Every NHL Team's Biggest Question Mark for the 2016-17 Season
The 2016 offseason has been explosive and entertaining for NHL fans, with blockbuster trades and surprising destinations for free agents. The balance of power further shook with at least three impact draft picks heading to bottom-feeder locations.
All 30 teams have worked hard to plug holes, but there are gaps in rosters and potential fractures that are of major concern. The search for balance and depth is likely to continue throughout the summer and into training camps across the league.
Here are the biggest question marks—and possible solutions—for all 30 teams in 2016-17.
Anaheim Ducks: In Need of Help on Left Wing
1 of 30
The Question Mark: The Anaheim Ducks have a real need on left wing, the one area of weakness for a team that has a blossoming system ready to address multiple issues.
Likely Solutions: Rickard Rakell can play center or wing and probably projects as the No. 1 candidate for top-line duty in 2016-17. Andrew Cogliano is an incumbent solution who posted over 30 points in 2015-16, but after that, there is little that is certain. Ryan Garbutt and recently signed Mason Raymond give the team depth options—but the skill spots are very much in doubt.
Possible Solutions: The Ducks can make a trade from a surplus of defenders—possibly Cam Fowler—and fans should look for something to happen in the coming weeks. Nick Ritchie is a substantial rookie and could make the opening night roster in a feature role, and he is probably the most logical backup plan should the trade route prove unproductive.
Arizona Coyotes: Scoring Forwards
2 of 30
The Question Mark: The Arizona Coyotes featured only two forwards who scored 20 or more goals, and only Shane Doan—with 28—passed the 20-goal mark.
Likely Solutions: The Coyotes have several young players at the NHL level who are emerging offensively. Anthony Duclair, Max Domi and Tobias Rieder helped last season and should deliver more offensively in 2016-17. Free-agent addition Jamie McGinn should also help after posting 22 goals for the Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks last season.
Possible Solutions: Arizona has several impressive young forwards who are close to NHL-ready and should be able to help soon. Dylan Strome, Christian Dvorak and Ryan MacInnis are all quality prospects and could flourish on arrival in the NHL. The Coyotes have also been successful in the past by bringing in NHL veterans without contracts on tryout deals, and we could see that again.
Boston Bruins: Looking for a Two-Way Defender
3 of 30
The Question Mark: The Boston Bruins have some real issues on defense. After trading Dougie Hamilton for draft picks last summer and enduring an injury-plagued season from some of their aging veterans, this is a big problem. Perhaps serving notice of real change, the Bruins bought out Dennis Seidenberg at the end of June, as per the team website.
Likely Solutions: A trade seems most likely, even though the NHL offseason has peaked and is now in a quiet period. Veteran Zdeno Chara is still effective but cannot manage the major minutes of years past. Young NHL players like Colin Miller and Joe Morrow are likely to play bigger roles.
Possible Solutions: Fans can expect the organization to spend considerable time during training camp looking at all options. Brandon Carlo doesn't turn 20 until November, but if he has a strong preseason there could be NHL time in the fall. Men such as Matt Grzelcyk—after playing college hockey with Boston University—may get a chance to shine and push for NHL employment—although that is unlikely in 2016-17.
.png?w=256 "NHL Mock Draft")
.jpg?w=256 "Kucherov Landing Spots")
.png?w=256)
Buffalo Sabres: Is the Goaltending Set?
4 of 30
The Question Mark: The Buffalo Sabres appear ready to enter 2016-17 with Robin Lehner and Anders Nilsson as the goaltending tandem. Lehner has played 107 NHL games, and Nilsson got into 29 games in his debut season with the Edmonton Oilers and St. Louis Blues—bringing his NHL total to 52 games.
Likely Solutions: The appeal for Buffalo is that the entire package of goalies comes in at just over four percent of the cap, per General Fanager. There is risk involved, but Linus Ullmark was solid in 20 NHL games last season with the team.
Possible Solutions: A complete wild card is new pro Jason Kasdorf, who has one pro game—in the NHL, with the Sabres—to his credit. It is still early for this player, and fans should expect a trade for veteran help if Lehner falters during the year.
Calgary Flames: Defensive Help Behind the Big Three
5 of 30
The Question Mark: The Calgary Flames entered summer with question marks in goal but effectively solved those problems by adding Brian Elliott and Chad Johnson. A lesser issue—but an important one to address—is quality of defense behind T.J. Brodie, Mark Giordano and Hamilton. As Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com shows, those three men shine brightly, but help is needed for a long playoff run.
Likely Solutions: The obvious solution is signing young free agent Jakub Nakladal, who played 27 effective games with the Flames last season. Although he lacks NHL experience, Nakladal impressed and clearly fits in with the defensive group already in Calgary.
Possible Solutions: Farmhand Tyler Wotherspoon got into some NHL action last year and may catch on as a regular in the coming season. Oliver Kylington is still a teenager but has impressive skills and one AHL season under his belt. Both men are likely to see at least some NHL action during 2016-17.
Carolina Hurricanes: More Forwards
6 of 30
The Question Mark: The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired several forwards this summer, including Bryan Bickell, Teuvo Teravainen, Lee Stempniak and Viktor Stalberg. As is often the case with this kind of massive airlift, some solutions will be more effective than others—and holes will appear in the roster during the year.
Likely Solutions: The Hurricanes have made some interesting lesser bets, from Derek Ryan to Andrew Poturalski. The club also signed 2015 draft pick Sebastian Aho, who set the top Finnish league on fire last season and could win an NHL job this fall.
Possible Solutions: As the summer rolls along, veteran free agents may find contracts are not available. A PTO—professional tryout—may become more attractive in August than in July. The Hurricanes have job openings and appear to be a team on the way up, so they could be a destination for some of those veterans without a contract. The General Fanager free-agent list has many quality names remaining, and one or more could end up with the Hurricanes.
Chicago Blackhawks: Searching for Complementary Forwards
7 of 30
The Question Mark: The Chicago Blackhawks need to add value contracts. The club spends time early each offseason shedding contracts in an effort to become cap compliant. An example this summer is the painful deal that sent Teravainen to the Carolina Hurricanes—a deal that also offloaded the Bickell contract.
Likely Solutions: The Blackhawks have some nice internal options. Minor league center Mark McNeill, college star Nick Schmaltz and fleet prospect Tyler Motte—also fresh from college—will likely push for NHL employment.
Possible Solutions: Chicago is an attractive destination for NHL players, and value free-agent contracts are possible as the summer rolls along. Jordin Tootoo's signing—as covered by Chris Kuc and Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune—is the kind of value deal we may see a couple of times before training camp.
Colorado Avalanche: Defensemen Required
8 of 30
The Question Mark: The Colorado Avalanche have some real defensive issues, and as July begins to fade, there has been little done to address them. Beyond the signing of Fedor Tyutin and Patrick Wiercioch, there has been little in the way of progress.
Likely Solutions: Tyson Barrie is headed to arbitration—the complete list courtesy the NHLPA is here—and that is good news for the Avalanche. There are still free agents with ability—Kris Russell, James Wisniewski—and Colorado may sign one or more of them at low cap hits later in the summer.
Possible Solutions: Colorado may decide to run the top trio—Barrie, Erik Johnson and Francois Beauchemin—with help from Tyutin, Wiercioch and emerging players such as Chris Bigras. If that happens and the defense falters, fans can expect a trade to address defense some time during the regular season. The Avalanche have a real issue at this position.
Columbus Blue Jackets: The Center Position
9 of 30
The Question Mark: The Columbus Blue Jackets added Seth Jones via trade last winter—at the cost of franchise center Ryan Johansen. Since then, and for the immediate future, pivot is going to be a concern.
Likely Solutions: The main faceoff men for Columbus are Brandon Dubinsky, Alex Wennberg and William Karlsson—with Gregory Campbell for fourth-line work. Boone Jenner can help—he took 294 faceoffs a year ago—but there are no obvious solutions on the farm.
Possible Solutions: Columbus drafted Pierre-Luc Dubois No. 3 overall at the 2016 draft and will no doubt project him as the future top center in the organization. It is unlikely he will be NHL-ready this fall, meaning a free-agent addition or small trade is likely if the incumbents can't get things done for the Blue Jackets.
Dallas Stars: It's Still About the Goalies
10 of 30
The Question Mark: The Dallas Stars appear destined to enter the 2016-17 season with two expensive goalies, Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi. The team's save percentage in 2015-16 was .906, a far cry from league average—.915—and even farther from the league's elite.
Likely Solutions: The Stars could run with the current duo all year, but if trouble arises, the available free-agent options—such as Jhonas Enroth—will be gone. Ideally Dallas finds a way to trade one of its expensive goalies and signs Enroth as backup.
Possible Solutions: This is a tough spot for Dallas, and options are few. The appetite to trade one of these contracts may overtake all other options, and fans could see a major sweetener sent away with Niemi in an effort to reset the position. The Stars have a chance at a Stanley Cup and must make certain the goalie position is strong—this is not currently the case.
Detroit Red Wings: Top-Pairing Defender Required
11 of 30
The Question Mark: The Detroit Red Wings are built around strong two-way play from forwards and stout defense. With Niklas Kronwall now 35 and no obvious replacement available, the defense will need more from all hands on deck.
Likely Solutions: Detroit has to decide when to make a move for a substantial defenseman. The free-agent pool was not strong, and the trade options—P.K. Subban, Shea Weber, Adam Larsson—were too rich in asset return. It is unlikely Dylan Larkin will be moved in trade, so the trade options are not encouraging at this time.
Possible Solutions: Detroit's farm team—the Grand Rapids Griffins—offers some interesting options, including Robbie Russo and Ryan Sproul. The Red Wings have been reliant on the draft and development department for decades, and chances are someone will emerge eventually. It is distressing for fans that this player has not yet made himself known.
Edmonton Oilers: Searching for a Puck-Moving Defender
12 of 30
The Question Mark: The Edmonton Oilers added a big piece on defense when they acquired Larsson from the New Jersey Devils. The search is still ongoing for a puck-mover who can quarterback the power play.
Likely Solutions: The easiest route for the Oilers will be picking up an inexpensive option in free agency—Wisniewski or Dan Boyle—or possibly trading for a signed player who is available. Dennis Wideman of the Calgary Flames is a candidate who fits the description.
Possible Solutions: Edmonton may try to deal for Barrie of the Colorado Avalanche or Kevin Shattenkirk of the St. Louis Blues. A summer that has included dealing impact winger Taylor Hall may mean general manager Peter Chiarelli is patient in looking for a solution.
Florida Panthers: Left-Handed Two-Way Defenseman Needed
13 of 30
The Question Mark: The Florida Panthers had an active summer and have the look of a Stanley Cup contender. Searching for possible issues is difficult, but the left side of the defense—Keith Yandle, Jakub Kindl and Michael Matheson—might be the weak link.
Likely Solutions: Newly acquired Mark Pysyk is right-handed but can play left-side defense. College defender Ian McCoshen has signed a pro contract and could contend right away for NHL employment.
Possible Solutions: Florida has a real chance to win in 2016-17, and that changes the free-agent situation. If a veteran left-handed defender is unable to get an NHL contract, a camp invite from the Panthers may be attractive late in August. Don't discount this possibility, it could happen just this way.
Los Angeles Kings: Defense Is No Longer a Strong Point
14 of 30
The Question Mark: The Los Angeles Kings won two Stanley Cups with the help of a strong, varied and deep blue line. Through free-agency losses and other issues, that depth has been eroding over the last two seasons. Los Angeles enters the 2016-17 with Jake Muzzin, Drew Doughty, Alec Martinez and Brayden McNabb. But after that group, there are real question marks.
Likely Solutions: General manager Dean Lombardi has Rob Scuderi, Matt Greene and newly signed Tom Gilbert and Zach Trotman on the roster. These men will receive every chance to solve the depth issue facing the team.
Possible Solutions: Derek Forbort was drafted in 2010 and has taken a long time to become NHL-ready. Los Angeles badly needs one of the prospect defenders to step up and push the veterans—plus fill in as injuries open up roster spots. Kevin Gravel—chosen in 2010 but much later—may end up being the answer despite his lack of draft pedigree.
Minnesota Wild: Are the Center Issues Solved?
15 of 30
The Question Mark: The Minnesota Wild are a strong team with capable veterans. Center was an issue last season, but the team added Eric Staal in free agency. Added to Mikko Koivu, Mikael Granlund and Erik Haula, this should be a stout depth chart at pivot. The concern? Staal is eroding, and a change of scenery is unlikely to solve that problem.
Likely Solutions: If Staal proves shy offensively—he scored only 39 points last season—the Wild can move Charlie Coyle to the middle. He has experience there, and boasted a 46 percent rate in the faceoff circle one year ago.
Possible Solutions: Minnesota will have several lesser options, men such as Grayson Downing may get a chance as the season wears along. If the Wild consider themselves contenders, the team could make a trade—likely a rental—in an effort to maximize chances in the spring playoff run.
Montreal Canadiens: What Happens If Carey Price Gets Hurt Again?
16 of 30
The Question Mark: The Montreal Canadiens are a different team with Carey Price in goal. His .934 save percentage towered over all others in a Canadiens uniform last year—a season in which Price played his final game on November 25.
Likely Solutions: If Price gets hurt again, backup Al Montoya—who has a good resume as a backup—would step into the starting role. Mike Condon played 55 games for Montreal last season, so he would have to be considered a strong candidate if injury hits again.
Possible Solutions: It is important to remember that no team can adequately cover for the loss of a franchise goalie due to injury—it is always going to be the story of the season. That said, the Canadiens do have some outstanding young prospects, including Zachary Fucale, Charlie Lindgren and Michael McNiven. One of these men could eventually emerge as an NHL starter.
Nashville Predators: Goaltenders in Doubt
17 of 30
The Question Mark: The Nashville Predators have a famous goalie in Pekka Rinne, but the results last year were not stellar. Among goalies who played 40 or more games, Rinne ranked in a tie for No. 26 overall with a .916 even-strength save percentage.
Likely Solutions: Rinne gets the net all year unless he falters badly or is injured. That said, the club badly needs average or better goaltending. Marek Mazanec is the likely backup after spending time in the AHL over the last three seasons. The Predators are legendary for uncovering goalies, so fans should be excited for his NHL debut.
Possible Solutions: The ultimate No. 1 starter may be Juuse Saros, who was outstanding in the AHL last season and has played in one NHL game. It is likely he and Mazanec fight it out for the backup role this coming year, but Saros may play more than expected if his career arc continues.
New Jersey Devils: Top-Pairing Replacement for Adam Larsson
18 of 30
The Question Mark: The New Jersey Devils acquired Taylor Hall over the summer, a franchise-altering transaction. The cost was Larsson, one half of the team's top pairing. Finding a suitable partner for Andy Greene will be important.
Likely Solutions: Greene and Larsson played a lot together this past season, as shown by Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com. The best candidate to play with Greene may be Damon Severson, who is an emerging young player.
Possible Solutions: Ben Lovejoy is a veteran and recently signed with New Jersey. He might fit into the role with Greene, although most of his career has been spent in a more complementary role. After that, New Jersey has several young and promising defenders, and the team may choose to audition several over the season.
New York Islanders: Finding a Fit for John Tavares
19 of 30
The Question Mark: The New York Islanders had an active summer, losing winger Kyle Okposo while adding Andrew Ladd. One of the big issues for this team in 2016-17 will be finding another winger who can create chemistry with franchise center John Tavares.
Likely Solutions: Tavares was productive with Dylan Strome, scoring 23 points in 500 minutes—via Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com. Added to Andrew Ladd on left wing, that could be the top line in Brooklyn this winter.
Possible Solutions: Brock Nelson has had some success with Tavares, and don't count out free-agent addition P.A. Parenteau—who scored 20 goals with the Toronto Maple Leafs last year.
New York Rangers: A Replacement for Keith Yandle
20 of 30
The Question Mark: The New York Rangers were foiled by the cap in attempts to sign Keith Yandle. He was the team's primary power-play quarterback, and his loss creates a big hole.
Likely Solutions: The team will have to go a different route—and could go with veteran Ryan McDonagh if a trade cannot be made before opening night. Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com shows that McDonagh did perform well in the discipline, although not at Yandle's levels. Kevin Klein may also be another internal solution.
Possible Solutions: The Rangers recently made a trade with the Ottawa Senators, a deal that opens up some cap room for the coming year. Story details via Emily Sadler of Sportsnet, as Mika Zibanejad heads to Manhattan and Derick Brassard is a new Senators center. Among the possible solutions is Shattenkirk, who may be available one year away from free agency—although New York used a lot of assets to acquire Yandle from the Arizona Coyotes. The team may not want to lose picks and prospects again.
Ottawa Senators: Still Lacking Defensemen
21 of 30
The Question Mark: The Ottawa Senators added defender Dion Phaneuf last season but remain thin at the position overall.
Likely Solutions: The pairing of Erik Karlsson and Marc Methot should be an effective one, and there is some promise with Phaneuf and Cody Ceci as the second pairing. After that, there appear to be real issues—Mark Borowiecki, Wideman and Mike Kostka are not proven—so injuries could be devastating.
Possible Solutions: Beyond Borowiecki, Wideman and Kostka, Ottawa's prospects are impressive but lack pro experience. Patrick Sieloff was acquired from the Calgary Flames and could get a long look, Thomas Chabot has an impressive resume and Fredrik Claesson may also get some playing time. The Senators are wasting some brilliant seasons from Karlsson by not addressing defensive depth and it appears to be another season of trying to find internal answers.
Philadelphia Flyers: Defense Remains a Work in Progress
22 of 30
The Question Mark: The Philadelphia Flyers are building through the draft, but that takes a long time. Shayne Gostisbehere and Radko Gudas appear to be major pieces of the future, but will anyone join them this year? The Flyers have a large group of veterans under contract—Mark Streit, Andrew MacDonald, Michael Del Zotto, Nick Schultz—but some or all of them may be playing their final seasons in Philadelphia.
Likely Solutions: Brandon Manning played 56 games with Philadelphia last year and would appear to have an excellent chance of making the team. T.J. Brennan, Robert Hagg and Samuel Morin all have pro experience and could push for employment this season.
Possible Solutions: In the near future, Flyers fans will be discussing the power and skill of GM Ron Hextall's defense. Since taking over as general manager in 2014, the club has selected defensemen Travis Sanheim, Ivan Provorov and Mark Friedman. Added to Gostisbehere and Gudas, the Philadelphia defense could be outstanding—and mostly homegrown—by the end of the decade.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Defense Under Construction
23 of 30
The Question Mark: The Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup, so criticism is difficult. That said, the club's defense relied heavily on Kris Letang, and the club needs to add some quality and depth.
Likely Solutions: The team's top four may not have famous names beyond Letang, but he along with Trevor Daley, Brian Dumoulin and Olli Maatta were effective a year ago—information via Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com. Ian Cole and recently signed Justin Schultz should round out the top-six defense. Schultz was not effective with the Edmonton Oilers, but a lesser role in Pittsburgh seemed to benefit his play.
Possible Solutions: Pittsburgh's depth beyond those six men isn't great, and the club may bring in some veterans on professional tryouts this fall. Among the group who played in the minors last season, Derrick Pouliot should be the one man who emerges as a useful NHL player this season.
San Jose Sharks: Can This Veteran Team Get Back to the Finals?
24 of 30
The Question Mark: The San Jose Sharks got so close to winning the Stanley Cup in the spring but remain an old team in some important areas. Joe Thornton (37), Patrick Marleau (36), Joe Pavelski (32) and Brent Burns (31) are past 30—and in some cases closer to 40—so the team has to decide if those man can play central roles one more time.
Likely Solutions: The numbers suggest all four can still play—they finished at the top in team scoring during 2015-16—and are probably able to cover their collective salaries. San Jose has all season to evaluate performance, and since all have some kind of no-trade verbal in their contracts, are they likely to be on the team come playoff time. Their roles on the team could change as the season heads toward the playoffs, depending on performance.
Possible Solutions: Marleau, Thornton and Burns are free agents in the summer of 2017. The Sharks are nearing the end of the line with one or more of these men, and the temptation to get at least some value for them will be strong if the season is disappointing. As crazy as it may sound, one or more of the three stars heading out of San Jose at or near the trade deadline is possible.
St. Louis Blues: Getting Value for Kevin Shattenkirk
25 of 30
The Question Mark: The St. Louis Blues are a Stanley Cup contender with a trade deadline on one of its best players. Shattenkirk is a free agent at the end of the season, and the club must get value back before he goes to another team.
Likely Solutions: The most likely scenario has Shattenkirk being dealt either before the season starts or in the early days of the 2016-17 schedule. The Blues have enough quality and depth on defense to allow a team to offer other assets—including draft picks—in return. The emergence of Colton Parayko last season allows for this kind of transaction.
Possible Solutions: There are several possible outcomes, including Shattenkirk re-signing with the Blues. A blockbuster deal including multiple players is also possible, but the likely play here is a lesser NHL player plus a substantial draft pick for one of the best offensive defensemen in the game. A distant possibility is that Shattenkirk plays out his contract and St. Louis attempts to go for it while also losing the player with no compensation.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Who Is Leaving Town?
26 of 30
The Question Mark: The Tampa Bay Lightning have enjoyed a terrific summer, highlighted by getting impact veteran Steven Stamkos under contract. All contracts have impact, and with the Stamkos signing, the clock begins to tick on several restricted and unrestricted free agents. Who is leaving and when?
Likely Solutions: Nikita Kucherov had a strong season and is due a raise—but remains unsigned at this time. His contract should fit under this year's cap, but the Lightning have another bunch of deals coming next summer, and the money will be tight by summer 2017. The most likely solution is trading goalie Ben Bishop this coming season or allowing him to walk via free agency after the year has concluded.
Possible Solutions: Kucherov could be dealt, although teams tend to hold on to 30-goal scorers who just turned 23. The roster pressure is incredible in Tampa Bay, as the system keeps producing phenomenal talent. It is a nice problem to have, but with Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat and Bishop all needing contracts next season, it is in fact a problem for the Lightning.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Figuring Out the Defense
27 of 30
The Question Mark: The Toronto Maple Leafs impressive rebuild continues, but the team badly needs to find four defensemen that can succeed every night against tough competition.
Likely Solutions: There are impressive players on the Toronto blue line, notably Morgan Rielly and Jake Gardiner. According to Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com, Connor Carrick, Frank Corrado and Martin Marincin also show good possession ability and may be long-term options.
Possible Solutions: Veterans Matt Hunwick and Roman Polak should be able to help this coming season, but both men should be viewed as stopgap solutions. Nikita Zaitsev is an intriguing addition to the group, and Toronto could be a late summer destination for some high-end free agents looking for a landing spot.
Vancouver Canucks: Can This Team Contend?
28 of 30
The Question Mark: The Vancouver Canucks are caught between a rock and a hard place. Henrik and Daniel Sedin are aging, and the team is trying to rebuild during the fading years of the twins. Management has added veterans—notably Loui Eriksson—but is it enough? A second question comes to mind: Why are the Canucks trying to make the playoffs during a season that clearly indicates a rebuild is in order.
Likely Solutions: The Sedins have two more years left on their contracts, and the combined cap hit—$14 million—makes them unlikely trade candidates. Vancouver may double down on the veteran group and add some veteran help via professional tryouts and waiver pickups—hoping to make the playoffs one more time.
Possible Solutions: If things begin badly, we could see a fire sale, with veterans like Ryan Miller, Alex Edler, Chris Tanev and others being made available. The 2011 Stanley Cup Final represents the pinnacle for the Sedin Canucks, and this coming season could very well be the nadir for this fine group of players. The astute move may be helping the slide by dealing off veteran talent, and that could come during the 2016-17 season.
Washington Capitals: Nothing Matters Until the Playoffs
29 of 30
The Question Mark: The Washington Capitals are in a frustrating position entering 2016-17. There is no outstanding question mark—unless you consider Braden Holtby's work load an issue—because the team has balance and brilliance. The questions surrounding this team cannot be answered until the playoffs begin next spring.
Likely Solutions: Washington will be active at the trade deadline, shoring up areas of weakness caused by poor performance and injury. From this point in time, backup goalie, defensive depth and complementary scoring up front may be priorities at that time.
Possible Solutions: The Capitals are making some interesting bets for the season. An astute addition such as Brett Connolly could work out in a big way, and that might mean a veteran scoring addition at the deadline will be unnecessary. Prospect Jakub Vrana will also be an interesting player to follow in 2016-17.
Winnipeg Jets: How Much Will Patrik Laine Impact in Year One?
30 of 30
The Question Mark: The Winnipeg Jets found luck and a dynamite future at the draft lottery this spring. Grabbing the No. 2 overall selection—and Patrik Laine—gives the team its first impact prospect since arriving back in Winnipeg. How much of an impact will Laine have in his first season?
Likely Solutions: Laine is such a dynamic player, it is difficult to imagine him not getting a full shot on a skill line this fall. A reasonable projection has Laine playing the full year in the NHL and getting a larger role as the season wears along. He enters training camp as one of the favorites for the Calder Trophy, emblematic of the NHL's rookie of the year.
Possible Solutions: There is a non-zero chance the Jets slow-play Laine, returning him to Finland for another year or having him play some games in the AHL. It seems far-fetched at this point, but training camp will bring its own answers. Jets fans have to be thrilled with the lottery luck, and Laine has a chance to become a legend in the city—similar to fellow Finn Teemu Selanne many years ago.
.png?w=480 "NHL Mock Draft")
.jpg?w=480 "Kucherov Landing Spots")
.png?w=480)
.png?w=600 "B/R NHL Staff Second-Round Predictions 🏒")
