1. The Chicago Blackhawks
Now this team, was built by Dale Tallon (who was then unceremoniously fired for a fax up...errr fuck up in administration). He built the Stanley Cup champs to become the Stanley Cup champs and first and foremost, deserves a ring for it. But now here's the really messed up situation in Chicago, after waiting 48 long and torturous years for a Stanley Cup parade, the team was dismantled just like the Florida Marlins. It was a sad sad state when more than 10 players had to be shipped off the team, because of salary cap restraints. The Blackhawks will no doubt be the most interesting team this season, not only because of the star power they have, but because of all the new faces on the team...this isn't your father's Chicago Blawkhawks...
2. Halak a Blue
Jaroslav Halak had a magical playoff run with the Montreal Canadians. As a Leaf fan, I hated every minute of it...as a hockey fan you couldn't help but think of the Ken Drydon or Patrick Roy goalies. This was a goaltender who single handily took out the Presidents Cup trophy winners, and the defending Stanley Cup champions! Unreal! And just as quickly as his glove would make a catch, he was shipped out of Montreal for a couple of prospects. In a weird way, I actual agree with what Montreal did...for two reasons and two reasons only...Halak's value was at the highest it has ever been, possibly ever will be...why wouldn't you trade an asset like that away. The second, they showed a lot of balls by sticking with Carey Price. Price as we all know was looking like the second coming of Ken Drydon...Its going to be a season where not only do the Blues finally have a legitimate number 1 goalie, but now we get to find out if Halak is the real deal or not.
3. Dion Phaneuf as the Leafs Captain
To wear the "C" for the Toronto Maple Leafs is such an honour and a privilege that is given to a player worthy of that honour. Ron Wilson and Brian Burke made the decision this past summer in giving Dion Phaneuf a chance to be the leader. He was kicked out of Calgary for numerous rumours, and has a fresh start in Toronto. That just sounded weird, most players leaf Toronto to get a fresh start somewhere else...but he is here and hopefully can not only bolster the defense of the team, but motivate everyone on the team to do their role, and finally take this team into the playoffs. If nothing else, at least we'll see Elisha Cuthbert at the games...ahhhh the girl next door...4. Washington Capitals
2010 was a year that Alex Oveckin would love to forget. Not only was he a huge dud in the Olympics, but he was a complete disaster and no-show in the NHL Playoffs. When the Washington Capitals were eliminated from the playoffs, all you could hear was playoff pools crashing in the Nation's capital. An image of Alex watching his buddy Malking picking up the Stanley Cup haunts him to this day, and now he's seen Hossa do it in Chicago. If the Capitals aren't able to make it past the 2nd round of the playoffs, it might be time to go into a different direction (no matter how much I love Bruce Boudreau).
5. Ilya Kovalchuk
This player has already cost the New Jersey Devils a tonne and he's only played half a year for them. The Devils as we all know traded for Kovalchuk before the deadline giving up a draft pick and a couple of high end prospects to the Thrashers. Now that the Devils 'circumvented the cap' it has cost them 3 million dollars plus another first and a third round draft choice. Throw in the fact that they owe this guy 100 million dollars over 15 years and well Lou Lamerello is hoping for a couple of Stanley Cup Parades in Newark. There are a couple of key elements to what Kovalchuk has at his disposal. He'll play a full year with the likes of Zach Parise and Langenbrunner. He's also got one of the top goalies in the leagues backstopping the team (which Atlanta never had). The Devils will be an interesting watch all season.
6. The Los Angeles Kings
My oh my have these Kings grown up quite a bit! It is nice to see that another team playing in the Staples Centre is playing well (Sorry Clipper fans, its not your time yet, probably never). With a group of young players at its disposal and one of the top young goalie prospects the US National Program has ever seen, the LA Kings are my pick to go to the Stanley Cup final. However, this team will have to win in the next few years...or else, we'll have another Chicago salary dump in the works. On a side note, heard Drew Doughty offered his number to Willie Mitchell (a veteran who joined the team); Mitchell declined on the number exchange, but it shows the character of a young player who is still humbled by what he has achieved.
7. San Jose Sharks
So the Sharks have always had one consistent weapon at their disposal, and that was goaltending. Nabovkov was the goalie for many many years in Norther California and now the team is without him for the first time. Sharks are hoping that a couple of Finnish goalies playing a dual role for the number one spot will help them through it. A strong forward group and a strong backend will make the Sharks a tough team to beat...but if their goaltending is weak, watch for a trade to happen that might involve some interesting names being moved...TIM THOMAS
8. Youth in Edmonton
The city of champions hasn't been feeling like that for quite some time. They've lost some high end talent over the years, and have made some very stupid signings (Penner and Souray). In all honesty, this team was on the downfall from the minute Chris Pronger asked to be traded away, and for the time being Kevin Lowe was just trying to do a bandage operation on the team, which didn't work at all. This year with three young and talented players on the roster it will be interesting to see how they fair in the big leagues. I know for one thing...TAYLOR HALL IS READY FOR THE NHL!!!! 9. Steve Yzerman in Tampa
Stevie Y...Canada's hockey GM at the Olympics this past year became an instant hero. He also became one of the most sought after executives in the league. Having spent his entire career in Detroit, along with the beginning of his executive career, he's learned a lot of things...on and off the ice. Learning from the likes of Ken Holland and for a while Scottie Bowman will not only help him understand the business aspect of the game more, but it will allow him to make good decisions which will obviously help out the team. If hockey is to matter in Tampa again, its up to Steve Yzerman to make it matter...
10. Seguin vs. Kessel
Yes this is a match noone is comparing, but I think I will. Tyler Seguin as all Leaf fans know, was the players drafted by Boston 2nd overall this summer which belonged to Toronto and was part of the trade that brought Phil Kessel to Toronto. Now I am for one still loving the Kessel deal, even if we did lose a Seguin. Kessel is only 22 years old, and still has a lot of hockey in his career. He is a proven plus 30 goal scorer and can shot at will. Seguin still has yet to play a game in the NHL. If he's groomed well and not rushed, I think Seguin will be an excellent player...but right now, until Seguin plays NHL games...Toronto is still in the lead (Go Leafs, at least we lead in something).
On a side note, I'm glad to be back on the blog! I enjoy writing and putting my thoughts in Hockey. Its a true passion of mine which I hope can come across through these blogs!!!
Follow me on twitter @jollybenjabi
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Lets get ready for the season!!! Remember it won't take long to realize whose in it to win, and whose in it to win the ping pong lottery!!!
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