One Star on Each NHL Team in Decline Ahead of 2015-16 Season
Stars eventually burn out. It's as inevitable on the NHL ice as it is in our skies.
The ebb and flow of every franchise's roster includes the addition of young talent and the support of outgoing stars, followed by the eventual aging of those youngsters, who replace the veterans and complete the cycle.
The players on this list are a collection of former greats experiencing a downturn in their careers either because of age, injury, a lack of speed or vision or even simple opportunity. It happens to the best of them and can come at any age.
As always, feel free to offer your choices for your team in the comments section.Unless otherwise noted, player statistics are via NHL.com; salary information is courtesy of General Fanager.
Anaheim Ducks: Ryan Kesler
1 of 30
By the numbers: 81 games, 20 goals, 27 assists, 41 points, a minus-5 rating and 205 shots last season
Why he's due for decline: At 31 years of age, Ryan Kesler is still a fierce competitor who somehow seems to save his best performances for the playoffs. That's why the Anaheim Ducks signed the veteran to a ridiculous six-season extension worth nearly $7 million annually. But his gritty style takes its toll, and as he ages it will be more and more difficult to duplicate the numbers he put up in his prime.
Offensively, he's been producing in the 40-50-point range for a few seasons after a couple of peak years with the Canucks that saw him crack 70. Injury is always a scare for the fearless pivot, and after suiting up for all but one regular-season game a year ago and another 16 in the playoffs, his body may not stand up to the wear and tear. He last played 82 games in 2010-11—which is also the last time he put up more than 70 points.
Bold prediction: Kesler will continue to play an important two-way role for the Ducks, but the team will have to manage his ice time. His power-play minutes will dip, and he'll fail to crack the 20-goal mark for the first time in a non-lockout season since 2007.
Arizona Coyotes: Shane Doan
2 of 30
By the numbers: 79 games, 14 goals, 22 points, 36 assists, minus-29 rating and 189 shots
Why he's due for decline: The silent career-killer—age—has been nipping at Arizona Coyotes captain Shane Doan's heels for years now. The decline in his numbers last season was dramatic. He failed to hit the 40-point mark for the first time since 1999 in a non-lockout season. His competitive nature and leadership skills have kept him ingrained as a vital part of the organization, but that time is nearing its end for the 38-year-old.
Bold prediction: Doan's role will diminish quickly as younger players begin to take over the bigger minutes and roles early this season. It's the last year of his current contract, so don't be surprised to see him dealt to a contender a la Ray Bourque in an effort to help the veteran win a Stanley Cup.
Boston Bruins: Zdeno Chara
3 of 30
By the numbers: 63 games, eight goals, 12 assists and 20 points, 138 shots last season
Why he's due for decline: A lock for at least 40 points for a decade prior to this past campaign, big Boston Bruins blueliner Zdeno Chara is finally experiencing a letdown. The 38-year-old struggled to stay healthy last season with a knee injury, and then a broken fibula forced him out of action.
He told the Boston Herald's Steve Conroy he believes he can bounce back from the injuries. But the departure of Dougie Hamilton means the B's can't afford to protect their leader's time, and they will rely on the captain for big minutes.
Bold prediction: Chara is a fitness freak and in great condition, but the trend with other stars experiencing injuries later in their careers has been a continuation of their troubles. He should still be among the top 20 defensemen in the league, but his Norris Trophy odds are numbered.
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Buffalo Sabres: Matt Moulson
4 of 30
By the numbers: 77 games, 13 goals, 28 assists, 41 points, a minus-11 rating and 156 shots a season ago
Why he's due for decline: Matt Moulson was a stud goal scorer for four seasons with the New York Islanders but has seen his production dip significantly in the two seasons since leaving superstar center John Tavares behind. On a young Buffalo Sabres team, the cast isn't nearly strong enough to help his numbers climb back to his career highs.
Bold prediction: Even with the potential of playing on a line with promising rookie Jack Eichel, matching his point total from a year ago might be all we should expect from Moulson, even if he climbs closer to the 20-goal mark.
Calgary Flames: Jiri Hudler
5 of 30
By the numbers: 78 games, 31 goals, 45 assists, 76 points, plus-17 rating and 158 shots
Why he's due for decline: Jiri Hudler put up career numbers in goals, assists and points and that will be tough to match for the 31-year-old, despite the motivation of an expiring contract and the excitement of playing with young stars Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. His shooting percentage was way above his career average, and expectations are much higher for the Calgary Flames now. Hudler faces a lot more scrutiny and attention as the Lady Byng winner.
Bold prediction: Hudler will see a significant drop in the goal department and likely be in the 20-goal, 60-point range—which is more in line with his career bests prior to his spectacular lightning-in-a-bottle season a year ago.
Carolina Hurricanes: Eric Staal
6 of 30
By the numbers: 77 games, 23 goals, 31 assists, 54 points, minus-13 rating, 244 shots
Why he's due for decline: As he's approached 30, his offensive numbers have slipped. Eric Staal will turn 31 early this season and no longer has the breakaway speed to go with his considerable size, as the game is infused with younger, faster players. Staal is a bit out of place on a rebuilding squad, and although he continues to chip in 20-plus goals for the Canes, the big point production is long gone.
Bold prediction: Another 20-goal season is in the cards, but even getting back to 60-plus points would be a bit surprising, barring the addition of a top-end linemate or a trade out of town.
Chicago Blackhawks: Marian Hossa
7 of 30
By the numbers: 82 games, 22 goals, 39 assists, 61 points, plus-17 rating, 247 shots
Why he's due for decline: Full disclosure here: There aren't any other Chicago Blackhawks stars showing any signs of decline, and age is the best bet for decline when it comes to a ridiculously consistent Marian Hossa. He's so much more than the offensive numbers he puts up and is among the most underrated defensive forwards in the game. That said, his point-per-game average dipped notably for the first time in more than a decade last season, and playing as much hockey as he has the past few years could finally start taking its toll on his body.
Bold prediction: Hossa finally fails to score more than 20 goals in a non-lockout season (I'd still give him 19) and struggles to stay in the lineup nightly because of nagging injuries.
Colorado Avalanche: Jarome Iginla
8 of 30
By the numbers: 82 games, 29 goals, 30 assists, 59 points, 189 shots
Why he's due for decline: Jarome Iginla has been proving people expecting a massive drop wrong for years, but his numbers have been decreasing the past few seasons and will likely continue to do so. His lack of foot speed will keep him from getting to the prime shooting areas as quickly as he has in the past. He failed to crack the 30-goal mark for the first time since 2000 in a non-lockout season, finishing one shy.
Bold prediction: His offensive totals will drop back to the numbers he reached early in his career before superstardom, a respectable 20-25 goals and 50 points.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Brandon Dubinsky
9 of 30
By the numbers: 47 games, 13 goals, 23 assists, 36 points, plus-11, 100 shots
Why he's due for decline: Brandon Dubinsky has never been a big point producer. His best offensive season so far is a 24-goal, 54-point campaign in 2010-11 with the New York Rangers. But the feisty 29-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets center is a Ryan Kesler-like component tasked with shutting down top players. His aggressive nature, though, leaves him open to injuries. He played a little more than half a season last year after abdominal surgery in the offseason; that trend could continue. He hasn't played all 82 games since 2009.
Bold prediction: Dubinsky will help the young Blue Jackets to a big year but will struggle to reach the 50-point mark and could find himself moving down the lineup if one of the young prospects shows promise early.
Dallas Stars: Kari Lehtonen
10 of 30
By the numbers: 65 games, 34-17-10 record, .903 save percentage, 2.94 goals-against average, five shutouts
Why he's due for decline: The Dallas Stars were so concerned about starting goaltender Kari Lehtonen's worst save percentage of his 11-year career that they went and traded for and signed aging veteran Antti Niemi to platoon with the 31-year-old incumbent. With less playing time, it's possible he will respond poorly to the challenge and fall further out of favor.
Bold prediction: Lehtonen's awful season was a huge disappointment, but the team's actions may actually work in kick-starting his competitive edge and focus. Things will work out in the platoon, and Lehtonen will get his numbers up to more respectable levels.
Detroit Red Wings: Henrik Zetterberg
11 of 30
By the numbers: 77 games, 17 goals, 49 assists, 66 points, minus-6 rating, 227 shots
Why he's due for decline: While Pavel Datsyuk continues to thrive in the face of injury and age, Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg showed some signs of slowing down last season after a back injury ended his previous year prematurely. He produced his fewest points per game since 2012, falling more in line with his first couple of NHL seasons. The soon-to-be 35-year-old isn't as supremely talented as Datsyuk and is affected more by his age and injury issues.
Bold prediction: He'll still be among the Red Wings' best five forwards but will need some rest and won't get a full season in. His total points could land in the 50-60 range, even if he suits up for nearly every game.
Edmonton Oilers: Taylor Hall
12 of 30
By the numbers: 53 games, 14 goals, 24 assists, 38 points, minus-1, 158 shots
Why he's due for decline: It's hard to suggest a 25-year-old is already in decline, but it's safe to say Taylor Hall has had more downs than ups recently with the Edmonton Oilers. So while his games played and points produced are clearly in decline after a season during which he struggled to stay healthy and was more inconsistent than a first-overall pick is expected to when in the lineup, he has a good shot at bouncing back and turning the needle upward in a hurry.
Bold prediction: Hall thrives with new teammate Connor McDavid on his line, and the two top picks become the cornerstones of a brighter Edmonton future.
Florida Panthers: Brian Campbell
13 of 30
By the numbers: 82 games, three goals, 24 assists, 27 points, plus-4, 118 shots
Why he's due for decline: The 36-year-old Brian Campbell is long past his big-point days as a defenseman, with his role now more as mentor to up-and-comer Aaron Ekblad. Campbell was a gifted, 40-50-point player until the past couple of seasons with the Florida Panthers, in which he's peaked at 37 and 27 points in 82 games, respectively. He's still a strong player in his own end and helped Ekblad to a Calder Trophy-winning season last year, but at his age, the offensive numbers aren't likely to return.
Bold prediction: Campbell may rebound slightly and crack the 30-point mark, but he's long past his 40-point days as a power-play quarterback.
Los Angeles Kings: Dustin Brown
14 of 30
By the numbers: 82 games, 11 goals, 16 assists, 27 points, minus-17, 189 shots
Why he's due for decline: One bad season might be a blip, but two straight 27-point seasons is a concern when it comes to the Los Angeles Kings captain. Dustin Brown inked a long-term extension a couple of years ago that makes him nearly impossible to buy out and even tougher to trade now that the signs point to his prime playing days' being well behind him. He once combined tenacity and hitting power with a deadly shot and decent offensive numbers. At 30, he looks finished as a top-six forward. All those hits dished out seem to have emptied the tank.
Bold prediction: The Kings captain will become a role-playing third-line winger and put up a third straight year with fewer than 20 goals and 30 points.
Minnesota Wild: Mikko Koivu
15 of 30
By the numbers: 80 games, 14 goals, 34 assists, 48 points, plus-2, 179 shots
Why he's due for decline: This will be Mikko Koivu's 11th NHL season, but it seems as if the Minnesota Wild center has been playing much longer. He's 32 this season but is being overtaken in his offensive role by younger players like Mikael Granlund. Last year's totals showed a significant drop from his previous full seasons, which was just the beginning of the decline.
Bold prediction: Koivu will become more of a third-line center matched up against key opponents, seeing his power-play time dwindle and his starts come almost exclusively in the defensive zone. A 15-goal, 40-point season would be a decent one for the captain.
Montreal Canadiens: Alexander Semin
16 of 30
By the numbers: 57 games, six goals, 13 assists, 19 points, minus-10, 93 shots
Why he's due for decline: It was only a few years back that Alexander Semin proved he was still capable of point-per-game seasons even without Alex Ovechkin as his winger. But after putting together a 44-point season in the lockout-shortened year with the Carolina Hurricanes, his performance went from decline to completely off the charts a year ago, inspiring the team to buy him out through uninspired play.
Bold prediction: There will be no middle ground on Semin's seasonal tryout with the goal-hungry Montreal Canadiens. Semin will either thrive while motivated to prove he has years left in the league or crumble under the pressure that will no doubt come from the rabid fanbase. I'm going with the guess of a 20-goal, 60-point season that could earn him Masterton votes.
Nashville Predators: James Neal
17 of 30
By the numbers: 67 games, 23 goals, 14 assists, 37 points, plus-12, 221 shots
Why he's due for decline: What a difference a superstar linemate makes. In Pittsburgh, James Neal had the luxury of skating alongside Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby. Without either of them during his first season with the Nashville Predators, Neal mustered just half of his usual production. His shooting percentage was only down slightly, so it's not even like he had an unlucky year.
Bold prediction: If Neal can stay healthy, he should crack 25 goals and 45 points, but his point-per-game days are gone, barring a trade for a stud linemate.
New Jersey Devils: Patrik Elias
18 of 30
By the numbers: 69 games, 13 goals, 21 assists, 34 points, minus-20, 114 shots
Why he's due for decline: Patrik Elias is on the brink of turning 40 and his age finally showed last season. The New Jersey Devils veteran put together the worst totals of his career as a full-time NHLer and is entering the final year of his contract, which could be his last in New Jersey.
Bold prediction: The Devils' all-time leading scorer will be given a choice at the trade deadline: stay and finish his career as a member of the only NHL franchise he's played for or accept a deal to try his Stanley Cup luck somewhere else. He could crack 15 goals and 40 points if healthy and given loads of ice time or traded to a contender.
New York Islanders: Mikhail Grabovski
19 of 30
By the numbers: 51 games, nine goals, 10 assists, 19 points, plus-3, 81 shots
Why he's due for decline: The 31-year-old Mikhail Grabovski had three 20-goal seasons in his first four years with the Toronto Maple Leafs. His last two campaigns with the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders have been injury-riddled and supremely disappointing. He won't get much ice time with the Isles as a third-line center or winger.
Bold prediction: At this point in his career, Grabovski is capable of 15 goals and maybe 35 points in a limited role but could move up if another player is injured and see his numbers rise.
New York Rangers: Keith Yandle
20 of 30
By the numbers: 84 games, six goals, 46 assists, 52 points, minus-26, 232 shots
Why he's due for decline: Keith Yandle has found himself in a new situation, and it's much different than the one he enjoyed in the Arizona desert. With a less pronounced role, Yandle didn't have the same impact with the New York Rangers as he did with the Coyotes. He'll still get his share of points on the power play but won't be as prominent on the scoresheet in the Big Apple.
Bold prediction: Yandle will finish in the 40-point range with a handful of goals.
Ottawa Senators: Craig Anderson
21 of 30
By the numbers: 35 games, 14-13-8 record, .923 save percentage, 2.49 goals-against average
Why he's due for decline: With the Ottawa Senators signing last year's goaltending hero Andrew Hammond to a new deal, the team is getting ready for the end of the Craig Anderson era. The competition for a starting role will be intense, and Anderson is 34 and has had issues staying healthy in recent seasons.
Bold prediction: The Senators will platoon their netminders and roll with the hot hand. Eventually, Hammond will take over full-time duties.
Philadelphia Flyers: Vincent Lecavalier
22 of 30
By the numbers: 57 games, eight goals, 12 assists, 20 points, minus-7, 103 shots
Why he's due for decline: The Philadelphia Flyers' Vincent Lecavalier figures he has a clean slate with a new coach in Philly, but his decline started long before he joined the Flyers. Lecavalier hasn't played a full season since 2010, which is also the last time he netted 70 or more points. He's 35 years old this season, and young players have long since passed him by in terms of ability.
Bold prediction: Lecavalier maintains his status as the 13th forward under the new regime, either coming in when the team needs a new look or finding his way out via trade by spring.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Chris Kunitz
23 of 30
By the numbers: 74 games, 17 goals, 23 assists, 40 points, plus-2, 170 shots
Why he's due for decline: It looks likely that the Sidney Crosby/Chris Kunitz combination could be broken up this season with David Perron and newcomer Phil Kessel as potential flankers for Sid the Kid. Kunitz is a fine third-liner but won't produce anywhere near his top career numbers without Crosby, considering he already showed a drop in production last year.
Bold prediction: Playing with the top guns only sporadically, Kunitz will struggle to reach 15 goals and 40 points on the season.
San Jose Sharks: Patrick Marleau
24 of 30
By the numbers: 82 games, 19 goals, 38 assists, 57 points, minus-17 rating, 233 shots
Why he's due for decline: Patrick Marleau is just two years removed from a 70-point season but posted his worst full-season totals since 2008 and has gradually become a scapegoat in San Jose, where the Sharks have him on the books for two more seasons unless they swing a deal before then.
Bold prediction: The 36-year-old should be able to crack 20 goals and 50 points again, which is by most standards a pretty acceptable set of numbers—just not for a guy who has multiple-point-per-game seasons under his belt.
St. Louis Blues: Paul Stastny
25 of 30
By the numbers: 74 games, 16 goals, 30 assists, 46 points, plus-5, 143 shots
Why he's due for decline: Paul Stastny took the league by surprise and stormed out of the gates as a young player, posting 70-point seasons in his first three non-lockout years. He's not been able to match those numbers since, dipping into the 50s and 60s, and last year he posted his lowest total since the lockout.
Bold prediction: The 29-year-old has a lot to prove after inking a fat four-year contract as a free agent last summer, but he's not really a true top-line center for most teams, and his weaknesses have shown in St. Louis. He should still find a way to improve his totals to around 20 goals and 50 points.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Valtteri Filppula
26 of 30
By the numbers: 82 games, 12 goals, 36 assists, 48 points, minus-14, 91 shots
Why he's due for decline: From Year 1 to Year 2 with the Tampa Bay Lightning, center Valtteri Filppula dropped a full 10 points. He's the odd man out on the top line, and according to website LeftWingLock, he could start on the third line this season with a couple of young wingers. Without Steven Stamkos on his line, his numbers won't improve.
Bold prediction: The 31-year-old is still serviceable and could find himself in the top six at times, depending on how things progress through the season.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Dion Phaneuf
27 of 30
By the numbers: 70 games, three goals, 26 assists, 29 points, minus-11, 138 shots
Why he's due for decline: Dion Phaneuf's time with the Toronto Maple Leafs has been one big decline, with his offensive numbers in the 20s and 30s after years in the 40s and 50s and the one Norris-worthy 60-point campaign back in 2008.
Bold prediction: At 30 years of age, Phaneuf has peaked as a defenseman, and what you see statistically is what you'll get as long as he's playing. A handful of goals and 30-35 points are the standards for the former rookie phenom.
Vancouver Canucks: Alexandre Burrows
28 of 30
By the numbers: 70 games, 18 goals, 15 assists, 33 points, 145 shots
Why he's due for decline: Even playing with the Sedins wasn't enough to keep Alexandre Burrows' numbers respectable last year in his second straight season with plunging statistics. The 34-year-old is struggling with injuries, and his ability to bully his way to open space or the front of the net is dwindling.
Bold prediction: A reunion with Henrik and Daniel Sedin to start the season will lead to a bit of a bounce-back for Burrows, but even if he returns to the realm of 20-goal scorers, he likely won't top 40 points.
Washington Capitals: Justin Williams
29 of 30
By the numbers: 81 games, 18 goals, 23 assists, 41 points, plus-8, 174 shots
Why he's due for decline: The 2014 playoff hero had shown signs of decline prior to his amazing Stanley Cup-winning run two springs ago with the Los Angeles Kings. His regular-season totals the past two seasons have resulted in 43 and 41 points, respectively. Aside from a couple of injury-shortened seasons prior to those, he had been high-50s, 60s and 70s. But at 33, he's not as consistent as he was in his younger days.
Bold prediction: Williams isn't expected to play with Alex Ovechkin, since the trade for T.J. Oshie made the veteran the second-most exciting addition of the offseason. His point totals should be about the same as last year.
Winnipeg Jets: Tobias Enstrom
30 of 30
By the numbers: 60 games, four goals, 19 assists, 23 points, plus-13, 58 shots
Why he's due for decline: Tobias Enstrom cracked 50 points in consecutive seasons in 2010 and 2011 but has struggled with injuries in three of the next four years, including last season. The 30-year-old has become a 30-point defenseman when healthy—which may be harder and harder for him as he ages. He's firmly entrenched as a top-four blueliner but finds himself on the second power-play unit.
Bold prediction: Enstrom makes it through the season unscathed but ends up in the 30-point range anyway.
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