NHL 2011: 50 Bold Predictions

It's almost the New Year, and I've seen enough to make a few predictions.

I'll tell you where star players like Jarome Iginla, Brad Richards and Martin Brodeur will finish their seasons.

If you're curious who will score the most goals, have the highest save percentage and who deserves to be named the NHL's best defensemen, it's all here.

I've predicted who will win each division and which teams will bring home the Prince of Whales Trophy and Clarence S. Campbell Bowl in the Eastern and Western Conference, respectively.

I will also tell you who will win the Stanley Cup.

The following are 50 of my predictions for the rest of the 2010-11 season.

Jarome Iginla Will Finish the Season in Los Angeles

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DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 23: Right wing Jarome Iginla #12 of the Calgary Flames bleeds after a fight against Jamie Benn #14 of the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on December 23, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

As a result of missing out on the Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes, the Los Angeles Kings have cap space ($4.4 million) and need scoring (12th in NHL in goals per game) and help on the power play (15th).

Additionally, the young team could use the veteran presence that comes with the Iginla package.

The St. Louis Blues Will Make the Playoffs

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ST LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 09: Erik Johnson #6 of the St. Louis Blues skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Scottrade Center on December 9, 2010 in St Louis, Missouri. The Blues defeated The Blue Jackets 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

They play in a tough division—the Red Wings, Blackhawks and Predators all are legitimate playoff contenders—and the Blues have struggled since T.J. Oshie went down from injury.

However, with a strong young core consisting of rising stars like Erik Johnson, David Backes and Jaroslav Halak, St. Louis is poised to create another playoff streak (maybe this time they'll win the Cup).

The Devils Will Not Win a Game in January

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NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 23: Patrik Elias #26 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the New York Islanders at the Prudential Center on December 23, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. The Isles defeated the Devils 5-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Look at their schedule (http://devils.nhl.com/club/schedule.htm). It's more likely than Devils' aficionados want to believe.

As a caveat: They can lose in OT or a shootout, therefore obtaining a point, and that still is a loss.

They play Philly three times and Tampa twice.

A game in Raleigh is winnable to start the year, but Carolina has played consistently this year and has enough talent to keep the Devils below the surface.

Their two contests against Florida are winnable and they'll have a fair shot at the Islanders, but if they don't win those games, this team could easily go 0-12 in January.

Ilya Kovalchuk Will Have Less Than 20 Goals on the Season

The million-dollar man will finish with less than 20 goals this season.

He's beginning to show his frustration. However, if he continues to pick fights with bigger, more experienced fighters like Dion Phaneuf, he won't live to see another 40-plus goal season.

Brent Burns Will Have 20 Goals

That's right, Brent Burns will finish with more goals than Ilya Kovalchuk.

Despite the Wild's rough season, Brent Burns is having that breakout year under Todd Richards that he was supposed to have last year.

Burns' career-high came in the Wild's division-winning season in 2007, when he had 15 goals in 82 games.

As of Monday, he's got 10 goals in 32 games. He's well on his way to 20.

Alex Ovechkin Will Not Score 40 Goals

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NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals grimaces after being hit with a puck in the third period against the New York Rangers on December 12, 2010 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Capital

Alex Ovechkin will score more goals than Brent Burns, rest assured, but he only has 13 in 38 games played this year.

The Capitals are having a rougher year now that Atlanta and Tampa Bay have played better.

Ovechkin will play better in the second half, but this year will be the first time in his six-year career that he doesn't reach the 40-goal plateau.

Brad Richards Will Remain in Texas

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DALLAS - OCTOBER 26: Brad Richards #91 of the Dallas Stars stretches in warmups prior to his game against the Anaheim Ducks at the American Airlines Center on October 26, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. The Ducks defeated the Stars 5-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Ge

Sorry Rangers and Lightning fans, Brad Richards will remain in Dallas.

The Stars are going to face adversity sooner than later. The Kings and Sharks are finally playing to their potential, but they are still a playoff team and management will want to put the team in the best position to win in the playoffs.

This team is not a bona fide Cup contender, but they need their younger players like Jamie Benn and Loui Eriksson to play in games that count.

Thomas Vokoun Will Join the Tampa Bay Lightning

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SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 7: Goaltender Tomas Vokoun #29 of the Florida Panthers warms up prior to the game against the Colorado Avalanche on December 7, 2010 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Tomas Vokoun will remain in Florida but not with the rebuilding Panthers.

At 34, Vokoun is passing his prime and will want to contend right now.

The Bolts have two goaltenders with promise—Dan Ellis and Mike Smith—but neither plays consistently enough for Tampa, with their feeble defense, to advance in the playoffs.

Acquiring Vokoun is a must for the Lightning.

Evgeni Dadonov Will Tally 30 Points for the Panthers

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PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 22: Evgeni Dadonov #63 of the Florida Panthers battles in the corner with Matt Cooke #24 of the Pittsburgh Penguins at Consol Energy Center on December 22, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Image

Florida's third-round pick in 2007, Evgeny Dadonov is a Russian right wing who, in his second stint with the Cats, has eight points in eight games as of Monday.

Since being called up on December 7th, Dadonov has given management in South Florida reason to keep him in their long-term plans.

Odds are he'll run into turbulence after his honeymoon period wears off, but I see 30 points in the second half for this young forward.

Chris Phillips Will Be Traded to the Colorado Avalanche

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OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 24: Chris Phillips #4 of the Ottawa Senators skates hard into his zone in a game against the Dallas Stars at Scotiabank Place on November 24, 2010 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)

The Avalanche have ample cap space ($16.425 under) and are pitiful in their own end. They're giving up 3.2 goals per game, second-worst in the league.

The Avs just dealt Scott Hannan to the Capitals and could use Phillips, who is minus-10 this year but has had a positive plus-minus in all but three of his 13 seasons with the Senators.

The Avalanche Will Not Re-Sign Craig Anderson

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 10: Goaltender Craig Anderson #41 of the Colorado Avalanche against the Atlanta Thrashers at Philips Arena on December 10, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

A year ago, Craig Anderson was not expendable, as the journeyman goaltender led the young Avs to the playoffs and humiliated the Sharks early in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

However, he's got a .900 save percentage and 3.21 goals against average as of Monday, and Peter Budaj has been playing better this year.

Colorado is a young team this year and the 28-year-old Anderson will demand a salary north of the $1.8 million he made this year.

Ron Wilson Will Be Fired

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PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 08: Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson talks to his players against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Consol Energy Center on December 8, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Penguins defeated the Maple Leafs 5-2. (Photo by Justi

Ron Wilson may have led the Capitals to the Stanley Cup in 1998 and helped the Sharks become a perennial contender, but the Leafs are underachieving and their demanding fan base is turning against him.

Toronto is bound to finish last in the Northeast Division for the third-straight year since he joined the team in the 2008 season.

He's going to be shown the door.

Martin Brodeur Will Be Dealt to the Washington Capitals

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NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 26: Goalie Martin Brodeur #30 of the New Jersey Devils makes a save against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first period of an NHL hockey game at the Prudential Center on December 26, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Beres

I know he says he wants to stay in New Jersey, where he won three Stanley Cups. However, the clock is ticking on Martin Brodeur, 38, and he would be a valuable asset to any contender in need of goaltending.

Although relatively unknown goaltenders like Antti Niemi, Jaroslav Halak and Michael Leighton led their teams deep into the playoffs last year, contenders should be wary using those teams as models.

Washington is restricted by the salary cap, but if Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth play inconsistently near the deadline, the team will move roster players to get Brodeur in order to avoid another disappointment this year.

Matt Moulson Will Be Dealt to the Atlanta Thrashers

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UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER 11: Matt Moulson #26 of the New York Islanders skates against the Atlanta Thrashers on December 11, 2010 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Islanders are years away from contending and Matt Moulson, who had 30 goals last year, is 27 and will not want to wait for this team to turn it around.

The Thrashers have a great young core and would be happy to add Moulson to the core they have developed in Georgia.

Tomas Kaberle Will Be Dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning

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PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 08: Tomas Kaberle #15 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Consol Energy Center on December 8, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Penguins defeated the Maple Leafs 5-2. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/

Despite his willingness to play in games that don't matter, Tomas Kaberle is too valuable of an asset for Toronto GM Brian Burke to keep in Ontario.

The 32-year-old defenseman is having a rough season, but Tampa may take a risk on him in order to get more scoring from the back end.

The team has cap space, so if Kaberle does not pan out, they can use him as a rental and move on next year.

Francois Beauchemin Will Be Dealt to the Los Angeles Kings

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TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 06: Francois Beauchemin #22 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Buffalo Sabres at the Air Canada Centre on November 6, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. The Sabres defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The 30-year-old defenseman is a perfect fit in LA and probably is the missing piece this team needs in order to get to the next level.

This deal will happen.

Christian Ehrhoff Has Contract Dispute with Vancouver Front Office

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PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 17: Christian Ehrhoff #5 of the Vancouver Canucks skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 17, 2010 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

The Canucks have seven defensemen on their roster making seven figures and are restrained by the cap.

However, Vancouver looks like it is holding off an extension for Erhoff—who had 14 goals last year—until they can float Sami Salo as trade bait.

Salo, however, has not played 70 games in his 11-year career and will not be as valuable as the Canucks would like to believe.

Erhoff will most likely stay in Vancouver, but the 'Nucks are jeopardizing their chances by holding out on him.

Bruce Boudreau Is Shown the Door

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WASHINGTON DC, DC - MARCH 08: Head coach Bruce Boudreau of the Washington Capitals looks on against the Dallas Stars on March 8, 2010 at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. The Stars defeated the Caps 4-3 after a shootout. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty

The Capitals have finished first in the Southeast Division in all three seasons that Bruce Boudreau has been behind the bench.

However, the Lightning look like they are the class of the Southeast and, if the Capitals slip, the Thrashers could take the No. 2 spot.

There's still half a season to play, but with a first-round ouster last year and a rough patch this season, Boudreau is on thin ice.

Brian Rolston Returns to Minnesota

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NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 23: Brian Rolston #12 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the New York Islanders at the Prudential Center on December 23, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. The Isles defeated the Devils 5-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

He's not Randy Moss—don't expect him to ask Minnesotans to "Bust out their No. 12 jerseys"—but Brian Rolston had his most productive seasons with the Wild, and the team is in need of a big name to bring people to games.

Rolston is not a long-term solution, but he's falling out of favor in New Jersey and may want to finish his career in the Twin Cities rather than with the Devils, who originally drafted him.

Nazem Kadri Has a Falling Out in Toronto

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LONDON, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 14: Nazem Kadri #43 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates in a game against the Ottawa Senators during the NHL Rookie Tournament on September 14,2010 at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario, Canada. The Senators defeated the L

No, he's not going to leave, and, yes, he's part of the team's long-term plans, but Ron Wilson called him overweight, and headstrong prospect Nazem Kadri didn't take it kindly.

Many young prospects—notably Drew Doughty of the Kings—come into the league with a little blubber to burn and Kadri will eventually lose it.

The Phoenix Coyotes Re-Sign Bryzgalov and Yandle

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NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 15: Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov #30 of the Phoenix Coyotes takes a break during a hockey game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on December 15, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

The team is cash-strapped and looks like it will be sent home early this season, but if management in Glendale is ever going to generate interest in the 'Yotes, they need to keep talent in Arizona.

Ilya Bryzgalov is going to be top priority. Expect his career to be done early in the New Year.

Keith Yandle may be placed on the trading block temporarily, but the Coyotes will need a lucrative offer in order to let a 12-goal-scoring defenseman go.

He'll most likely stay as well.

Taylor Hall Leads Oilers in Goals

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Taylor Hall #4 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on against the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center on November 21, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

The Oilers certainly are not the class of the NHL, but on a team with Dustin Penner, Sam Gagner, Ales Hemsky and Jordan Eberle, that is still an impressive feat.

Hall currently leads his team with 11 goals. Dustin Penner is second with 10.

The Nashville Predators Will Get Out of the First Round of the Playoffs

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 11: Joel Ward #29, Jerred Smithson #25, Jordin Tootoo #22, and Ryan Suter #20 of the Nashville Predators congratulate teammate Shea Weber #6 on scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers on December 11, 2010 at the Bridgestone A

The Predators' first-round picks from 2000-02—Scott Hartnell, Scottie Upshall and Dan Hamhuis—all are no longer in Nashville.

However, the Preds—an expansion team in a non-traditional market that was placed in the same division as the popular St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings—have made the playoffs five of the last six years.

Despite their recent success, the Predators have yet to make it out of the first round.

This year is the year. They've got great leadership (Shea Weber), solid young players (Patric Hornqvist, Cal O'Reilly, Colin Wilson and Cody Franson) and the veteran presence (JP Dumont, David Legwand and Francis Bouillon) necessary to get to the next level.

The Vancouver Canucks Will Be Upset in the First Round of the Playoffs

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - NOVEMBER 24: Daniel Sedin #22 celebrates with brother Henrik Sedin #33 and Christian Ehrhoff #5 of the Vancouver Canucks after scoring against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period in NHL action on November 24, 2010 at Rogers

The Canucks have won their division and advanced to the conference semifinals in three of the last four years, but the natives are becoming restless.

This year, they are taking advantage of a weak division and could potentially earn the top spot in the West.

Unfortunately for hockey enthusiasts in British Columbia, this team may be last year's Capitals.

The Wild, Oilers and Flames are going to be sent home early, and the Avalanche may advance as a late seed, but with their slapdash defense, it will be an early out.

The Canucks look primed to be a contender, but without facing as much adversity as their brethren in the Pacific and Central Divisions, Vancouver looks primed to be sent home earlier than expected.

The Atlanta Thrashers Will Win a Playoff Game

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 06: Andrew Ladd #16 of the Atlanta Thrashers celebrates his game-tying goal against the Nashville Predators with Rich Peverley #47, Tobias Enstrom #39 and Dustin Byfuglien #33 at Philips Arena on December 6, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgi

Since joining the league in 1999, the Atlanta Thrashers have yet to win a playoff game.

In 2006, the team won the Southeast Division but were swept in the first round by the New York Rangers.

Now in the post-Kovalchuk era, the Thrash will contend for their division again and earn a playoff spot.

This year is the year they will win a playoff game and generate interest in Georgia.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Will Win the Winter Classic

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PITTSBURGH - JULY 27: (L-R) Pascal Dupuis, Sidney Crosby and Maxime Talbot of the Pittsburgh Penguins pose for a photo at the 2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic press conference on July 27, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jus

I know, this isn't very bold, but the Penguins are hot and the Capitals are reeling.

This game will be won 4-2.

Sidney Crosby will score to open the game. Alex Ovechkin will be held without a goal.

Kris Letang will score the game winner.

It will be their second win at the Winter Classic. They won the first outdoor game 2-1 in a shootout in Buffalo in 2008.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Will Win the Atlantic Division

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 22: Evgeni Malkin #71, Sidney Crosby #87 and Kris Letang #58 of the Pittsburgh Penguins take the ice for warmups before play against the Florida Panthers at Consol Energy Center on December 22, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Penguins and Flyers will vie for the division title.

Pittsburgh will take the last three games of the series (they are currently down 1-3), and both teams will finish above the Rangers.

Final standings:

1. Penguins (first seed)

2. Flyers (fourth)

3. Rangers (seventh)

4. Islanders

5. Devils

The Boston Bruins Will Win the Northeast Division

Elsa/Getty Images

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 02: Dennis Seidenberg #44 of the Boston Bruins is congratulated by teammates Michael Ryder #73 and Nathan Hornton #18 after Seidenberg scored a goal in the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 2, 2010 at the TD G

Although the Habs have held the division down in the first half, the Bruins, with their NHL-best defense, will overtake the Canadiens.

The Bruins have underachieved in the first half and, at full capacity, are going to be tough to beat.

Final standings:

1. Bruins (second seed)

2. Canadiens (fifth)

3. Sabres

4. Senators

5. Maple Leafs

The Tampa Bay Lightning Will Win the Southeast Division

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 23: Victor Hedman #77 and Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning mob teammate Ryan Malone #6 after Malone scored the game winning goal during the shootout in an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square

The Capitals are a mess and the rejuvenated Lightning, behind superstars Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis, will take the division.

This will be the first time the Lighting have won the division since the 2003 season when they won the Stanley Cup. The Caps have won it the last three years.

Final standings:

1. Tampa Bay (third seed)

2. Capitals (sixth)

3. Thrashers (eighth)

4. Hurricanes

5. Panthers

The Detroit Red Wings Will Win the Central Division

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 11: Pavel Datsyuk #13 of the Detroit Red Wings is congratulated by Tomas Holmstrom #96 on his goal at 10:26 of the third period against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on December 11, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. The Re

The Wings will remain atop the Central.

Chicago will put up a fight to the end and the Blues and Predators will qualify for the playoffs but will not factor into the division standings.

Since the lockout, the Red Wings have won the Central every year with the exception of last year, when the Hawks got the top seed in the West.

Final standings:

1. Red Wings (second seed)

2. Blackhawks (fifth seed)

3. Blues (seventh seed)

4. Predators (eighth seed)

5. Blue Jackets

The Vancouver Canucks Will Win the Northwest Division

Rich Lam/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, CANADA - DECEMBER 26: Kevin Bieksa #3 of the Vancouver Canucks is congratulated by Raffi Torres #13 after scoring what proved to be the game winning goal in a 3-2 win against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period in NHL action on December

The Canucks will be the only team to qualify from the Northwest Division.

Colorado has an impressive young team, but Craig Anderson is not the same player he was last year and the team is struggling in their own end.

The Avs become the odd team out and go home early.

Final standings:

1. Canucks (first seed)

2. Avalanche

3. Wild

4. Flames

5. Oilers

The Los Angeles Kings Will Win the Pacific Division

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

SAN JOSE, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Ryane Clowe #29 of the San Jose Sharks scores a goal past Jonathan Bernier #45 of the Los Angeles Kings at HP Pavilion on November 15, 2010 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Stars become the Avalanche of last year.

The young team gets out to a strong start, only to end up a late seed in the playoffs.

The Sharks eventually rise to the top but, after sitting at the apex of the division for three-straight years, will succeed the Pacific Division championship to the Kings late in the season.

Final standings:

1. Kings (third seed)

2. Sharks (fourth)

3. Stars (sixth)

4. Ducks

5. Coyotes

Martin St. Louis Will Win the Hart Memorial Trophy

Rich Lam/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, CANADA - DECEMBER 11: Martin St Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates during the pre-game warmup prior to NHL action on December 11, 2010 against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Im

Last year's Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner will come home with more hardware.

This time, it will come as a result of being the league's most valuable player.

Steven Stamkos and Sidney Crosby may score more goals, but this man is the reason why the Lightning are relevant this year.

St. Louis' ability to get Stamkos the puck at scoring angles and mentor him in the locker room has turned him into the third name in the NHL that everyone should know.

He will help the Lightning get into the playoffs for the first time since the 2006 season and advance to the second round for the first time since they won the Stanley Cup in 2004.

Evander Kane Will Win the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy

Awarded to the player who exhibited outstanding sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability, the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy belongs to Evander Kane this year.

The young Thrasher forward displayed his class in a fight with Matt Cooke last season and has been phenomenal this season.

Despite his recent success, 11 goals in 36 games this season, Kane continues to play the game the right way while helping his team become relevant in the East.

Dion Phaneuf Will Win the King Clancy Memorial Trophy

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TORONTO - NOVEMBER 2: Dion Phaneuf #3 of the Toronto Maple Leafs is taken off the ice by head athletic therapist Andy Playter and Carl Gunnarsson #36 during NHL action against the Ottawa Senators at the Air Canada Centre November 2, 2010 in Toronto, Ont

He's had a rough start in Toronto, but the former Calgary Flame is known for his leadership on the ice—he was named the Leafs' captain at the beginning of the season—and his charity off of it.

Andrew Ladd Will Win the Mark Messier Leadership Award

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UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER 11: Andrew Ladd #16 of the Atlanta Thrashers skates against the New York Islanders on December 11, 2010 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. The Thrashers defeated the Isles 5-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Received in one of the infamous transactions between the Thrashers and Blackhawks, Andrew Ladd showed his leadership qualities early.

The Thrashers organization recognized his ability to guide his peers by putting a "C" on his chest this season.

Tim Thomas Will Win the Vezina Trophy and Roger Crozier Award

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BOSTON - NOVEMBER 26: Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins stops a shot in the first period against the Carolina Hurricanes on November 26, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

After a rough season last year, many wrote Tim Thomas off as a one-hit-wonder.

Instead, the traveled goaltender faced adversity once again and started the season with eight-straight victories.

He will lead the league in save percentage and win the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender.

Jonathan Quick Will Win the William M. Jennings Trophy

Harry How/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Jonathan Quick #32 of the Los Angeles Kings in goal in a 3-1 win against the Dallas Stars at the Staples Center on November 11, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Placed on the hot seat by LA, which saw promise in backup goaltender Jonathan Bernier, Jonathan Quick has stepped his game up.

He will lead the league in goals against average.

Logan Couture Will Win the Calder Memorial Trophy

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SAN JOSE, CA - DECEMBER 23: Logan Couture #39 of the San Jose Sharks jumps out of the way of the shot on goal as goalie Jason LaBarbera #1of the Phoenix Coyotes makes the save during the 2nd period of an NHL hockey game at the HP Pavilion on December 23,

With a great supporting cast around him, rookie Logan Couture will lead the league in goals and assists and win the league's Rookie of the Year award.

San Jose has to be pleased with the future of their team.

Sidney Crosby Will Win the Art Ross Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award

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PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 20: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck against the Phoenix Coyotes on December 20, 2010 at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

With his ability to score and set up the players around him, Sidney Crosby with accrue the most points in the NHL.

He will also be recognized as the most outstanding player in the NHL as he leads Pittsburgh through the maelstrom that is the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Dustin Byfuglien Will Win the James Norris Memorial Trophy

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 22: Dustin Byfuglien #33 of the Atlanta Thrashers skates to the bench after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Philips Arena on October 22, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

I know that Nicklas Lidstrom had his first career hat trick, but Dustin Byfuglien will lead NHL blue liners in scoring and be named the league's finest defenseman for his efforts in his new home.

Dustin Brown Will Win the Conn Smythe Trophy

Harry How/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 11: Dustin Brown #23 of the Los Angeles Kings looks to center the puck against the Minnesota Wild during the game at the Staples Center on December 11, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

A complete player who will play at both ends of the ice, Kings' captain Dustin Brown will make a large impact in this year's Stanley Cup playoffs and will receive the Conn Smythe.

Barry Trotz Wins the Jack Adams Award

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GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 07: Head coach Barry Trotz of the Nashville Predators during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on April 7, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Predators 5-2. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Ge

Given nothing and told to win with it, Barry Trotz has made seventh-rounders look like franchise players (see: Patric Hornqvist).

Trotz is to hockey what Ron Gardenhire is to baseball and this year he, like Gardy, will get what he deserves when the NHL gives him the Jack Adams Award.

Cal Clutterbuck Will Win the Frank J. Selke Trophy

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DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 19: Cal Clutterbuck #22 of the Minnesota Wild gets set for a faceoff in a game against the Detroit Red Wings on November 19, 2010 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Wild defeated the Wings 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by C

The NHL's hits leader is a major reason why the Wild are known as one of the league's toughest teams to play against.

Without a great supporting cast around him, Cal Clutterbuck has taken advantage of increased ice time.

Toni Lydman Will Win the Plus-Minus Award

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - DECEMBER 10: Toni Lydman #32 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the Calgary Flames at the Honda Center on December 10, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Turnover Toni has been rejuvenated in SoCal with a more defense-oriented team.

He will have the league's best plus-minus.

Steven Stamkos Will Win the Rocket Richard Trophy

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UNIONDALE, NY - DECEMBER 22: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates in warmups prior to his game against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on December 22, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Currently at 28 goals, two behind Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, who shared this award with Crosby last year when both players netted 51 goals, will have the Rocket Richard Trophy to himself this year.

The Vancouver Canucks Will Win the President's Trophy

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COLUMBUS, OH - DECEMBER 23: Alexandre Burrows #14 is congratulated by Henrik Sedin #33, both of the Vancouver Canucks, after scoring against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period on December 23, 2010 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (P

Like the Capitals and Sharks previously, the Canucks will take advantage of a weak division, win the Presidents' Trophy and be eliminated in the first round.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Will Win the Prince of Whales Trophy

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WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 23: Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Pittsburgh Penguins is congratulated by Sidney Crosby #87 and Maxime Talbot #25 after a 3-2 shootout victory against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on December 23, 2010 in Washing

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia will play in a Pennsylvania showdown for the Eastern Conference.

A more complete team, the Pens will take advantage of Philly's mediocre special teams and emerge victorious from this matchup in six.

The Los Angeles Kings Will Win the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 30: (L-R) Jake Muzzin #6, Jarret Stoll #28 and Dustin Brown #23 of the Los Angeles Kings celebrate their teams victory over the New Jersey Devils at Staples Center on October 30, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Kings defeat

In the battle of California, the Sharks and Kings will face off in the Western Conference championship.

Again, the Sharks will come a series short of the championship and lose to...

The Los Angeles Kings Will Win the Stanley Cup

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LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 5: The Los Angeles Kings celebrate after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 5, 2009 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Kings won 5-2. (Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images)

The Stanley Cup champions.

The Kings are a young, homegrown team that, with Jarome Iginla and Tomas Kaberle, has the parts necessary to win a championship.