by Nick Castleman
Everyone
has their own opinions on free agent signings, whether they liked the
signings or how they didn’t like how their team didn’t do much over the
off-season. It varies from person to person, but people usually don’t
look at the whole picture in the off-season and why teams made certain
signings. These pick-ups can suddenly make weak teams very good and that
is where these teams surprise everyone. These are my opinions on the
studs and duds of the East and West.
Eastern Conference
Studs
Columbus Blue Jackets
A
team to watch out for this coming season in the Eastern Conference is
the Columbus Blue Jackets. Although you might be saying they are too
young or there are no good players, they will be a threat to their
opponent’s game in, game out. I say this because although their offence
is very young, they proved to everyone that it doesn’t matter and were
not a pushover team last season making the playoffs and almost powering
through the Pens in the first round. The addition of Scott Hartnell is
perfect for the team because he is a gritty player who can do anything
you want him to do while also scoring a couple goals. Also watch out for
Ryan Johansen to have another break out season when and if he signs.
Florida Panthers
I
know what you’re thinking, “what a joke it’s the Florida Panthers, they
are never good….” but that has finally changed due to some great free
agent signings over the off-season. The addition of Jussi Jokinen, David
Bolland and Shawn Thornton to their offence watch out for the Panthers
to pack a bit of a punch up front, with more goals and lots more hits.
Also the addition of Willie Mitchell could really help build their young
defensive core, making them a lot better defensively too. And no one
can forget Aaron Ekblad. I believe Ekblad will have a break out year
next year with the Panthers, helping bolster their offence on the blue
line and physical play. They will be a for sure playoff contender this
season.
Duds
Detroit Red Wings
The
now old Red Wings are starting to slowly slow down. I say this because
their once young stars Datsyuk and Zetterberg are getting very old and
slowing down due to old age. While barely making the playoffs last year
and only a few young rising stars or prospects, mostly on offence, I
believe next year will be the year with no Detroit Red Wings in the post
season.
Western Conference
Studs
Nashville Predators
The
Nashville Predators are one of the most under the radar teams in the
NHL. With the addition of James Neal and Olli Jokinen to their offence
and their young defensive players rising and getting better, not to
mention elite goaltending, I believe the Predators will be a team to
look out for this year and may stun everyone. With their young offence
growing slowly as well I believe that the Predators will be a playoff
contender and may even push the best in the West to their limits.
Dallas Stars
The
Stars made some huge moves this off-season by adding the dynamic duo in
Ottawa for the last half of last season, Jason Spezza and Ales Hemsky.
These players will not only add ridiculous offence but also depth to a
team needing it. With Benn, Seguin, Spezza and Hemsky the Stars’ offence
will be potent and should not be messed around with. Look for the Stars
to contend for one of the top three positions in the conference come
this season.
Duds
San Jose Sharks
With
the loss of huge names on defense in San Jose and the GM contemplating a
rebuild, don’t be surprised if they don’t do as well as expected. Also
watch out for a huge trade to happen because there have been many
rumours going around saying the San Jose wants to rebuild. The bad vibe
going around the team may not help either resulting in a disappointing
season. Negative points for being that team that pays John Scott now too
No comments:
Post a Comment