WESTERN CONFERENCE: The Central

Chicago Blackhawks
Last season record: 31-42-2-7 71 points
Division: 5th
Conference: 13th

OFF-SEASON
arrivals: C Yanic Perreault(PHO/TOR), C Robert Lang(DET), G Wade Flaherty(CHI), D Jim Fahey(NJ), LW Sergei Samsonov(t-MON), D Andrei Zyuzin(t-CGY), D Magnus Johansson(EUR), C/W Kevyn Adams(t-PHO)
departures: D Adrian Aucoin, RW Nikita Alexeev(EUR), C Denis Arkipov(EUR), RW Peter Bondra,D Jassen Cullimore, C Jeff Hamilton, C Michal Handzus, RW Mikael Holmqvist, RW Tony Salmelainen, LW Radim Vrbata

The Blackhawks made a ton of changes this off-season more than many expected anyways. The Blackhawks were weak down the middle especially after Michal Handzus only made it through 8 games. The Blackhawks answered the need right on July 1st signing face-off specialist Yanic Perreault and former Red Wing Robert Lang, who could be in a for a comeback year with more ice time. The Hawks also acquired big risk Sergei Samsonov from the Montreal Canadiens who was probably the worst signing last summer. He struggled right off the bat and was immediately in Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau's dog house, but he with more ice time could rebound just like Lang. The Blackhawks will be looking for a new captain too this year after trading away often injured Adrian Aucoin. The Calder Trophy has a very good chance to come to Chicago at the end of the year. Jonathan Toews after a great World Juniors and World Championships where he struck double gold last season, looks ready to be a star in the NHL and is very likely to center a line with Martin Havlat. Patrick Kane the 1st overall pick in Junes draft also looks poised to crack the Blackhawks line-up. Kane is very crafty and could learn alot playing on a line with Lang.

FORWARDS
My Projected Lines:
1- T.RUUTU-J.TOEWS-M.HAVLAT
2- S.SAMSONOV-R.LANG-P.KANE
3- P.SHARP-Y.PERREAULT-J.WILLIAMS
4- R.BOURQUE-K.ADAMS-M.LAPOINTE
E- D.KOCI-D.BOLLAND-J.SKILLE
The Blackhawks have the potential to score alot of goals but in order to do that there are a few questions that need to be answered. Starting on the 1st line, will Havlat and Tuomo Ruutu be able to stay healthy in order to give the Blackhawks a very potent #1 line along with Toews? Havlat was clearly the Blackhawks MVP last year after only playing 56 games and is probably the likely player to be named team captain. Ruutu hasent been able to live up to his 9th overall pick status because of injuries. In Ruutu's second year, he only played 15 games and even though he played in 71 last year he didn't seem like the same player, well at least offensively. Ruutu has to stay healthy and show he can become more of a point producer or else he will be a half decent grinder/scorer 2nd liner for the rest of his career. I think this line will be fine and will produce huge for the Hawks. Toews is my pick for the Calder and I think Havlat will pot 50 goals, as for Ruutu he will be sturdy, netting 20-30 goals and bringing the physicality to the line. Now, will Samsonov be able to rebound from a dismal year with the Canadiens? After he seemed to find a new part of his game during the Oilers 2005 playoff run, he was completely terrible last year. I think Samsonov wont be great but he will be better than last year, if not Samsonov's NHL career could be over. Can Lang be able to be a legitimate scoring center again? Lang was half decent last year and should improve with more ice time. The Blackhawks are banking on both players to have better seasons and to help #1 overall pick Patrick Kane develop if they are on a line all together. The rest of the group should be ok and bring leadership to the squad. Chicago's 3rd line has potential with 20 goal man Patrick Sharp, Perrault and Jason Williams who played way better after coming over in a trade from Detroit late last season.

DEFENSE
My Projected Pairings:
1- B.SEABROOK-C.BARKER
2- J.WISENIEWSKI-D.KEITH
3- J.VANDERMEER-A.ZYUZIN
E- D.BYFUGLIEN-M.JOHANSSON
This could be an area of weakness for Chicago just because of the lack of leadership and the overflowing pool of youth. Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith are the cornerstones of this defense and could be the new Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger of the future type of duo. Cam Barker struggled last year with the Hawks in his short call-up and will need to rebound and continue to develop into a #1 defensemen the Hawks hoped for when they selected him 3rd overall in the 04 draft. James Wiseniewski and Jim Vandermeer both went down with injuries late last year after being very solid on the Hawks back end. Both will be looked on to recover and continue right where they left off. Andrei Zyuzin is a questionable pick-up after being so terrible with the Flames last season. The Hawks cant put too much pressure of him since he is the most experienced of the group. Dustin Byfuglien could also crack the squad and if he does he will bring alot of physicality.

GOALIES
1- N.KHABIBULIN
2- P.LALIME
3- C.CRAWFORD
The Blackhawks need way more out of Nikolai Khabibulin this season. He hasn't been anywhere near the kind of goalie from his Stanley Cup win with the Tampa Bay Lightning which earned him a 4 year 27 million dollar contract. If Khabibulin really re-gains his form the Hawks could be very dangerous. Patrick Lalime gives the Hawks alot of insurance and there will be no problem putting him in net.

OVERALL
The Hawks will be a very good team in a couple of years. Right now though there are too many, if Khabibulin regains his '04 form, if Seabrook, Keith and co. can bring quality defense, if Havlat and Ruutu can stay healthy, etc.... Just too many ifs. If the Hawks are able to answer those ifs then they could be in the run for the playoffs and with only 40 million dollars locked up be able to make some moves late in the season.

Predicted Finish- 4th Division, 12th Conference

Columbus Blue Jackets
Last season record: 33-42-2-5 73 points
Division: 4th
Conference: 11th

OFF-SEASON
arrivals: D Sheldon Brookbank(NAS), C Jiri Novotny(BUFF/WSH), D Jan Hejda(EDM), C Derek MacKenzie(ATL), C Kris Beech(WSH), C Mike Peca(TOR)
departures: G Brian Boucher, D Byran Berard, D Andres Eriksson, D Aaron Johnson, C Alexander Svitov(EUR)

The Blue Jackets had a fairly quiet off-season signing mostly depth players for there weak center position. The biggest signing was the latest signing when the Blue Jackets signed C Mike Peca to a 1 year contract. Peca is a very good 3rd line center but that is not what the Jackets needed. You can see why the Jackets brought him in though, he brings experience and new GM Scott Howson knows him from their days in Edmonton, that also goes for Jan Hejda. I think the signing of Peca was a terrible one by the Jackets, they already have a 3rd line center in Manny Malhotra and with Peca on the team the chances of someone young like Derick Brassard making the team are slimmer. Just doesn't make sense to me. The Jackets also brought in C Jiri Novotny and C Kris Beech. Neither player has been able to establish himself as a everyday NHLer so questions surround these signings too about why did Columbus even waste their time. Hejda showed some potential with the Oilers and he could continue to develop into a regular top 6 defensemen with more ice time.

FORWARDS
My Projected Lines:
1- R.NASH-D.BRASSARD-D.VYBORNY
2- F.MODIN-S.FEDOROV-G.BRULE
3- J.CHIMERA-M.PECA-N.ZHERDEV
4- A.PICARD-M.MALHOTRA-D.FRITSCHE
E- J.SHELLEY-J.NOVOTNY-G.PLATT
The Blue Jackets would be a way better team if they only had a #1 center. Reports said that Nikolai Zherdev got a shot in training camp playing in the middle of Rick Nash and David Vyborny and did very well together. I like the sound of that line and Zherdev could do well at the center position but I just think he is too inconsistent to be a #1 center. Saying that I think the Jackets should let Brassard on the team and let him develop on the 1st line with Nash and Vyborny guiding the way. He is the future at center for them and I think now is the time to bring him to the big club. The only thing against this is that the Jackets tried this with Gilbert Brule last year and didn't have huge success with it, so I wouldn't be surprised to see Brassard back in the QMJHL this season. The Blue Jackets do have pretty decent depth through the rest of the 4 lines. Sergei Fedorov could be better playing as the #2 center behind Brassard or Zherdev. Less pressure could mean higher numbers for Fedorov. Fredrik Modin had another solid year and with Fedorov and Brule, the Jackets could have a very nice 2nd line. The 3rd line will also be strong with the signing of Peca. He will join Jason Chimera who is coming off 15 and 17 goal seasons and either Zherdev or Dan Fritsche. Malhotra will support the 4th line and who joins him is still up in the air.

DEFENSE
My Projected Pairings:
1- A.FOOTE-R.HAINSEY
2- R.KLESLA-J.HEJDA
3- D.WESTCOTT-O-K.TOLLEFSEN
E- F.NOVAK-M.METHOT
This is definitely the weak spot on the Blue Jackets team. Their best defensemen and captain, Adam Foote has looked very shaky ever since the lock out and probably isn't a top 2 defensemen anymore. Ron Hainsey finally developed into an everyday defensemen last year and now the next step is if he can be a top 4 defensemen. Rositaslav Klesla also finally showed promise last year but still has to be better to contribute more to Columbus's defense. Hejda is a risky signing but it could pay off. Hejda showed flashes of consistency on the Oilers blueline last season. Duvie Westcott and O-K Tollefsen are still young and are the future of the Blue Jackets blueline.

GOALIES
1- F.NORRENA
2- P.LECLAIRE
3- T.POPPERLE
This is also a weak position for the Blue Jackets. Fredrik Norrena showed promise late last year but the verdict is still out on whether he can carry a full workload. Pascal Leclaire missed 22 games last year and struggled in the games that he did play in. He is only 24 and has shown potential but it is still uncertain whether the former 1st round draft pick will be Columbus's future #1 goaltender.

OVERALL
The Blue Jackets did make one good move in the off-season when they fired Doug MacLean and hired Howson as their new GM. MacLean is responsible for taking Fedorov's huge contract from the Ducks and signing under achieving Foote after the lockout. The Jackets are still rebuilding and wont be in the playoff hunt for another couple years. The Jackets do have cap space if needed with only 39 million dollars locked up.

Predicted Finish- 5th Division, 14th Conference.

Detroit Red Wings
Last season record: 50-19-5-8 113 points
Division: 1st
Conference: 1st

OFF-SEASON
arrivals: D Brian Rafalski(NJ), LW Dallas Drake(STL), D Garrett Stafford(SJ), D Brad Ference(CGY), C Mark Hartigan(CBM), RW Randall Gelech(FLA), C Mark Cullen(PHI), RW Carl Corazzini(CHI), G Adam Berkhoel(ATL)
departures: RW Todd Bertuzzi, LW Kyle Calder, C Robert Lang, D Dany Markov, D Mathieu Schneider

The Detroit Red Wings quite a few moves this off-season but most were minor except for the signing of Michigan born D Brian Rafalski. Rafalski was brought in right on July 1st to fill in for Mathieu Schneider who signed with Anaheim the same day. Rafalski is seen in my eyes as an upgrade over Schneider. He has more playoff experience than Schneider and is younger. Rafalski and Lidstrom could some major damage on the Red Wings powerplay and Rafalski gives the Red Wings just another year of solid, solid defense. Dallas Drake was also brought in to add some leadership to the bottom two lines, even though I'm not sure they need it. The only position not addressed was a 2nd line center after Robert Lang was left to sign with the Blackhawks. Valtteri Filppula and Jiri Hudler are possible candidates to take over that spot.

FORWARDS
My Projected Lines:
1- H.ZETTERBERG-P.DATSYUK-T.HOLMSTROM
2- M.SAMUELSSON-V.FILPPULA-J.HUDLER
3- J.FRANZEN-K.DRAPER-D.CLEARY
4- D.DRAKE-D.HELM-K.MATLBY
E-T.KOPECKY-M.HARTIGAN-I.GRIGORENKO
Other than the top line, the Red Wings dont have alot of goal scoring forwards. The line of Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and Tomas Holmstrom probably will account for about 40-50% of Detroit's goals. Datsyuk and Zetterberg if both stay healthy will probably score in the 90-100 point range easily. Holmstrom can just continue to stand in front of the net and can probably be counted on for 25-35 goals. The 2nd line could be a problem. Mikael Samuelsson scored 34 points last year but only appeared in 53 games so he should be a lock on the 2nd line. Filppula and Hudler are the question marks for the Red Wings to have more goal scoring success this year. Filppula didn't produce much at all playing mostly on the 3rd and 4th line last year but showed flashes of offensive production in the playoffs. The Red Wings will base Filppula's play in the playoffs and hope that it is good enough to produce as a 2nd line center. Hudler has always had the hype around him as being a goal scoring/point producing player but hasent showed it yet. This is the year for him to do it and if he doesn't, he may never be better than a 3rd line player. The rest of the teams is full of veterans who love to grind. Lead by Kris Draper and Kirk Matlby there should be a shift from the 3rd and 4th lines where the players aren't going 110 and grinding the heck out of opposing teams best players.

DEFENSE
My Projected Pairings:
1- N.LIDSTROM-B.LEBDA
2- B.RAFALSKI-N.KRONWALL
3- A.LILJA-C.CHELIOS
E- B.FERENCE-K.QUINCEY
This is easily the strength of the Red Wings. Lead by reigning and now 5-time Norris Trophy winner, Nicklas Lidstrom the Wings will have no problem shutting down the oppositions best player, killing penalties, setting up PP's, and keeping the puck out of the net. Rafalski like I said already is an upgrade in my mind over Schneider and if Niklas Kronwall can stay healthy, the two could make one of the best pairings in the whole league. Andres Lilja played very well last year and probably rounds out Detroit's top 4. Chris Chelios and Brett Lebda are very capable #5 and 6 defensemen. There is really no hole in this defense.

GOALIES
1- D.HASEK
2- C.OSGOOD
3- J.HOWARD
Dominik Hasek surprised alot of people last year with his stellar play. He proved that he can still be a #1 goaltender and even top 5 in the league. There are still questions on whether he can stay healthy for a full season but if that year proved anything, he should be ok as long as head coach Mike Babcock doesn't over play him but Babcock is no idiot. Chris Osgood gives the Red Wings a pretty good back-up but if Hasek were to ever go down, Osgood would be a question mark.

OVERALL
The Red Wings are good enough to win their division and the Western Conference again. The biggest flaw on this team which could burn them in the playoffs is where is the secondary scoring going to come from? Last year guys like Dan Cleary stepped up and had a career year, so who will do it this year? Filppula? Hudler? Who knows but I just have the feeling someone will just like every other year whether it will be good enough in the playoffs, I dont know. The Red Wings have 45 million dollars locked up so there is room if necessary.

Predicted Finish- 1st Division, 1st Conference

Nashville Predators
Last season record: 51-23-3-5 110 points
Division: 2nd
Conference: 4th

OFF-SEASON
arrivals: RW Jed Ortmeyer(NYR), C Radek Bonk(MON), D Greg De Vries(ATL), LW Martin Gelinas(FLA), RW Josh Langfeld(DET)
departures: C Peter Forsberg, LW Scott Hartnell, LW Paul Kariya, D Kimmo Timonen, G Tomas Vokoun

OFF-SEASON
Early on in the off-season, all indications coming from the Predators organization was that they were a desperate team, trying to be sold and they were going on a fire sale. The Preds started right on draft day trading away star goaltender Tomas Vokoun to the Florida Panthers for a couple of draft picks. They then traded the rights to both D Kimmo Timonen and LW Scott Hartnell to the Philadelphia Flyers for a 1st round draft pick they had originally given to the Flyers in the Peter Forsberg deal. The Preds were all of a sudden down three very good hockey players and the whole hockey world thought they were more to come. An offer came in from Blackberry inventor Jim Balsillie to buy the team. He wanted to move the team to Canada but the league voted against the offer. The Preds did sign D Greg De Vries for some extra defensive depth along with C Radek Bonk, RW Jed Ortmeyer for some grit on the 3rd and 4th lines. The Preds off-season didn't finish well either after they learned that LW Steve Sullivan will be out until at least December. To fill in this hole, the Preds added veteran LW Martin Gelinas.

FORWARDS
My Projected Lines:
1- M.ERAT-J.ARNOTT-A.RADULOV
2- M.GELINAS-D.LEGWAND-J-P.DUMONT
3- V.FIDDLER-R.BONK-J.TOOTOO
4- S.NICHOL-J.SMTIHSON-J.ORTMEYER
E- J.LANGFELD-R.PEVERLY-D.HORDICHUK
INJURED- S.SULLIVAN
The Preds definitely wont score as many goals as last year with the losses of Hartnell, Timonen, Forsberg, Paul Kariya and now Sullivan till at least December. The Preds will still have two potential solid lines. Martin Erat, Jason Arnott and Alexander Radulov could do some damage. This line has everything, size in Arnott, playmaking ability of Erat and pure goal scoring talent with Radulov. This line should have success together. The second line would be better with Sullivan but Gelinas will have to fill in to give the Preds some secondary scoring. David Legwand and J-P Dumont should had solid years and are key to the Preds success. The rest of the forwards are pure grinders and will have to score some goals this year for the Preds to have success. Newly signed Bonk and LW Vern Fiddler will be relied on to give grit to the team but pressure will be on for them to produce offensively.

DEFENSE
My Projected Pairings:
1- R.SUTER-S.WEBER
2- M.ZIDLICKY-D.HAMHUIS
3- G.ZANON-G. DE VRIES
E- K.KLEIN-V.KOISTINEN
The defense is probably the strongest position for the Preds lead by Shea Weber. This corps are young but all know what it takes to shut down the opposing team. Weber is alot like Dion Phaneuf, with similar offensive numbers and same kind of physical game. Thats why they had so much success playing together at the world juniors with team Canada. Ryan Suter really cam along last year and proved he is a legitimate top 4 defensemen. Marek Zidlicky will be looked upon to put up better offensive numbers in place of Timonen and along with Dan Hamhuis finish off a very strong top 4 for the Preds. De Vries will bring the leadership to this group and if paired with Greg Zanon, the pairing will bring the physicality.

GOALIES
1- C.MASON
2- P.RINNE
3- D.ELLIS
There is alot of pressure at this position surrounding Chris Mason. Mason filled in for Vokoun last year admirably but it is whether he can do it for a full year is the question. Most people are divided on this topic. I dont think he will be as good as he was last year but he will do the job. The other question is who will back-up Mason since there isn't much there after him. I thought it would be Pekka Rinne but it looks as though Dan Ellis has won the job in camp.

OVERALL
The Preds will obviously not be as good as last year. The question now is whether they are even good enough to make the playoffs. I dont think they are. Mason has proven himself enough to give me confidence in him and I think the loss of Sullivan will really hurt the Preds. If the Preds are in contention which I do think they will be they will need to pick up another forward and possibly a goaltender if they want to make the next push and with only 33 million dollars locked up that is possible.

Predicted Finish- 3rd Division, 10th Conference

St.Louis Blues
Last season record: 34-35-7-6 81 points
Division: 3rd
Conference: 10th

OFF-SEASON
arrivals: G Hannu Toivonen(t-BOS), LW Paul Kariya(NAS), RW Martin Kariya(EUR), C Keith Tkachuk(STL/ATL)
departures: RW Dallas Drake, RW Radek Dvorak, C Glen Metropolit, RW Vladimir Orszagh, D Jamie Rivers, G Curtis Sanford

The Blues were very quiet in the off-season with only making one significant signing in LWer Paul Kariya. They way over paid for him signing him to a 3 year contract worth 6 million dollars a season. Kariya will had some consistent offense and bring a ton of leadership. The Blues also re-acquired C Keith Tkachuk before the July 1st deadline from the Atlanta Thrashers. I now like to refer Tkachuk to 'fat' Tkachuk now but that is just a joke with my friends. The only other move made by the Blues was acquiring G Hannu Toivonen from the Boston Bruins for some extra goaltending depth. Toivonen should win the back-up job behind Manny Legace.

FORWARDS
My Projected Lines:
1- P.KARIYA-D.WEIGHT-L.STEMPNIAK
2- M.RUCINSKY-K.TKACHUK-B.BOYES
3- D.BACKES-J.McCLEMENT-J.MAYERS
4- D-J KING-R.JOHNSON-D.HINOTE
E- P.CAJANEK-T.WHITFIELD-M.GLUMAC
The Blues shouldn't have a problem scoring goals but they are some old players that have to really produce. The pressure will be on Kariya, Tkachuk and Doug Weight to lead the team and still produce top-6 forward points. I would be more worried about Weight and Tkachuk than Kariya, both Weight's and Tkachuk's production has gone done the last couple of years and they are still making a fair price money wise. If they both score in the 60-70 point range the Blues should be in the hunt for the playoffs all year. Lee Stempniak and Brad Boyes both finished off very, very good last year. Stempniak is ready to become a superstar in my mind, he scored 27 goals last year and if he plays alongside Weight and Kariya, look for him to score 30 goals easily. Boyes really found himself after being traded from Boston last season and also should produce well playing alongside Tkachuk and Martin Rucinsky. The Blues 3rd line is full of dark horses. David Backes, Jay McClement and Jamal Mayers all had pretty good years last year and McClement and Mayers looked very good at the world championships. This line could be a very vital part of the Blues team. One last player to watch is winger David Perron who was magical in the Super Series. He has made the Blues roster out of training camp, it is just whether if he will stick past the 8 games. I dont think he will but could push for a full-time roster spot next year.

DEFENSE
My Projected Pairings:
1- E.BREWER-E.JOHNSON
2- B.JACKMAN-C.BACKMAN
3- B.SALVADOR-M.WALKER
E- J.WOYWITKA-S.WAGNER
INJURED- J.McKEE
This is the strongest position for the Blues and will be stronger when Jay McKee returns from his injury(what a surprise). McKee is turning out to be a bust signing for the Blues, he hasent been able to stay healthy at all since he signed on with the Blues. No worries though, Erik Johnson should take his place and ice-time easily and is probably a top 3 contender for the Calder trophy. If paired with Eric Brewer, they could form one of the best pairings in the NHL. The rest of the defense is no slouch either. Barrett Jackman and Christian Backman make very capable 3-4 defensemen, while Bryce Salvador and Matt Walker round out the top 6.

GOALIES
1- M.LEGACE
2- H.TOIVONEN
3- J.BACASHIHUA
Legace has proved that he is legitimate #1 goaltender and should get a ton of help from the solid group in front of him. Legace will have no trouble keeping the Blues in contention and maybe even making the playoffs. Toivonen has won the back-up job out of camp and should do well when put in net.

OVERALL
The Blues should improve even more from last year. The forwards have more depth and players like Stempniak and Boyes are ready to break out. The blueline is solid and Johnson should be the cornerstone of the franchise for years. I think the Blues will make the playoffs but not by very much. They only have 44 million dollars in cap taken up so if moves are needed, they will be able to get done.

Predicted Finish- 2nd Division, 8th Conference

The Northeast

Boston Bruins
Last season record: 35-41-2-4 76 points
Division: 5th
Conference: 13th

OFF-SEASON
arrivals: RW Scott Thornton(ANA), D Sean Curry(CAR), LW Peter Schaefer(t-OTT), G Manny Fernandez(t-MIN), C Peter Nokelainen(t-NYI)
departures: D Nathan Dempsey, RW Shean Donovan, RW Petr Kalus, G Joey MacDonald, RW Petr Tenkrat(EUR), D Jason York, C Ben Walter

The Bruins were one of the most quietest teams this off-season. The biggest move made by the Bruins was on draft day when they acquired G Manny Fernandez from the Minnesota Wild. Fernandez will have pressure to finally give the Bruins a legitimate #1 goaltender. Fernandez and Tim Thomas should make a very good goaltending duo. The only other big move made by the Bruins was the firing of 1 year coach Dave Lewis and the hiring of former Devils bench boss Claude Julien. These two moves should make the Bruins better but with almost every other team in the East also getting better, the Bruins will struggle this year. The Bruins added a bit more scoring with the acquisition of LW Peter Schaefer from the Ottawa Senators. The Bruins were more of a trading team than signing team this summer.

FORWARDS
My Projected Lines:
1- M.STURM-M.SAVARD-G.MURRAY
2- P.KESSEL-P.BERGERON-B.BOCHENSKI
3- P-J.AXELSSON-D.KREJCI-P.SHAEFER
4- J.REICH-M.MOWERS-C.KOBASEW
E- J.HOGGAN-P.NOKELAINEN-S.THORNTON
The Bruins are relatively strong down the middle but the wings is where there are questions. Marc Savard and Patrice Bergeron make a very good 1-2 punch but will need more help from the supporting cast to make the Bruins competitive. Marco Sturm scored a respectable 27 goals last season could be better off as a 2nd line player but could prove me wrong playing on the 1st line this year. Glen Murray is a very good RW for playmaker Savard but needs to get over the 30 goal mark again to really be a legitimate RW. If Murray doesn't produce this season, it could be his last with his contract being up at the end of the season, so the pressure will be on. Phil Kessel's numbers could go up playing on the wing this year and playing beside Bergeron. Kessel coming off a rookie season where he had a cancer scare could be another feel good story if he really produces. Schaefer will add some much need depth and scoring help while Brandon Bochenski has to prove he can be a everyday NHLer after scoring 13 goals in only 41 games last season. P-J Axelsson has to stay healthy, he is a very important piece of the Bruins checking game and to their leadership to the young kids.

DEFENSE
My Projected Pairings:
1- M.STUART-Z.CHARA
2- D.WIDEMAN-A.FERENCE
3- A.WARD-A.ALBERTS
E- M.LASHOFF-B.ALLEN
The key to the defense is a better season from Zdeno Chara after last years season was average at least in Chara's books. Chara being the captain of the Bruins will have to help this very young group jell and develop. Andrew Ference and Aaron Ward bring the other leadership. Ference is a very capable top 3 defensemen showing grit and determination in every game he plays. He is one guy I wish the Flames didn't let go of. Ward also has to rebound from an average year while Denis Wideman showed some promise last year. Mark Stuart, Andrew Alberts and Matt Lashoff will all battle it out in camp for the final 2 spots on the roster and their development is key for the future of the Bruins.

GOALIES
1- M.FERNANDEZ
2- T.THOMAS
3- T.RASK
Acquiring Fernandez on draft day will give the Bruins along with Thomas a very good 1-2 combo. Fernandez will have to recover from a knee injury, suffered last year but should be just fine and just like in Minnesota will be capable of playing 50-60 games. Thomas will be able to take some of the load off Fernandez after showing that he is a good NHL goaltender last year. The future looks bright for the Bruins at the goalie position too after acquiring Tuukka Rask from the Toronto Maple Leafs last season in the Andrew Raycroft deal.

OVERALL
The Bruins have the makings of a very good team in the future with prospects like Rask, Lashoff, Stuart, Bergeron, Kessel and now Zach Hamill. Until those prospects are ready there will be some groin pains in the city of Boston. The hiring of Julien will also help the Bruins develop and move forward in the future. The Bruins will be bottom dwellers this season so should be sellers at the trade deadline with 47 million dollars locked up.

Predicted Finish- 5th Division, 15th Conference

Buffalo Sabres
Last season record: 53-22-3-4 113 points
Division: 1st
Conference: 1st

OFF-SEASON
arrivals: G Jocelyn Thibault(PITT)
departures: C Daniel Briere, C Chris Drury, RW Danius Zubrus

The off-season for the Buffalo Sabres was one to forget. The Sabres lost both co-captains Daniel Briere and Chris Drury to free agency and even worse to teams in their own division(Flyers and Rangers). they also lost RW Danius Zubrus who played very well in their playoff run. To make matters worse they had to over-pay to keep Thomas Vanek after the desperate Oilers put in an offer sheet for the RFA. The only UFA signing the Sabres made was G Jocelyn Thibault and it was a questionable one with starting goalie Ryan Miller just starting to become a top 5 goaltender in the league. Other than Vanek the Sabres were also able to lock-up C Derek Roy to a 6 year contract, valuable veteran Adam Mair to a 3 year contract and some good looking prospects in D Nathan Paetsch, C Mike Ryan and LW Daniel Paille. The Sabres also re-signed D Teppo Numinen in the off-season but he was just recently diagnosed with a heart condition and will need surgery, the time table of his recovery time is not know yet so this will leave the Sabres with just another hole in their line-up.

FORWARDS
My Projected Lines:
1- J.HECHT-T.CONNOLLY-J.POMINVILLE
2- T.VANEK-D.ROY-M.AFINOGENOV
3- A.KOTALIK-P.GAUSTAD-D.STAFFORD
4- D.PAILLE-M.RYAN-A.MAIR
E- C.MacARTHUR-M.ZAGRAPAN-A.PETERS
The Sabres offense should once again have no problem scoring goals but will need players to step up in new higher pressure roles. Tim Connolly will replace Briere on the top line in between Jochen Hecht and Jason Pominville. This line should be very good but will be based on if Connolly can stay healthy. Connolly only appeared in 2 games last year and only in 65 games that last two combined. He has showed that he has the talent he can do it but the only question is health. Hecht is and has been a very capable top 6 forward the last couple of years and is coming off a career year after posting scoring 19 goals and 56 points last season. Hecht is also on a contract year so he should perform even better. Pominville is quietly becoming a star player. After scoring 18 goals in his rookie season, Pominville almost doubled his production last year potting 34 goals. Pominville is probably Buffalo's second best all around forward only to Roy. The pressure to produce even more after the huge contract signing will be enormous on Vanek. Vanek is now Buffalo's scariest sniper. After netting 43 goals last season, look for Vanek to reach 50 this season. The pressure will also be high on Vanek's linemate, Maxim Afinogenov who has been a big time season performer but a playoff no show so far in his career. The last piece of this line is Roy who just signed a new 6 year contract and is coming off his most productive year as to date, scoring 63 points. Roy is now the most valuable center on the depth chart as he can do everything including PP and PK. The only question about this line is whether they will be able to take the added pressure from other teams being Buffalo's 2nd line not 3rd. Young players, Drew Stafford, Mike Ryan and Daniel Paille all showed that they belonged in the NHL last season and should be every day NHLers this season. Stafford scored 13 goals in only 41 games last year and along with Paul Gaustad and Ales Kotalik could give the Sabres a very good 3rd line.

DEFENSE
My Projected Pairings:
1- B.CAMPBELL-N.PAETSCH
2- T.LYDMAN-H.TALLINDER
3- J.SPACEK-D.KALININ
E- A.SEKERA-M.FUNK
INJURED- T.NUMMINEN
This will continue to be a question for the Sabres this year, with the Sabres surprisingly not addressing the defense except with the re-signing of now injured Teppo Numminen. Brian Campbell is a legitimate top 3 defensemen but he is all by himself on the Sabres blueline to get that kind of recognition. Toni Lydman and Henrik Tallinder could be good top 3 defensemen but are often injured. If they are able to play a pull season well at least 75 games some of the question marks around the Sabres defense could be erased. Last years big signing of Jaroslav Spacek turned out to be a bust, Spacek never played close to what he did when he was with the Oilers during their '05 playoff run. Dmitri Kalinin is good at best and is very inconsistent. The injury to Numinen means Paetsch will have to step up and continue to develop.

GOALIES
1- R.MILLER
2- J.THIBAULT
3- A.DENNIS
This is one area on the Sabres where they are absolutely no question marks. Miller is really starting to become a top 5 goaltender in the league and was hands down Buffalo's best player during their playoff run. Thibault was added and is a very good back-up. Adam Dennis is the third goalie and could take over for Thibault if he is not re-signed next summer.

OVERALL
The Sabres will once again have no problems scoring goals and making the playoffs. How far they go in the playoffs is where the question is. Buffalo's defense will have to be way better and there are questions why the Sabres didn't use the money from the loss of Drury and Briere to bring in a defensemen like Darryl Sydor or like I said Brad Stuart. Questions will also be on Vanek and Afinogenov to not only produce more during the season but way, way more in the playoffs and whether Connolly will be able to stay healthy and be a #1 center. If the Sabres are looking to make moves near the end of the season, there is room to do that with only 45 million dollars locked up. The Sabres will make the playoffs but will have to add another defensemen to make the playoffs worth while.

Predicted Finish- 2nd Division, 6th Conference

Montreal Canadiens
Last season record: 42-34-1-5 90 points
Division: 4
Conference: 10

OFF-SEASON
arrivals: D Roman Hamrlik(CGY), C Bryan Smolinski(CHI/VAN), RW Tom Kostopoulos(LA), D Jamie Rivers(STL), D Mathieu Biron(WSH/SJ), D Patrice Brisebois(COL)
departures: C Radek Bonk, RW Mike Johnson, LW Sergei Samsonov, D Sheldon Souray

The Canadiens tried desperately to sign a big name free agent but failed. There were rumors that they put in an offer for home-grown C Daniel Briere but Briere choose the Flyers instead. The Canadiens then lost D Sheldon Souray to the Edmonton Oilers so they had a big hole on their defense and more importantly their PP. The Canadiens signed Roman Hamrlik before they had lost Souray for insurance if they did end up loosing Souray. Hamrlik is probably a better defensive defensemen than Souray but isn't as productive offensively. Hamrlik posted 18 points on the PP for the Flames last season so he or Andrei Markov have to really pick up their production for the loss of Souray. The Canadiens then signed Bryan Smolinski to add some depth to their center position. Smolinski should fill in well on the Canadiens 3rd line to replace Radek Bonk. Patrice Brisebois was signed as a surprising move by the Canadiens to add some depth on the blueline but he failed his physical at the start of training camp due to a groin injury.

FORWARDS
My Projected Lines:
1- C.HIGGINS-S.KOIVU-M.RYDER
2- G.LATENDRESSE-T.PLEKANEC-A.KOVALEV
3- J.LAHTI-B.SMOLINSKI-A.KOSTITSYN
4- S.BEGIN-M.LAPIERE-T.KOSTOPOULOS
E- G.MURRAY-K.CHIPCHURA-D.MILROY
The Canadiens forwards will look alot like last year. Their top six forwards are all returning with only Smolinski, Janne Lahti and Tom Kostopoulos projected to be the new forwards. Chris Higgins started very hot last season before going down with a groin injury in December. He still managed to score 22 goals so his production should go up with a healthy season. Saku Koivu had a career year with 75 points mostly because he only missed 1 game. Michael Ryder is coming off back-to-back 30 goal seasons and him and Koivu seemed to have some chemistry late last season. Tomas Plekanec showed that he belongs in the NHL after netting 20 goals. He is a very good 2-way center and is now very valuable to the Canadiens. Alexei Kovalev has to rebound after a very so-so season where he didn't even score 20 goals. Playing alongside Plekanec could help though. Guillaume Latendresse had a very good rookie season and should improve playing on a line with Kovalev and Plekanec. Smolinski should be an upgrade over Bonk and Andrei Kostitsyn could have a break out season after starting out well at training camp. Maxim Lapiere was another rookie who developed well too last season for the Canadiens and will probably play on the 4th line but should take over Smolinski next season if the Canadiens fail to re-sign him.

DEFENSE
My Projected Pairings:
1- R.HAMRLIK-A.MARKOV
2- F.BOULLION-M.KOMISAREK
3- M.STRIET-M.DANDENAULT
E- J.GORGES-P.BRISEBOIS
The Canadiens have a few question marks on their defense. They replaced Souray with Hamrlik so that gives them a little bit of an upgrade on the defensive side. Markov is clearly the #1 on this defensive corps after scoring 49 points and being very valuable in the defensive zone. Mike Komisarek is the key to the defense this year, he really has to step up and become a top 4 defensemen. Francois Boullion is a solid defensemen who is coming off a injury plagued year so look for him to rebound too. Mark Striet and Mathieu Dandenault are decent 5-6 defensemen but Striet could see time at forward this season too. Josh Gorges and Patrice Brisebois give the Canadiens some good depth and some be ready and capable to fill in for injuries etc.

GOALIES
1- C.HUET
2- C.PRICE
3- J.HALAK
The Canadiens have very good depth at the goalie position but the question is do they have a #1 guy? Cristobal Huet put up half decent numbers(19 wins, 2.81GAA, .916SV%) last season before going down with and injury abut still needs to prove he can handle the work load and still be successful. Carey Price is the dark horse could be ready to not only take the place of Huet during the season but could win the starting job outright in training camp. Price made huge strides last season, winning gold with Canada at the world juniors then winning the Calder Cup and playoff MVP with the Hamilton Bulldogs. The only place left for Price to go is the NHL and I think that is where he will go. Jaroslav Halak played very well for the Canadiens at the end of last season keeping them in the playoff hunt but playing only 16 games from coming from no where just isn't good enough for me to say that he is a legitimate back-up and plus Price is a better goaltender.

OVERALL
The Canadiens with go though ups and downs through out the whole season. The lack of defense will hurt them but they should be in the playoff race right to the end of the season. Look for Price to really come into his own in the NHL and give the Canadiens some quality goaltending. If the Canadiens try to acquire another defensemen near the end of the season, they only have 45 million dollars locked up.

Predicted Finish- 3rd Division, 12th Conference

Ottawa Senators
Last season record: 48-25-3-6 105 points
Division: 2nd
Conference: 4th-Lost in Stanley Cup Final

OFF-SEASON
arrivals: D Matt Carkner(SJ), RW Niko Dimitrakos(PHI), D Matt Kinch(EUR), D Luke Richardson(TB), LW Denis Hamel(ATL/PHI/OTT), C Justin Mapletoft(EUR), RW Shean Donovan(t-BOS)
departures: C Mike Comrie, D Tom Preissing, LW Oleg Saprykin(EUR), LW Peter Schaefer

The Senators off-season was very quite and they will sport basically the same roster that lead them to the Cup Final last year again this year. The biggest move in the off-season was the firing of GM John Muckler, the promotion of former coach Brian Murray to the vacant GM spot and then the hiring of new coach John Paddock. Paddock will bring a relatively similar coaching as Brian Murray and is familiar with lots of the players from being an assistant coach with the Senators and the head coach down with Binghamton. The Senators biggest move on the player's side was the re-signing of G Ray Emery to new 3 year contract. Emery played awesome last year but there will be pressure on him this year to repeat that performance and make it even better. To free up cap space, the Senators traded LW Peter Schaefer to the Boston Bruins for RW Shean Donovan, swapping Schaefer's 2.1 million dollar contract for Donovan's 925 thousand dollar contract. The Senators also lost Mike Comrie and Tom Preissing in the off-season. Finding replacements for the two will be hard with Sen's GM Brian Murray hand cuffed by cap isssues and not being able to sign replacements in the off-season. Young Guns will have to fill the voids.

FORWARDS
My Projected Lines:
1- D.HEATLEY-J.SPEZZA-P.EAVES
2- A.VERMETTE-M.FISHER-D.ALFREDSSON
3- N.FOLGINO-C.KELLY-C.NEIL
4- D.HAMEL-D.McAMMOND-S.DONOVAN
E- N.DIMITRAKOS-J.HENNESSEY-B.McGRATTON
Like I have already said the Senators will look alot like last year. The top 6 forwards are all the same with only Antoine Vermette being the only guy stepping up into a new role. Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza make probably one of the best 1-2 combo's in the league and will once again carry the load. Daniel Alfredsson is also part of Ottawa's 3 punch and will be looked upon to carry lots of the workload and make the 2nd line more productive. Spezza and Heatley are looking for a new winger and I think Patrik Eaves could take it if the Sen's dont add anyone else. The second line looks strong too, especially with Alfredsson. Mike Fisher just signed a new 5 year contract extension but is still nagged with a groin problem from last years Cup Final, he should be ready to go in time for the season. Vermette could have a break-out year with more ice time and playing along side Alfredsson and Fisher. Vermette scored 19 goals last year and will be looked upon to score more with the loss of Schaefer and Comrie. The 3rd line looks strong again with Chris Kelly and Chris Neil bringing some grit. Nick Folgino looks to be the only rookie to crack the roster and could fit well with Kelly and Neil. The final line with be gritty but wont score alot. Dean McAmmond is a wicked #4 center and along with Donovan, they could give some teams headaches. The Senators lack depth this season with the #4 RW spot up for grabs and the extra players to fill in for injuries are unknown.

DEFENSE
My Projected Pairings:
1- W.REDDEN-A.MESZAROS
2- C.PHILLIPS-A.VOLCHENKOV
3- J.CORVO-C.SCHUBERT
E- L.NYCHOLAT-L.RICHARDSON
As bad as Wade Redden looked at some points last year, I think he will rebound this year and show the Senators that it was a bad decision to even think about trading him. If he doesn't, the Senators will look to try to trade him. Andrej Meszaros continues to develop and is now a legitimate top 4 defensemen. Chris Phillips and Anton Volchenkov give the Senators probably the best shut down tandem in the league. Joe Corvo was too named in trade rumors to dump salary but there were no takers. He played fairly well last season and was most valuable on the PP. Christoph Schubert will play defense this season because once again the Senators lack of depth. He played better on forward then on defense last season but should do fine as the #6 defensemen. Luke Richardson was signed to add some depth.

GOALIES
1- R.EMERY
2- M.GERBER
3- J.GLASS
Emery proved he can be a #1 goalie last year, it is just a question if he can continue to succeed. He was given a new 3 year contract and I think he will have no problem be the Senators go to guy. Martin Gerber was the 3rd player that was tossed around in trade rumors in the off-season. He is way over paid and has never been the same since the playoffs in 2006 when he was with the Carolina Hurricanes. Jeff Glass is the 3rd stringer.

OVERALL
The Senators will once again be a very strong team and will once again be right in the hunt for the Cup at the end of the season. The only problem with the Senators is that they are very thin on depth charts at both the forward and defense positions. If the Senators are able to get rid of Gerber's huge 3.7 million dollar BACK-UP contract then they should be able to make some moves to make them even better. There where rumors that the Senators were interested in former Leaf Jeff O'Neill to fill in the RW spot on the Heatley-Spezza line and with 46 million dollars locked-up that could be a possibility.

Predicted Finish- 1st Division, 1st Conference

Toronto Maple Leafs
Last season record: 40-31-4-7 91 points
Division: 3rd
Conference: 9th

OFF-SEASON
arrivals: C Simon Gamache(EUR), G Vesa Toskala(t-SJ), LW Mark Bell(t-SJ), RW Jason Blake(NYI), G Scott Clemmensen(NJ), RW Dave Ling(EUR), D Derrick Walser(CBM)
departures: G J-S Aubin, C Travis Green, RW Jeff O'Neill, C Mike Peca, C Yanic Perrault

The Leafs had a fairly busy off-season but even with their moves there are still questions left. The Leafs started right on draft day acquiring G Vesa Toskala and LW Mark Bell from the San Jose Sharks. Goaltending was a area of weakness last year in the minds of the Maple Leafs even with Andrew Raycroft setting a club record for most wins. Toskala is projected to be the starter but should make an excellent duo with Raycroft. The Leafs then signed RW Jason Blake to play alongside Mats Sundin. Blake is coming off a a career year after scoring 40 goals, but there are questions whether Blake will be able to repeat his performance. Mark Bell who was also acquired in the Toskala trade ran into trouble with the law and had been suspended 15 games by the NHL. The rest of the signings made by the Leafs were to re-fill the depth charts.

FORWARDS
My Projected Lines:
1- A.PONIKAROVSKY-M.SUNDIN-J.BLAKE
2- N.ANTROPOV-K.WELLWOOD-D.TUCKER
3- A.STEEN-M.STAJAN-B.BATTAGLIA
4- C.KILGER-J.POHL-B.DEVEREAUX
Ev K.NEWBURY-S.GAMACHE-T.SALMELAINEN
SUSPENDED- M.BELL(15 games)
The Leafs look half decent up front. Lead by Sundin the Leafs offense was 10th in the league last year and with the signing of RW Blake to finally give Sundin someone to play with, the scoring could go up. Blake needs to prove that he is a legitimate goal scorer, that doesn't mean he has to pot 40 again but he needs at least 32-35 to really earn his money. Alex Ponikarovsky finally did something last year scoring 21 goals and whether he plays with Sundin and Blake or Kyle Wellwood, he should score another 20 goals this year. Wellwood also broke out last year before he got injured, so the Leafs will need him to stay healthy especially since they aren't incredibly deep down the center. Darcy Tucker just signed a new 4 year contract in February and is one of the Leafs best power forward even though he doesn't have great size. Tucker also missed 24 games last season so once again the Leafs will need him to stay healthy but he should be good for 30 goals. Alex Steen and Matt Stajan have to rebound after off years. The two together could make a good combo on the Leafs 3rd line. Bates Battaglia and Boyd Devereaux were late season call-ups last year and both proved that they deserve another shot in the NHL.

DEFENSE
My Projected Pairings:
1- B.McCABE-T.KABERLE
2- P.KUBINA-C.COLIACOVO
3- H.GILL-I.WHITE
E- A.STRALMAN-S.KRONWALL
There is only one player on this blueline who doesn't have any question marks around him is Tomas Kaberle. Kaberle was second on the team in scoring with 58 points and proved that he is not only good offensively but also very good in his own end. Bryan McCabe although very successful offensively and on the PP, is surrounded with question marks about his play in his own end. Really if you think about it he would be nothing without Kaberle, Kaberle sets up most of his goals on the PP and saves his ass in the Leafs zone when McCabe starts acting like a pylon. Without Kaberle all McCabe would be was a defensemen with a wicked shot. Pavel Kubina also has huge question marks around him, he was terrible last year offensively and defensively. Right now he is considered a bust for the amount of money the Leafs signed him for and if GM John Ferguson Jr. losses his job, the Kubina signing will be on of the things held against him. Carlo Coliacovo has to somehow learn how to stay healthy. In two seasons with the Leafs, Coliacovo has only played in 69 games. Hal Gill had his moments of goodness last season including leading the team with a +11 but still showed that he can be a pylon. Ian White has really come along the last couple of years and is second to Kaberle with least amount of question marks around him.

GOALIES
1- V.TOSKALA
2- A.RAYCROFT
3- J.POGGE
Like I said earlier, Toskala and Raycroft will make a very good combo. In my mind Toskala is the better goaltender and I think the Leafs acquired him for the reason of all the question marks around their defense so they could have Raycroft for trade bait. Toskala and Raycroft should split the games pretty evenly with Toskala with a few more games probably going 57-45. Justin Pogge is battling for the third spot in training camp with newly signed Scott Clemmensen and I think Pogge will win it and Clemmensen will be released.

OVERALL
The Leafs haven't made the playoffs for 3 years now and I think that will continue. The Leafs have way too many question marks or should I say pylons on their defense to go anywhere. Even with an upgrade in goal with Toskala and more scoring with the combo of Sundin and Blake, the Leafs will score 4 but let in 5 because of their defense. If the Leafs were smart they would use Raycroft as trade bait and trade him for a defensemen. A trade is really the only option for the Leafs with 49 million dollars locked up in cap space.

Predicted Finish- 4th Division, 13th Conference

The Atlantic

New Jersey Devils
Last season record: 49-24-1-8 107 points
Division: 1
Conference: 2

OFF-SEASON
arrivals: C Danius Zubrus(WSH/BUFF), D Karel Rachunek(NYR), D Vitaly Vishnevski(NAS/ATL), G Kevin Weekes(NYR), D Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre(EUR), D Ian Moran(ANA), LW Noah Clarke(LA), RW Arron Asham(NYI)
departures: C Scott Gomez, D Brian Rafalski, D Brad Lukowich, G Scott Clemmensen

The Devils had a tough off-season loosing two of their more popular players on their team. The Devils best centerman and defensemen. Scott Gomez and Brian Rafalski both bolted on July 1st to the Rangers and Red Wings respectively, leaving the Devils with some major holes. The Devils had to act fast to even get anyone who could fill in those holes with all the frenzy at the start of July. On July 3rd the Devils signed Danius Zubrus who was coming off a pretty decent playoffs with the Sabres to try to fill the hole left by Gomez. The Devils then signed Karel Rachunek who needs to find his offensive form again so he can help make up for the loss of Rafalski. They also grabbed Vitaly Vishnevski to had some physicality to the back-end. More pressure will be put on the Devils second best defensemen last season, Paul Martin to pick up most of the slack left by Rafalski. With Marty Brodeur looking a little tired in the playoffs, the Devils signed Kevin Weekes to take more of the load off Brodeur with still being able to win. Depth moves were also made by the Devils to finish up their roster.

FORWARDS
My Projected Lines:
1- P.ELIAS-D.ZUBRUS-B.GIONTA
2- Z.PARISE-T.ZAJAC-J.LANGENBRUNNER
3- J.PANDALFO-J.MADDEN-D.CLARKSON
4- S.BRYLIN-M.RUPP-N.BERGFORS
E- C.JANSSEN-R.PELLEY-A.ASHAM
The Devils will need some players to pick up their performances with the loss of Gomez and hopefully those players will be able to do without him. Patrick Elias has been Gomez's line-mate for several seasons now and they gelled well together. Elias was productive last season notching 69 points in only 75 games played. Brian Gionta, Elias's other standard line-mate saw a major slip on his production last year from 89 points to 45 points. Gionta did only appear 62 games last year but for the offense to work Elias and Gionta have to click and with Zubrus who is more of a grinding center than a playmaker like Gomez. Zach Parise, the Devils most dangerous scorer last year, will be relied on heavily to be it again. His line-mate Travis Zajac has to continue to develop while Jamie Langenbrunner is solid and consistent on the right side. The Devils are also hoping young players like David Clarkson and Nicklas Bergfors can also crack the squad and contribute. John Madden and Jay Pandalfo make one of the leagues best shutdown tandems and are key to the Devils success.

DEFENSE
My Projected Pairings:
1- K.RACHUNEK-P.MARTIN
2- A.GREENE-C.WHITE
3- R.MATVICHUK-V.VISHNEVSKI
E- J.ODUYA-M.FRASER
The Devils should be able to go on without Rafalski, thought it will be tough. Paul Martin was the Devils second best defensemen last season and wasn't far behind Rafalski. Martin and Colin White will take most of the load for the Devils this season and they should be able to handle it fine. Rachunek was brought in to hopefully help the PP but it is uncertain if Rachunek will be able to do that after only scoring 26 points last season with the Rangers. Richard Matvichuk and Vishnevski add veteran leadership and more physicality to the Devils point. Andy Greene and John Oduya both FA's brought in by the Devils, showed that they can play in the NHL and will press to make the Devils roster this season.

GOALIES
1- M.BRODEUR
2- K.WEEKES
3- D.CARUSO
Brodeur will once again be the backbone of the Devils and carry them into the playoffs. Brodeur broke Bernie Parent's record for most wins in a season last year with 48 but looked a little over worked and not at his best in the playoffs. The Devils brought in Weekes to take some load off Brodeur and replace Scott Clemmensen, who the Devils just didn't have enough trust in for the last couple of years.

OVERALL
As long as Marty Brodeur is backstopping the Devils, the Devils will make the playoffs. Look for Elias and Gionta to take over the offense and have better years. Parise will have another monster season and I predicted he will score over 40 this year. If Zubrus doesn't work out for the Devils as their #1 center the Devils only have 45 million dollars locked up, so they will be able to look for a replace at trade deadline. I think the Devils need more offense to make a run in the playoffs but you never with Marty Brodeur.

Predicted Finish- 3rd Division, 7th Conference

New York Islanders
Last season record: 40-30-7-5 92 points
Division: 4
Conference: 8

OFF-SEASON
arrivals: LW Jon Sim(ATL), LW Ruslan Fedotenko(TB), RW Tim Jackman(LA), RW Bill Guerin(STL/SJ), C Mike Comrie(PHO/OTT), D Aaron Johnson(CBM), D Andy Sutton(ATL), C Josef Vasicek(NAS/CAR), G Joey MacDonald(DET/BOS), D Matthew Spiller(PHO), RW Darryl Bootland(DET), LW Kip Brennan(ANA), C Ben Walter(t-BOS)
departures: RW Jason Blake, G Mike Dunham(Retired), D Sean Hill, RW Viktor Kozlov, D Tom Poti, LW Ryan Smyth, C Alexei Yashin, LW Richard Zednik, C/RW Petteri Nokelainen

The Islanders lost the most key players in the off-season out of any other team. They lost their best RW and leading scorer Jason Blake, short lived emotional leader and best LW Ryan Smyth, #1 C Alexei Yashin even though they bought him out and their two best minute crunchers on defense, Tom Poti and Sean Hill. Inexperienced GM Garth Snow had a lot of work to do and not much to pick from. Blake, Smyth, Poti and Kozlov were all gone on July 1st as were most of the marquee free agents. It took a couple of days for Snow to act but he was able to bring in RW Bill Guerin who is coming off a 36 goal season and was immediately named captain. Mike Comrie was also brought in to get another shot at being a #1 center. Ruslan Fedotenko was added to fill in one of the LW spots but had a terrible year last year only notching 12 goals. More offense is needed from Comrie and Fedotenko and Guerin's age can't catch-up to him for the Islanders offense to succeed. D Andy Sutton was brought in to take up the minutes left behind by Poti and Hill but other than that not much work was done on an already pretty good defense. Other than the signing of Josef Vasicek and LW Jon Sim, the rest of the moves were minor.

FORWARDS
My Projected Lines:
1- J.TAMBELLINI-M.COMRIE-B.GUERIN
2- R.FEDOTENKO-S.BERGENHEIM-M.SATAN
3- A.HILBERT-M.SILLINGER-T.HUNTER
4- J.VASICEK-S.BATES-R.PARK
E- J.SIM-F.NIELSEN-D.BOOTLAND
Suspended- C.SIMON
Lots of forwards will have to either pick up their play or continue with their good play in order for the Islanders to have any offense at all. It starts off with their big signings of Guerin and Comrie. Guerin has to continue on his success last year and cant let time catch-up to him. Comrie has to prove he is capable of being a #1 center after he fell out favor in Phoenix last year and played on the wing in Ottawa which he played pretty well at. Fedotenko has to pick up his game, he looked like a totally different player last year after he good playoffs in '04 and his 26 goal season in '05-06 and he only posted 12 goals. Miroslav Satan's production also slipped a little last year from 35 goals to 27 goals. The line of Andy Hilbert, Mike Sillinger and Trent Hunter was very good as the Islanders shut-down line last year and they are still capable of scoring some goals. Sillinger is another guy who can't let time catch-up to him. Young guys like Jeff Tambellini, who is a very good skater and should fit in good to the 'new' NHL and Sean Bergenheim have to take the next step and crack the line-up. The Islanders gave up alot for really nothing in the Ryan Smyth trade last year and their young guys have to step up.

DEFENSE
My Projected Pairings:
1- A.SUTTON-M-A.BERGERON
2- B.WITT-R.MARTINEK
3- C.CAMPOLI-B.GERVAIS
E- A.JOHNSON-F.MEYER
The Islanders had a very good defense last year, allowing the 3rd fewest goals in the East last year. The Islanders lost minute eaters Poti and Hill but they should be ok without them. Adding Sutton helps the cause, his big frame(6 foot 6, 245 pounds) adds size and some toughness. Adding Marc-Andre Bergeron last year helped the Islanders offense, he posted 21 points in only 23 games after being acquired from the Oilers. Brendan Witt and Radek Martinek should give the Isles a very good shut down tandem, Martinek was a +19 before being injured in game 43. Chris Campoli also has to continue to develop to take some of those minutes left by Poti and Hill.

GOALIES
1- R.DiPIETRO
2- W.DUBIELEWICZ
3- J.MacDONALD
Rick DiPietro finally proved himself as a #1 goalie even though he was sidelined with a concussion last season. With the Isles good defense and DiPietro between the pipes, the Islanders should once again not let up alot of goals. After Wade Dubielewicz's heroic performance at the end of the year which got the Isles into the playoffs, Snow figured that old back-up Mike Dunham was expendable, so the back-up job is Dubielewicz's to loose. The Isles added Joey MacDonald just for insurance.

OVERALL
The Islanders pulled off some miracles last season and made the playoffs. The loses seem to great in order for the Isles to pull that off again. The Isles will be able to keep the puck out of the net but the question is whether they will be able to put it in. The Islanders only have 41 million dollars locked up if, so there is room if Snow needs to add another piece to the puzzle. I think the Islanders will fall short of the playoffs, most other teams in the East improved and the Islanders didn't. It may not be that bad of a season for the Isles but I think you will find them near the bottom of the East at the end of the season.

Predicted Finish- 5th Division, 14th Conference

New York Rangers
Last season record: 42-30-5-5 94 points
Division: 3rd
Conference: 6th

OFF-SEASON
arrivals: C Chris Drury(BUFF), C Scott Gomez(NJ), D Andrew Hutchinson(t-CAR), C Joe Barnes(t-CAR)
departures: C Matt Cullen, LW Brad Isbister, C Michael Nylander, RW Jed Ortmeyer, D Sandis Ozolinsh, D Karel Rachunek, G Kevin Weekes

TWO MOVES, was all the Rangers needed to make themselves a favourite coming out of the east this season. The signings of Chris Drury and Scott Gomez on July 1st showed the hockey world the Rangers want to win again. The Rangers signed 2 of the 3 best centers available and upgraded their first and second line. Gomez signed for 7 years and Drury for 5 means the Rangers should be competitive for years to come. Both players bring huge playoff experience and Stanley Cup rings which was one of the things needed on the Rangers. The Rangers also signed G Henrik Lundqvist to another 1 year contract who is an elite goalie in the NHL after coming off consecutive Vezina nominations, they will be to lock him up long term next summer though. The Rangers defense was the weakest position on the team and some thought the Rangers would address that problem but nothing was done. Veterans Karel Rachunek and were let go which takes away depth from the Rangers blueline. Rookie Sandis OzolinshMarc Staal is projected to make the Rangers line-up and this should help them greatly. For two consecutive world juniors, Staal has been the ultimate shutdown defensemen and that is what the Rangers greatly needed. The loss of Matt Cullen as their #3 center could hurt them especially since they were unable to lock up C Mike Peca.

FORWARDS
My Projected Lines:
1- M.STRAKA-S.GOMEZ-J.JAGR
2- S.AVERY-C.DRURY-B.SHANAHAN
3-M.HOSSA-B.DUBINSKY-P.PRUCHA
4- R.HOLLOWEG-B.BETTS-R.CALLAHAN
E- N.DAWES-J.IMMONEN-C.ORR
The Rangers will score alot of goals this year and with this unit should be a top 3 team in the east. The first line got a little bit of an upgrade with Gomez replacing Michael Nylander. Gomez is a better player than Nylander because of his youth and he is a better playmaker. Nylander did have good chemistry with Jaromir Jagr but Gomez shouldn't have a problem filling in. Giving Jagr for Gomez to pass to is also a upgrade for Gomez over Patrik Elias. Martin Straka has revived his career with the Rangers and should be good for 80+ points playing alongside Gomez and Jagr. The signing of Drury for the second line is where the upgrade really is. The Rangers had trouble finding a center to play in between Sean Avery and Brendan Shanahan last year and never could find a suitable player to fill in that spot. Drury is the perfect player for that spot, look for Shanny's and Avery's production to go up. The Rangers lack a little bit in depth but their 3rd and 4th lines should be fine. Petr Prucha has to find his form again after dropping to 22 goals last season. Brandon Dubinsky will also be counted on after he had some success late last year. Ryan Callahan showed lots of promise last season and playing beside Blair Betts, who has become a very good defensive player, should help.

DEFENSE
My Projected Pairings:
1- M.STAAL-M.ROZSIVAL
2- M.MALIK-F.TYUTIN
3- P.MARA-T.POCK
E- D.GIRARDI-A.HUTCHINSON
This could be a area of concern for the Rangers. Staal is really gonna have to develop fast and contribute big time for the group to have success. Michal Rozsival, like Straka is another former Penguin who has revitalized his career with the Rangers. He is the Rangers best defensemen and contributes both offensively, coming off a 40 point season and defensively, being a combined +45 the last two seasons. Fedor Tyutin also has to continue to develop after being just so-so last year. Paul Mara and Marek Malik are the veterans of the group and both have to be better this year in order for the Rangers to be an elite team. David Girardi also showed promise last year and along with Andrew Hutchinson gives the Rangers half decent depth. Also look for Darius Kasparaitis, who is trying to make a come back in camp. Some one will also have to step-up and help quarterback the Rangers powerplay.

GOALIES
1- H.LUNDQVIST
2- A.MONTOYA
3- S.VALIQUETTE
There are no problems here for the Rangers with Lundqvist coming off another Vezina nomination and stellar season. Lundqvist is capable of backstopping the Rangers to a Cup, proving that in the 2006 Olympics when he lead Sweden to a Gold medal. Al Montoya after all the hype surrounding him when the Rangers drafted him 6th overall in 2004 finally looks like he will make the jump to the NHL to back-up Lundqvist. He will be in tough for the job, having to battle out Stephen Valiquette for the job.

OVERALL
The Rangers are now an elite team in not only the east but in the NHL and have to be one of the favourites for the Cup going into the season. On that point, the Rangers should win their division easily and make a deep run in the playoffs. The defense will have to step up for this to happen but the addition of Staal will help the problem. If the Rangers do need a extra defense towards the end of the season they will have to make a trade because right now they are sitting at 51 million dollars towards the cap.

Predicted Finish- 1st Division, 2nd Conference

Philadelphia Flyers
Last season record: 27-48-6-6 56 points
Division: 5th
Conference: 15th

OFF-SEASON
arrivals: D Kimmo Timonen(NAS), LW Scott Hartnell(NAS), C Daniel Briere(BUFF), LW Joffrey Lupul(t-EDM), D Jason Smith(t-EDM)
departures: LW Dmitry Afanasenkov, G Robert Esche, LW Todd Fedoruk, D Joni Pitkanen, C/LW Mike York, LW Geoff Sanderson

OFF-SEASON
The Flyers have seemed to improve their team dramatically after finishing dead last in the NHL with 56 points last season.The Flyers didn't even wait till July 1st to start revamping the worst team in the NHL. In June the Flyers were able to acquire the rights to both LW Scott Hartnell and D Kimmo Timonen for the 1st round draft pick they had earlier acquired in the Peter Forsberg deal. The Flyers then immediately signed both players to 3 and 6 year contracts respectively. Timonen was considered by some teams the best defensemen on the market after posting back-to-back 50 points seasons and being a +20 last season. Then on July 1st the Flyers signed arguably the best center available in Daniel Briere to a 8 year contract which includes him making 10 million dollars this season, making him the highest paid player in the league. Briere will look to be the 1st line center the Flyers lacked when Forsberg was injured and now with Forsberg gone. Briere and Gagne could be on of the best duo's this season. Later on in the day, the Flyers added some leadership and heart to their defense when they acquired D Jason Smith along with RW Joffrey Lupul from Edmonton for young defensemen Joni Pitkanen and LW Geoff Sanderson. Pitkanen only 24 struggled last year with the Flyers posting a horrendous -25 and with lots of young talent left and the signing of Timonen, Pitkanen seemed expendable. Smith will had immediate leadership, grit and heart. I think this was a very good move by the Flyers because they get a guy in Smith who will do anything for his team to win.

FORWARDS
My Projected Lines:
1- S.GAGNE-D.BRIERE-M.KNUBLE
2- S.HARTNELL-J.CARTER-S.UPSHALL
3- R-J.UMBERGER-M.RICHARDS-J.LUPUL
4- B.EAGER-R.POTULNY-S.KAPANEN
E- B.KANE-S.RUZICKA-B.REID
The Flyers ranked 23rd in the league for goals scored last year and that should change with the help of their new additions. The duo of Simon Gagne and Briere could be lethal for the Flyers. Gagne coming off back-to-back 40 goal seasons could easily get that mark up to 50 this year and be in contention for the Maurice Richard Trophy by the end of the year. Briere coming off his best season is the perfect player in today's new NHL. Putting Gagne and Briere together could be the start of something special. Adding Mike Knuble makes the line even better. Knuble was injured last year but still managed 24 goals and 54 points in only 64 games. Hartnell adds grit and scoring to the second line. Jeff Carter has to continue to develop but has show the potential to be a very good 2nd line center. After the trade from Nashville last year, Scottie Upshall played very well with Philadelphia. He tallied 13 points in only 18 games with the Flyers last season. This line will have to continue to develop and give the Flyers secondary scoring in order for the Flyers to rebound from their dreadful season last year. The Flyers third line could be a very good one too. Lead by C Mike Richards this line along with Lupul and R-J.Umberger will bring a ton of toughness and grit and will also be able to pot the odd goal. Lupul if he regains his form from Anaheim could also see time on the 2nd line. The Flyers are looking good on forward with good scoring and good grit heading into camp.

DEFENSE
My Projected Pairings:
1- K.TIMONEN-L.KUKKONEN
2- D.HATCHER-B.COBURN
3- D.GAUTHIER-J.SMITH
E- R.JONES-A.PICARD
The additions of Timonen and Smith will change the Flyers defense completely. Both players bring leadership and both can play defensive defense, Smith especially. Timonen will also help huge on the PP were the Flyers finished 2nd last in the league last year. Less pressure will also be put on Derian Hatcher to be the go to guy, considering he can be a complete pylon sometimes. The development of Braydon Coburn, Lasse Kukkonen, Alex Picard and Ryan Parent is also very important since the Flyers top 4 defensemen, Hatcher, Timonen, Smith and Denis Gauthier are all in their 30's. One final thing about the defense is that Mike Rathje is still on the Flyers roster just if anyone is wondering what happened to him. The Flyers placed him on the Long Term IR so that his 3.5 million dollar contract doesn't eat up space.

GOALIES
1- M.BIRON
2- A.NIITTYMAKI
3- S.MUNROE
This could be a question for the Flyers this season. Martin Biron has had some success as a starter but not great success and his numbers weren't great last season. His GAA was over 3 and that needs to come down for the Flyers to have success. Antero Niittymaki didn't have a great season last year either after he seemed that he would break out after that great performance at the 2006 Olympics. It is definitely too early to give up on him and I still think he will be the Flyers goalie in the future. This position will probably be better than last year with a better defensive supporting cast but it could be the difference towards the Flyers making the playoffs.

OVERALL
The Flyers have may more depth than last year and finally look like they are willing to take the time to draft and develop their prospects. This will be a different organization this year under GM Paul Holmgren and the Flyers just might make the playoffs this season. Personally I just don't think the Flyers will have enough goaltending to make the playoffs but will be close in the hunt all season. The Flyers have 48 million dollars locked up, so there is very little room for the Flyers to make some moves.

Predicted Finish- 4th Division, 9th Conference

Pittsburgh Penguins
Last season record: 47-24-5-6 105 points
Division: 2nd
Conference: 5th

OFF-SEASON
arrivals: G Dany Sabourin(VAN), D Darryl Sydor(DAL), RW Petr Sykora(EDM), C Nathan Smith(VAN), G Ty Conklin(CBM/BUFF), C Tim Brent(t-ANA), D Mike Weaver(LA)
departures: D Eric Cairns, LW Nils Ekman, D Joel Kwiatkowski, D Josef Melichar, RW Ronald Petrovicky, RW Michel Ouellet, G Jocelyn Thibault, C Chris Thorburn

The off-season wasn't very busy for the Penguins. They weren't going after that big all-star name, it was more of adding to the empire they already have formed. The biggest move was locking up NHL MVP Sidney Crosby to a 5 year contract. The Penguins were a little weak on the wings last year so that area was addressed. They started by re-signing veterans Gary Roberts and Mark Reechi to one year contracts. Then when the UFA's became available, the Penguins signed Petr Sykora who lead the lonely Oilers is scoring last season. Sykora really seemed to find his step again, showing that he is still capable of being a top 6 forward. The Penguins then signed one of the best veteran defensemen in the league when they locked up Darryl Sydor. Sydor will help Sergei Gonchar bring leadership to the defense along with a more defensive style of defense the Penguins were lacking. Dany Sabourin and Ty Conklin were both signed to fight for the back-up job left behind by Jocelyn Thibault. These signings were surprising to me because the Penguins seemed to prefer a veteran back-up to young Marc-Andre Fleury and that seemed like a logical move to have someone teach Fleury the shots and develop.

FORWARDS
My Projected Lines:
1- J.STAAL-S.CROSBY-M.REECHI
2- G.ROBERTS-E.MALKIN-P.SYKORA
3- R.MALONE-E.CHRISTENSEN-C.ARMSTRONG
4- J.RUUTU-M.TALBOT-R.STONE
E- J.TAFFE-T.BRENT-G.LARAQUE
The Penguins should have no problems scoring goals again this year and they could even score more. The addition of Sykora will give the Penguins that little bit of extra depth on the wings for everyone to be more productive. Nothing has to be said about Crosby, he will once again be at the top of the league in scoring. Him and Reechi seemed to have some chemistry last year so look for them to be on a line together again. Look for Jordan Staal's production to go up from his 29 goals from last year if he plays alongside Crosby. Crosby and Staal could also form another great duo in the NHL. The second line is solid too, Malkin is covered by veterans Roberts and Sykora. Roberts will bring the grit to this line while Malkin and Sykora will finish on the opportunities made by Roberts. Pittsburgh is another team that could have a very talented 3rd line. Ryan Malone, Erik Christensen and Colby Armstrong have all produced in their career and Armstrong should continue to dish out more punishing hits this year, striking fear in Pittsburgh's opponents.
George Laraque and Jarkko Ruutu bring the toughness to the team and are the protectors of Crosby, Staal and Malkin.

DEFENSE
My Projected Pairings:
1- S.GONCHAR-B.ORPIK
2- R.WHITNEY-D.SYDOR
3- M.EATON-K.LETANG
E- R.SCUDERI-M.WEAVER
The Penguins finally have a very respectable top 4 d-men with Gonchar, Sydor, Ryan Whitney and Brooks Orpik. The development of Orpik and Whitney was huge for the Penguins organization last year, who had been very weak on their back end in previous seasons. Whitney produced 59 points last year and was huge on the PP. He was awarded with a new 6 year 24 million dollar contract in the off-season. The addition of Sydor will be a even bigger difference in the Penguins defense this year than last year. Sydor is the ideal veteran defensive defensemen the Penguins were looking for. If Mark Eaton can stay healthy, he can team up with rookie Kris Letang, who could be a candidate for the Calder Trophy and make a very good 3rd pairing for the Penguins.

GOALIES
1- M-A.FLEURY
2- D.SABOURIN
3- T.CONKLIN
Fleury had a very good season last year but had a couple of shaky games and will have to improve on those shaky games to become an elite goaltender. The Penguins obviously think Fleury will take the next step because they decided to not re-sign veteran Thibault or go after a veteran in free agency. Instead they signed Sabourin and Conklin to battle it out for the back-up job. I think Sabourin will take it especially since Conklin was signed to a two-way contract.

OVERALL
The Penguins have to be considered a elite team in the East this year. Crosby, Staal and Malkin are all one year older and the additions of Sykora and Sydor brings even more leadership, scoring and defensive defense the Penguins needed. The Penguins have to also be considered to even take it all this year. The Penguins could make a few moves around the deadline this year with only having 41 million dollars locked up. Look for new captain Sid the Kid to lead his team and probably win a couple of rounds in the playoffs.

Predicted Finish- 2nd Division, 4th Conference