NHL Stars Who Will Decline in the 2015-16 Season

NHL players are among the world's best-conditioned professional athletes. At some point in their careers, however, they all face an inevitable downturn in their performance.

Various factors contribute to a player's decline. Some on this list, like Chicago Blackhawks' Marian Hossa, will eventually be slowed by age. The rigors of a demanding style of play, like that of Detroit Red Wings' Henrik Zetterberg (pictured above), will eventually take its toll. Some, like Calgary Flames' Jiri Hudler, face a potential drop-off in production following a career-best season.

The following slideshow lists 10 NHL stars expected to decline in 2015-16. Skill level, performance, injury history and age factored into the compilation. As always, feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section below.

Craig Anderson, Ottawa Senators

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

2014-15 statistics: In 35 games, Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson posted a record of 14 wins, 13 losses and eight overtime losses. He had a 2.49 goals-against average, a .923 save percentage and three shutouts. He won two of four playoff games, with a 0.97 GAA, a .972 SP and one shutout.

Why he will decline: At 34, Anderson is now at an age when most NHL players experience a significant decrease in their performance. Durability is also an issue, as he was frequently sidelined by injuries in recent years. If backup Andrew Hammond repeats last season's solid performance, Anderson could see a reduction in playing time.

Outlook for 2015-16: Anderson should open 2015-16 as the Senators' starter, but Hammond could challenge for that job over the course of the season. Given Anderson's age and injury history, he could see less action in back-to-back games.

Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets

Winslow Townson/Associated Press

2014-15 statistics: In 69 games, Winnipeg Jets defenseman Byfuglien scored 18 goals and 45 points. He was among the Jets' leaders in points, hits, shots and PIM.

Why he will decline: The 6'5”, 260-pound Byfuglien is an aggressive force who can play defense or on the wing. That physical style takes a toll on the big blueliner, as he's been regularly sidelined by injury in recent years. He'll turn 31 in March, and his best seasons may be behind him. The Jets' blue-line depth could see Byfuglien playing more as a forward in 2015-16.

Outlook for 2015-16: Byfuglien is eligible next summer for unrestricted free agency, so he'll try to put up a strong effort in a contract year. Given his age, injury history and the possibility he could be skating as a forward, that might not be possible. The Winnipeg Sun's Ted Wyman suggested the Jets might be better off without Byfuglien. A trade shouldn't be ruled out.

Scott Hartnell, Columbus Blue Jackets

Jay LaPrete/Associated Press

2014-15 statistics: In 77 games, Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Scott Hartnell scored 28 goals and 60 points. He was also one of the club leaders in points, shots, PIM and hits.

Why he will decline: Hartnell was among the few Blue Jackets forwards not to miss significant time to injury last season. With a healthier lineup, however, he could find himself challenged for ice time by younger teammates. His age (33) and the demands of his physical style could adversely affect his game in 2015-16.

Outlook for 2015-16: Hartnell's experience and skills still make him a valuable forward for the Blue Jackets. However, the addition of left wing Brandon Saad from Chicago could push him down the depth chart. He should reach 45 points, but it's unlikely he'll tally 60 again.

Marian Hossa, Chicago Blackhawks

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

2014-15 statistics: In 82 games, Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa scored 22 goals and 61 points. He also collected 17 points in 23 playoff games. He was among the Blackhawks' leading scorers last season.

Why he will decline: At 36, Hossa continues to put up solid offensive numbers. However, he's at an age when decline is inevitable. Since his career-best 100-point performance in 2006-07, his numbers have slowly dropped. That downturn could accelerate this season. In recent years, he's been plagued by back problems.

Outlook for 2015-16: Given the Blackhawks' recent salary-dumping moves, Hossa will be playing with new linemates this season. That will have an effect upon his numbers. Even if Hossa stays healthy over the course of the season, it's doubtful he'll hit 60 points again.

Jiri Hudler, Calgary Flames

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

2014-15 statistics: In 78 games, Calgary Flames forward Jiri Hudler achieved career highs in goals (31), assists (45) and points (76). He was the Flames' leading scorer and was awarded the 2015 Lady Byng Trophy as the NHL's most gentlemanly player. 

Why he will decline: Hudler and teammates Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau formed one of hottest lines in the second half of last season. However, he will find it challenging to match his 2014-15 performance. Turning 32 in January, Hudler's at an age when offensive production deteriorates. Younger teammates like Michael Frolik or Joe Colborne could prove a threat to his spot on the top line.

Outlook for 2015-16: Hudler will open 2015-16 skating alongside Monahan and Gaudreau. Given the extra attention they'll face from opponents this season, they must work harder to match or exceed their 2014-15 numbers. If that line remains intact, Hudler should tally 25 goals and 60 points.

Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

2014-15 statistics: In 82 games, San Jose Sharks left wing Patrick Marleau scored 19 goals and 57 points. He finished among the Sharks' leading scorers. 

Why he will decline: In the past, Marleau usually rebounded well from an off-year like last season. However, he turns 36 in September, meaning his production could continue to weaken. Marleau might lose playing time to a promising young forward like Tomas Hertl or Melker Karlsson.

Outlook for 2015-16: The combination of Marleau's age and the potential challenge from younger teammates will continue the downward trend in his scoring. He could struggle to reach 50 points this season.

Ryan Miller, Vancouver Canucks

Chris Szagola/Associated Press

2014-15 statistics: In 45 games, Vancouver Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller compiled a record of 29 wins, 15 losses and one overtime loss. He also had a goals-against average of 2.53, a save percentage of .911 and six shutouts. 

Why he will decline: Since winning the Vezina Trophy in 2010, Miller's performance has waned. Time appears to be catching up with the 35-year-old netminder. Miller has also been sidelined by injuries in two of the last three seasons. He tends to wear down more frequently late in the season.

Outlook for 2015-16: The best that can be hoped for is that Miller carries over last season's performance into 2015-16, albeit without the knee injury. If he can stay healthy, the Canucks might have a chance at making a return trip to the playoffs.

Mike Ribeiro, Nashville Predators

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

2014-15 statistics: In 82 games, Nashville Predators center Mike Ribeiro scored 15 goals and 62 points. He was among the Predators' leading scorers and also tallied five points in six playoff games.

Why he will decline: Ribeiro silenced his doubters in 2014-15 with a solid bounce-back performance, earning himself a two-year contract. Age, however, could catch up with him this season. He will turn 36 in February. Few scorers continue to put up 60-point seasons in their late-30s. 

Outlook for 2015-16: Ribeiro will start 2015-16 skating on the Predators' top line with rising star Filip Forsberg. Rival clubs will put more emphasis on neutralizing them. Ribeiro's production could drop to 50 points.

Eric Staal, Carolina Hurricanes

Danny Moloshok/Associated Press

2014-15 statistics: In 77 games, Carolina Hurricanes forward and captain Eric Staal scored 23 goals and 54 points. He was also the Hurricanes' leading scorer.

Why he will decline: The case can be made that Staal was in decline before this season. How much of that is due to his play or the lack of depth surrounding him is debatable. What's undeniable is Staal's production had steadily decreased. He turns 31 in October, and his best seasons are well in the past. 

Outlook for 2015-16: Without significant improvement in Staal's supporting cast, he could struggle to reach 50 points this season. He's eligible next summer for unrestricted free agency. A trade to a club with more scoring depth could give his production a much-needed boost.

Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

2014-15 statistics: In 77 games, Detroit Red Wings left wing and captain Henrik Zetterberg scored 17 goals and 66 points. He was the Wings' leading scorer last season and also tallied three points in seven playoff games. 

Why he will decline: Zetterberg overcame a back injury in 2013-14 to post up his best numbers since 2011-12. However, he'll turn 35 in October. Given the physical demands of his two-way style of play, decline is inevitable at this stage in his career.

Outlook for 2015-16: Zetterberg should start this season on the Red Wings' top line. Over the course of the season, however, he could lose playing time to younger forwards like Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Tatar or promising prospect Dylan Larkin. Zetterberg's point production could drop to 50 for 2015-16.

Players stats and info via NHL.com. Salary information via General Fanager.