Atlantic
NJ Devils:
Key Losses- Zach Parise, Alexei Ponikarovsky
Key Additions-
Obviously there are some big holes to fill in the top 9. Lou's best bet is to deal one of our dmen for help up front. Going into battle in October (?), I do NOT feel comfortable with the lineup. I'd predict a 6-10 finish
NY Rangers:
Key Losses- Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky
Key Additions- Rick Nash, Jeff Halpern
While I think Nash is overrated and certainly not worth his contract, he is going to help their offense. With that being said, the Rags certainly got there fair share of shooting luck and didnt have to deal with a lot of injuries despite the style they play. I could see them being a 4-6 team in the east
NY Islanders-
Key Losses- PA Parenteau
Key Additions- Lubomir Visnovsky
With the acquisition of Visnovsky, the Isles are getting a quality offensive dman. However, the Slovak has appealed the legitimacy of the transaction. With or without him, I cant see the Isles finishing much better than last year
Philadelphia Flyers
Key Losses- James Van Riemsdyk, Jaromir Jagr, Sergei Bobrovsky,Matt Carle The respect of 29 NHL GMs
Key Additions- Luke Schenn, Ruslan Fedotenko
It wouldnt be summer if the Flyers werent trying to overhaul their roster. It is obvious that the Flyers need(ed) help on the blueline, so they addressed it in some unconventional ways. Why Homer decided to deal JVR (a solid 2nd liner with 30 g potential) for Luke Schenn was a mystery to many, but it was the enormous offer sheet that RFA Shea Weber signed that grabbed the headlines. The Weber-less Flyers defense has not gotten much better (if at all). Look for Couturier, Schenn and Voracek to play a bigger role offensively. They will probably finish around the same position.
Pittsburgh Penguins-
Key Losses- Jordan Staal, Steve Sullivan
Key Additions- Brandon Sutter, Tomas Vokoun
It appears the Pens decided to address the poor play of MA Fleury in the playoffs. They signed former Vezina candidate Tomas Vokoun to back him up. Whether this is meant to give Fleury competition or rest remains to be seen, but if the Pens stay healthy, they can challenge for the Presidents Trophy
Northeast
Boston Bruins-
Key Losses- Brian bleepin Rolston (lolol), Tim Thomas
Key Additions-
The only real change for the B's will be in net. For whatever reason, Tim Thomas has decided to go MIA and will let the youngster,Tuuka Rask, take the reigns. Rask has shown the ability to be an elite netminder in the past and should have little trouble succeeding
Buffalo Sabres-
Key Losses- Derek Roy, Brad Boyes
Key Additions- Steve Ott
The Sabres essentially traded the skilled Derek Roy for elite grinder Steve Ott. However, not much else has changed. If Tyler Ennis, Nathan Gerbe and Cody Hodgson continue to develop, the Sabres could sneak into the dance. Of course the X factor is Ryan Miller
Montreal Canadiens-
Key Losses-
Key Additions- Alex Galchenyuk (?), Brandon Prust
It appears the Habs will go to war with a very similar team they iced last year. If guys like Markov and Gionta stay healthy, they could have a rebound year
Ottawa Senators-
Key Losses- Nick Foligno, Filip Kuba
Key Additions- Guillaume Latendresse, Mark Methot
Here is a team I could see sliding down a bit. I dont see Alfredsson, Spezza and Karlsson having the same success. However, they do have some young guns who could make an impact
Toronto Maple Leafs-
Key Losses- Luke Schenn
Key Additions- JVR
LOL not worth my time
Southeast
Carolina Hurricanes-
Key Losses- Brandon Sutter
Key Additions- Jordan Staal, Alexander Semin, Joe Corvo
This is a team that scares me. They added two very good top 6 forwards and I think their defense will improve. Pitkanen, Gleason, McBain, Faulk, Harrison and Corvo is not shabby at all. Of course they still have Cam Ward in goal. They are definitely the early favorites in the division
Florida Panthers-
Key Losses- Jason Garrison
Key Additions- Peter Mueller, Filip Kuba, Jonathan Huberdeau
The feel story that was the Florida Panthers look poised to make the playoffs for a second straight year. The additions of Huberdeau and Mueller up front will give them more depth. However, Jose Theodore and Scott Clemmmensen in net could be a problem
Tampa Bay Lightning-
Key Losses- Dwayne Roloson
Key Additions- Anders Lindback, Sami Salo, Matt Carle
Due to injuries on defense and the awful play from Roloson, TB missed the playoffs after reaching the ECF the year before. Lindback is a question mark, but he is a huge goalie with outstanding reflexes (not a bad combo). If he plays well, look for them to challenger for a playoff spot
Washington Capitals-
Key Losses- Alexander Semin, Tomas Vokoun, Dennis Wideman
Key Additions- Mike Ribeiro
The Adam Oates led Capitals will look to build on their success from last year. Even though they lost key contributors from each position, they still have enough talent to win the division. The good news is that they got the 2nd line center they finally looking for
Winnipeg Jets-
Key Losses- Tanner Glass
Key Additions- Alexei Ponikarovsky, Olli Jokinen, Al Montoya
They Jets added two top 9 forwards and lost a 4th liner. Not a bad trade off. If Evander Kane, Alex Burmistrov and Zach Bogosian take the next step forward, they have a shot to make the playoffs
Edited by DevilMinder, 27 July 2012 - 08:54 AM.
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