In With The New, and Continuing With The New

We all know the names: Jagr, Brodeur, Briere, Sakic, Lidstrom, etc. 

These are our superstars; the players the fans pay good money to see.  With the draft coming and going, and futures to be determined a few years from now... before the impending blitz of transaction that's going to occur in the month of July, I wanted to take a look at each time and try to determine who'll be their next upcoming star in 2008 - 2009. 

Anaheim Ducks:

    A time that will be in DIRE need of offense once the retirements of Scotty Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne come through, Brian Burke will have a host of prospects he will hope to fill the void... most notably Bobby Ryan.  My feelings are that Ryan will come in and play well (probably near the 20 - 30 - 50 range), but the player who intrigued many and will be a difference is the other Ryan... Ryan Carter.  Number 52 played behind the aforementioned Selanne and the disappointing Todd Bertuzzi.  But it'll be Ryan Carter who adds to the list of Getzlaf, Perry and the long gone McDonald; young players found on Burke's watch.  He's my guy this year.

Atlanta Thrashers:

    This team needs three main things in my opinion to be successful: A number 1 defenseman, a number 1 center, and consistent goaltending.  Pre-July, all 3 haven't been addressed.  They did select Bogosian in the draft... and in a few years, he'll take care of that number 1 defensive spot.  However, they do have a potential number 2 guy, and that's Boris Valabik.  Let's be honest, when Alexei Zhitnik's on your team, you have quite a void to fill.  Tobias Enstrom and Garnet Exelby are a strong tandem, and Valabik can definitely get Atlanta in the right direction.  If he can hit the way his 6'7" frame makes you hope he can, then maybe Atlanta can actually get something going.  Now if only they could figure out Lehtonen...

Boston Bruins:

    This team has at least 2 major cogs set in their top center (the perennially underrated Marc Savard) and their top defenseman (the tower that is Zdeno Chara).  I do beleive in creating a team from the crease out... and with 3 average to decent tenders in net now... they can wait a year or so for Tukka Rask.  They have to find a few defenseman to help Zdeno with the load (in fact his stats showed that he played better when played less).  Dennis Wideman came out of nowhere last year to be an important piece.   They guy who has the potential to truly start a youth movement on their blueline is Marc Stuart.  This former first rounder hasn't had any season at any level of the game where he was a minus player!  He's also shown the knack to chip in offensively.  If he can emerge, he will help Boston, and will help Chara.

Buffalo Sabres:

    Chris Drury?  No.  Jay McKee?  No.  Danny Briere?  No.  Brian Campbell?  No.  What happens to stars in Buffalo?  They leave, pure and simple.  They have lost their two best defenseman and two best centers in the last few years.  Vanek's still WAY to inconsistent, but Pominville looks like he'll be a very solid player for years to come.  Buffalo has consistently lost talent, but somehow found more.  Last year all the talk was about how Buffalo'd be ok, because Drew Stafford and Clarke MacArthur were the real deal.  Well, they might be this year.  I really like Paul Gaustad though.  They guy's rough and tumble and will get to the net.  What else could you want?  Gaustad's got the potential to be a second line scorer behind Roy and Vanek... and more talent right now is exactly what this team needs.

Calgary Flames:

    This is DEFINITELY a team in transition.  With Tanguay and Huselius gone, and others like Langkow and Conroy probably gone, they have lots of holes to fill, and lots of questions surrounding their top two lines.  Everyone loves Iginla, and Cammallieri will be a solid 30 goal scorer.  Is Matthew Lombardi ready to take the next step?  Who knows.  David Moss played a decent role this year... but at 6'3", can he play Keenan's game.  He looks the type.  If he nets 20 goals this year, it'd be a huge step in the right direction.  With that kind of size, watch for Keenan to try and use the kid in situations that might make a dirty goal easy for him to score.

Carolina Hurricanes:

    This team is seemingly stacked up front with a top 6 of Brind'Amour, Staal, Williams, Cole, Cullen, and a rejuvenated Sergei Samsonov.  As usual, they'll be able to score (unless Cole's traded soon, and his name has been heard in rumors).  A player they picked up during last year's deadline who has somewhat been ignored is Patrick Eaves.  This is a kid with good speed, a knack for the net, and talent enough to put the puck into the net.  He, along with Tuomo Ruutu and Scott Walker form to me at least, a VERY formidable third line.  Keep an eye on Patrick Eaves for sure.

Chicago Blackhawks:

    Man, WHICH young kid to look at here.  They're all young, and they're all great!  For this team, instead of picking a young talent (too many), I'm going to pick a gritty player.  I'm telling you, keep an eye on Adam Burish.  This guy is going to make it safe for everyone else to dazzle people in the United Center.  The next Probert?  Absolutely not.  The next Chris Simon (sans the stupidity) or Mike Ricci?  Quite a strong possibility. 

Colorado Avalanche:

    Look at the Chicago section.  Again, a team teeming with talent from their fabulous drafts.  I have to go with tradition here, and in Colorado, EVERY year they have a new big time talent.  Whether it's Wolski and Stastny from last year, or Hejduk and Tanguay from a few years previous... they are continuously drafting solid players.  In two years, Kevin Shattenkirk will be the big name on their blueline. This year, it'll be TJ Hensick in the faceoff circle.  Last year he played sparingly on the third line.  If Sakic retires, and if Forsberg does as well (as he almost certainly will), Hensick may get a shot.  He was a star in college, and has the tools to boost a Colorado attack that might need a shot in the arm if those two players definitely leave the game.

Columbus Blue Jackets:

    Another team in a definite transition.  Their captain will be a star for years to come.  They showed some bright spots last year with their ability to play better team defensive and Nik Zherdev actually proving he doesn't belong to a figure skating academy.  Last year in the beginning, they lost Bryan Berard, and towards the end they lost Adam Foote.  It appears also that they're about to lose Ron Hainsey.  Who does that leave... Rusty Klesla?  No offense Russ, but you can't carry a blueline on your own.  The kid who really looked impressive over parts of the season was Kris Russell.  He'll DEFINITELY get more time to prove his worth.  He's a fantasy sleeper if Nash can really get the offense rolling.

Dallas Stars:

    As of late, they've been the Detroit Red Wings of the league... doing a great job with European imports.  Without Modano or Morrow... either Sergei Zubov or Jere Lehtinen would be captain, hands down.  Dallas has always had a team that played defense first, starting with the days when both Hatcher's were on their blueline.  They are about to lose Mattias Norstrom to retirement.  With Zubov continuing his dominance and the rise of Matt Niskanen, they'll need another defenseman to shut down their high powered Western opposition.  Watch for Nicklas Grossman.  He won't put up points, but he'll be sturdy and solid and will help to keep shots away from the very resilient Marty Turco.  He'll be a solid plus player.

Detroit Red Wings:

    I haven't seen a team that had dynasty potential since Jersey in the late 90's.  And yeah, they won a few during that time.  Detroit's on top because they are the best drafters in the game, and can pick up talent that other's think are useless (aka Dan Cleary, Dallas Drake... Larry Murphy).  This team, similarly to Colorado, always have a new kid coming up and making noise.  Who's the next new kid?  Well, have you heard of Justin Abdelkader?  This kid TORE IT UP in the junior and college level.  He's had his cup of coffee in the big leagues... and if given the chance, I'm curious to see what he can do.  He might have another taste this year... we'll see if he breaks through now or next year... but seemingly it'll happen sooner than later.

Edmonton Oilers:

    I'm not sure about them... will they come together or will they fall apart?  Gagner, Cogliano and Nilsson sure looked good together... but their hardship came on the blueline.  Roloson sucked out loud and Garon seemed strong.  Are they enough to hold this team together as the kids upfront mature?  Very unsure.  They have on defense the tandem of Souray (who doesn't really play any defense at all, does he?) and Pitkanen (maybe not for much longer).  It was obvious they needed the intelligence of Jason Smith.  They need a rock on D to help calm the ship.  Sorry but that won't be Grebeshkov, and Gilbert's solid, but not a defensive specialist.  Personally, I really like the minor league stats of Alex Plante (a player they got in the Ryan Smyth trade).  38 points and a plus 18?  Not bad in less than 60 games.  Maybe he can move the puck, and at 6'4", be the rock they need in front of the net.  We'll see.

Florida Panthers:

    I'm not sure if Ballard, Boynton and a mid range pick are fair for Jokinen... but in my opinion, the Panthers needed a change in leadership.  Horton, Weiss and Bouwmeester are the core to build around, not a malcontent Finn.  Booth was their bonus last year.  I'm sure Florida's hoping that Kamil Kreps can be their man this year.  I'm not so sure of that.  I really like the style of play that they've gotten from Gregory Campbell.  His rugged play is exactly what's needed to electrify the fans and the franchise.  If he can tally 15 goals this year, that'd be a solid bonus to a team that's devoid of offensive talent, not including only their extremely young first line.  By the way... where is Anthony Stewart?  First round draft pick... Anthony Stewart?  Gotta produce at some point son.  However, my fingers are crossed when thinking about Campbell.  You'd want him on your team.  Seriously.

Los Angeles Kings:

    They might be Pittsburgh in another 2 years.  What a solid group of prospects Dean Lombardi's putting together.  Oh, if they only had a coach to get them to where they need to be.  You know, Pat Quinn's available... and he has a pretty solid resume when it comes to young talent.  Just a thought.  Looking at their solid draft, a move they made that went under the radar was the acquisition of Brad Richardson from Colorado.  I like him in a Ruslan Fedotenko kind of way... is capable of annoying opponents, rough to play against, has potential to bury 10 - 15 goals.  If a player like Nagy can be cast off (maybe Kyle Calder too) you might see this kid reach that potential.  A very interesting pick up by Lombardi... watch his progression.

Minnesota Wild:

    This is the ghost of the NHL... no one ever really sees them or looks for them, but somehow they're always around.   Who ever puts the Wild in as a group that could seriously contend for the Cup?  At midyear, it always seems like they're on the brink of contention.  Now, if Rolston and Demitra leave... then this group will definitely have a set back.  Jacques Lemaire and Doug Riseborough have done this team justice however with their drafting, and they've brought in new blood like Aaron Voros last year.  I REALLY like this kid, the way he plays.  He's a bruiser no doubt... but in the minors had a knack for the net.  Again, another player who can duke it out, and score a dirty goal.  Aaron Voros, for the win.

Montreal Canadiens:

    I am one of the few who thinks there is NO ONE Alexei Inconsistent-ovalev can do what he did again.  It's just not going to happen.  Is Tanguay the answer?  I'm not sure... he's really only been successful when he could dish the puck to players named Sakic, Forsberg and Hejduk.  He couldn't score with Jarome Iginla... is he going to score with Tomas Pleckanec?  I'm iffy on that one... guaranteed... he'll have an average first year in Montreal, but pick it up again next year.  Montreal has been lucky; with both Kostisyn's in place doing the right thing... their offense seems to have a great balance to it.  Their defense has really picked it up too... however with the potential loss of Mark Streit and Matthieu Dandenault, they'll need a pick up.  Look for that to be in the form of Ryan O'Byrne.  A big guy... he'll help close up the holes that Streit might leave.  That's if he can stop stealing purses...

Nashville Predators:

    This was a team in transition... last year.  With Weber, Suter and Zidlicky on that backline... they'll be fine.  They also need Dan Ellis to have a spectacular year.  However, the player I'll choose to highlight was the highlight two years ago and really wasn't heard about through the hockey world last year.  That's Alex Radulov.  He did however double his goal total from his rookie to his softmore year.  If this kid breaks th 40 goal mark... watch out for Nashville.  Arnott had a strong year as well... he needs to keep that going.  And oh yeah... David Legwand MUST play like the first rounder he was a few year's back.  Radulov...  35 - 40 goals this year.

New Jersey Devils:

    Does this team EVER fall out of contention?  They had a solid season, even after losing their best defenseman and their number 1 center.  Unreal.  However, can it be sustained?  I mean... doesn't everyone have to rebuild?  Sadly, you can't continue to win with an anemic offense and no true number 1 center iceman (Elias is a natural winger).  The Devils might have to make some moves to 1: get a stronger defense corps that boasts more than just Andy Greene, 2: get SOME offense.  I do like some of the parts that are there, such as Zach Parise and Paul Martin.  Both are solid cornerstones.  Others must emerge.  How about the second half play of Mike Mottau?  He's the guy I'm looking at.  This former Hobey Baker winner has been all over the league, and maybe now has finally found his game.  If he can solidify that backline, and Brodeur continues to not act his age, then these Devils will be just fine.

New York Islanders:

    Garth Snow would almost have to believe that Kyle Okposo is the second coming of Brendan Shanahan.  Maybe one day he'll fit into that elite power forward mold... but he still has a ways to go.  I do like his line with sparkplug Blake Comeau and the responsible Richard Park.  However, this team has A LONG WAY TO GO to make it out of the East... even with the miraculous coaching of the best in the game, Teddy Nolan.  More youth must step up, and I really like the play of Sean Bergenheim.  Two years ago he showed flashes of potential, played a year in Sweden, and came back and impressed me.  He, Okposo, Comeau could be the start of something on the Island.  Begenheim, a 20 - 20  man next season.

New York Rangers:

    Ahhh... my home team.  I LOVE the youth we have at the Garden so far... starting with the super steady Marc Staal and the emerging power forward Brandon Dubinsky.  Every year it seems Sather rolls out another decent youthful piece of the puzzle.  This year will be no different.  A few kids have been discussed for promotion within the organization; Sanguinetti, Korpikoski and Moore to name a few.  Artem Anisimov had a very strong camp last year (however is a center, and is way down on the depth chart behind the likes of Drury and Gomez).  The player I really like however, is Dane Byers.  I'm going on a limb with this guy... but he has the tools to be the next Darcy Tucker (WITH the chin goatee as well!).  He can hit, he can fight, and man, he loves to park in front of the net.  Speed might be an issue... but put him with players like Dawes and Callahan, and he'll be just fine.  Dane Byers, the darkhorse choice for the Broadway Blueshirts.

Ottawa Senators:

    Man, speak about collapse.  What happened to this team?  They went from sexy Eastern Conference Champs to fat and single basement dweller.  And fast.  Honestly... they have a dominant first line and few solid defenders.  That's it.  The rest are hard working parts that don't seem to have much chemistry.  They need secondary scoring, and someone to replace the departed Chara and the going to be departed Wade Redden.  Can Andrej Meszaros and Chris Phillips do ALL THAT?  Man that depends to be seen.  I can see Brian Campbell in an Ottawa uni... but thats pure speculation on my part.  With money tied up in the top line and bad goaltender signings... scoring will have to come from within... and from Antoine Vermette.  He could be the next Jeff Carter... high end prospect, might not deliver at first... but then explodes to be part of the core of the future of his team.  I think Vermette, a former first rounder and a very intriguing finesse scorer might hold the keys.  If he can score 30 goals and emerge, Ottawa has a chance of looking good once again.

Philadelphia Flyers:

    This is the opposite of Ottawa... went from bottom feeder to top notch.  Players like Mike Richards, Jeff Carter  and Braydon Coburn (still a trade that should have cost Don Waddell his job, no questions asked) will represent this franchise for years to come (a minimum of 12, as per the deal Richards signed earlier).  Who's the next cornerstone building block you ask?  It has to be Ryan Parent.  This kid was one of the pieces that came back in the Forsberg trade, and already has started to pay dividends.  With the almost certain departure of captain Jason Smith, Parent will be given much more ice time.  At this point next year, we'll speak about the solid defensive group that Coburn and Parent are going to be leading.  Now... if only they had a consistently dependable goaltender...

Phoenix Coyotes:

    Who saw this team coming last year?  Who saw Wayne Gretzky coaching that well?  My first thought upon hearing that he was hired as their coach, immediately was "he's gone in 2 years."  I was wrong.  However, with raw talent like Hanzal, Mueller and the entertaining Daniel Carcillo, the odds are seemingly stacked in their favor to succeed.  I'm iffy on the Jokinen deal... because with their number 2 and 3 defenseman traded... who's going to make up for all those minutes?  At this moment they have ONLY 4 defenseman listed for their roster... and two of which aren't anywhere near household names.  However, they might be waiting for the maturation of David Schlemko.  The numbers he put up last year in the WHL are ridiculous.  Keep an eye out for him maybe not this year... but almost certainly in two years.

Pittsburgh Penguins:

    This team is exactly where they were thought to be at; dominating other teams around them using their dynamic offensive talents.  Marc-Andre Fleury has resurrected what was seemingly a disappointment to his career, and defensemen like Brooks Orpik (probably for not much longer), Sergei Gonchar and Hal Gill have really steadied the one part of the Pens' game that was a question mark.  Without question, this is the goldstandard for the time being in terms of youthful talent.  No matter what, this team will almost certainly be known for their offensive firepower up front.  However, their backline is going to be deadly as well.  Kris Letang is going to be a cornerstone defenseman.  Alex Goligoski will be as well.  Keep that name in mind... he put up obscene numbers in the minors, and probably will be on that Pens blue line feeding Sidney Crosby for years to come.

San Jose Sharks:

    Speak of talented youth.  Players drafted here like Patrick Marleau, Milan Michalek, Jonathan Cheechoo, Matt Carle, and Evgeni Nabokov have become the cornerstone for a very deep and very talented Sharks team.  Like other aforementioned teams, every year it seems there's another young player coming up in the ranks and really making a splash.  The man this year will be Devin Setoguchi.  He scored 11 goals in 44 games last year.  Maybe he can hit 25 in a full season?  That'd be a solid second option, with other players like Ryane Clowe and Joe Pavelski.  With all these young and talented forwards to choose from, this team will be in contention for years to come.  Let Patrick Marleau slump; there are others to help pick up his slack.

St. Louis Blues:

    I have to root for the Blues, simply because John Davidson is there making decisions.  Ever since he's taken over, they seemingly have been stockpiling youthful talent.  They've struggled the last few years, but that's understandable considering the rebuilding phase their in.  There is a solid forward core in place, looking at Lee Stepniak, Andy McDonald and Jay McClement.  On defense, players like Eric Brewer, Barret Jackman and Erik Johnson will be anchors for a long, long time.  David Perron might be the young player to add to the list.  He's a former 1st rounder who put up decent numbers last year.  Look for him to add to the stockpile of talent that JD's put together.  Others will be there to help soon, but Perron's going to be looked at to be another contributor very soon.

Tampa Bay Lightning:

    This team basically traded Brad Richards and Johan Holmqvist for Steve Stamkos, Mike Smith, Jussi Jokinen and Jeff Halpern.  Win for Tampa.  I like Brad Richards, but like everyone else, the guy was paid WAY to much.  Mike Smith has potential number 1 goalie written all over him... but the man I like is Jussi Jokinen.  They guy is a shootout wizard, no doubt... but also is a magician with the puck.  With the right linemates, the guy can do some definite damage.  He was a big part of the Richards trade, and watch for him to prove his worth.

Toronto Maple Leafs:

    I don't even know where to start with this team.  Who knows what this team will look like in October.  There's a small group of youth on this team right now who can help... but in no way shape or form carry this team anywhere but the basement.  The player I liked years back as a Ranger prospect, Dominic Moore, was picked up from the Wild at the end of last year.  I love this guy.  He's hardworking, passionate, and extremely intelligent player.  10 - 15 goals is his range... but his talents lie more with penalty killing, faceoffs and being a defensive specialist.  Look for him to try to add some stability to a team that is going to be extremely unstable for the next year or so.

Vancouver Canucks:

    This team had one of the top lines in all of hockey, and in the last 3 years, has almost certainly seen it dismantled.  Bertuzzi was traded in a great move by Vancouver for Luongo, and Naslund and Morrison seem to be on their way out.  Luongo's paid huge dividends... but their team offense has suffered for it.  They  need scoring, in the worst way.  With talent on their defense like Willie Mitchell, Mattias Ohlund, Kevin Bieksa and Sami Salo... they don't have the best defense in the game, but it's solid nonetheless.  Scoring's the priority, and there are a decent amount of prospects.  A kid who's produced in the minors is Ryan Shannon.  He's been around with the Ducks, and bounced around the AHL; but he's consistently put the puck into the net.  Dave Nonis and Alain Vigneault better hope he can help their offense in the NHL. 

Washington Capitals:

    They have one of the strongest up and coming lines in the league in Kozlov, Ovechkin and Backstrom.  What people are forgetting, is that they signed and still have Michael Nylander coming back.  With the right linemates, this team could have a tremendous double punch.  The player that seemingly came out of nowhere to score 20 goals was Brooks Laich.  Where did he come from you might ask?  Well, he was the return in the Peter Bondra trade.  Maybe he and Nylander can find chemistry, and again, take pressure off of quite possibly the most exciting offensive catalyst in the game today, Ovechkin.