ANDREW CYR
<Sports Editor>
During the NHL lockout, many hockey fans claimed that they would seek retribution for what the NHL and the Players’ Association did to them. They would speak with their wallets and refuse to buy tickets or merchandise, or watch games on TV once the NHL returned.
I made no such bold claims. I knew I would come crawling back. I can’t help it. I could barely contain my excitement when I read that the NHL and the Players’ Association had agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement and salvaged what was left of the 2013 season. Now that the players are returning to their teams for training camp, the only question is: what will the 2013 season look like? Will the traditional powerhouses continue to prevail? Or will a dark horse team emerge in the shortened season? How will your favourite team fare this year?
Below, I have outlined my predictions for the fate of each of the 7 Canadian NHL teams as well as projected standings.
Calgary Flames
Last year, the Flames fell just short of the playoffs, relying on the play of aging stars Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff to keep them in the hunt. They will again rely on this duo to lead the team in 2013, although their advancing age leads one to question whether they can even replicate last year’s limited success. The loss of 1st line center Olli Jokinen is offset by the addition of Mike Cammalleri late last season, but leaves them at a loss for size down the middle. On defence, Jay Bouwmeester and Mark Giordano are talented offensively, but lack the size and strength one wants out of top pairing defenders. Rookie winger Sven Baertschi is expected to earn a top-six role and is a popular pre-season pick for the Calder Trophy, but overall Calgary is too old and too small to compete in the Western Conference.
Last year’s finish: 9th in the West
This year’s finish: 13th in the West
Edmonton Oilers
While Calgary continues to rely on aging veterans, their provincial rivals in Edmonton continue to thrust their young players into starring roles. Of course, being awarded three consecutive first overall draft choices doesn’t hurt their cause. If forwards Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins continue to improve, the Oilers have the potential to be among the most dangerous offensive teams in the conference. Defence and goaltending remain question marks, however. The addition of vaunted free agent defenceman Justin Schultz should go a long way towards shoring up the blueline. The Oilers season may come down to the play of Devan Dubnyk. Taking a leap of faith, however, I expect the addition of 2012 first-overall pick Nail Yakupov to put the Oilers over the top and allow them to capture not only a playoff spot, but the Northwest Division championship.
Last year’s finish: 15th in the West
This year’s finish: 3rd in the West
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens were a massive disappointment last year, finishing dead last in the Eastern Conference. The team did little to improve in the offseason, and after trading away top-forward Mike Cammalleri late last season, the Canadiens appear to be in full-blown rebuilding mode. The team will rely on the chemistry developed between forwards Max Pacioretty, David Desharnais, and Erik Cole continuing into this year in order to generate offense. Defensively, the team welcomes back Andrei Markov and must get P.K. Subban under contract to start the season. Realistically, however, this team will depend on All-Star goalie Carey Price to steal games in order to have success. While the team has nowhere to go but up, it is difficult to imagine Montreal making the playoffs with their current roster.
Last year’s finish: 15th in the East
This year’s finish: 12th in the East
Ottawa Senators
The Senators experienced surprising success last season, finishing with the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. Led by the play of Norris Trophy-winning defenceman Erik Karlsson, the team surprised many opponents. The team will need another stellar season out of Karlsson, as well as their ageless winger and captain Daniel Alfredsson and slick center Jason Spezza if they are going to repeat that success. The Senators have a surprising amount of talent on their roster, and may welcome some prospects onto the team as well, including talented forwards Mika Zibanejad and Mark Stone. The Senators’ roster appears at least as potent as last year’s team, and while they won’t be sneaking up on anyone this year, they should be able to slide into another playoff spot.
Last year’s finish: 8th in the East
This year’s finish: 8th in the East
Toronto Maple Leafs
The team with the longest standing playoff drought in the NHL is a puzzling bunch. They stormed out of the gates last year to be firmly entrenched in playoff position by midseason. However, a late-season collapse saw the team on the outside looking in for the 7th year in a row. The team boasts some talented forwards, including wingers Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul, as well as new addition James van Riemsdyk. In addition, they have a strong corps of defenders, including captain Dion Phaneuf. The reason for much of the Leafs’ failure last year, however, was sub-par goaltending. Perhaps a healthy season from incumbent James Reimer will allow him to return to form, or new General Manager Dave Nonis may deal for a new goaltender. Either way, unless the Leafs’ goaltending improves, their league-leading playoff drought is likely to continue.
Last year’s finish: 13th in the East
This year’s finish: 11th in the East
Vancouver Canucks
Despite winning the team’s second consecutive President’s Trophy as regular season champion, the Vancouver Canucks’ 2011-12 season is largely regarded as a failure. Unlike most Canadian teams, the Vancouver Canucks’ success cannot be determined by what occurred in the regular season. A first-round exit at the hands of the eventual Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings tainted an otherwise successful season for the Canucks. Vancouver will again set its sights this season, not only on a playoff berth, but on the Stanley Cup. Led by the ultra-talented Sedin twins up front, the Canucks also boast excellent defence and strong goaltending. In fact, the team features a surplus of starting quality goaltenders and may end up dealing incumbent Roberto Luongo in favour of starting the younger Cory Schneider going into 2013. The Canucks will almost certainly make the playoffs in 2013, and will likely battle for the Northeast Division crown. However, it is not until the playoffs begin that this team will truly be measured.
Last year’s finish: 1st in the West
This year’s finish: 5th in the West
Winnipeg Jets
While most Jets fans were happy just to have a team last year, the team will be looking to improve on last season’s inaugural performance. The team will look for improvements out of emerging superstar Evander Kane and budding winger Blake Wheeler, as well as sustained contributions from Andrew Ladd and Brian Little. Offseason addition Olli Jokinen gives the team another option for a top line center and should contribute to the team offensively. On defense, the team will look for offensive contributions from Dustin Byfuglien and Tobias Enstrom. Solid defensive zone play and excellent goaltending from Ondrej Pavelec are a must, however, for the Jets to be successful. With a solid young core and key offseason additions, the Jets are likely to challenge for a playoff spot this year.
Last year’s finish: 11th in the East
This year’s finish: 6th in the East