting a big opportunity on a deprived blue line following his trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets and Francois Beauchemin being counted on to provide leadership and stability for the group as a free-agent addition.
Columbus Blue Jackets
9 of 30
The player: Brandon Saad
What he did last year
Saad set career highs with the Chicago Blackhawks with 23 goals and 29 assists for 52 points before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets because of salary-cap concerns.
What he has to prove this season
After the trade, Saad signed for six seasons and $36 million, making him the highest-paid Blue Jacket on the roster. With that comes a great deal of pressure to perform up to his potential. All eyes will be on the new acquisition to see if he clicks with star center Ryan Johansen.
The others
David Clarkson was a bust with the Toronto Maple Leafs and is looking to re-establish his reputation as a scrappy winger who adds offense as well as toughness.
Nick Foligno's rich new six-year deal kicks in this season, and he must prove his 70-point season wasn't a one-off after years of mediocrity in the scoring department.
Dallas Stars
10 of 30
The player: Kari Lehtonen
What he did last year
The Dallas Stars netminder posted the lowest save percentage of his career (.903) and had a 2.94 goals-against average. Despite boasting the league's second-best offense, the Stars missed the playoffs.
What he has to prove this season
The Stars were so concerned about Lehtonen that they traded for the rights to former San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi and then inked him to a three-year deal worth $4.5 million a season. Having two goalies worth $10 million isn't a great use of cap space, so Lehtonen is going to have to prove worthy of a spot as a starter either for this team or another one.
One of these guys will likely be traded or bought out come summer.
The others
The Stars brought Patrick Sharp in to bolster the second line, and he'll be expected to bounce back from a somewhat disappointing 43-point season with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Valeri Nichushkin needs to prove he can stay healthy and be productive back on the top line after a brutal year of injury as a sophomore.
Detroit Red Wings
11 of 30
The player: Petr Mrazek
What he did last year
Ultimately, Mrazek stole the starting job from Jimmy Howard with a 16-9-2 record, 2.38 goals-against average and .918 save percentage in 29 games when Howard and backup Jonas Gustavsson were injured. He helped the Detroit Red Wings take their first-round matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning to seven games.
What he has to prove this season
The 23-year-old Czech product now has the expectations of an entire fanbase squarely on his shoulders. He makes much less than Howard but is in the final year of a contract that takes him to restricted free agency and what is sure to be a massive raise if he can play as well this season as he did in the playoffs against the Bolts.
The others
Veteran Pavel Datsyuk is starting the season injured once again and will have to prove he has a body that isn't going to quit on him before his skills truly decline.
New defenseman Mike Green has a lot of pressure after signing a big free-agent deal for three years and $18 million. He's the right-handed shot the team has coveted for years on the blue line.
Edmonton Oilers
12 of 30
The player: Connor McDavid
What he did last year
The first overall pick of the 2015 draft destroyed the junior ranks last season, scoring 44 goals and posting 120 points in just 47 games with the Ontario Hockey League's Erie Otters.
What he has to prove this season
There hasn't been a player set to enter the NHL with as much hype since Sidney Crosby. Anything less than the rookie scoring title would be considered a huge disappointment for the Edmonton Oilers' new face of the franchise. Despite the fact he's just 18, some anticipate he'll be in the hunt for the league's overall scoring title. It's a lot for the young star to digest, and living up to expectations will be difficult.
The others
Taylor Hall has been injury prone, and the fact the guy drafted right behind him, Tyler Seguin, has become a bona fide star has to be a frustration for franchise pessimists.
The Oilers picked Griffin Reinhart up in a trade with the New York Islanders, and the defenseman will be asked to help solidify one of the team's worst positions.
Goalie Cam Talbot was strong as a backup with the New York Rangers, but many doubt that will translate to him becoming a reliable starter in Edmonton.
Florida Panthers
13 of 30
The player: Jonathan Huberdeau
What he did last year
The 22-year-old set career highs with 15 goals and 54 points for the Florida Panthers and was especially impressive in the final 20 games in March and April, scoring six goals and 21 points.
What he has to prove this season
Part of his late-season success may have been due to the addition of veteran Jaromir Jagr. With a full season of Jagr by his side, there will be plenty of expectations placed on Huberdeau's shoulders to produce the way he did down the stretch of the 2014-15 regular season.
The others
Rookie blueliner Aaron Ekblad is facing the pressure of the potential sophomore slump after winning the Calder Trophy.
Young forward and former 2013 second overall draft pick Aleksander Barkov is not going to be able to hide behind his inexperience for long when it comes to the production of offensive numbers.
Los Angeles Kings
14 of 30
The player: Milan Lucic
What he did last year
The former Boston Bruins power forward had 18 goals and 44 points but was a disappointment for the former Stanley Cup champs after posting 59 or more points in his last three full seasons.
What he has to prove this season
The Los Angeles Kings will throw Lucic on the top line with Anze Kopitar and Marian Gaborik and will expect big results. It's also a contract year for the 27-year-old. He needs to prove the backward slide was a glitch and that he can still be a top bruising winger with elite players by his side.
The others
Captain Dustin Brown has put up fewer than 30 points in back-to-back seasons, and the seemingly endless eight-year deal he signed two summers ago looks like a tragic $47 million mistake.
Minnesota Wild
15 of 30
The player: Devan Dubnyk
What he did last year
The Minnesota Wild goalie turned his team's season around with a 27-9-2 record after joining the club in a trade in February. He had a .936 save percentage and 1.78 goals-against average during that time.
What he has to prove this season
Now that he has been paid like a No. 1 NHL goaltender, signing a six-year deal worth $26 million, Dubnyk has to prove he can play like one over a full season. He hasn't played in 50 games as an unquestioned starter yet in his career.
The others
Youngster Mikael Granlund will again get a shot at playing top-line minutes in offensive situations but seemed overwhelmed at times last season.
Defenseman Matt Dumba made a big impression late and into the playoffs but being around for a full season puts more pressure on him to perform.
Montreal Canadiens
16 of 30
The player: Alexander Semin
What he did last year
The former Carolina Hurricanes forward had the worst season of his career and was bought out by the 'Canes as a result. He finished with just six goals and 19 points in 57 games.
What he has to prove this season
More than anything, Semin needs to find motivation to be consistent. He's still got the skills that made him a point-per-game player with the Washington Capitals. The pressure is on because the one-year deal he signed could be his last in the NHL if he doesn't play with any passion. Consistency is all general manager Marc Bergevin is looking for, according to the Montreal Gazette's Stu Cowan.
The others
Alex Galchenyuk signed a two-year bridge deal this summer while other guys his age have already inked big contracts. The team still can't decide whether or not he's capable of being a top center. The Habs hope so, but so far, it hasn't panned out that way.
Winger Zack Kassian comes over from the Vancouver Canucks looking for a more offensive game after being miscast as a heavy-hitting power forward because of his large frame. He will have to prove to his new team he can be relied upon for goals.
Nashville Predators
17 of 30
The player: Cody Hodgson
What he did last year
Hodgson had a miserable season with the Buffalo Sabres, managing just six goals and 13 points in 78 games. The 25-year-old was so bad he was bought out by one of the worst teams in the league.
What he has to prove this season
For a young guy with as much potential as Hodgson to get dumped by a team in need of young centermen, things really had to have hit rock bottom. He will have to show he can produce offensively on the third line with a couple of prospects and move up if Mike Fisher or Mike Ribeiro are injured.
The others
Filip Forsberg is coming off a strong rookie season and will need to continue to improve rather than take steps backward.
Craig Smith signed a five-year deal worth $4.25 million a season after 44-point campaign that didn't quite live up to the one before. He has work to do to prove he's worth the amount.
New Jersey Devils
18 of 30
The player: Adam Larsson
What he did last year
The New Jersey Devils defenseman had three goals and 24 points in 64 games. It was the 22-year-old's best season so far since being drafted fourth overall in the 2011 NHL entry draft.
What he has to prove this season
The Devils gambled on his future by doling out a six-year deal worth $25 million—more than $4 million per season. Considering his resume so far, it's a massive overpayment. However, Larsson now has the chance to prove his upside will make the deal a bargain by the time it nears its conclusion.
The others
Adam Henrique has yet to duplicate the overall success of his rookie season.
New addition Kyle Palmieri has an opportunity to show he can thrive with more of an opportunity than he got in Anaheim.
New York Islanders
19 of 30
The player: Kyle Okposo
What he did last year
Okposo netted 18 goals and 51 points in 60 games with the New York Islanders but also suffered a nasty eye injury, coming back from the detached retina he suffered late in the season.
What he has to prove this season
That he's fully healthy and able to continue to play a physical game and produce big offensive numbers—even if he's not on a line with John Tavares. Teams looking to take advantage of the possibility Okposo will have to be traded for cap reasons will be keeping a close eye on him.
The others
Michael Grabner is a pending free agent who found himself the odd man out of the lineup often last season and will need to make the most of whatever opportunity he gets to showcase his skills for other teams.
New York Rangers
20 of 30
The player: Derek Stepan
What he did last year
The New York Rangers center had another consistent season, producing 16 goals and 55 points in 68 games after missing the start of the season with injury.
What he has to prove this season
The Rangers coughed up $6.5 million per season for six years to avoid what could have been an ugly arbitration hearing this summer with the sides reportedly far apart in their numbers, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. The number agreed to was closer to Stepan's reported request of more than $7 million a year than the Rangers' counter of just over $5 million. Now Stepan has to prove he's worth it.
The others
Rick Nash always seems to have to prove he's one of the league's elite but somehow fails to do so in the playoffs.
Keith Yandle was a nice addition to the blue line in New York but wasn't able to post the kind of numbers he did in Arizona. More time with the team could lead to that kind of chemistry, but with a year left before unrestricted free agency, he can't afford not to click and improve his numbers.
Ottawa Senators
21 of 30
The player: Andrew Hammond
What he did last year
The Hamburglar stole the hearts of Ottawa Senators fans and helped the team make an improbable run to the playoffs. Hammond went 20-1-2 with a .941 save percentage and 1.79 goals-against average down the stretch.
What he has to prove this season
The Sens signed him to a three-year deal and now have to determine how quickly he will become the starting netminder over Craig Anderson. Hammond will have to handle either a backup role or split nets initially, which isn't easy for guys who get into grooves when playing more frequently. He has to prove he can handle—and thrive—in that role.
The others
Sophomores Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman will continue in top-six winger roles after strong freshmen seasons. That can be tougher with the pressures that come from successful starts in the league.
Philadelphia Flyers
22 of 30
The player: Vincent Lecavalier
What he did last year
For the first time in his NHL career, Lecavalier failed to hit the 10-goal mark. He also posted just 20 points—a career low—in his 57 games. He was often regulated to the press box.
What he has to prove this season
To say he's got a chip on his shoulder would be an understatement. But Lecavalier is out of excuses. He's got a new coach and a fresh start, and it's probably his last chance to avoid an unceremonious buyout of his deal.
The others
Sam Gagner has found another home, and although he was a throw-in when the Flyers dealt Chris Pronger's contract away for cap space, he could actually thrive in Philly if he gets to play a top-six role. To stop the spiral, he needs to make good in his new home.
Pittsburgh Penguins
23 of 30
The player: Phil Kessel
What he did last year
A lot of floating for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The five-time 30-goal scorer finished with 25 last year and just 61 points. He balanced that out with a strong two-way game, though. Oh, no, that's not a plus...he finished with a minus-34 rating. So, well, he wasn't big on the backcheck.
What he has to prove this season
There's no better opportunity to put up 40 or 50 as a natural goal scorer than playing alongside either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. If he can't do it, he'll forever be labelled as a lazy player, regardless of whether he deserves it or not (hint: he does).
The others
Beau Bennett is turning 24 and has yet to live up to his potential as a power forward.
Sidney Crosby can be on this list because anyone included in the "best player in hockey" conversation has to prove he belongs there every season.
San Jose Sharks
24 of 30
The player: Martin Jones
What he did last year
Backed up Jonathan Quick in the Los Angeles Kings' net. He did it adequately with a .906 save percentage and 2.25 goals-against average.
What he has to prove this season
It's one thing to backstop the Kings, however, and another to be the last line of defense for the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks didn't re-sign Antti Niemi, a goalie who has won a Stanley Cup.
Instead, despite a rapidly closing championship window—which, in fact, may have slammed shut a couple of springs ago—the team is going with a completely unproven commodity. That means Jones will have plenty of convincing to do for coaches and fans alike.
The others
Aging former captains Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton are in decline. To move to a team with a chance to win—assuming the Sharks are out of the playoff race at the deadline—they'll both have to improve on their overall play from a year ago.
St. Louis Blues
25 of 30
The player: Jake Allen
What he did last year
After a decent regular-season showing in a split-duty situation in St. Louis with the Blues, Allen had a disappointing playoff. He had a .913 save percentage in the regular season and .904 in the spring. His playoff gaffes made him a bit of a scapegoat against the Minnesota Wild.
What he has to prove this season
Despite the rocky finish, Allen was given a two-year extension and will continue his battle for the full-time starting role with Brian Elliott. Given his age (25) and potential, fans hope this is the year he puts it all together.
The others
Vladimir Tarasenko won the lottery with his eight-year, $60 million contract this summer and now has the burden of continuing to earn it on the ice with people wondering if it's too much to pay a 23-year-old with one 70-point season.
Captain David Backes is entering a contract year with a very uncertain future—aside from the fact he'll be well-paid next year regardless of who signs the checks.
Tampa Bay Lightning
26 of 30
The player: Jonathan Drouin
What he did last year
The Tampa Bay Lightning rookie once thought to be a lock to run away with the Calder Trophy wasn't even a consideration for the award thanks to a very difficult freshman season that saw him produce just four goals and 32 points in 70 games.
What he has to prove this season
Drouin will have to find a way to produce more and do it in a third-line role as opposed to a top-six spot he assumed he'd have immediately. The expectations from being a third overall draft pick are high, and so far, Drouin has disappointed as he learns to play a more complete game.
The others
Steven Stamkos has to prove he's committed to the Bolts by inking an extension at some point.
Goalie Ben Bishop will have to be at his best to fend off a feisty prospect in Andrei Vasilevskiy.
Toronto Maple Leafs
27 of 30
The player: Nazem Kadri
What he did last year
Kadri took a big step back in his third year with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Not only did he get scratched for missing a meeting, but his offensive numbers took a hit along with his ego. He had 18 goals and 39 points in 73 games a year after posting a career-best 20 goals and 50 points.
What he has to prove this season
For one, that he's matured and can be a professional. More importantly, that he can produce when given every opportunity to succeed. Kadri was given a one-year, $4.1 million deal this summer, and new head coach Mike Babcock told the team's official website (via NHL.com) he expects Kadri will be an "elite" player. The pressure is on the former seventh overall draft pick.
The others
Defenseman Dion Phaneuf is arguably one of the least respected captains in the NHL but now has to also convince Babcock he's worthy.
James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Bozak have to prove they can produce without Phil Kessel on their flank.
The Montreal Canadiens bought out P.A. Parenteau, who should have a chip on his shoulder to show he still belongs in the NHL.
Vancouver Canucks
28 of 30
The player: Sven Baertschi
What he did last year
The former first-round Calgary Flames draft pick played in 18 NHL games with the Flames and Vancouver Canucks, scoring twice and earning six points in those contests. He got into a pair of playoff games with the Canucks.
What he has to prove this season
Baertschi is rapidly approaching bust status and will be given every opportunity to thrive with the Canucks in a top-six role. He could play with newcomer Brandon Sutter on the second line and if he fails to reach his potential, Baertschi could be on the outs at the young age of 22.
The others
Sutter, who has never scored more than 40 points in a season—and did that just once—inked a five-year extension worth $4.25 million a season after joining the team in a trade this summer. Suddenly, he's the top center behind Henrik Sedin.
Washington Capitals
29 of 30
The player: Braden Holtby
What he did last year
Holtby joined former Washington Capitals goalies Olaf Kolzig and Don Beaupre in the 100-win club. He had a career-best 41 wins with a .923 save percentage and 2.22 goals-against average. He was even better in the playoffs, with a .944 save percentage and 1.71 GAA.
What he has to prove this season
Complacency is a pro athlete's worst enemy (outside of devastating injury, maybe), and Holtby now has the task of proving his new deal worth $30.5 million over five years isn't going to derail his rise among the NHL's top backstops.
The others
Forward Marcus Johansson was awarded a one-year deal worth $3.75 million through arbitration but has even more competition for a top-six role now that the Caps added T.J. Oshie and Justin Williams.
Defenseman John Carlson has big skates to fill as the unquestioned No. 1 offensive blueliner with Mike Green defecting to the Detroit Red Wings in free agency.
Winnipeg Jets
30 of 30
The player: Mark Scheifele
What he did last year
After taking a few seasons to crack the roster, Scheifele had a nice sophomore season for the Winnipeg Jets with 15 goals and 49 points in 82 games.
What he has to prove this season
Thanks to his breakout season on a Jets team that overachieved, Scheifele is going to be expected to do even more now. He's on the final year of his entry-level deal and will have to continue to evolve to land either a longer-term deal or a decent bridge contract next offseason.
The others
Defenseman Jacob Trouba is another big piece of the core group finishing the final season of his entry-level deal.
Alexander Burmistrov returns to the Jets after leaving the team for the KHL for two years. He'll be scrutinized.
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