Post by Dethrij on Sept 29, 2008 12:58:33 GMT -5
Here is my General Overview of the Central Division. It includes things it includes stuff like Breakout Players, Rookies to Watch, and Possible Line Combinations
CENTRAL DIVISION
The Central Division is arguably one of the most improved division over this offseason. The Detroit Red Wings, the Stanley Cup Champions of last year, are the favorites to win the Cup again this year. If the Blackhawks can keep Havlat and Toews healthy then they will be the only team that could even remotely keep up with the Wings for the central crown. But we all know keeping Havlat healthy is no easy task- In fact i think they made a movie about it called Mission Impossible. The Blue Jackets will look to make their first ever postseason after a complete makeover on offense. The Blues are starting to go into a rebuilding stage. While there are still a few veterans on this team it’s time for the youngsters to step up. The Nashville Predators had one of the worst off seasons in the NHL. Nashville will have to put the Radulov situation behind them and look to their youngste for help.
[glow=red,2,300]Projection[/glow]
1. Detroit Red Wings-z
2. Chicago Blackhawks-x
3. Nashville Predators
4. Columbus Blue Jackets
5. St. Louis Blues
All- Central 1st Team
LW- Henrik Zetterberg, Red Wings
C- Pavol Datsyuk, Red wings
RW- Patrick Kane, ‘Hawks
D- Nicklas Lidstrom, Red Wings
D-Brian Campbell, ‘Hawks
G- Dan Ellis, Predators
Coach- Mike Babcock, Redwings
2nd Team
LW- Rick Nash, ‘Jackets
C-Jonathan Toews, ‘Hawks
RW- Marian Hossa, Red Wings
D-Brian Rafalski,Red Wings
D-Shea Weber, Predators
G- Chris Osgood, Red Wings
Coach-Denis Savard, ‘Hawks
DETROIT RED WINGS
“The Best gets Better”
Overview
The 2008 Stanley only got better this offseason. They were able to sign the top free agent Marian Hossa making them the favorite to win the Cup again this year. They were also able to re-sign defensemen Brad Stuart for less than his market value. The Wings will return one of the NHL’s top scoring line last year with Zetterberg, Datsyuk, and Holmstrom. Also, they have Johan Franzen who had a promising postseason. On defense, Niklas Lidstrom will look to continue his reign as the NHL’s top defender after he won his sixth Norris trophy last year. The offseason retirement of Dominick Hasek handed the starting goaltender job over to Chris Osgood. The wings also signed Ty Conklin who will likely be Osgood’s backup
Offseason Transactions-
IN- Ty Conklin, Marian Hossa, Darren Haydar
OUT- Garrett Stafford, Carl Corazzini, Mark Cullen
Breakout candidate- Johan Franzen, W
Franzen is an emerging force on the PP and could compete with Holmstrom for his spot on the first unit.
Valtteri Filppula is also another player on the watch list.
Impact Rookie- Darren Helm, C
A speedy rookie, Helm will fight for playing time on a team loaded with skilled Veterans.
Projected Line Combinations-
*All of these Line Combinations are only Predictions*
Ramblings: It would be nice for wings fans (not for me) to see Hossa on the first line. Hossa will probably see some time on the 1st line but they probably will separate Hossa from Zetterberg and Datsyuk. Holmstrom could still be the 3rd guy on the 1st line but Johan Franzen who play superb during the playoffs might take his spot.
Pavel Datsyuk*-Henrik Zetterberg*-Hossa*/Holmstrom
Johan Franzen-Valtteri Filppula-Tomas Holmstrom/ Hossa
D: Lidstrom*, Rafalski*, Kronwall
G: Osgood
*- Power Play
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
“Raising Kane”
Overview
This year Chicago will look to its youth to get things done. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews will have to avoid the Sophomore slump this year if Chicago expects to go to the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Kane and Toews will be the key to Chicago’s offensive this year while Patrick Sharp can put up some numbers as well. Martin Havlat could lead this team in points if he could stay healthy but I wouldn’t count on it. At defense Chicago went out and signed Brian Campbell to a eight year 56.8 million dollar contract. Cam Barker and Duncan Keith will also be a big part of the Hawks blueline. The Hawks also signed Frenchman Cristobal Huet. We will probably see Huet in goal this year for Chicago. Khabibulin will more than likely be traded before the March deadline.
Offseason Transactions-
OUT- Jason Williams, Patrick Lalime, Rene Bourque, Danny Richmond, David Koci
IN- Cristobal Huet, Brian Campbell, Matt Walker, Aaron Johnson, Doug Janik, Tim Brent
Breakout candidate- Dave Bolland, C
After an injury plague rookie season Bolland was only played 39 games but still managed 17 pts.
Impact Rookie- Akim Aliu, C
Aliu will become only the second Nigerian to play in the NHL after an impressive show at the prospect camp.
Projected Line Combinations-
Patrick Sharp*-Jonathan Toews*-Patrick Kane*
Byfuglien/Ladd-Bolland?-Martin Havlat*
D: Campbell*, Seabrook, Keith
G: Huet
Khabibulin
*-Power Play
NASHVILLE PREDATORS
“More than just a taste”
Overview
The Nashville Predators will have to put the Radulov conflict behind them and focus on advancing in the playoffs for the first time. Offensively, the Predators are lead by Jason Arnott, JP Dumont, and Martin Erat. Rookie Patric Hornqvist will look to take Radulovs place while rookie Ryan Jones will also have a important role in the Preds offense. It’s looking more and more likely that we have seen the last of Steve Sullivan. The leader of the Predators youthful defense is Shea Weber who will look to take his career to the next level. Other notables on Nashville’s young but talented defense are Suter, Hamhuis, Zanon, and Ville Koistinen. In goalie for Nashville is Dan Ellis who won the starting job last year over, now Columbus Blue Jacket, Chris Mason. Behind Ellis is Pekke Rinne who is more than ready to steal the starting job if Ellis falls.
Offseason Transactions-
OUT- Darcy Hordichuk, John Vigilante, Marek Zidlicky, Alex Henry, Janne Niskala, Chris Mason, Brandon Bochenski, Jan Hlavac, Marin Gelinas,….Alexander Radulov (Consider his career in Nashville DONE)
IN- Triston Grant, Ryan Jones, Drew MacIntyre, Josh Gratton
Impact Rookie- Patric Hornqvist, W
Hornqvist has a lot of offensive upside and will more than likely be Radulov’s replacement. He played for Sweden at this year’s World championship and broke Peter Forsberg’s rookie scoring record in the Swedish Elite League. Also watch out for Ryan Jones who I also see making the team. Jones will take a role on the team that was left vacant when Scott Hartnell left.
Breakout Candidate- Shea Weber, D
With the departure of Marek Zidlicky Weber has now become Nashville’s top defender. Weber will see a lot of ice time and a lot of PP time. Also look out for Ville Koistinen, He only has 48 games under his belt but he was used a lot on the PP last year where 11 of his 17 points were with the man advantage.
Projected Line Combinations-
Ramblings: This is a hard team to predict the lines because they will probably be mixing things up a lot to start the season. If Steve Sullivan comes back expect him to take a spot on the 2nd line. I think Hornqvist and R. Jones’s abilities will be need on the top 2 lines. The Erat-Arnott-Dumont line could be broken up. It’s been report that Peverley has played with Dumont so we could see some of that. Hornqvist will take Radulov’s spot and likely play with Legwand immediately. Smithson could play on the 3rd line. But Arnott WILL be the 1st line center. Legwand WILL be the 2nd line center and Bonk WILL be on the 3rd line. From there it could go any different direction. The predators are in a mired mess…
Erat*-Arnott*- Dumont*
Ryan Jones/Fiddler -David Legwand-Hornqvist
Fiddler/ Jones-Bonk- Tootoo
D: Weber*, Suter*, Hamhuis, Koistinen
G: Dan Ellis
*- Power Play
COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
“Singled Out!”
Overview
The Blue Jackets are singled out as the only NHL to never play in the postseason. The GM Scott Howson realized it was time for change and that’s why the Blue Jackets’ changed a third of their roster. The ‘Jackets lost their all-time leading scorer, David Vyborny, who went to play in Europe. The ‘Jackets also traded away their 3rd all-time leading scorer, Nikolai Zherdev, for a pair of Defensemen. They traded for R.J. Umberger who will likely be their first line center. Columbus added Kristian Huselius via the Free Agent Market. Huselius will look to be a big part of the Blue Jackets offense this year. Rookies Derick Brassard, Nikita Filatov, and Jakub Voracek are all players to watch as they move up the Blue Jackets Depth Chart. On Defense the ‘Jackets are led by Fedor Tyutin who they acquired in the Zherdev trade. The Blue jackets have one of the biggest defenses in the NHL with only one player under 6-1 and only one under 200 pounds. At goalie Columbus has Pascal Leclaire who look to improve on the great season he had last year where he led the NHL in Shutouts.
Offseason Transactions-
OUT- Joakim Lindstrom, Ron Hainsey, Matt Marquardt, Gilbert Brule, Zenon Konopka, Nikolai Zherdev, Dan Fristsche, David Vyborny
IN- Jonathan Sigalet, RJ Umberger, Raffi Torres, Mike Commodore, Fedor Tyutin, Christian Backman, Kristian Huselius, John Viligante, Craig MacDonald, Michael York
Breakout candidate- Fedor Tyutin, D
After acquiring Tyutin in the trade that sent Zherdev to New York, the Blue Jackets will look to Tyutin to lead a big, tough defensive unit.
Impact Rookie- Derick Brassard, C
Brassard will quickly move up the Jackets depth chart because of the lack of depth the Jackets have at the Center postion. Also watch Jakub Voracek and Nikita Filatov these two rookies will also make their way up the Blue Jackets Depth Chart this year.
Projected Line Combinations-Huselius*-Umberger*-Rick Nash*
Torres*-Michael Peca*-Fredrik Modin*
It would be interesting to see this line:
Voracek- Brassard- Filatov
D:Fedor Tyutin, Backman*, Kris Russell
G: Pascal Leclaire
ST. LOUIS BLUES
“I guess that why they call it the Blues”
Overview
After making 25 straight postseasons from 1980-2004, the Blues became one of the worst teams in the NHL. Since then they have gone into a rebuilding stage. The Blues are led by veterans Paul Kariya, Keith Tkachuk, and Andy McDonald. The Blues also are returning their leading scorer 26 year old Brad Boyes who scored a total 43 goals last year. St. Louis will look to their youngsters for help this year. David Perron will look to improve on his 27 point rookie season. Rookies T.J. Oshie and Patrik Berglund will both look to be key contributers off the Blues Offense. On Defense the Blues took a Huge hit with former first overall pick Erik Johnson’s injury that will sideline him for the entire 08-09 season. Without E. Johnson the Blues will have to look to Eric Brewer and Barret Jackman to lead the teams Defense. Rookie and 2008 first round pick Pietranglo might see some ice time on the Blues’ Blueline and maybe a contributor if given the opportunity. In between the pipes for the Blues is 35 year old Manny Legace. The biggest move the Blues made this offseason was adding Chris Mason. Mason will be a valuable backup for the Blues if Legace should go down.
Offseason Transactions-
OUT- Matt Walker, Chris Beckford-Tseu, Mike Glumac, Jamal Mayers, Ryan Johnson
IN- TJ Fast, Chris Mason, Mike Weaver, Matt Foy, Steve Regler, Brad Winchester, Andy Wozniewski
Breakout candidate- David Perron, W
After having 27 points last year as a rookie, there is a good chance Perron could hit the 50 mark as a sophomore.
Impact Rookie- T.J. Oshie, C
A former teammate of Jonathan Toews, Oshie’s offensive skills will likely land him a spot on one of the Blues top lines. With the recent injury to Erik Johnson I would also watch for Alex Pietrangelo to make a big impact on the Blues’ blueline this year.
Projected Line Combinations-
Paul Kariya*-Andy McDonald*-Brad Boyes*
Keith Tkachuk*-Patrik Berglund-David Backes
D: Eric Brewer*, Jackman, Pietrangelo
G: Manny Legace
CENTRAL DIVISION
The Central Division is arguably one of the most improved division over this offseason. The Detroit Red Wings, the Stanley Cup Champions of last year, are the favorites to win the Cup again this year. If the Blackhawks can keep Havlat and Toews healthy then they will be the only team that could even remotely keep up with the Wings for the central crown. But we all know keeping Havlat healthy is no easy task- In fact i think they made a movie about it called Mission Impossible. The Blue Jackets will look to make their first ever postseason after a complete makeover on offense. The Blues are starting to go into a rebuilding stage. While there are still a few veterans on this team it’s time for the youngsters to step up. The Nashville Predators had one of the worst off seasons in the NHL. Nashville will have to put the Radulov situation behind them and look to their youngste for help.
[glow=red,2,300]Projection[/glow]
1. Detroit Red Wings-z
2. Chicago Blackhawks-x
3. Nashville Predators
4. Columbus Blue Jackets
5. St. Louis Blues
All- Central 1st Team
LW- Henrik Zetterberg, Red Wings
C- Pavol Datsyuk, Red wings
RW- Patrick Kane, ‘Hawks
D- Nicklas Lidstrom, Red Wings
D-Brian Campbell, ‘Hawks
G- Dan Ellis, Predators
Coach- Mike Babcock, Redwings
2nd Team
LW- Rick Nash, ‘Jackets
C-Jonathan Toews, ‘Hawks
RW- Marian Hossa, Red Wings
D-Brian Rafalski,Red Wings
D-Shea Weber, Predators
G- Chris Osgood, Red Wings
Coach-Denis Savard, ‘Hawks
DETROIT RED WINGS
“The Best gets Better”
Overview
The 2008 Stanley only got better this offseason. They were able to sign the top free agent Marian Hossa making them the favorite to win the Cup again this year. They were also able to re-sign defensemen Brad Stuart for less than his market value. The Wings will return one of the NHL’s top scoring line last year with Zetterberg, Datsyuk, and Holmstrom. Also, they have Johan Franzen who had a promising postseason. On defense, Niklas Lidstrom will look to continue his reign as the NHL’s top defender after he won his sixth Norris trophy last year. The offseason retirement of Dominick Hasek handed the starting goaltender job over to Chris Osgood. The wings also signed Ty Conklin who will likely be Osgood’s backup
Offseason Transactions-
IN- Ty Conklin, Marian Hossa, Darren Haydar
OUT- Garrett Stafford, Carl Corazzini, Mark Cullen
Breakout candidate- Johan Franzen, W
Franzen is an emerging force on the PP and could compete with Holmstrom for his spot on the first unit.
Valtteri Filppula is also another player on the watch list.
Impact Rookie- Darren Helm, C
A speedy rookie, Helm will fight for playing time on a team loaded with skilled Veterans.
Projected Line Combinations-
*All of these Line Combinations are only Predictions*
Ramblings: It would be nice for wings fans (not for me) to see Hossa on the first line. Hossa will probably see some time on the 1st line but they probably will separate Hossa from Zetterberg and Datsyuk. Holmstrom could still be the 3rd guy on the 1st line but Johan Franzen who play superb during the playoffs might take his spot.
Pavel Datsyuk*-Henrik Zetterberg*-Hossa*/Holmstrom
Johan Franzen-Valtteri Filppula-Tomas Holmstrom/ Hossa
D: Lidstrom*, Rafalski*, Kronwall
G: Osgood
*- Power Play
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
“Raising Kane”
Overview
This year Chicago will look to its youth to get things done. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews will have to avoid the Sophomore slump this year if Chicago expects to go to the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Kane and Toews will be the key to Chicago’s offensive this year while Patrick Sharp can put up some numbers as well. Martin Havlat could lead this team in points if he could stay healthy but I wouldn’t count on it. At defense Chicago went out and signed Brian Campbell to a eight year 56.8 million dollar contract. Cam Barker and Duncan Keith will also be a big part of the Hawks blueline. The Hawks also signed Frenchman Cristobal Huet. We will probably see Huet in goal this year for Chicago. Khabibulin will more than likely be traded before the March deadline.
Offseason Transactions-
OUT- Jason Williams, Patrick Lalime, Rene Bourque, Danny Richmond, David Koci
IN- Cristobal Huet, Brian Campbell, Matt Walker, Aaron Johnson, Doug Janik, Tim Brent
Breakout candidate- Dave Bolland, C
After an injury plague rookie season Bolland was only played 39 games but still managed 17 pts.
Impact Rookie- Akim Aliu, C
Aliu will become only the second Nigerian to play in the NHL after an impressive show at the prospect camp.
Projected Line Combinations-
Patrick Sharp*-Jonathan Toews*-Patrick Kane*
Byfuglien/Ladd-Bolland?-Martin Havlat*
D: Campbell*, Seabrook, Keith
G: Huet
Khabibulin
*-Power Play
NASHVILLE PREDATORS
“More than just a taste”
Overview
The Nashville Predators will have to put the Radulov conflict behind them and focus on advancing in the playoffs for the first time. Offensively, the Predators are lead by Jason Arnott, JP Dumont, and Martin Erat. Rookie Patric Hornqvist will look to take Radulovs place while rookie Ryan Jones will also have a important role in the Preds offense. It’s looking more and more likely that we have seen the last of Steve Sullivan. The leader of the Predators youthful defense is Shea Weber who will look to take his career to the next level. Other notables on Nashville’s young but talented defense are Suter, Hamhuis, Zanon, and Ville Koistinen. In goalie for Nashville is Dan Ellis who won the starting job last year over, now Columbus Blue Jacket, Chris Mason. Behind Ellis is Pekke Rinne who is more than ready to steal the starting job if Ellis falls.
Offseason Transactions-
OUT- Darcy Hordichuk, John Vigilante, Marek Zidlicky, Alex Henry, Janne Niskala, Chris Mason, Brandon Bochenski, Jan Hlavac, Marin Gelinas,….Alexander Radulov (Consider his career in Nashville DONE)
IN- Triston Grant, Ryan Jones, Drew MacIntyre, Josh Gratton
Impact Rookie- Patric Hornqvist, W
Hornqvist has a lot of offensive upside and will more than likely be Radulov’s replacement. He played for Sweden at this year’s World championship and broke Peter Forsberg’s rookie scoring record in the Swedish Elite League. Also watch out for Ryan Jones who I also see making the team. Jones will take a role on the team that was left vacant when Scott Hartnell left.
Breakout Candidate- Shea Weber, D
With the departure of Marek Zidlicky Weber has now become Nashville’s top defender. Weber will see a lot of ice time and a lot of PP time. Also look out for Ville Koistinen, He only has 48 games under his belt but he was used a lot on the PP last year where 11 of his 17 points were with the man advantage.
Projected Line Combinations-
Ramblings: This is a hard team to predict the lines because they will probably be mixing things up a lot to start the season. If Steve Sullivan comes back expect him to take a spot on the 2nd line. I think Hornqvist and R. Jones’s abilities will be need on the top 2 lines. The Erat-Arnott-Dumont line could be broken up. It’s been report that Peverley has played with Dumont so we could see some of that. Hornqvist will take Radulov’s spot and likely play with Legwand immediately. Smithson could play on the 3rd line. But Arnott WILL be the 1st line center. Legwand WILL be the 2nd line center and Bonk WILL be on the 3rd line. From there it could go any different direction. The predators are in a mired mess…
Erat*-Arnott*- Dumont*
Ryan Jones/Fiddler -David Legwand-Hornqvist
Fiddler/ Jones-Bonk- Tootoo
D: Weber*, Suter*, Hamhuis, Koistinen
G: Dan Ellis
*- Power Play
COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
“Singled Out!”
Overview
The Blue Jackets are singled out as the only NHL to never play in the postseason. The GM Scott Howson realized it was time for change and that’s why the Blue Jackets’ changed a third of their roster. The ‘Jackets lost their all-time leading scorer, David Vyborny, who went to play in Europe. The ‘Jackets also traded away their 3rd all-time leading scorer, Nikolai Zherdev, for a pair of Defensemen. They traded for R.J. Umberger who will likely be their first line center. Columbus added Kristian Huselius via the Free Agent Market. Huselius will look to be a big part of the Blue Jackets offense this year. Rookies Derick Brassard, Nikita Filatov, and Jakub Voracek are all players to watch as they move up the Blue Jackets Depth Chart. On Defense the ‘Jackets are led by Fedor Tyutin who they acquired in the Zherdev trade. The Blue jackets have one of the biggest defenses in the NHL with only one player under 6-1 and only one under 200 pounds. At goalie Columbus has Pascal Leclaire who look to improve on the great season he had last year where he led the NHL in Shutouts.
Offseason Transactions-
OUT- Joakim Lindstrom, Ron Hainsey, Matt Marquardt, Gilbert Brule, Zenon Konopka, Nikolai Zherdev, Dan Fristsche, David Vyborny
IN- Jonathan Sigalet, RJ Umberger, Raffi Torres, Mike Commodore, Fedor Tyutin, Christian Backman, Kristian Huselius, John Viligante, Craig MacDonald, Michael York
Breakout candidate- Fedor Tyutin, D
After acquiring Tyutin in the trade that sent Zherdev to New York, the Blue Jackets will look to Tyutin to lead a big, tough defensive unit.
Impact Rookie- Derick Brassard, C
Brassard will quickly move up the Jackets depth chart because of the lack of depth the Jackets have at the Center postion. Also watch Jakub Voracek and Nikita Filatov these two rookies will also make their way up the Blue Jackets Depth Chart this year.
Projected Line Combinations-Huselius*-Umberger*-Rick Nash*
Torres*-Michael Peca*-Fredrik Modin*
It would be interesting to see this line:
Voracek- Brassard- Filatov
D:Fedor Tyutin, Backman*, Kris Russell
G: Pascal Leclaire
ST. LOUIS BLUES
“I guess that why they call it the Blues”
Overview
After making 25 straight postseasons from 1980-2004, the Blues became one of the worst teams in the NHL. Since then they have gone into a rebuilding stage. The Blues are led by veterans Paul Kariya, Keith Tkachuk, and Andy McDonald. The Blues also are returning their leading scorer 26 year old Brad Boyes who scored a total 43 goals last year. St. Louis will look to their youngsters for help this year. David Perron will look to improve on his 27 point rookie season. Rookies T.J. Oshie and Patrik Berglund will both look to be key contributers off the Blues Offense. On Defense the Blues took a Huge hit with former first overall pick Erik Johnson’s injury that will sideline him for the entire 08-09 season. Without E. Johnson the Blues will have to look to Eric Brewer and Barret Jackman to lead the teams Defense. Rookie and 2008 first round pick Pietranglo might see some ice time on the Blues’ Blueline and maybe a contributor if given the opportunity. In between the pipes for the Blues is 35 year old Manny Legace. The biggest move the Blues made this offseason was adding Chris Mason. Mason will be a valuable backup for the Blues if Legace should go down.
Offseason Transactions-
OUT- Matt Walker, Chris Beckford-Tseu, Mike Glumac, Jamal Mayers, Ryan Johnson
IN- TJ Fast, Chris Mason, Mike Weaver, Matt Foy, Steve Regler, Brad Winchester, Andy Wozniewski
Breakout candidate- David Perron, W
After having 27 points last year as a rookie, there is a good chance Perron could hit the 50 mark as a sophomore.
Impact Rookie- T.J. Oshie, C
A former teammate of Jonathan Toews, Oshie’s offensive skills will likely land him a spot on one of the Blues top lines. With the recent injury to Erik Johnson I would also watch for Alex Pietrangelo to make a big impact on the Blues’ blueline this year.
Projected Line Combinations-
Paul Kariya*-Andy McDonald*-Brad Boyes*
Keith Tkachuk*-Patrik Berglund-David Backes
D: Eric Brewer*, Jackman, Pietrangelo
G: Manny Legace