Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Why Your NHL Team Rocks: Florida To Minnesota
Florida Panthers
Roberto Luongo is without a doubt the most entertaining guy in the NHL. Whenever I need a laugh, I just read some of his old tweets (this one is one of my favorites). On ice, in a relatively weak Atlantic Division, there’s no reason to think that the Panthers don’t stand at worst a decent shot at making the playoffs. Nick Bjugstad is awesome and he probably has the most team friendly contract in the NHL. Aaron Ekblad is somehow only 19 years old. He doesn’t look it and he sure doesn’t play like it. Jonathan Huberdeau could have a breakout year in 2015-2016. Jaromir Jagr playing with a bunch of young guys is why hockey is amazing. Aleksander Barkov is not only an excellent center, he’s also hilarious.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings had a dramatic 2014-2015 NHL season. The locker room pretty much fell apart with too many personalities. That said, they got two Stanley Cups out of that motley crew and it’s time to move on. What hasn’t changed is that they still have some elite or at worst borderline elite players. Anze Kopitar is the second best two-way center in the NHL. Marian Gaborik has proven that he’s more than just a sniper by playing surprisingly good defense. Tyler Toffoli is ready to take on a larger role and should help replace possession demigod Justin Williams. I’m baffled how people constantly don’t mention Jeff Carter when talking about the best centers in the NHL. He ought to be in that conversation. Drew Doughty has found the “unlimited stamina” cheat and is one of the best blue liners in the NHL. Jake Muzzin is an underrated defenseman.
Minnesota Wild
Wow, what a run the Wild had in 2014-2015! The goalie who started it all (Devan Dubnyk) is back. They lack an elite scorer, but their offense is well-balanced. They get contributions from all over their lineup. Zach Parise, Mikko Koivu, Jason Pominville, Nino Niederreiter and Tomas Vanek lead their offense. Ryan Suter might not be an offensive dynamo but he still eats the toughest minutes life can throw at him for breakfast. There’s a ton of value in that. Mathew Dumba could have a breakout year.
Next: Montreal Through New Jersey