NHL Predictions 2012: 12 Preseason Cuts and Free Agents That Will Play This Year

NHL seasons are arduous. They require an immense amount of determination and endurance from the entire 20-plus players on a team night in and night out. 

Injuries, complications and other unforeseeable elements are expected through the 82 games of an NHL schedule. With that comes trades, signings and most commonly, midseason call-ups. 

Here are 12 players that currently are either on AHL teams or jobless in October who will find themselves in an NHL jersey at some point this season. 

Jonathan Cheechoo- St. Louis Blues

The one-time 50 goal scorer Jonathan Cheechoo was signed to a two-way contract by the St. Louis Blues in the offseason. Although not many expected Cheechoo to make the team outright, Cheechoo still has a chance to return to the third or fourth line in St. Louis from the AHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen. 

Last season Cheechoo posted 47 points in 55 games in the AHL for the Worcester Sharks. With similar numbers this season, Cheechoo may again find himself in an NHL uniform this season. 

Mattias Sjogren- Washington Capitals

Mattias Sjogren was expected to fit into the third or fourth line center for the Washington Capitals out of training camp. With the impressive performances of Mathieu Perreault, Jay Beagle and others in training camp, Sjogren moved out of favor in the Capitals lineup.

However, Sjogren is still an impressive prospect at 23 and will definitely be one of the team's first of many call-ups this season. 

T.J. Brodie- Calgary Flames

The Calgary defense is pretty solid at this point in the season, even with the trading of Robyn Regehr in the offseason. That being said, T.J. Brodie is a very impressive defensive prospect that the Flames possess in their AHL farm.

After posting a 34 point season in the AHL for Abbotsford last season, Brodie was called up for three games last season for Calgary. Look for the same to be done this season at some point if one of the top six get injured. 

Bryan McCabe- Several Options

I'm still kind of shocked that Bryan McCabe still hasn't been picked up to a one year deal somewhere. With the amount of teams that have relatively weak defenses (i.e. Minnesota, Columbus, Florida), McCabe surely will be able to find some work with his 28 point performance last season. McCabe would help a ton of NHL bluelines, and I suspect he will be picked up soon. 

Dmitri Orlov- Washington Capitals

Even though the Capitals are going to be without John Erskine and Tom Poti for some unforeseeable amount of time, they are still very stout on the defensive side, both in the NHL and in their AHL affiliate in Hershey. 

One of the best prospects is Russian Dmitri Orlov. After posting two impressive seasons in the KHL and a decent season in Hershey last year, Orlov will most definitely be the first call-up on defense if someone gets injured for Washington. 

Gilbert Brule- Edmonton Oilers

A somewhat surprising move saw Gilbert Brule get moved to Oklahoma City (the AHL affiliate of Edmonton) during the preseason cuts phase this season. Brule posted a 37 point effort two seasons ago and although he has had some trouble with staying fit, Brule can still play at the NHL level.

Look for Brule to get a call-up at some point this season as the Oilers roster is extremely fluid this season.

Viatcheslav Voynov- Los Angeles Kings

Viatcheslav Voynov posted a 51 point season in the AHL last season for the Manchester Monarchs. With the recent Drew Doughty troubles, it was expected that Voynov would make the starting roster and probably quarterback one of the powerplay lines if indeed Doughty wouldn't be on the Kings.

With that signing however, Voynov was moved to the AHL with the hope of getting called up at some point. With his skills, look for him to get a couple of games in with the Kings.

Alexander Salak- Chicago Blackhawks

Alexander Salak was duped out of an NHL goaltender job when Ray Emery was signed by Chicago right before the regular season. 

While Emery may be the better and more experienced backup, Salak still looked impressive in his preseason starts, and will most likely play at least a couple games for Chicago if either Crawford or Emery gets injured. Personally, with Crawford's inexperience and Emery's injury history, it isn't a stretch to foresee Salak getting some time this year.

Stefan Elliott- Colorado Avalanche

Stefan Elliott could very well be a top four defensive partner in the NHL someday. Unfortunately for him, that day will have to wait another season. 

The Avalanche decided to send Elliott back the AHL this season in order for him to get a little more experience after his 81 points season in Saskatoon of the WHL a year ago.

Colorado however will undoubtedly use his skills at some point this regular season if one of their top six get injured. 

Sean Avery- Anywhere but the NY Rangers

I'm gonna preface this by saying that I in no way support Sean Avery. He is one of my least favorite NHL players, as I'm sure most people can relate.

However, after being put on waivers by the New York Rangers, Sean Avery still may be picked up by a team needing a pest somewhere in the season. Avery is still a 30-point performer and has the ability to get under the skin of the enemy, a skill not found in many NHL players.

Ryan Ellis- Nashville Predators

Cutting Ryan Ellis was a very surprising move for the Nashville Predators. 

Ellis posted an outstanding 101 points in 58 games for Windsor of the OHL, earning him Canadian Major Junior defenseman and Player of the Year distinctions. However, at only 20 years old, the Predators may be looking for a little bit more ice time at the AHL level before he plays a full season in the NHL. 

Look for Ellis to make the lineup for Nashville, as they are probably looking to get him some NHL minutes before next season. 

Brayden Schenn- Philadelphia Flyers

Brayden Schenn was supposed to have a roster spot for the Flyers this season after he was traded from Los Angeles. 

However, after a less than impressive preseason effort, Schenn was reassigned to the AHL for the start of the season.

Looking deeper, it appears this is just a number's game. If Schenn plays one game in the AHL this season, his pro cap hit decreases from $3.1 million to $1.7 million. 

Look for Schenn to play a couple more games in the AHL before he jumps to the NHL level. The stellar play of prospect Sean Couturier, who earned an NHL spot in the preseason, could delay Schenn's movement to the Flyers. 

Hopefully Schenn turns out to be the super-prospect that Philadelphia wants him to be, otherwise he may be stuck in the AHL for longer than projected.