Monday 26 September 2011

Boston Bruins: Starley Cup Chanpiars

No, I did not forget to check the spelling before I posted, that's the right spelling, at least according to that tattoo artist who did Brad Marchand's tattoo. When he got inked in the locker room of TD Garden to commemorate their accomplishment, the artist spelled Champions with an A instead of an O, a gaffe Greg Wyshynski pointed out was fixed later. Of course that isn't a big deal. A simple fix and he's ready to go, it's not like there were any more mistakes. Oh, wait...

Marchand also mentions how he has no idea how the rumor started the tattoo said 'Starley.' That may be because the artist is worse at cursive than Happy Gilmore was at hockey. Any third grader can tell you a cursive N has two humps and a cursive M has three. The supposed Ns even have that little notch at the top like a cursive R. Both of those Ns are Rs and that M is an N. There is no other way of looking at it.

The Boston Bruins font is atrocious as well. None of the letters are the same size, or even straight for that matter. It looks shoddy and rushed, not how I would want to remember a moment like winning the Stanley Cup. At least it's spelled right though. Now it's just a matter of how many more he wins and deciding what to do from there. As Wyshynski said, there are a few things to consider:
(a) adding additional dates for additional Bruins Cup wins or (b) the awkward decision on how to commemorate a Stanley Cup he wins with another team or (c) when he's 50 years old and the torso tattoo he got at 23 looks like banner advertising being dragged by an airplane at the beach.
Sorry Brad, but your tattoo is bad. Your gesture to announce your greatness to the world? It's a total fail. I know you were only on your entry level deal, but you could have afforded better service than that. It is not only small, but its placement doesn't allow much room for expansion either, at least not in a way that would look good. If he does win more with the Bruins he'll just have a bulleted list and if he wins with another team, he'll just have random teams and dates all over his torso. It's a good thing tattoos weren't as popular in Henri Richard's day.

Monday 5 September 2011

2011 Offseason Recap - Pacific Division

San Jose Sharks - 2
Best Possible Finish - 1st in NHL
Projected Points Leader - Joe Thornton, 23-61-84
SigningsC
Aug. 3: D Colin White (NJ), one year, $1,000,000 cap hit
July 19: C Andrew Murray (CLB), one year, $575,000 cap hit
July 1: C Michal Handzus (LA), two years, $5 million, $2,500,000 cap hit
July 1: D Jim Vandermeer (EDM), one year, $1,000,000 cap hit
June 23: RW Devin Setogouchi, three years, $9 million, $3,000,000 cap hit

Trades
Aug. 7: C James Sheppard from MIN for 3rd round pick (2013)
July 7: RW Martin Havlat from MIN for LW Dany Heatley
June 25: 2nd round pick (2011, LW Matthew Nieto) from FLA for 1st round pick (2011, D Rasmus Bengtsson), 3rd round pick (2012)
June 25: 5th round pick (2011, C Sean Kuraly), 7th round pick (2011, C Colin Blackwell) from WIN for 4th round pick (2011, D Zachary Yuen)
June 24: D Brent Burns, 2nd round pick (2012) from MIN for RW Devin Setoguchi, C Charlie Coyle, 1st round pick (2011, C Zack Phillips)

Departures
C Scott Nichol - STL
D Kent Huskins - STL
D Ian White - DET
LW Ben Eager - EDM
RW Jamal Mayers - CHI
D Niclas Wallin - SEL, Lulea

What to Expect
There is nothing left for Sharks management to do other than tinker with the roster until they find the right combination of players that will push them over the top. Dany Heatley is gone, but let's face it he isn't nearly as dangerous as he used to be and wasn't a factor in consecutive runs to the Western Conference final. Martin Havlat will be able to pick up the slack on Heatley's production. Devin Setogouchi was also shipped to Minnnesota for Brent Burns. While that takes away from the speed of the Sharks, Burns should help out a defense that finished 10th and penalty kill that finished 24th last year. Jim Vandermeer and Michal Handzus will help out in that aspect as well. Any doubts about Antti Niemi should have been erased last year, he is a legitimate starter and capable of backing the Sharks. Joe Thornton and co. aren't going to experience down seasons again as they vie for the best record and the Stanley Cup.

Los Angeles Kings - 4
Best Possible Finish - 1st in division, 2nd in conference
Projected Points Leader - Anze Kopitar, 36-56-92
Signings
Aug. 23: LW Ethan Moreau (CLB), one year, $600,000
July 2: LW Simon Gagne (TB), two years, $7 million, $3,500,000 cap hit

Trades
June 26: C Colin Fraser, 7th round pick (2012) from EDM for LW Ryan Smyth
June 25: 3rd round pick (2011, C Nicholas Shore) from NSH for 6th round pick (2011, C Chasen Balisy), 3rd round pick (2012)
June 23: C Mike Richards, C Rob Bordson from PHI for RW Wayne Simmonds, C Brayden Schenn, 2nd round pick (2012)

Departures
C Michal Handzus - SJ
LW Alexei Ponikarovsky - CAR

What to Expect
The Kings were a good team before, Now, with Mike Richards, they become one of the best in the Western Conference. He adds grit, scoring and experience and allows Anze Kopitar to concentrate more on offense, so he should be among the top scorers in the league. Simon Gagne is also a solid addition. While he has only scored 17 goals in each of the past two seasons, he has also recorded a career high 12 playoffs points in those years as well. He, Richards and Justin Williams could combine to for a formidable, former-Flyers line. If Dustin Penner can score 30 goals again, the 25th ranked offense will improve greatly. Drew Doughty took a small step back last season, but he will once again be near 60 points. His improvement along with the fact the defense didn't lose anybody will ensure another top-10 finish on goals-against average. Jonathans Quick and Bernier will put up even better stats now that they can relax thanks to some goal support.

Anaheim Ducks - 7
Best Possible Finish - 2nd in division, 4th in conference
Projected Points Leader - Ryan Getzlaf, 29-74-103
Signings
July 20: C Mark Bell (Swiss-A, Kloten), one year, $575,000 cap hit
July 14: D Matt Smaby (TB), one year, $600,000 cap hit
July 12: G Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers (EDM), two years, $1.225 million, $612,500 cap hit
July 7: LW Brian McGrattan, one year, $600,000
July 6: LW Jean-Francois Jacques (EDM), one year, $650,000 cap hit

Trades
July 15: D Mathieu Carle from MTL for D Mark Mitera
July 12: C Andrew Cogliano from EDM for 2nd round pick (2013)
July 1: D Kurtis Foster from EDM for D Andy Sutton
June 25: 6th round pick (2011, D Josh Manson) from TOR for 6th round pick (2012)
June 24: 1st round pick (2011, RW Rickard Rakell), 2nd round pick (2011, G John Gibson) from TOR for 1st round pick (2011, RW Tyler Biggs)

Departures
LW Jason Jaffray - WIN
C Kyle Chipchura - PHO
LW Josh Green - EDM
D Andreas Lilja - PHI
C Todd Marchant - retirement

What to Expect
The Ducks are very dangerous with Teemu Selanne; without him there is little scoring beyond their first line. If Andrew Cogliano can live up to his potential, it will ease the burden on MVP Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Boby Ryan. If Jonas Hiller really is over his vertigo, they have solid goaltending. However, if any symptoms flare up again they only have Dan Ellis and Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers to guard the crease. The blueline is a capable collection of veterans and youth that plays better than the sums if its parts.  Lubomir Visnovsky and Toni Lydman had their best seasons last year and the Ducks need them to replicate those seasons again as Luca Sbisa and Cam Fowler develop into mature NHL defensemen. Kurtis Foster will be an underrated addition. But it all comes down to Selanne. If he plays the Ducks can be one of the best teams in the league, if he doesn't they are a one line team that will experience a dip in the standings.

Dallas Stars - 13
Best Possible Finish - 3rd in division, 9th in conference
Projected Point Leader - Mike Ribeiro, 21-49-70
Signings
July 12; RW Eric Godard (PIT), two years, $1.45 million, $725,000 cap hit
July 1: D Sheldon Souray (EDM), one year, $1,650,000 cap hit
July 1: Michael Ryder (BOS), two years, $7 million, $3,500,000
July 1: LW Vernon Fiddler (PHO), three years, $5.4 million, $1,800,000 cap hit
July 1: RW Radek Dvorak (WIN), one year, $1,500,000 cap hit
July 1: D Adam Pardy (CAL), two years, $4 million, $2,000,000 cap hit
June 29: D Brad Lukowich, one year, $1,000,000 cap hit

Trades
none


Departures
C Brad Richards - NYR
RW Jamie Langenbrunner - STL
D Jeff Woywitka - MTL
RW Jason Williams - PIT

What to Expect
Brad Richards was having his best season last year while dragging the Stars up the standings. Now he is gone, for nothing in return, and there doesn't seems to be another player capable of taking over like that. Their defense may stay the same, but the offense is going to take a dive and they won't be able to get near ninth pace again. GM Joe Nieuwendyk is doing as well as he can given the team-imposed budget, but there is only so much he can do. Michael Ryder played well with Mike Ribeiro when they played in Montreal, so the Stars need them to rekindle that connection. Loui Eriksson is going to have to score 70 without the aid of Richards. Alex Goligoski will finally fill the role vacated by Sergei Zubov when he left the NHL after 2008-09. Sheldon Souray's big shot will help the power play in lue of RIchards, but you have to remember, Souray is getting more money fro Edmonton to not play for them than the Stars are paying him to play.

Phoenix Coyotes - 14
Best Possible Finish - 3rd in division, 9th in conference
Projected Points Leader - Shane Doan, 24-37-61
Signings
Aug. 5: Patrick O'Sullivan (MIN), one year, $625,000 cap hit
July 27: G Justin Pogge (CAR), one year, $575,000 cap hit
July 19: C Kyle Chipchura (ANA), one year, $550,000 cap hit
July 6: D Dean Arsene (STL), one year, $725,000 cap hit
July 6: D Nathan Oystrick (STL), one year $600,000 cap hit
July 4: G Curtis McElhinney (OTT), one year, $625,000 cap hit
July 2: C Alex Bolduc (VAN), one year, $575,000 cap hit
July 1: RW Radim Vrbata, three years, $9 million, $3,000,000 cap hit
July 1: C Boyd Gordon (WAS), two years, $2.65 million, $1,325,000 cap hit
July 1: LW Raffi Torres (VAN), two years, $3.5 million, $1,750,000 cap hit
July 1: G Mike Smith (TB), two years, $4 million, $2,000,000 cap hit
June 28: RW Matt Beaudoin, one year, $525,000
June 6: G Jason Labarbera, two years, $2.5 million, $1,250,000 cap hit


Trades
Aug. 29: C Daymond Langkow from CAL for RW Lee Stempniak
June 25: C Marc-Antoine Pouliot from TB for 7th round pick (2011, C Matthew Peca)
June 7: LW Matt Clackson, 3rd round pick (2012), future considerations from PHI for G Ilya Bryzgalov

Departures
LW Vernon Fiddler - DAL
C Eric Belanger - EDM
D Ed Jovanovski - FLA
C Andrew Ebbett - VAN
G Matt Climie - VAN

What to Expect
What a difference a goalie makes. There has only been one major change in Phoenix this summer and now it looks like they won;t even be close to making the playoffs. Ilya Bryzgalov has been the main reason the Coyotes have been able to make the playoff the past two seasons. Now it is up to Mike Smith to provide the quality goaltending needed for this offensively challanged team. They don't even have Ed Jovanovski to patrol the blueline anymore. Last season they finished 14th in goals, but it was the first time since 2005-06 they finished higher than 20th in offense, so don't expect those totals again. Their best offensive player is Keith Yandle, so he is going to once aging have to finish near the top in scoring among defensemen. Coach Dave Tippett will make them competitive, but they hardly had enough goal support for Bryzgalov, they won't have it for Smith. 

Sunday 4 September 2011

2011 Offseason Recap - Northwest Division

Vancouver Canucks - 1
Best Possible Finish - 1st in NHL
Projected Points Leader - Daniel Sedin, 38-60-98
Signings
July 25: RW Byron Bitz (FLA), one year, $700,000 cap hit
July 7: D Alexander Sulzer (FLA), one year, $700,000 cap hit
July 7: G Matt Climie (PHO), one year, $525,000 cap hit
July 3: RW Steve Pinizzotto (WAS), one year, $600,000 cap hit
July 2: D Nolan Baumgartner, one year $525,000 cap hit
July 1: C Andrew Ebbett (PHO), one year, $525,000 cap hit
July 1: LW Marco Sturm (WAS), one year, $2,250,000 cap hit
July 1: RW Mark Mancari (BUF), one year, $525,000 cap hit
July 1: LW Chris Higgins, two years, $3.8 million, $1,900,000 cap hit
July 1: D Sami Salo, one year, $2,000,000 cap hit
June 29: D Andrew Alberts, two years, $2.45 million, $1,225,000 cap hit
June 27: D Kevin Bieksa, five years, $23 million, $4,600,000 cap hit

Trades
July 9: RW Mike Duco from FLA for LW Sergei Shirokov
June 28: 4th round pick (2012) from NYI for D Christian Ehrhoff

Departures
LW Raffi Torres - PHO
LW Tanner Glass - WIN
LW Jeff Tambellini - Switzerland
C Alex Bolduc - PHO
C Rick Rypien - WIN
D Lee Sweatt - OTT

What to Expect
Vancouver remains one of the deepest teams in the league and they play in perhaps the worst division, so there shouldn't be a problem once again putting up more points than any other team in the West. There is just too much talent for there to be a significant playoff hangover. Still, you have to imagine, for a team that finished first in NHL standings (117 points), offense (3.15 goals per game), defense (2.20 goals-against average), power play (24.3%) and third in penalty kill (85.6%), there is nowhere to go but down. But despite shortcomings and criticisms in the playoffs, Roberto Luongo remains one of the top goalies in the league and he is aided by the conference's best group of blueliners, even without Christian Ehrhoff. The only major loss among forwards was Raffi Torres, but Vancouver is full of agitators so his role will be filled easily. His spot was filled by Marco Sturm who is looking to win the Stanley Cup and show he can still score 20 goals. The major enemy for the Canucks this year is themselves. As long as they don't let the Cup final loss affect their play, they can easily grab home ice throughout the playoff again. 

Colorado Avalanche - 9
Best Possible Finish - second in division, 7th in conference
Projected Points Leader - Paul Stastny, 27-54-81
Signings
July 13: D Shane O'Brien (NSH), one year, $1,100,000 cap hit
July 1: G Jean-Sabestien Giguere (TOR), two years, $2.5 million, $1,250,000 cap hit
July 1: RW Chuck Kobasew (MIN), two years, $2.5 million, $1,250,000 cap hit
July 1: D Jan Hejda (CLB), four years, $13 million, $3,250,000 cap hit
June 28: C Greg Mauldin, one year, $525,000 cap hit
May 11: RW Milan Hejduk, one year, $3,000,000 cap hit

Trades
July 1: G Semyon Varlamov from WAS for 1st round pick (2012), 2nd round pick (2012 or 2013)
June 24: 2nd round pick (2012) from TOR for D John-Michael Liles

Departures
G Brian Elliot: STL
LW Tomas Fleischmann - FLA
D Adam Foote - retirement
G Peter Budaj - MTL
C Philippe Dupuis - TOR
C Ben Walter - CAL

What to Expect
The NHL's worst defense did little to improve outside of goaltending. Semyon Varlamov will have his first opportunity to be an unquestioned number one and J-S Giguere wants to prove he can still be a quality stopper himself. Unfortunately Jan Hejda and Shane O'Brien won't be enough to improve the 23rd ranked team in shots against (31.8 per game), so the new goaltenders will have to be every bit on top of their game. They have a great collection of young forwards that are getting another injection of youthful exuberance in Gabriel Landeskog. Paul Stastny, Matt Duchene and Ryan O'Reilly have the potential to be one of the best trio of centers in the NHL. Milan Hejduk is still good for 25 goals and David Jones has 37 goals in his past 100 games so he is capable of providing offense. If Peter Mueller can recover from his concussion then the Avs have a solid offense. They could get stellar performances in goal and make the playoffs, but I think there are just too many holes for that to happen. It won't be long though before the Avalanche are once again perennial playoff contenders. 

Minnesota Wild - 10
Best Possible Finish - 2nd in division, 7th in conference
Projected Points Leader - Mikko Koivu, 25-51-76
Signings
July 9: D Mike Lundin (TB), one year, $1,000,000 cap hit
July 6: LW Colton Gillies, two years, $1.25 million, $625,000 cap hit
July 5: C Darroll Powe, three years, $3.2 million, $1,066,667 cap hit
July 5: C Jeff Taffe CHI), one year, $600,000 cap hit
July 2: C Jed Ortmeyer, one year, $585,000 cap hit
July 1: G Josh Harding, one year, $750,000 cap hit

Trades
Aug. 7: 3rd round pick (2013) from SJ for C James Sheppard
July 3: LW Dany Heatley from SJ for RW Martin Havlat
June 27: C Darroll Powe from PHI for 3rd round pick (2013)
June 24: RW Devin Setoguchi, C Charlie Coyle, 1st round pick (2011, C Zack Phillips) from SJ for D Brent Burns, 2nd round pick (2012)
June 16: C David McIntyre from NJ for D Maxim Noreau

Departures
LW Andrew Brunette - CHI
G Jose Theodore - FLA
D Cam Barker - EDM
Rw Chuck Kobasew - COL

What to Expect
Dany Heatley and Devin Setogouchi gives the Wild two players capable of scorig 30 goals, something they haven't had in a while. I fully expect Setogouchi to produce more oints now that he is one of the main guys on offense, rather than just one of many options. How Heatley reacts to the trade is anyone's  guess, but they will have one of the best attacks in team history regardless. Losing Brent Burns as a result of the trades hurts though. Their defense was middling to begin with they will surely be knocked down a peg now. Niklas Backstrom is as stable a goaltender as there is in the NHL, only once in five seasons has his save percentage been below .915, so they will be once again receiving a strong effort in net. They are very similar to the Avalanche, but I feel just a step behind them. 

Calgary Flames - 12
Best Possible Finish - 3rd in division, 9th in conference
Projected Points Leader - Jarome Iginla, 36-39-75
Signings
Aug. 13: D Scott Hannan (WAS), one year, $1,000,000 cap hit
July 15: C Brendan Morrison, one year, $1,250,000 cap hit
July 13: D Derek Smith (OTT), one year, $700,000 cap hit
July 4: D Anton Babchuk, two years, $5 million, $2,500,000 cap hit
June 25: LW Alex Tanguay, five years, $17.5 million, $3,500,000 cap hit
June 20: G Henrik Karlsson, two years, $1.725 million, $862,500 cap hit
May 16: LW Curtis Glencross, four years, $10.2 million, $2,550,000 cap hit

Trades
Aug. 29: RW Lee Stempniak from PHO for C Daymond Langkow
July 12: LW Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond from NJ for 5th round pick (2012)
July 9: D Jordan Henry from FLA for D Keith Seabrook
June 25: D Chris Butler, C Paul Byron from BUF for D Robyn Regehr, RW Alex Kotalik, 2nd round pick (2012)
June 1: C Roman Horak, 2nd round pick (2011, C Markus Granlund), 2nd round pick (2011, D Tyler Wotherspoon) from NYR for D Tim Erixon, 5th round pick (2011, RW Shane McColgan)

Departures
D Adam Pardy - DAL
LW Fredrik Modin - retirement

What to Expect
Calgary addressed their need for help on the wing by trading for Lee Stempniak, but they are still thin on the forward lines after Jarome Iginla, Alex Tanguay and Rene Bourque. Yes, they were seventh in goals (2.94 per game) last season, but I don't see them reaching those totals again. Robyn Regehr, who has been a rock on the Flames blueline for 11 seasons, is now in Buffalo leaving a big hole to fill. That's a job that will be made easier if Jay Bouwmeester can step it up and Mark Giordano continues to develop as he has been. Cory Sarich is the only other proven defenseman. Miikka Kiprusoff is still among the elite goalies in the NHL, but he can't do everything by himself. Without Regehr clearing the way in front of him, he will likely face even more than the 1,935 shots he faced last season. Without a tested backup once again, that is a real possibility. 

Edmonton Oilers - 15
Best Possible Finish - 4th in division, 12th in conference
Projected Point Leader - Taylor Hall, 30-29-59
Signings
July 3: LW Josh Green (ANA), one year, $575,000 cap hit
July 1: D Corey Potter (PIT), one year, $525,000 cap hit
July 1: C Eric Belanger (PHO), three years, $5.25 million, $1,750,000 cap hit
July 1: D Cam Barker (MIN), one year, $2,250,000 cap hit
July 1: LW Darcy Hordichuk (FLA), one year, $825,000 cap hit
July 1: Ben Eager (SJ), three years, $3.3 million, $1,100,000 cap hit

Trades
July 12: 2nd round pick from ANA for C Andrew Cogliano
July 1: D Andy Sutton from ANA for D Kurtis Foster
June 26: LW Ryan Smyth from LA for C Colin Fraser, 7th round pick (2012)

Departures
LW Jean-Francois Jacques - ANA
D Jim Vandermeer - SJ
D Sheldon Souray - DAL
LW Steve MacIntyre - PIT
G Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers - ANA

What to Expect
It appears as though the Oilers finally are headed in the right direction. Now armed with first overall pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers young offense also features Sam Gagner, Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Lunis Omark and Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson. The only real question for Nugent Hopkins is when he will be on the rosters as there is no need to rush him into the NHL just yet. If the young guys don't offer enough excitement, having Ryan Smyth back in Edmonton will add a great storyline to the season. Last I checked, Ryan Whitney is still not 100% and he is their best D-man. Andy Sutton gives them a physical veteran and Cam Barker add another youthful element. The goaltending situation is one of the most unstable in the league. It appears as though Nikolai Khabibulin is past his prime and Devan Dubnyk hasn't yet reached his. The Oilers are hoping he can build on last year's .916 save percentage. The Oilers fans are going to see a hint of what the team is going to look like for the next decade. At best they will see the light out of the basement, but likely they will get another high draft pick again next year before starting to fulfill their potential. 

Saturday 3 September 2011

2011 Offseason Recap - Central Division

Chicago Blackhawks - 3
Highest Possible Finish - 1st in division, 1st in conference
Projected Points Leader - Patrick Kane, 34-59-93
Signings
July 15: D Sami Lepisto (CLB), one year, $750,000 cap hit
July 1: LW Dan Carcillo (PHI), one year, $775,000 cap hit
July 1: LW Andrew Brunette (MIN), one year, $2,000,000 cap hit
July 1: D Sean O'Donnell (PHI), one year $850,000 cap hit
July 1: RW Jamal Mayers (SJ), one year, $550,000 cap hit
June 30: D Steve Montador, four years, $11 million, $2,750,000 cap hit

Trades
June 29: D Steve Montador from BUF for 7th round pick (2012 or 2013)
June 27 : 7th round pick (2013) from FLA for RW Tomas Kopecky
June 24: LW Rostislav Olesz from FLA for D Brian Campbell
June 24: 1st round pick (2011, C Phillip Danault) from WAS for RW Troy Brouwer

Departures
C Jake Dowell - DAL
D Garnet Exelby - DET
G Marty Turco
RW Fernando Pisani

What to Expect
The Hawks got back what they lost a lot of in last year's salary purge, character. The core of the team is as good as they come, but an upgrade was needed on the bottom lines. Jamal Mayers and Dan Carcillo are two of the finest shift-disturbers in the league and they will bring a lot of energy to the team. Steve Montador and Sean O'Donnell form a veteran third-pairing. All should help a 25th ranked penalty kill, one of the main weaknesses last season. Corey Crawford showed a lot of potential in his rookie last year so there shouldn't be any problems in net. This will once again be a dominant team and will overtake the aging Red Wings as division champion more often than not from this point forward. They have all the right tools as they did in 2010, they just have to work together properly. 

Detroit Red Wings - 5
Best Possible Finish - 1st in division, 2nd in conference
Projected Point Leader - Henrik Zetterberg, 31-55-86
Signings
July 20: G Ty Conklin (STL), one year, $750,000 cap hit
July 11: G Joey MacDonald, two years, $1.1 million, $550,000 cap hit
July 2: D Ian White (SJ), two years, $5.75 million, $ 2,875,000 cap hit
July 1: D Mike Commodore (CLB), one year, $1,000,000 cap hit
July 1: LW Drew Miller, two years, $1.675 million, $837,500 cap hit
July 1: RW Patrick Eaves, three years, $3.6 million, $1,200,000 cap hit
June 30: D Jonathan Ericsson, three years, $9.75 million, $3,250,000 cap hit
June 20: D Nicklas Lidstrom, one year, $6,200,000 cap hit

Trades
June 24: 2nd round pick (2011, RW Tomas Jurco), 2nd round pick (2011, D Xavier Ouellet) from OTT for 1st round pick (2011, LW Matt Puempel)

Departures
D Brian Rafalski - retirement
G Chris Osgood - retirement
D Ruslan Salei - KHL, Lokomitiv Yaroslavl 
D Derek Meech - WIN
C Mike Modano

What to Expect
The Wings got Lidstrom for another year which is especially helpful after the sudden retirement of Brian Rafalski. Mike Commodore and Ian White will add veteran depth to the blueline and Niklas Kronwall should get an even bigger chunk of ice timePavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg are still capable of being the top two-way players in the game and Johan Franzen is unlikely to go on another two goals in 27 games stretch. The second-ranked offense is in no danger of falling. In goal, Jimmy Howard will look to go from good to great in his third season as starter. While they are no longer the elite team i the conference, they are still going to be a highly difficult team to play against and with nearly $6 million in cap space, they is room for med-season improvement. 

St. Louis Blues - 6
Best Possible Finish - 3rd in division, 5th in conference
Projected Point Leader - Chris Stewart, 37-39-76
Signings
Aug. 8: D Danny Syvret (PHI), one year, $525,000 cap hit
July 13: RW Jonathan Cheechoo, one year, $600,000 cap hit
July 6: C Jason Arnott (WAS), one year, $2,875,000 cap hit
July 6: RW Jamie Langenbrunner (DAL), one year, $2,875,000 cap hit
July 5: C Scott Nichol (SJ), one year, $700,000 cap hit
July 4: LW Brett Sterling (PIT), one year, $600,000 cap hit
July 2: D Kent Huskins (SJ), one year, $1,000,000 cap hit
July 1: G Brian Elliot (COL), one year, $600,000 cap hit
July 1: RW Matt D'Agostini, two years, $3.3 million, $1,650,000 cap hit

Trades
June 25: C Evgeny Grachev from NYR for 3rd round pick (2011, C Steven Fogarty)

Departures
RW Cam Janssen - NJ
D Nathan Oystrick - PHO
D Dean Arsene - PHO
D Tyson Strachan - FLA
G Ty Conklin - DET

What to Expect
After a great start to the season, injuries took over and derailed everything. They now have a very deep offense that is dangerous even without winger David Perron who is still sidelined with a concussion. Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner are the veterans tagged to guide this young roster and they can still play important roles on the ice when they need to. No one is going to be able to lead the offensive charge themselves, but they will be able to roll out waves of a speedy attack that should be fun to watch. On defense, Kevin Shattenkirk, who led all rookie D-men in assists and points last year, and Alex Pietrangelo are the rising stars. Other than Barrett Jackman, Carlo Colaiacovo and Roman Polak, the blueline is pretty thin. Jaroslav Halak will have a much better season playing behind a healthier team. The Blues are definitely in for their best season since the lockout and could record fewer than 30 losses for the first time since 2002-03.

Nashville Predators - 8
Best Possible Finish - 3rd in division, 5th in conference
Projected Point Leader - Martin Erat, 24-40-64
Signings
Aug. 8: D Jack Hillen (NYI), one year, $650,000 cap hit
Aug. 3: D Shea Weber, one year, $7,500,000 cap hit
July 28: D Tyler Sloan (WAS), one year, $650,000 cap hit
July 3: RW Niclas Bergfors (FLA), one year, $575,000 cap hit

Trades
July 3: D Brett Lebda, LW Robert Slaney, 4th round pick (2013, conditional) from TOR for D Cody Franson, C Matthew Lombardi, 4th round pick (2013, conditional)
July 2: LW Brodie Dupont from NYR for RW Andreas Thuresson
June 25: 6th round pick (2011, C Chasen Balisy), 3rd round pick (2012) from LA for 3rd round pick (2011, C Nicholas Shore)
June 25: 6th round pick (2012) from NYR for 6th round pick (2011, D Peter Ceresnak)
June 2: 7th round pick (2013) from WAS for LW Taylor Stefishen

Departures
RW Joel Ward - WAS
LW Steve Sullivan - PIT
C Marcel Goc - FLA
D Shane O'Brien - COL
RW Wade Belak - retired, deceased

What to Expect
Nashville manage to hang on to Weber for another year, signing a deal through arbitration and holding off a long term contract for another year. They remain a difficult team to beat, but other teams around them have improved more this summer and will likely bump the Preds down in the standings as a result. An already weak offense lost the creative, but aging, Steve Sullivan. Forwards will get help from the backend as Webet and Ryan Suter are two of the best offensive-defensemen in the NHL. Look for Weber to reach 20 goals again after signing that contract. Still, despite shortcomings on offense, a Vezina Trophy nominee playing behind an excellent defensive system will ensure Nashville finishes on the right side of eighth. The third best defensive team didn't get any worse is that aspect; that along with confidence from making it to the second round for the first time, will help them win any important game they need to if they are in a tight playoff race. 

Columbus Blue Jackets - 11
Best Possible Finish - 3rd in division, 8th in conference
Projected Points Leader - Rich Nash, 42-38-80
Signings
July 23: LW Vinny Prospal (NYR), one year, $2,500,000 cap hit
July 13: C Cody Bass (OTT), one year, $600,000 cap hit
July 6: D Radek Martinek (NYI), one year, $2,200,000 cap hit
July 5: D Aaron Johnson (NSH), one year, $550,000 cap hit
July 1: G Curtis Sanford (MTL), one year, $600,000
July 1: D James Wsniewski, six years, $33 million, $5,500,00 cap hit

Trades
July 7: C Ryan Russell from MTL for RW Mike Blunden
June 29: D James Wisniewski from MTL for 7th round pick (2012)
June 25: 3rd round pick (2011, C TJ Tynan) from OTT for LW Nikita Filatov
June 23: C Jeff Carter from PHI for RW Jakub Voracek, 1st round pick (2011, C Sean Couturier), 3rd round pick (2011, C Nick Cousins)

Departures
RW Scottie Upshall - FLA
G Mathieu Garon - TB
D Jan Hejda - COL
D Mike Commodore - DET
D Sami Lepisto - CHI
LW Ethan Moreau - LA
C Andrew Murray - SJ

What to Expect
The excitement of landing a few players capable of playing on the same level as Rick Nash will likely add up to a hot start. Last season, they were no higher than 22nd in NHL standings (81 points), offense (2.56 goals per game), defense (3.05 goals-against average), power play (14%) and penalty kill (80.2%) and while the offense was addressed, not enough was done about the defense. So unless Steve Mason reverts back to rookie season form, or Rick Nash and Jeff Carter each score 50 goals, there still won't be enough goals to offset the ones against. The good news is they finally have the ability to score with the best teams in the Western Conference. The bad news is there are still holes on defense that need to be filled before they become a serious playoff contender, if only they didn't play is the best division in the NHL. At least, for the first time, they should be fun to watch. 

Friday 2 September 2011

2011 Offseason Recap - Southeast Division

Washington Capitals - 1
Best Possible Finish - 1st in NHL
Projected Points Leader - Alex Ovechkin, 51-46-97
Signings
July 11: C Christian Hanson (TOR), one year, $525,000
July 4: D Danny Richmond (TOR), one year, $525,000
July 2: G Tomas Vokoun (FLA), one year, $1.5 million
July 2: RW Chris Bourque, one year, $525,000
July 1: C Ryan Potulny (OTT), two years, $1.05 million, $525,000 cap hit
July 1: D Roman Hamrlik (MTL), two years, $7 million, $3,500,000 cap hit
July 1: RW Joel Ward (NSH), four years, $12 million, $3,000,000 cap hit
July 1: C Jeff Halpern (MTL), one year, $825,000
June 28: LW Brooks Laich, six years, $27 million, $4,500,000 cap hit
June 15: G Dany Sabourin, one year, $525,000
April 11: RW Mike Knuble, one year, $2 million


Trades
July 8: RW Danick Paquette, 4th round pick from WIN for RW Eric Fehr
July 1: 1st round pick (2012), 2nd round pick (2012 or 2013) from COL for G Semyon Varlamov
June 24: RW Troy Brouwer from CHI for 1st round pick (2011, C Phillip Danault)
June 2: LW Taylor Stefishen from NSH for 7th round pick (2013)


Departures
G Semyon Varlamov - COL
C Jason Arnott - STL
LW Marco Sturm - VAN
RW Matt Bradley - FLA
C Boyd Gordon - PHO
D Scott Hannan - CAL

What to Expect
The Capitals will continue to be one of the top defensive teams in the league and it is unlikely to have as great an impact on the offense this season. Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Semin aren't likely to slump two years in a row. Caps GM George McPhee made a lot of good moves, signing the kinds of players that championship teams need. Joel Ward, Troy Brouwer and Jeff Halpern are the type of playoff performers Washington has been lacking the past few seasons. Tomas Vokoun has quietly been one of the best goalies since the lockout and now, at age 35, he gets to play behind a top-tier team for the first time in his career. If Mike Green is over his concussion problems, he should once again be near a point per game. John Carlson and Karl Alzner form one of the top young defensive pairings and Roman Hamrlik will be a stabilizing presence. They will win the division for the fifth consecutive season and finish atop the conference.


Tampa Bay Lighting - 7
Best Possible Finish - 1st in division, 3rd in conference
Projected Points Leader - Steven Stamkos, 54-47-101
Signings
July 7: RW Ryan Shanon (OTT), one year, $625,000
July 6: C Tom Pyatt (MTL), one year, $525,000
July 2: D Matt Gilroy (NYR), one year, $1 million
July 1: G Mathieu Garon (CLB), two years, $2.6 million, $1,300,000 cap hit
June 29: G Dwayne Roloson, one year, $3 million
June 29: RW Adam Hall, one year, $600,000
June 28: D Marc-Andre Bergeron, two years, $2 million, $1,000,000
June 24: D Eric Brewer, four years, $15.4 million, $3,850,000 cap hit


Trades 
June 25: 7th round pick (2011, C Matthew Peca) from PHO for C Marc-Antoine Pouliot
June 25: D Bruno Gervais from NYI for future considerations

Departures
LW Simon Gagne - LA
G Mike Smith - PHO
LW Sean Bergenheim - FLA
D Randy Jones - WIN
D Matt Smaby - ANA
D Mike Lundin - MIN

What to Expect
While the Lightning are still a little top-heavy, Martin St-Louis, Steven Stamkos and Vincent Lecavalier are going to carry the bulk of the offense, they will get some more support this year. Steve Downie and Ryan Malone were injured for parts of last season while Teddy Purcell surprised many by scoring 51 points. They should all be able to reach the 50-point mark this season. Playoff hero Dwayne Roloson is back with Mathieu Garon set to back him up. Garon routinely plays 35 games a year so he should provide stable goaltending while giving the 41-year-old Roloson plenty of time to rest of for the big games. Thanks to some mid-season trades by GM Steve Yzerman, the Lightning have a veteran defense to support rising star Victor Hedman.


Carolina Hurricanes - 10
Best Possible Finish - 3rd in division, 7th in conference
Projected Points Leader - Eric Staal, 38-41-79
Signings
July 15: LW Chris Durno (TB), one year, $525,000 cap hit
July 5: D Tomas Kaberle (BOS), three years, $12.75 million, $4,250,000 cap hit
July 2: LW Anthony Stewart (WIN), two years, $1.8 million, $900,000 cap hit
July 1: LW Alexei Ponikarovski (LA), one year, $1.5 million cap hit
July 1: C Jiri Tlusty, one year, $525,000 cap hit
July 1: G Brian Boucher (PHI), two years, $1.9 million, $950,000 cap hit
July 1: C Tim Brent (TOR), two years, $1.5 million, $750,000 cap hit
June 30: LW Jussi Jokinen, three years, $9 million, $3,000,000 cap hit
June 29: LW Chad Larose, two years, $3.4 million, $1,700,000 cap hit
June 28: D Joni Pitkanen, three years, $13.5 million, $4,500,000 cap hit
June 28: RW Pat Dwyer, two years, $1.25 million, $625,000 cap hit
June 16: D Jay Harrison, two years, $1.3 million, $650,000 cap hit
Trades
July 5: 4th round pick (2012) from BOS for D Joe Corvo


Departures
RW Erik Cole - MTL
G Justin Pogge - PHO


What to Expect
The Hurricanes were kept largely the same as they were last season as GM Jim Rutherford was able to replace any parts that left. Tomas Kaberle fills the same role left open from the Joe Corvo trade. Alexei Ponikarovsky has to have a better season than he did in Los Angeles, but even if he return to 20-goal form, he won't be able to replace Erik Cole's physical play. The only area that was upgraded was the backup goaltender position where veteran Brian Boucher steps in in front of Justin Peters. He should be able to provide Cam Ward with a little more rest throughout the season. The Hurricanes have the building blocks to make a very dangerous team, but right now they are still in close to make the playoffs.  Then again, they make the playoffs once every three seasons and they have missed the dance in consecutive seasons.


Winnipeg Jets - 12
Best Possible Finish - 4th in division, 9th in conference
Projected Points Leader - Nikolai Antropov, 26-35-61
Signings
July 19: LW Jason Jaffray (ANA), one year, $675,000 cap hit
July 2: RW Rick Rypien (VAN), one year, $700,000 cap hit
July 2: D Randy Jones (TB), one year, $1,150,000 cap hit
July 1: LW Tanner Glass (VAN), one year, $750,000 cap hit
July 1: D Derek Meech (DET), one year, $700,000 cap hit

Trades
July 9 : LW Kenndal McArdle from FLA for C Angelo Esposito
July 8: RW Eric Fehr from WAS for RW Danick Paquette, 4th round pick (2012)
June 25: 4th round pick (2011, D Zachary Yuen) from MTL for 4th round pick (2011, D Josiah Didier), 4th round pick (2011, LW Olivier Archambault)
June 25: 4th round pick (2011, D Zachary Yuen) from SJ for 5th round pick (2011, C Sean Kuraly), 7th round pick (2011, C Colin Blackwell)



Departures
LW Anthony Stewart - CAR
RW Radek Dvorak - DAL
LW Eric Boulton - NJ
D Freddy Meyer - SEL, Modo

What to Expect
There is going to be a lot of excitement this season now that hockey is back in Winnipeg regardless of how the Jets finish. Which is a good thing because they won't finish very high in the standings. No one on offense has shown they can consistently put up points so it's anyone's guess how many goals they will score. Dustin Byfuglien showed he can be a superstar on defense, he just has to be able to keep up that high level of play for all 82 games. The same can be said for goalie Ondrej Pavelec who was looking like a Vezina Trophy through December. At best they could give fans a glimpse of the playoffs like the Leafs did last year, but as long as show promise, the fans will be happy the Jets are back.


Florida Panthers - 13
Best Possible Finish - 4th in division, 10th in conference
Projected Points Leader - Stephen Weiss, 29-33-62
Signings
July 12: D Tyson Strachan (STL), one year, $750,000 cap hit
July 2: RW Matt Bradley (WAS), two years, $1.9 million, $950,000 cap hit
July 1: LW Sean Bergenheim (TB), four years, $11 million, $2,750,000 cap hit
July 1: LW Tomas Fleischmann (COL), four years, $18 million, $4,500,000 cap hit
July 1: C Marcel Goc (NSH), three years, $5.1 million, $1,700,000 cap hit
July 1: D Ed Jovanovski  (PHO), four years, $16.5 million, $4,125,000 cap hit
July 1: RW Scottie Upshall (CLB), four years, $14 million, $3,500,000 cap hit
July 1: G Jose Theodore (MIN), two years, $3 million, $1,500,000 cap hit
June 29: C Tomas Kopecky, four years, $12 million, $3,000,000 cap hit

Trades
July 9: D Keith Seabrook from CAL for D Jordan Henry
July 9: LW Sergei Shirokov from VAN for RW Mike Duco
July 9: C Angelo Esposito from WIN for LW Kenndal McArdle
July 1: RW Kris Versteeg from PHI for 2nd round pick (2012 or 2013), 3rd round pick (2012)
June 27: RW Tomas Kopecky from CHI for 7th round pick (2013)
June 25: 1st round pick (2011, D Rasmus Bengtsson), 3rd round pick (2012) from SJ for 2nd round pick (2011, LW Matthew Nieto)
June 24: D Brian Campbell from CHI for LW Rostislav Olesz

Departures
G Tomas Vokoun - WAS
C Marty Reasoner - NYI
RW Niclas Bergfors - NSH
LW Darcy Hordichuk - EDM
D Alexander Sulzer - VAN

What to Expect
The Panthers spent a lot of money  this sumer, but they didn't improve all that dramatically. Each of the forwards signed has gone through good stretches, but none have shown they can be the go-to player. David Booth played every game after a sever concussion, so he should be able to once again post 30 goals this year. Ed Jovanovski returns where his career started in 1995 and they absorbed Brian Campbell's contract from Chicago gives them a steady group of defensemen playing in front of Jose Theodore and Scott Clemmensen. Both goalies are going to have to play their best all season for the Panthers to have a chance. Defenseman Erik Gudbranson and center Jonathan Huberdeau are the young guys to watch. New coach Kevin Dineen needs to fix the league's worst power play for Florida to show every improvement.

Thursday 1 September 2011

2011 Offseason Recap - Northeast Division

Boston Bruins - 2
Best Possible Finish - 1st in division, 1st in conference
Projected Points Leader - David Krejci, 27-54-81
Signings
July 1: LW Benoit Pouliot, one year, $1.1 million

Trades
July 5: D Joe Corvo from CAR for 4th round pick (2012)

Departures
RW Mark Recchi - retirement
D Tomas Kaberle - CAR
RW Michael Ryder - DAL

What to Expect
Hardly anything has changed from last year, so you can expect more of the same dominance. They lost Ryder, who tied for third on team goals and fourth in points in the playoffs, and Recchi who, at 43, was still an important piece of the champion ship with seven points in the final including four assists in the last two games. Their offensive contributions won't be missed if Tyler Seguin has anything to say about it. He showed small glimpses of stardom last year, including six points in his first two playoff games and should be able to play with a lot more consistency in his sophomore season. Kaberle was pretty much along for the ride, so seeing him leave won't be difficult. Joe Corvo comes in from Carolina to take Kaberle's spot and help the powerplay, one of the few weaknesses in Boston. If Tim Thomas can play anywhere near the level he did last year, the Bruins have an incredible shot at repeating.


Buffalo Sabres - 6
Best Possible Finish - 2nd in division, 4th in conference
Projected Points Leader - Thomas Vanek 39-44-82
Key Signings
July 19: LW Matt Ellis, two years, $1.05 million, $525,000 cap hit
July 7:  G Drew MacIntyre, one year, $525,000
July 7: LW Colin Stuart, one year, $525,000
July 1: C Ville Leino (PHI), six years, $27 million, $4,500,000 cap hit
July 1: LW Cody McCormick, three years, $3.6 million, $1,200,000 cap hit
June 30: D Christian Ehrhoff, 10 years, $40 million, $4,000,000 cap hit


Trades
June 29: 7th round pick (2012 or 2013) from CHI for D Steve Montador
June 29: D Christian Ehrhoff from NYI for 4th round pick (2012)
June 25: D Robyn Regehr, RW Ales Kotalik, 2nd round pick (2012) from CAL for D Chris Butler, C Paul Byron

Departures
C Tim Connolly - TOR
C Rob Niedermayer - SEL, Lugano
RW Mark Parrish - OTT
G Patrick Lalime - retirement

What to Expect
The Sabres were able to improve via outside sources for the first time in a long time thanks to new owner Terry Pegula. New defensemen Christian Ehrhoff and Robyn Regehr are going to make life a lot easier for Ryan Miller, who once again will be the backbone of the team. Last year the Sabres were 17th in the NHL in shots against (30.7 per game), but there will be a major improvement in that area. Ville Leino is an upgrade over Tim Connolly and having him asked to play a more prominent offensive role along with Derek Roy healthy for a full season will keep the Sabres in the top-third in offense. This has the potential to be a very deadly team, but they are still $3,595,357 over the salary cap according to capgeek.com, so they still need to make some moves. Regardless, Ryan Miller will likely be a Vezina Trophy nominee by season's end, so expect a rise in the standings for the Sabres.

Montreal Canadiens - 8
Best Possible Finish - 2nd in division, 5th in conference
Projected Points Leader - Tomas Plekanec, 26-45-71
Signings
Aug. 15: D Jeff Woywitka (DAL), one year, $650,000
July7: RW Brian Willsie (WAS), one year, $600,000
July 5: G Nathan Lawson (NYI), one year, $550,000
July 1: RW Erik Cole (CAR), four years, $18 million, $4,500,000 cap hit
July 1: G Peter Budaj (COL), two years, $2.3 million, $1,150,000 cap hit
June 23: D Andrei Markov, three years, $17.25 million, $5,750,000 cap hit
June 10: LW Mathieu Darche, one year, $700,000
May 31: D Hal Gill, one year, $2.25 million


Trades
July 15: D Mark Mitera from ANA for D Mathieu Carle
July 7: RW Mike Blunden from CLB for C Ryan Russell
June 29: 7th round pick (2012) from CLB for D James Wisniewski
June 25: 4th round pick (2011, D Josiah Didier), 4th round pick (2011, LW Olivier Archambault) from WIN for 4th round pick (2011, D Zachary Yuen)

Departures
D Roman Hamrlik - WAS
C Jeff Halpern - WAS
LW Benoit Pouliot - BOS
G Alex Auld - OTT
D Alex Picard - PIT
G Drew MacIntyre - BUF
C Tom Pyatt - TB

What to Expect
It appears Carey Price has arrived as a legitimate number one goalie so there are no concerns in the crease. Hamrlik was a steady defenseman, but gaining Andrei Markov and Josh Gorges back from injured reserve will offset any loss felt there. How they hold up is going to go a long way towards determining Montreal's seed in the standings. Mike Cammalleri should once again pot 35 goals and they finally have a big body up front in Erik Cole, but if Scott Gomez can't put together a much better season, their 22nd ranked offense will improve, but not drastically. P.K. Subban should be an even bigger contributor on offense this season. They will once again be a scrappy team on their way to one of the last playoff spots.


Toronto Maple Leafs - 9
Best Possible Finish - 3rd in division, 8th in conference
Projected Points Leader - Phil Kessel, 38-32-70
Signings
July 19: RW Joey Crabb, one year, $750,000
July 12: C Mike Zigomanis, one year, $650,000
July 6: C Philippe Dupuis, one year, $650,000
July 2: C Tim Connolly (BUF), two years, $9.5 million, $4,750,000 cap hit
June 29: LW Jay Rosehill, one year, $600,000


Trades
July 3: D Cody Franson, C Matthew Lombardi, 4th round pick (2013, conditional) from NSH for D Brett Lebda, LW Robert Slaney, 4th round pick (2013, conditional)
June 25: 6th round pick from ANA for 6th round pick (2011, D Josh Manson)
June 24: D John-Michael Liles from COL for 2nd round pick (2012)
June 24: 1st round pick (2011, RW Tyler Biggs) from ANA for 1st round pick (2011, RW Rickard Rakell), 2nd round pick (2011, G John Gibson)

Departures
G Jean-Sebastien Giguere - COL
C Tim Brent - CAR
D Danny Richmond - WAS
C Christian Hanson - WAS


What to Expect
There are still a lot of question n the forward lines. Clarke MacArthur, Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin make one of the best second lines in the NHL, so in fact, they have usurp Phil Kessel's line if he cannot figure the whole consistency thing out. Tim Connolly can be helpful in that department if he manages to stay healthy. The Leafs are risking $9.5 million on a players whoo has reached the 70-game mark once since 2002-03. Luke Schenn and Keith Aulie are constantly improving and Dion Phaneuf looked a little like his old self in the second half of the season; if so, the defense will be much more stable. That, combined with James Reimer who looked to have a handle on the riens of the goaltending position as the end of the season, will vastly improve their 2.99 goals-against average from last year. He just has to avoid going the way of Steve Mason. The Leafs will be a little less streaky and give their fan base a glimmer of hope throughout the entire year, instead of just the last few months, before ultimately falling just short of the playoffs.


Ottawa Senators - 15
Best Possible Finish - 4th in division, 12th in conference
Projected Points Leader - Jason Spezza, 28-38-66
Signings
July 11: D Tim Conboy (BUF), one year, $600,000
July 11: D Lee Sweatt (VAN), two years, $1.3 million, $650,000 cap hit
July 8: G Mike McKenna (NJ), one year, $550,000
July 8: RW Mark Parrish (BUF), one year, $650,000
July 5: C Zenon Konopka (NYI), one year, $700,000
July 1: RW Francis Lessard, one year, $550,000
July 1: G Alex Auld (MTL), one year, $1 million


Trades
June 25: LW Nikita Filatov from CLB for 3rd round pick (2011, C TJ Tynan)
June 24: 1st round pick (2011, LW Matt Puempel) from DET for 2nd round pick (2011, RW Tomas Jurco), 2nd round pick (2011, D Xavier Ouellet)

Departures
RW Ryan Shannon - TB
G Curtis McElhinney - PHO
C Cody Bass - CLB
C Ryan Potulny - WAS
D Derek Smith - CAL

What to Expect
Short answer: not much. There is a major shift going on in Canada's capital and they may be the Eastern Conference version of the Edmonton Oilers for the next few years. Though Daniel Alfredsson is only one season removed from a string of six out of seven seasons averaging over a point per game, it is unlikely he will approach those numbers again. That leaves Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek as the only other players who have proven they can put up points. Right winger Bobby Butler and defenseman Erik Karlsson will start to take over as the future stars of the team. While Craig Anderson is capable of playing extraordinary hockey and making a team play beyond its capabilities, it would take a Herculean effort for him to drag this club out of the basement. Sergei Gonchar had a down year to put it mildly and Chris Phillips is there mainly as a tutor for the young players. So keep an eye on Butler, Karlsson, Erik Condra, Jared Cowen, David Rundblad and Nikita Filatov, as they will be trying to cement their roles on the team for the foreseeable future.