Vancouver Canucks 2016 Offseason Plans

            The 2015-16 season has been a colossal disappointment for the Vancouver Canucks. After scoring more than 100 points in five out of the last seven years, this squad will likely not even reach 80 and will miss the playoffs. The frustrating season is due to a combination of poor performances, age and injuries.

            The Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik, are still the only real offensive weapons on the team. As of March 29th, the pair of 35 year olds each has over 50 points, but only two other players have reached the 30 point plateau. Vancouver has struggled to score all year, netting just 2.23 goals per game. That is almost tied with the New Jersey Devils for the lowest in the NHL. With 35 year old Ryan Miller as the starting goalie, and only one year left on his deal, the team needs to decide if to stay competitive or send out their veterans and start rebuilding.

            Pending Free Agents: The Canucks have several noteworthy unrestricted free agents this summer. 34 year old Radim Vrbata was a 30 goal scorer last season, but hasn’t produced this year. He has just 27 points in 63 games, and is an embarrassingly low -30. Another veteran free agent is Dan Hamhuis. Many thought the defenseman would be traded before the deadline, but the team was not able to work out a deal. It is likely the team wants to re-sign him, but that will depend on if they will move into full rebuilding mode.

            After being signed as a free agent last offseason, the Canucks thought they had a potential top four defenseman in Matt Barkowski. That has not been the case, as he is currently a -23, worst among all Vancouver defenseman. It will be interesting to see what the team will do with him.
            Draft Picks: Odds are the team will try to select some offensive help with their top pick. While Auston Matthews is the top choice if they win the lottery, they may look for Jesse Puljujärvi if Matthews isn’t available. He is born in Sweden and plays right wing, so he could get a year or two with his countrymen, the Sedin twins.

            Free Agent Additions: The team has holes all over the place, and will likely not invest heavily in top tier free agents unless they make one last push to win in the next year or two. If they go that route, All-Star Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning would be the top target. He would likely choose a team able to offer a better supporting cast though.

Vancouver can also bring back Anton Rodin, a former second round pick that didn’t play well in his first go around with the team, but was just named the MVP of the Swedish Hockey League. Kyle Okposo and Eric Staal are two potential additions to increase the scoring punch, but they won’t come cheap.

Edmonton Oilers 2016 Offseason Plans

            Once again, the Edmonton Oilers are in the running for the top overall draft pick. As of March 24th, 2016, the team has the second fewest points in the league, but four games in hand on the team in front of them (Toronto Maple Leafs). It is truly remarkable that the Oilers have continued their losing ways, considering all of the talent they have been able to acquire in the draft over the last six years.
            Edmonton has been lucky enough to select first overall in the draft in four out of the last six years, and picking third once as well. All five of those top 3 picks have been forwards, giving the team a strong, young offensive base, but leaving other positions bare. Last year’s top overall pick, Connor McDavid, looks like a true star in the league but the rest of the team needs to work to climb out of the cellar.

            Pending Free Agents: The highest paid unrestricted free agent is Defenseman Nikita Nikitin, currently making $4.5 Million in 2015-2016. He has struggled to stay with the pro club, playing only 11 games this season, and will almost assuredly not be re-signed. Eric Gryba, a defensive defenseman, played relatively well this season before injury and may be re-signed, depending on the cost.
            One interesting restricted free agent is forward Zack Kassian. Since being acquired from the Montreal Canadiens, he has managed just 8 points in 29 games. While that may seem like nothing, he is just 25 years old and has shown some ability to score and play tough in previous seasons. The likelihood of him staying with the club will likely depend on his qualifying offer.

            Draft Picks: There is a good chance the Oilers will fall into a top 2 pick once again this year. The top prospect in the draft is Auston Matthews, a forward. The main question will be if the team has room for another top level forward or would look to possibly trade back and grab a defenseman. The top defenseman prospect this year is Jacob Chychrun, an offensively talented blue liner that could likely make the squad very soon.

            Free Agent Additions: While Cam Talbot has played admirably in goal, the team may look to make a change. The problem will be finding a suitable replacement as the top available goalies in a very thin market are Cam Ward and Jonas Hiller that are both over 30.

            Should the team decide to add a veteran defender, Keith Yandle and Kris Russell should both be available if the team is willing to pay.

Toronto Maple Leafs 2016 Offseason Plans

            One of Hockey’s most storied franchises, the Toronto Maple Leafs, are in the midst of a low point in their history. The team is currently in rebuilding mode and looking towards the future. As of March 18, 2016, they have the lowest point total in the league, but there are reasons for optimism. After trading away Dion Phaneuf, James Reimer and others at the trade deadline, the team has a plethora of draft capital and cap space to work with.

The team has been getting an extended look at some of its young talent this season. Zach Hyman, Nikita Soshnikov and William Nylander, the 8th overall pick in the 2014 draft, have all performed very well in their first NHL action. Here is a snapshot of what fans can look forward to this summer as the team continues to rebuild.

            Pending Free Agents: The two most notable free agents for the Leafs are Center Nazeem Kadri and Right Wing Michael Grabner. Kadri, the team’s leader in points, is a solid player but may be the victim of a numbers game. If the team can acquire two other highly coveted centers (discussed later), there will be no need for Kadri. However, if one or both of those two are unavailable, he will likely be back with the team. Grabner, acquired in a trade in September 2015, has been a major disappointment. He has the highest salary on the team and will likely not be re-signed.

            Draft Picks: Every team this year is “battling” for the right to have the top pick as there is a clear top player available. Auston Matthews, the Arizona born Forward currently playing in Zurich, would likely be slotted in as a center for Toronto if they win the rights to draft him. While he is not projected to be a generational talent like Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid, he is best player available in this draft and would be a coup for Toronto. If Matthews is not available, the team will have to consider taking Alex Nylander, the brother of their future star who is also a top prospect.

            Free Agent Additions: Toronto is definitely in the running to score the crown jewel of Free Agency. Steven Stamkos, the 26 year old Captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning, will be the target of every team in the league. The Center is a perennial All-Star and one of the most dynamic players in the NHL. He grew as a Maple Leafs fan and lives in the area in the offseason, so the rumor mill has been working projecting Stamkos joining the team.

            Additionally, the team could use some veteran defensive help. Keith Yandle of the New York Rangers and Kris Russell of the Dallas Stars are the top two defensemen available to add an experienced blue liner to help the younger players develop.

The World Cup of Hockey

The World Cup of Hockey, to be played in Sept. 2016 in Toronto, is an eight team tournament showcasing the world’s best hockey players. The eight teams participating include: Canada, United States, North America, Sweden, Russia, Finland, Czech Republic and Europe. Team North America is differentiated from Canada and the U.S. as it will consist strictly of players 23 years and younger. Team Europe will be comprised of players from European nations other than those that have a full squad. Now that initial rosters have been released, here is a look at each team.

            Team Canada: The winner of the last two Olympic gold medals, the Canadian team is the projected favorite for this tournament once again. The team is full of All-Stars including Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, Duncan Keith and Shea Weber. The only potential weakness is projected starting goalie Carey Price who is dealing with lingering injuries and may be rusty when games start. Even if he can’t play though, backups Braden Holtby and Corey Crawford are more than capable of filling in.

            Team United States: The United States has gotten so close to success in the last two Olympics, but twice had their dreams dashed by Team Canada. This team is a mix of veterans like Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler and Zach Parise and new blood including Dustin Byfuglien and Justin Abdelkader. General Manager Dean Lombardi did not pick only big name scorers, but looks to have built a more balanced squad to match Canada’s.

            Team North America: This team will likely be the most interesting and fun group to watch. Filled with lesser known but highly talented players like Jack Eichel, Connor McDavid and Aaron Ekblad, this team could surprise in this tournament.

            Team Sweden: Featuring 83 current NHL players and coming off a silver medal in the Sochi Olympics, the Swedes are a potential threat to win it all this time. Led by Henrik Lundqvist in goal and reigning Norris trophy winner Erik Karlsson and his defensive colleagues, it will be extremely difficult to score against them. While their offense isn’t as strong as some other teams’, they should be able to contain their opponents and get some low scoring victories.

            Team Russia: Loaded with scoring potential (Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, etc.), the Russian club will be able to light the lamp as well as anyone. The problem lies in their defense and goaltending. They will likely have to win some high scoring games to advance.

            Team Finland: Finland is lacking offensive firepower, with none of its forwards scoring at least 20 goals this season. To have a chance, they will have to rely on veteran goaltenders Tuukka Rask and Pekka Rinne to carry the load.

            Team Czech Republic: Lacking scoring punch and top tier defensemen, the Czech team will have an uphill battle to compete. The most interesting storyline is a player not on the team, Jaromir Jagr. Jagr stated two years ago he was done with international competition. If he changes his mind though, he would be the player to watch.

            Team Europe: The first 16 players picked for the team come from seven different countries. While they have a balanced roster, the main question is how will total strangers with little practice time play together?

Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel: Believe the Hype

            The 2015 NHL entry draft came with an unusual amount of fanfare, largely because the top two prospects were potential “gamechangers”. Not since the 2005 draft that featured Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin have two players in one draft been considered so special. These two future stars, Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, were selected by the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres respectively. Centers McDavid and Eichel, both only 19 years old, will forever be linked by their draft status and have already shown they were worthy of the attention. 

            Edmonton’s young gun, McDavid, has had a bit of a rocky rookie season. He was able to play in only 13 games before breaking his left clavicle and missing the next 37. In his limited playing time however, he has been nearly unstoppable. As of February 29, he has 29 points in only 27 games and is scoring on an incredible 18.2% of his shots. The Oilers’ roster is filled with top young talent due to their lottery luck, but McDavid is the true star.

            Eichel has been able to stay healthy the entire season, and is showing he was also worthy of the top pick. On a team lacking many offensive weapons, he has managed 41 points in 63 games. Not to be outdone by McDavid’s success, Eichel has picked up his play significantly recently, scoring 25 points in his last 26 games. The Sabres were one of the worst teams in the NHL the last two years, but Eichel is playing a major role in turning the franchise around.

            Unfortunately for fans, the two play in different conferences and rarely meet head to head. The first such meeting will take place on March 1st in Buffalo. McDavid was injured for the previous matchup between the teams on Dec. 4th. Eichel scored in that game, but his team fell 4-2.

            While we won’t see them facing off a lot, we may see them as teammates soon. No, neither one will be traded, but both could be on the 2016 World Cup of Hockey under 23 team from North America. Taking place later this year, this tournament showcases the best players in the world, and barring injury, it is a sure thing that both McDavid and Eichel will make the squad.

            Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin have been two of the premier hockey players for the last ten years, but it will soon be time for them to step aside. With Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel on the way, the game will be in good hands.

Florida Panthers on the Prowl

Before the 2015 NHL season began, most hockey pundits predicted the Florida Panthers to merely compete for a playoff spot. Instead, they are fighting for the top spot in the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic division. As of February 19, 2016, the Panthers sit atop their division with 73 points, five more than the second place Boston Bruins. How did a team that has made the playoffs only twice since 2000 suddenly surge to the top of the standings?

            The rise of the Florida Panthers began in 2010 when the team hired Dale Tallon as General Manager. Tallon had been instrumental in constructing the Chicago Blackhawks’ dynasty and was given the keys to rebuild the Panthers. Over the next few years, Tallon was able to infuse the team with new talent through the draft, trades and free agency. The team features players of all ages and backgrounds, but they have come together better than anyone could have expected.

            The Cats are led by the ageless Jaromir Jagr. Still highly effective at age 44, he leads the team in goals and points. Jagr was acquired in February 2015 for two draft picks, and he has turned into a steal. Another veteran carrying the load for the squad is Jussi Jokinen. Signed as a free agent in 2014, the 32 year old is second on the team in assists and third in points.

            While the team has its share of old timers, the roster is full of young talent drafted by the organization. The team currently has eight players drafted by Tallon, all under the age of 25, which are making a significant impact. Jonathan Huberdeau, the 3rd overall pick in 2011, is leading the team in assists and is second in points. Vincent Trochek, Aleksander Barkov and several other forwards have built the Panthers into a very balanced lineup. The last youngster to mention might very well be the best. Aaron Ekblad, the top pick in the 2014 draft, won the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year. The defenseman is not only strong in his own end of the rink, but also is a significant contributor on the offensive side of the ice.

            The final component of this surprise team is the stellar goaltending of Roberto Luongo and Al Montoya. Luongo, one of the league leaders in save percentage, is in his second stint with the Panthers after a period in Vancouver. Tallon acquired Luongo in March 2014 via trade, and the goalie has been a revelation ever since. Montoya, Luongo’s backup, has posted an impressive 1.91 Goals Against Average so far this season and gives the team two solid goaltenders to rely on. The team is definitely greater than the sum of its parts and has a chance to surprise the hockey world this season.

Players Most Likely to be Traded Before the Trade Deadline

Keith Yandle, New York Rangers – Just one year after being traded to the big apple, Yandle may be on the move again. The offensive defenseman has been in Coach Alain Vigneault’s doghouse for much of the season and is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. Since it is unlikely he will re-sign with New York, the team may look to trade him and get something in return. A recent concussion to fellow defenseman and team captain Ryan McDonagh may cause the team to hesitate if the injury will keep him out for an extended period.

Dan Hamhuis, Vancouver Canucks – Another veteran defenseman on the market is Hamhuis, who recently returned after missing almost 2 months of action with a serious facial injury. The Canucks are trying to make a playoff push, but it seems clear to most that it is time for the team to rebuild. Hamhuis, a reliable top four defenseman, should fetch a nice price from a team looking for blue line help.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton Oilers – Edmonton has been able to stockpile a plethora of  young, talented forwards due to having the top overall draft pick in four out of the last six years. Even with that talent though, they find themselves near the bottom of the standings once again. 2011’s number one pick has been very productive at the professional level, but may be looking for a new home if the team tries to help their struggling defense. Another team could be willing to part with a top young defenseman to get him.

Eric Staal, Carolina Hurricanes – Staal is one of the biggest names that could potentially move in the coming weeks. He has been a potent scorer for much of his career, averaging .86 points per game, but he has been trending down this season at age 31. Carolina’s captain will be a free agent this summer and the team will likely go in a different direction to rebuild the squad. Staal does have a no-trade clause though, so it would have to be a destination that makes sense for him as well before being traded.

Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning – This one may be more of a fantasy hockey GM dream, but there is a possibility that the captain of the reigning Eastern conference champions could be available. The 26 year old offensive juggernaut will be a free agent this summer, and the team has not been able to work out a long term extension. If no deal is in place by the trade deadline, the Lightning will have to consider moving Stamkos to avoid losing him for nothing. Odds are the team will find a way to keep him, but the immense potential trade return could be tempting.