The Toronto Maple Leafs and Four Other NHL Sleeper Teams in 2010-11
Every year experts in around the NHL pick their postseason favorites. This year the Sharks, Blackhawks, and Canucks look like favorites in the West while the Devils, Bruins, and Capitals should be a force in the East.
However, often predictions are made in a narrow scope, looking at last year's results and offseason transactions to determine placement. Underachieving players and unexpected injuries are frequently left out of the equation.
There are five teams have shown a lot of promise since the lockout that may catch the NHL community by surprise if they enter the postseason next year.
Listed in the following slides are five teams and three reasons why they are a postseason contender.
Tampa Bay Lightning
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Tampa Bay has made headlines recently by signing hockey legend Steve Yzerman as general manager. His recent moves, highlighted by the acquisition of Simon Gagne from the cash-strapped Flyers, have made turned this team into a legitimate postseason threat.
1. Proven Veterans
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In the year preceding the NHL Lockout the Tampa Bay Lightning were led to a Stanley Cup Championship by two young stars -- Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis.
Praised as "The Michael Jordan of hockey" on draft day, Lecavalier instantly generated interest in the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Montreal native notched 30 goals in three straight seasons (2002-03, '05) before tallying a career-high 52 goals in 2006 and 40 twine-seekers the following year.
However, since signing a eleven-year, $85 million contract and being named captain in 2008 Lecavalier has yet to eclipse the 30-goal mark.
On the other hand, Martin St. Louis -- also from the Montreal area -- has been a constant for the Bolts. Since joining Tampa after playing for three years in the Flames organization as an undrafted free agent, St. Louis has been a staple on the roster.
Since 2002 he's had five 30-plus goal seasons, including a career high 43 in 2006. Although he was a goal short of the 30-mark last year, his career high 65 assists helped Steven Stamkos emerge as an elite scorer in the NHL.
Tampa Bay almost made the playoffs last year, before stumbling down the stretch, and with an improved team around them both Lecavalier and St. Louis have the potential to replicate their 2006 numbers.
2. Good Supporting Cast
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During the 2007 season the Lightning's championship core -- St. Louis, Lecavalier, Brad Richards, Vinny Prospal, and Dan Boyle -- was still intact and, following a solid 2006 season the team was hyped as a preseason contender.
However, without an adequate supporting cast around them the team sank to the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
This year the Lightning have a good supporting cast surrounding their superstar forwards.
Steve Downie, acquired in 2008, still has a little Flyer blood in him. After splitting time between the NHL and AHL since 2007, Downie notched 22 goals last year, but also had 208 penalty minutes.
If he can keep his emotions under control -- in 2009 he was suspended 20 games for slashing an official -- Downie is a productive player on the ice that can hold his own defensively.
Seven years Downie's elder, Ryan Malone went to the Stanley Cup Finals as the first Pittsburgh area native to play for the Penguins in 2008. He has had five 20-goal seasons in six years and is a great compliment to a scorer as a defensive forward.
On the blueline the Bolts have Victor Hedman, the second overall pick in 2008. Compared to Chris Pronger while playing for Modo in the Swedish Elite League, Hedman played 74 games in his rookie season and registered 20 points. With the return of Pavel Kubina, a proven veteran defenseman, the Bolts have plenty of offensive potency on their blueline.
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3. Steven Stamkos
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Selected first overall in 2008, Steven Stamkos had a breakout sophomore campaign, tying Sidney Crosby for a league-leading total of 51 goals.
Although he may not have a repeat performance next year, Stamkos should have less pressure on him if Lecavalier and Gagne -- two players that have tallied 40 goals in their career -- play to their potential next year. If teams have to distribute their focus among all three players, Stamkos will be better able to have a repeat performance.
With an improved team around him, Stamkos is in a great situation to put himself in the same sentence as Crosby and Ovechkin if he can lead his team to the playoffs and perform well with elimination on the line.
Toronto Maple Leafs
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Although the Maple Leafs are always under the microscope because of their enormous fanbase, the team should capture the attention of the entire NHL community by becoming a postseason contender in the East.
1. Improved Team Chemistry
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Dion Phaneuf, Phil Kessel, and Jean-Sebastien Giguere -- three key components to the Leafs' turnaround -- were acquired within the last year and two players, Phaneuf and Giguere, were not on the roster at the beginning of the season.
Drafted in the first round of the 2003 draft and considered a cornerstone of the Calgary Flames franchise, Phaneuf was dealt to the Leafs along with Fredrik Sjostrom and Keith Aulie for Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, Ian White, and Jamal Mayers.
Highly-publicized for his physical play and offensive potency on the ice and his community efforts and relationship actress Elisha Cuthbert off it, Phaneuf was named team captain -- 18th in team history -- prior to this season.
While the defensemen continues to play physically every night, Phaneuf's production has decreased since his 20-goal rookie season in 2005. With better support around him next year Phaneuf should be able to establish himself as a threat on the blueline in Toronto.
Shortly after being drafted fifth overall in 2006, Kessel was diagnosed with cancer. He was, however, able to join the Bruins in 2006 and tallied 11 goals in his first season.
After a 36-goal season in 2008, Kessel was dealt to the Maple Leafs for their first and second round picks last year and a first round pick in 2011. Although he scored 30 goals in his first season with the Leafs, he will have to be productive enough to keep NHL pundits from comparing him to Tyler Seguin throughout his career.
One of two active players linked to the Hartford Whalers organization, Giguere was traded to the Maple Leafs in exchange for Vesa Toskala and Jason Blake. An important piece of the Ducks' championship run in 2007, Giguere's play will be pivotal should the Leafs advance to the postseason this year.
With a season together under their belt, Toronto's key players should perform better when in close games and reward their fans for their loyalty regardless of how the team is doing.
2. Promising Youth
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The Leafs will have to rely on young skaters to step up next year. While players are often inconsistent in the beginning of their careers, Toronto should be confident that they will step up based on past performance.
After a year and a half at the University of Denver, Tyler Bozak split time between the AHL and NHL last year. In 37 game with the Leafs he totaled 27 points and showed potential to produce at the highest level.
Luke Schenn was drafted fifth overall in 2008 after three seasons with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL. In two NHL seasons Schenn has tallied 31 points in 149 games. While he will not have the impact Phaneuf has on the Leafs' blueline, Schenn has developed into a solid defenseman.
Luke's brother, Brayden, who was also drafted fifth overall (2009), played a game for the Kings last year and will join the team as a rookie next year.
In exchange for forwards Viktor Stalberg, Chris DiDomenico, and Philippe Paradis, Toronto received Stanley Cup-champion Kris Versteeg. After bouncing around in the minor leagues since being drafted 134th overall in 2004, Versteeg has had 20 goals in the last two seasons with the Hawks.
3. Home-Ice Advantage
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Although the Maple Leafs have yet to qualify for the playoffs since the lockout, fans in Toronto continue to fill the Air Canada Center in support of their team.
With a better team on the ice the Leafs will be able to take advantage of having a standing room only crowd every night.
St. Louis Blues
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After their franchise was saved following a breakout season by three rookies -- Matt Duchene, Ryan O'Reilly, and T.J. Galiardi -- the Colorado Avalanche are considered a threat to the Canucks in the Northwest, but few analysts are talking about the St. Louis Blues.
Led by a young core consisting of Eric Johnson, David Backes, T.J. Oshie, and David Perron, the Blues are back after spinning their wheels following the lockout.
With the help of veterans Eric Brewer, Barret Jackman, and Andy McDonald the Blues may capitalize on the acquisition of playoff hero Jaroslav Halak and return to the playoffs after a one-year absence.
1. Proven Young Core
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Two years ago the Blues advanced to the playoffs behind for the first time since the lockout. After 28 straight years in the playoffs (1980-2004) fans in St. Louis, upset with the team's inability to win a championship, protested the team.
With a young, talented team the Blues have won over their fans again.
After a 33-point rookie campaign Johnson, the first overall pick in 2006, suffered a major setback after he tore his ACL and MCL when his right foot was caught between the accelerator and brake pedal of his golf cart during a team outing in 2008. The injury cost him the entire season.
Johnson made up for lost time with a 10-goal, 39-point season last year.
Coming off a solid performance in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, David Backes, a physical forward with a scoring touch, had a down year last season after notching 31 goals in 2008.
As a defensively-responsible player with offensive potential Backes could become an impact player in St. Louis next year.
In two years with the Blues, T.J. Oshie has captured the attention of the NHL. Although he has yet to score 20 goals in a season, Oshie's energetic style of play has enamored fans across the NHL.
Although he is only 22, David Perron has already had a hat trick and a 20 goal season. Entering his fourth season with the Blues, Perron will be expected to hit that number again next year.
If St. Louis' young core plays as well as they are expected to the Blues should be able to get into the playoffs out of the tough Central Division.
2. Veteran Leadership
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The Blues' young core will benefit from a strong veteran presence on the Blue's roster.
After nine seasons with the Blues, Chris Pronger was dealt to the Edmonton Oilers for Eric Brewer, Jeff Woywitka, and Doug Lynch. Brewer, the only member of the trade who remains on the team, has captained the Blues since 2008.
Injury-prone and on the wrong side of 30, Brewer will probably pass the captaincy on to a younger player in the future, but for the time being can hold his own in his own end and had an impressive offensive season last year with eight goals in 59 games.
The longest-tenured member of the Blues, Barrett Jackman has been with the team since his breakout rookie season in 2002. Jackman is a steady defensive defenseman who can relied upon to wear down forwards in his own end.
After signing with the Anaheim Ducks as an unrestricted free agent out of Colgate University, Andy McDonald helped the Ducks win a Stanley Cup Championship in 2007. McDonald had a comeback season last year with 24 goals, his first 20-g0al season since winning the Cup with Anaheim.
Brad Boyes, 28, is nearing 30 and has seen his production decrease in the last few years. In 2007 he scored 43 goals and had 65 points. The next year he had more points, 72, and was able to net 33 goals; however, he had less than half as many goals (14) last year and only accrued 42 points.
A bounce back season would greatly help the Blues are going to advance to the postseason this year.
3. Jaroslav Halak
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The playoff hero from the Montreal Canadiens' miracle run to the Eastern Conference Finals last year, Jaroslav Halak was shipped off to the Blues in order to allow franchise player Carey Price to resume his role as the starting goaltender.
As evidenced by the success of little known, low-priced goaltenders in the playoffs last year, the Blues put an emphasis on goaltending during the free agency period in order to help the team make a run if they qualify for the postseason next year.
Halak is a perfect fit in St. Louis. With a secure backup in veteran Ty Conklin, Halak will not have to play every game and will be well rested if the team makes the playoffs.
Because the Blues are a young team that plays in a tough division, they will most likely be a late seed and need great goaltending to get through the playoffs. If last year was any indication, Halak is the right man for the job.
Carolina Hurricanes
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Carolina more attention last year for stumbling out of the gates than for their strong finish.
Although the team went 3-12-5 in it's first 20 games -- losing seven in a row at one point -- they finished strong with a seven game winning streak late in the season and tied the Lightning, who were in playoff contention through March, with 80 points.
This year the 'Canes have brought back some familiar faces and look ready to rebound after missing the playoffs last year.
1. Proven Veterans
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Although Ray Whitney, Rod Brind'Amour, and Matt Cullen -- three vital parts of the Hurricanes' Stanley Cup run in 2006 -- have left Raleigh, there are still many members of the team who were with the 'Canes when they advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2009.
Drafted second overall in 2003 after three stellar years with the Peterborough Petes, Eric Staal -- one of three Staal brothers in the NHL -- made an immediate impact in Raleigh.
Since his sophomore season in 2005, when he notched a career-high 45 goals and tallied 100 points, Staal has had at least 70 points every year.
Although he failed to reach the 30 goal plateau last year for the first time since his rookie season, Staal was awarded the captaincy late in the season last year for his leadership abilities on and off the ice.
Joining the 'Canes from Tampa Bay midway through the 2008 season, Jussi Jokinen had a breakout season last year with Carolina, scoring 30 goals... almost double his career high of 17 set during his rookie year.
Jokinen was a key pickup at the trade deadline for the Hurricanes, as he scored 7 goals and tallied 11 points in 18 playoff games.
The defensive pair of Tim Gleason and Joni Pitkanen, one of the best in the league, remains intact.
Gleason, a gritty defenseman who is willing to sacrifice his body to keep the puck out of his own net, is coming off an impressive showing in the 2010 Olympics where his defensive efforts helped the team achieve a silver medal.
Pitkanen, the offensive-defenseman in the pairing, totaled 46 points last year, tying a career high. At only 26 years of age, Pitkanen has plenty of time to match his career high of 13 goals he set in the 2005 season.
Finally, netminder Cam Ward looks to rebound after missing almost half of last year due to injury. After starting 2-9-3 last year, Ward was cut on the leg by Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash and missed four weeks. The hero of the 2006 Playoffs, Ward looks to pick up where he left off -- with a 2.69 GAA and .916 save percentage down the stretch.
2. Returning Stars
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The Hurricanes have a knack for keeping players in the system, even if some of the sheep stray from the herd from time to time.
Drafted in the third round of the 1998 NHL Draft, Erik Cole was a part of the 'Canes 2002 Stanley Cup run and the 2006 championship team.
Cole, the only player to be awarded two penalty shots in one game, was dealt to the Edmonton Oilers for Joni Pitkanen after the 2007 season. After 63 games in Edmonton he was traded back to the 'Canes for their playoff run in 2009, but did not record a goal in 18 playoff games.
Last year the speedy, but often injured, Cole missed half the season with a concussion. If he can remain healthy he is capable of scoring 30 goals in a season.
A victim of the 'Canes downward spiral last year, Joe Corvo had a 10-plus goal season in three of his last four years. After amounting 38 points in 2008 he only mustered eight in 2009 before being traded to the Capitals at the trade deadline.
In the offseason the Hurricanes signed him to a two-year deal, hoping that he'll be rejuvenated by a better start next year.
Anton Babchuk, a former first round pick, had trouble being productive in the NHL before the 2008 season when he had 16 goals and 35 points in 72 games a year after playing with Avangard Omsk of the KHL.
Following a contract dispute in the offseason, Anton Babchuk returned to Avangard where he broke the arena glass with a slapshot on his first training day. This year the 'Canes were able to talk the Russian blueliner into returning to the NHL, where he will try to pick up where he left off.
3. Promising Youth
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The Hurricanes are a young team this year. While they have kept some of their veteran core, players like Jamie McBain, Riley Nash, and Brandon Sutter should have major roles next year.
Drafted 63rd overall in 2006, McBain joins the 'Canes after three years at the University of Wisconsin and 78 games in Albany. In 14 NHL games McBain, a defenseman, had 10 points and expected to make the team out of camp this year.
Another college kid, Ivy Leaguer Riley Nash spent three years with the Cornell Big Red before forgoing his senior year in Ithaca and signing with the 'Canes this year. He may star the year in the AHL, but could make an impact with Carolina late in the season.
Son of Calgary Flames head coach Brent Sutter, Brandon Sutter's
Minnesota Wild
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With the recent news that James Sheppard has been injured in Colorado it means that the Wild's first round picks from 2004 (A.J. Thelen), 2005 (Benoit Pouliot), and 2006 (Sheppard) will not be on the team next year.
However, if their recent acquisitions and rebounding players play to their potential the Wild may catch the Western Conference by surprise and sneak into the playoffs this year.
1. Recent Acquisitions
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Although the Wild will have to improve their talent evaluation and drafting in order to win consistently in the long term, Minnesota has gone out and brought talent into the system.
In return for Kim Johnsson -- an expiring contract -- and 2009 first round pick Nick Leddy the Wild received Cam Barker from the Chicago Blackhawks.
Barker, the third overall pick behind Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin in 2004, had 40 points with Chicago in the 2008 season, but saw his production slump last year and was dealt by the Hawks, who were anticipating salary cap issues at the end of the year.
Another former Blackhawk, Martin Havlat signed a six-year, $30 million deal with the Wild after a 29-goal, 77-point 2008 season. Last year he was disappointing in the beginning of the season, but ended up rallying late in the season and notching 18 goals.
A potential 30-goal scorer who does not shy away from the physical aspect of the game, Havlat should have a better performance next year as he becomes more comfortable in Minnesota.
While it is not a long-term solution, the Wild filled their need for a second line center by acquiring Minnesota native Matt Cullen, a Stanley Cup winner with Carolina in 2006, to fill that role. At 33, his 12 years of NHL experience will help the young team in times of duress.
Originally considered a bust in Montreal, Guillaume Latendresse came to Minnesota in exchange for the headstrong Benoit Pouliot and turned into a go-to player for the Wild.
In 23 games with the Canadiens Latendresse had two goals and three points, but thrived in the Twin Cities where he notched 25 goals in 55 games with the Wild. His performance is crucial to the success of the Wild in the future.
Finally, Casey Wellman was a free agent pickup by the Wild after his second year at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. The son of former Giants outfielder Brad Wellman, the California native player had a goal and three assists in 12 games with Minnesota last year.
2. Rebounding Players
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Although the Wild's first line from their Division-winning 2007 campaign -- Marian Gaborik, Brian Rolston, and Pavol Demitra -- there are is still talent that knows what it takes to advance to the postseason.
Expected to return after missing all but one game last year due to concussion, Pierre-Marc Bouchard, an outstanding playmaker, had a career high 50 assists feeding Brian Rolston during the 2007 season.
The eighth overall selection in 2002 has never been an elite scorer -- he has only eclipsed the 20 goal mark once in seven years in the league -- but would be a great setup man for Martin Havlat or Guillaume Latendresse should he remain healthy.
When healthy, Brent Burns is an elite defenseman in the NHL; however, since his 15-goal, 43-point 2007 season Burns has yet to play in 60 games. Like Bouchard, if Burns remains healthy he could become an impact player for the Wild next year.
Perhaps his statistics were padded in a defensive system, but Nicklas Backstrom -- who signed a four-year, $24 million contract in 2009 -- his save percentage (.902) was 20% lower than his last two seasons and his GAA ended up north of 2.5 for the first time in his NHL career.
If the team around him plays to his potential, Backstrom's play should improve next year.
3. Home-Ice Advantage
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Since the team's inception in 2000 the Wild have sold out every game.
If Minnesota starts out the season strong and show that they are willing to do what it takes to get into the postseason fans will respond.
With thousands of genuine hockey fans packing the Xcel Energy Center the Wild have what they need outside of the plexiglas confines to win within it.
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