NHL Contenders: #15 To #11
Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
#15: New York Islanders
ADDITIONS:
LOSSES:
- None
TRENDING: Standing still, but in the Metropolitan Division, that means downward.
Don’t get me wrong. I like the Islanders talent. However, Garth Snow, as brilliant of a general manager as he is, has signed a backup goalie and that’s about it. Now, Snow still has two months to screw an NHL team over. However, has the rest of the NHL realized yet that trading with Snow is probably not a wise decision? And is it really wise to stay put with their current group of guys? Especially when Kyle Okposo is likely leaving the Islanders next season?
#14: Calgary Flames
ADDITIONS:
- Dougie Hamilton
- Michael Frolik
LOSSES:
- None
TRENDING: Upwards
The Calgary Flames made two really sexy moves this off-season. They traded for Dougie Hamilton and signed Michael Frolik. However, do either of those signings fix their inherent problems? That remains to be seen. Also, it’s worth noting that Hamilton’s amazing possession stats were largely due to spending a lot of time playing with one Patrice Bergeron.
#13: Dallas Stars
ADDITIONS:
- Antti Niemi
- Patrick Sharp
- Johnny Oduya
LOSSES:
- Trevor Daley
- Jhonas Enroth
TRENDING: Upwards
The Dallas Stars should be an excellent team this season. They upgraded their already ridiculous forward group by trading for Sharp. Recently, they signed Johnny Oduya. Combined with Seguin, Oduya and Sharp probably make the Dallas Stars the most handsome team in hockey. My only issue with the Stars is their goaltending. I don’t really trust either of their goaltenders. They’re basically paying two guys who are slightly above NHL league average at best.
#12: Detroit Red Wings
ADDITIONS:
LOSSES:
TRENDING: Upwards
I love what the Red Wings have done. Despite losing Mike Babcock to the Toronto Maple Leafs, they should yet again make the playoffs because that’s what the Red Wings do. They’ve been searching a long time for a right handed defenseman and they got one of the best in the NHL in Green. They also got a great bargain in Richards. They still have to get their goalie situation figured out, but this is a really good team.
#11: New York Rangers
ADDITIONS:
LOSSES:
- Cam Talbot
- Martin St. Louis
- Carl Hagelin
- Matt Hunwick
TRENDING: Downwards
The New York Rangers are the defending President’s Trophy winners. That said, they have experienced quite a few losses this off-season. The loss of Hagelin is going to hurt the Rangers more than most people think. Etem is good though, and I think if he’s utilized properly, he could off-set the loss of Hagelin. Raanta certainly isn’t a bad backup goalie to have. After being one of the best teams in the NHL, can the Rangers continue to ride their huge wave of PDO, or will they crash down?
Next: #10 to #6