NHL Predictions 2012 : Players Everyone Will Be Watching When the Puck Drops

The leaves are changing colors and the weather is getting cooler. NHL preseason schedules have come to an end, and rosters are getting thinner by the day.

All of these things can only mean one thing: The NHL regular season is just around the corner.

While every fan has favorite teams and players they are excited to see on the ice once again, there are some players who will have all the attention on them. Some were big-name free agents who signed contracts to match their names. Others are looking to bounce back from injury, while some still were pieces moved in blockbuster trades.

When the puck drops this Thursday, there will be players everyone will be watching. Who will be the talk of the league this year?

Let's find out.

Corey Perry, Right Wing, Anaheim Ducks

2010-11 Stats: 50 goals, 48 assists, 98 points, plus-nine, 14 power-play goals, four shorthanded goals, 11 game-winning goals

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Perry, a 2007 Stanley Cup champion with Anaheim, first joined the Ducks in the 2005-06 season. After posting 25 points in 56 games, he has been improving ever since.

He had a career season last year, leading the NHL with 50 goals and ranking third with 98 points. His production on special teams and his game-winning goal total also ranked in the top 10 in the NHL.

His season was rewarded with the 2011 Rocket Richard and Hart trophies. It was the first time he won either award in his career. He added those trophies to his other accomplishments, which include two NHL All-Star appearances and a 2010 Olympic gold medal.

Perry will have a lot of eyes on him to see if he can once again lead the NHL in scoring and continue to be a valuable part of the Ducks offense, which also boasts Ryan Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan, as well as the player on the next slide.

Teemu Selanne, Right Wing, Anaheim Ducks

2010-11 Stats: 31 goals, 49 assists, 80 points, plus-six, 16 power-play goals, five game-winning goals

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Selanne had knee surgery in June and took the rest of the summer to decide if he was healthy enough to return. After thinking it over and meeting with doctors, Selanne signed a one-year contract on Sept. 15, which he announced via a video to Anaheim fans on the team's website.

Last season, he tallied 80 points in 70 games, an improvement over 48 points in an injury-shortened 2009-10 season. However, age has meant injury struggles for the face of the Ducks franchise, as he has not played a full season since the Stanley Cup year in 2006-07.

If Selanne decided to retire today, he would be an accomplished player. He is a 10-time NHL All-Star, has three Olympic medals with Finland, was part of the 2007 Stanley Cup team and won the 1999 Rocket Richard Trophy. He also holds numerous Ducks and NHL records.

All eyes will be on Selanne in what will potentially be his last NHL season. Fans will want to see if he can stay healthy enough to build his legacy and go out on top should he choose to call it quits.

Brad Marchand, Center, Boston Bruins

2010-11 Stats: 21 goals, 20 assists, 41 points, plus-25, two power-play goals, five shorthanded goals, two-game winning goals

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

In his rookie year, Marchand became a key part of the Bruins' penalty kill, as his five shorthanded goals ranked third in the NHL and led the Bruins.

But Marchand really made a name for himself in the postseason. He finished second in the league with 11 playoff goals and ranked sixth with 19 points. He was first among rookies in playoff scoring as the Bruins won their first Stanley Cup in nearly 40 years.

Bruins fans anticipated the signing of Marchand, who became an RFA after last season ended. After a long summer of waiting, the standout forward signed a two-year deal on Sept. 14.

Everyone will be watching Marchand in his sophomore year to see if he can match or improve his performance from last season. Since it took so long to sign him, his stats as they relate to his contract will be under much scrutiny.

Jarome Iginla, Right Wing, Calgary Flames

2010-11 Stats: 43 goals, 43 assists, 86 points, even rating, 14 power-play goals, six game-winning goals

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Iginla, who has two more seasons on his current contract, has been the subject of trade rumors for sometime. Although he has yet to leave Calgary, the Flames captain's name will probably be the center of trade talk once again. He is 34 years old and has yet to win a Stanley Cup ring, and he is on a Flames team that has not been to the playoffs since the 2008-09 season.

Despite his getting up there in years, Iginla still finished in the top 10 in goals, points and power-play goals. He has over 1,000 points and games to his credit. In addition to being a Stanley Cup finalist in 2004, he has played in five NHL All-Star Games, has two Rocket Richard trophies and was a Mark Messier Leadership Award winner in 2009.

Fans and experts alike will look to Calgary to see if Iginla can get the Flames back to the playoffs and keep producing at a high level despite a noticeable drop-off in talent after his name on the depth chart.

Jeff Skinner, Center, Carolina Hurricanes

2010-11 Stats: 31 goals, 32 assists, 63 points, plus-three, six power-play goals, two game-winning goals

Why Everyone Will be Watching

Skinner, who won the 2011 Calder Trophy for the NHL's outstanding rookie, finished second on the Canes in scoring behind team captain Eric Staal. The Canes' first-round draft pick in 2010, Skinner became the first 18-year-old to attend an NHL All-Star Game since Steve Yzerman and was the first 2010 pick to be named to the game.

He is already putting up big numbers on a team that has not made the playoffs since 2009. Everyone will be watching to see if his first season was a fluke or if he can really keep up the high numbers. It will also be interesting to see if he can continue to battle Staal for the Canes' scoring lead.

Gabriel Landeskog, Left Wing, Colorado Avalanche

2010-11 Stats: Did not play in NHL

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Landeskog was the Avs' first-round pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, as he was taken second overall. He spent several years in Sweden before joining the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL for the 2009-10 season. In two years with Kitchener, he posted 110 points in 114 games.

In his first training camp, Landeskog had one assist in the preseason. As the Avs have trimmed their roster, he is the only rookie remaining besides defenseman Stefan Elliott. The Denver Post reports that the 18-year-old is expected to make the team, but can still be sent back to Kitchener in case he doesn't stick.

Colorado needs to rebuild, and Landeskog will be in focus to see if he can be a key part of those efforts.

Semyon Varlamov, Goaltender, Colorado Avalanche

2010-11 Stats: 11-9-5, two shutouts, .924 save percentage, 2.23 GAA

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Varlamov was traded to the Avalanche from the Washington Capitals after dealing with injuries and losing his starting spot to Michal Neuvirth. Although his numbers weren't poor (his save percentage was fifth in the NHL, while his GAA was fourth), Neuvirth's performance and a prominent free-agent signing (more on that later) left Varlamov as the odd man out.

Avs fans will be watching Varlamov to see if he can claim the starting goaltender spot over Jean-Sebastien GIguere, who was signed as a free agent. Giguere spent last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but struggled with poor play and also had injury problems.

Aside from the goaltending debate, I bet there will be some good bets to be had on which goalie can stay healthy the longest. That should keep everyone talking as the Avs look to get back into the playoff mix.

Jeff Carter, Center, Columbus Blue Jackets

2010-11 Stats: 36 goals, 30 assists, 66 points, plus-27, eight power-play goals, seven game-winning goals

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Carter's old team, the Philadelphia Flyers, shocked the NHL on June 23 when they traded him to Columbus in exchange for Jakub Voracek and two draft picks in the 2011 draft. Carter, who had a no-trade clause due to kick in soon, was upset about the trade. However, he came to warm to the idea of playing on a Jackets team looking to become a contender in the crowded Central Division.

Last year, he was seventh in the NHL with 36 goals, and he also has four 50-point seasons to his credit. His career high in goals was 46 in 2008-09.

He is also a Stanley Cup finalist, having been on the Flyers' 2010 squad that fell to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Playoff experience and pure goal scoring are two things Columbus could use, and Carter brings both of them. He can show he is truly looking forward to being a part of the team by doing the same things that made him successful on the Flyers.

Nicklas Lidstrom, Defenseman, Detroit Red Wings

2010-11 Stats: 16 goals, 46 assists, 62 points, minus-two, seven power-play goals, one game-winning goal

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Lidstrom, the captain of the always competitive Red Wings, will turn 42 this upcoming April. He considered retirement after the end of last season, but decided to sign another one-year deal with Detroit.

Last year, he increased his 2009-10 total of 49 points by putting up 62 points and ranking second among NHL defensemen in scoring. Although he can still put up the numbers, it's easy to see he is in the twilight of his career and will once again be considering retirement come next spring.

Lidstrom is one of the most accomplished defensemen in the league's history. He has four Stanley Cups with the Red Wings, is a member of the Triple Gold Club, is a 12-time NHL All-Star and a seven-time Norris Trophy winner. He took home the award for the NHL's outstanding defenseman again last season.

The hockey world will be waiting to see if Lidstrom can lead Detroit back to the promised land and go out a champion. The Wings almost came back from a 3-0 deficit against the San Jose Sharks in last year's Western Conference semifinals. Can they get over the hump this year?

Taylor Hall, Left Wing, Edmonton Oilers

2010-11 Stats: 22 goals, 20 assists, 42 points, minus-nine, eight power-play goals, four game-winning goals

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Hall, the first overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, had a successful rookie campaign. He finished second on the Oilers in scoring behind another young stud in Jordan Eberle. His eight power-play goals were first on the team.

However, Hall's numbers could have been even better if he hadn't missed the final 17 games of the season with an ankle injury.

Now that he is healthy and ready for his sophomore year, he has room to improve his numbers and lead Edmonton in scoring. If he can still be a points leader despite having his season cut short, you know that the best is yet to come.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Center, Edmonton Oilers

2010-11 Stats: Did not play in NHL

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Nugent-Hopkins, the first overall pick of the 2011 NHL Draft, will stay in Edmonton for the start of the season, TSN reported on Monday.

Oilers head coach Tom Renney feels that Nugent-Hopkins is ready for the challenge, saying: "I'm going to play him. This is about two points now. The guys that can help us do that, will play, and I fully expect that Ryan will be a contributor to our needs every night."

After being drafted in June, the 18-year-old forward signed a three-year entry level deal with the Oilers in July. He was drafted from the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL, where he played from 2008 through 2011 and got better every year, topping out at 106 points last season.

In five preseason games for Edmonton, he had six points.

Nugent-Hopkins joins Taylor Hall (see last slide) and Jordan Eberle as promising players who can continue to help Edmonton rebuild. His coach already believes in him, and Nugent-Hopkins is committed to his new team. Can he become a leading scorer this year?

The Florida Panthers

OK, I know I cheated here, but it was hard for me to pick one or two players from the Panthers, so I just decided to include the whole team.

We all know the story. Panthers general manager Dale Tallon went out this summer and gave the Cats a massive makeover. Among the forwards he picked up were Sean Bergenheim (who had a breakout season with the Tampa Bay Lightning last year), Tomas Kopecky and Kris Versteeg (Stanley Cup winners with the Hawks in 2010) and Scottie Upshall (a consistent 30-point scorer who has established himself as somewhat of a journeyman).

On defense, Tallon grabbed Brian Campbell (another 2010 Cup winner) and Ed Jovanovski (a veteran defenseman who began his career in Florida). He also has Erik Gudbranson, one of the team's first-round draft picks in 2010.

In goal, Jose Theodore, a veteran goalie who spent recent seasons as a backup, could handle starting duties.

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Tallon acquired a lot of big names this summer, but games aren't won on paper. Can these players come together and get the Panthers back to the playoffs for the first time in 10 years? Will head coach Kevin Dineen, also hired this summer, be the right man to lead the team?

Drew Doughty, Defenseman, Los Angeles Kings

2010-11 Stats: 11 goals, 29 assists, 40 points, plus-13, five power-play goals, three game-winning goals

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Doughty's summer-long contract stalemate just came to an end, as he and the Kings agreed on a new eight-year deal. He ended last season as a restricted free agent.

Last year, he was second among Kings defensemen in scoring and logged over 25 minutes of ice time. However, his production dropped from his 2009-10 season, when he had 59 points and was a finalist for the Norris Trophy.

Doughty's contract holdout was one of the most heated topics of the offseason. Now that he finally signed, Kings fans will be eager to see if he can continue improving on his production and remain a top defenseman. The higher the contract, the higher the expectations, and the 21-year-old will be no exception to the rule.

Mike Richards, Center, Los Angeles Kings

2010-11 Stats: 23 goals, 43 assists, 66 points, plus-11, five power-play goals, three shorthanded goals, four game-winning goals

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

On the same day Flyers teammate Jeff Carter was traded to Columbus, Richards was stunned to learn he too was on the move. He was going to the Los Angeles Kings for top prospect Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds, as well a second-round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft.

Like Carter, Richards was unhappy about his trade, but after reflecting and taking in the warm Los Angeles climate, he decided he wouldn't mind possibly spending the rest of his career there. He is also reunited with former teammate Simon Gagne and former coach John Stevens, which will help make his transition easier.

Richards has posted at least 50 points in each of the last four seasons, and he is in good position to do it again. His experience in the playoffs as a 2010 Stanley Cup finalist will give a still developing Kings team some confidence to get deep into the postseason.

In LA, he will not have the weight of a leadership role on his shoulders, as Dustin Brown is still wearing the "C" for the Kings. This will help Richards focus on playing his game and scoring plenty of points for the team.

Shea Weber, Defenseman, Nashville Predators

2010-11 Stats: 16 goals, 32 assists, 48 points, plus-seven, six power-play goals, one shorthanded goal, three game-winning goals

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Weber, the Predators captain, has spent his entire career with the franchise. He is a two-time NHL All-Star, having gone to the events in 2009 and 2011, and has been nominated for the Norris Trophy four times. He received his first finalist nod last year.

In four seasons with Nashville, he has had at least 40 points every year. In the postseason, he had five points and a plus-three in 12 games as the Predators went to the Western Conference semifinals for the first time in team history.

One of the many high-profile players who was in restricted free agency, Weber inked a one-year deal in August.

It will be interesting to watch Weber to see if he can lead the Predators past the first round again, as the team should continue to be competitive in the Western Conference. Fans will also want to see if Weber can play for a long-term contract with the team.

Martin Brodeur, Goaltender, New Jersey Devils

2010-11 Stats: 23-26-3, .903 save percentage, 2.45 GAA, six shutouts

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Last year, injuries limited Brodeur to 56 games, and those problems combined with the Devils' poor play led to his lowest numbers in several years and the first losing record of his career. Despite this, he still ranked sixth in the NHL with six shutouts.

Brodeur will be 40 years old next May, and his career could be coming to an end. He is one of the most decorated goaltenders in league history, as he has three Stanley Cups, four Vezina Trophies and is a 10-time NHL All-Star. In addition, he holds many Devils and NHL records.

Fans will be watching to see if Brodeur can guide New Jersey back to the playoffs and if he can continue playing at a high level, or if his numbers will continue on a decline.

Zach Parise, Left Wing, New Jersey Devils

2010-11 Stats: six points, minus-one, one game-winning goal

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Parise was limited to 13 games last year after a knee injury. He played until Oct. 30, 2010, and then did not return until April.

However, before he got injured, he had already established himself as a top forward. He had four seasons of at least 50 points and put up a career-high 94 points in 2008-09. His achievements include two Devils MVP awards and an Olympic silver medal in 2010.

The Devils alternate captain signed a one-year contract in the offseason after becoming a restricted free agent.

Parise is ready to go this year and should have no lingering issues from his knee injury. Devils fans will look for him to once again put up high numbers and help get the team back to the playoffs after they were left on the outside for the first time in 15 years.

Brad Richards, Center, New York Rangers

2010-11 Stats: 28 goals, 49 assists, 77 points, plus-one, seven-power play goals, three game-winning goals

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Richards was the top free agent of the 2011 offseason. After being courted by several teams, he signed a nine-year deal with the Rangers on July 2.

A 2004 Stanley Cup champion with the Lightning, Richards spent the last three seasons with the Dallas Stars. Last season, he was 10th in the NHL in assists and points. He ranked in the top 10 despite missing 10 games with a concussion. He also has a good amount of playoff experience, as he has 62 points in 63 career postseason games.

The Rangers already have a lot of young talent on their roster, but Richards brings them a star forward and a veteran presence. Rangers fans will be watching to see if he can stay healthy, as his concussion was something of a concern when he was signed. They will also be hoping he can live up to his contract and continue producing at the same high rate.

Daniel Alfredsson, Right Wing, Ottawa Senators

2010-11 Stats: 14 goals, 17 assists, 31 points, minus-19, seven power-play goals, one game-winning goal

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Alfredsson is the captain of a Senators team that was a major disappointment last year, finishing 13th in the Eastern Conference. The absence of their captain was a reason why, as he played just 54 games and dealt with a back injury.

Before his injury, Alfredsson's numbers were going down for the third year. He posted 89 points in 2007-08, but finished with 71 points in 2009-10. He has two years left on his current contract and will be 39 years old in December.

Can Alfredsson bounce back and lead the Senators back to the playoffs in their 20th anniversary season, or will his career continue a downward trend? Everyone in Ottawa will be looking for the answer as the season gets underway.

Ilya Bryzgalov, Goaltender, Philadelphia Flyers

2010-11 Stats: 36-20-10, seven shutouts, .921 save percentage, 2.48 GAA

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Bryzgalov was arguably the top goaltender available on the free-agency market this year. He was a 2007 Cup winner with Anaheim and spent the last three seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes. There, he posted at least 30 wins in each of the last two seasons, including 42 wins in 2009-10.

The Coyotes traded Bryzgalov's negotiating rights to the Flyers in early June, and he was signed to a nine-year deal two weeks later. To make room for his salary, Philadelphia sent Jeff Carter to Columbus and Mike Richards to Los Angeles.

Bryzgalov is the starting goaltender the Flyers desperately need, especially after last season's playoff disappointment. Can he live up to the pressure in a market with high expectations, especially under a lucrative contract, and bring the Flyers to a long playoff run?

Jaromir Jagr, Right Wing, Philadelphia Flyers

2010-11 Stats: Did not play in NHL

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Jagr is one of the most accomplished players in NHL history, as he has almost 1,600 points in over 1,200 NHL games. He last played in the league in the 2007-08 season, when he had 71 points as a member of the Rangers.

After a media fiasco where many believed Jagr would return to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he won two Stanley Cups, Jagr inked a one-year deal with the Flyers. Penguins fans were angry about being betrayed, but they, along with the rest of the league, will be waiting to see how he does in orange and black.

Jagr is 39 years old, so he could be looking toward the end of his career. It will be interesting to see how he does on the other side of the Penguins-Flyers rivalry as Philly goes into its first year without two of its top forwards.

Matt Cooke, Left Wing, Pittsburgh Penguins

2010-11 Stats: 12 goals, 18 assists, 30 points, plus-14, three shorthanded goals, two game-winning goals

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Cooke was suspended twice last year for first hitting Columbus' Fedor Tyutin from behind and then for elbowing Rangers rookie Ryan McDonagh in the head. He missed 14 regular season games as a result, and his suspension for the McDonagh incident forced him out of the first round of the playoffs.

In the offseason, Cooke told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that he wants to change his approach to hitting and get rid of his reputation as a cheap-shot artist. He stated he reviewed 20 hours of film on his hits to see what he was doing wrong and how he could start doing it correctly:

"

I've got this chance, and I need to look at it as an opportunity to show everybody that I can change my approach, that I can play within the rules. The rest of my career can be proving that it's possible to change. It has to be about that. There's no excuse for it to not be about that.

"

When Cooke isn't in trouble, he is an effective player for the Penguins. He has posted 30 points in each of his three seasons in Pittsburgh and is a solid penalty killer, as he led the team with three shorthanded goals last year.

As the Penguins start the season on Thursday, the league will be watching to see if Cooke means what he said in the summer or if it was just a publicity stunt.

Sidney Crosby, Center, Pittsburgh Penguins

2010-11 Stats: 32 goals, 34 assists, 66 points, plus-20, 10 power-play goals, one shorthanded goal, three game-winning goals

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Crosby has not played since suffering a concussion in January, and the league has been awaiting his return ever since.

In 2010-11, he was on pace for another stellar season after tying for the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2010. Despite only playing 41 games, he still led the Penguins in points and power-play goals.

Crosby has been participating in non-contact practices and will travel with the Pens as they begin the 2011-12 season in Western Canada. However, he will not play in the home opener, and there is still no date for his return.

Everyone will be waiting to see when Crosby will make his return to the ice and if he can pick up where he left off last year.

Steven Stamkos, Center, Tampa Bay Lightning

2010-11 Stats: 45 goals, 46 assists, 91 points, plus-three, 17 power-play goals, eight game-winning goals

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

After sharing the Rocket Richard Trophy with Sidney Crosby in 2010, Stamkos' production dropped slightly in 2010-11. However, he still finished second in the league in goals and power-play goals and was fifth in points.

Stamkos got off to a slow start during Tampa Bay's Eastern Conference finals run, but he eventually found his way and put up 13 points in 18 playoff games.

The Lightning's star forward was a restricted free agent this year, but signed a five-year contract in July.

Stamkos did not need long to establish himself a top goal scorer in the league, and it will be worth watching to see if he can keep up the pace. However, there is no reason to think he won't keep going.

Alexandre Burrows, Left Wing, Vancouver Canucks

2010-11 Stats: 26 goals, 22 assists, 48 points, plus-26, one power-play goal, one shorthanded goal, four game-winning goals

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Burrows is a key offensive contributor for the Canucks, but he has stirred up plenty of controversy during his NHL career.

Aside from being fined for various incidents, Burrows also accused NHL official Stephane Auger of wanting revenge on him during the 2009-10 season. He even stated that Auger cost the Canucks a win against the Nashville Predators.

Then, in the 2011 Stanley Cup finals, Burrows was accused of biting Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron. The league did not discipline him because they said there was not enough evidence to prove that he did it.

Burrows has had at least 40 points in the last three seasons for Vancouver, but the league will be watching to see what kind of controversy he can bring up next, as there has always been something during his career.

Roberto Luongo, Goaltender, Vancouver Canucks

2010-11 Stats: 38-15-7, .928 save percentage, 2.11 GAA, four shutouts

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Luongo had another solid regular season, as he finished first in the league in wins, second in GAA and fourth in save percentage.

Although he had a 15-10 record in the playoffs to rank second in wins, he still struggled. He was pulled on four occasions in the playoffs for poor play in favor of Cory Schneider and failed to lead the Canucks to the Stanley Cup when he had two chances to do so.

Luongo is a three-time Vezina Trophy nominee and four-time NHL All-Star, but he has trouble coming through in big moments. The Canucks will almost surely be a playoff contender again, and Luongo should start preparing to get over the hump in the regular season. Will his play show that he can be a different goaltender when it matters most?

Alexander Ovechkin, Left Wing, Washington Capitals

2010-11 Stats: 32 goals, 53 assists, 85 points, plus-24, seven power-play goals, 11 game-winning goals

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Ovechkin is the captain of the Capitals and has two Hart Trophies to his name. But last year, he had the lowest points totals of his career, as he had 32 goals and 85 points. Although he was still seventh in the league in scoring, he said he wanted to play a more defensive oriented game, and that was the reason for the drop-off.

People will be watching Ovechkin to see if he will keep this new style of play and how his rivalry with Sidney Crosby will continue shaping up once Crosby returns. Also, he will be relied on to lead the Capitals to a fulfilling playoff run rather than the disappointments they have had in recent years.

The postseason letdowns are not entirely Ovechkin's fault; he had 10 points in nine playoff games last year. However, as the pressure to go deep into the playoffs increases with every disappointment, his mindset as a captain will continue to be tested.

Tomas Vokoun, Goaltender, Washington Capitals

2010-11 Stats: 22-28-5, .922 save percentage, 2.55 GAA, six shutouts

Why Everyone Will Be Watching

Vokoun was the other premiere goaltender on the free-agent market, as he was looking to leave a struggling Florida Panthers team. He had spent the last four seasons there and had at least 20 wins each year despite the fact that the Panthers hadn't been to the playoffs in a decade.

Vokoun's signing with the Capitals was a surprise, as he received a one-year contract at the bargain price of $1.5 million. He will likely see starting minutes with Washington.

The only downside to Vokoun's signing is his lack of playoff experience and results. He is 3-8 in 11 playoff games with the Nashville Predators and has a .922 save percentage and 2.47 GAA. Although his stats aren't bad, his losing record is a concern for a Caps team that needs postseason success.

There will be a lot more attention on Vokoun now that he plays in a bigger market on a strong team. Caps fans will watch to see if he is up to the task of having something to play for.