Just as he was beginning to cement his spot in the lineup, New Jersey Devils‘ forward Jacob Josefson suffered a broken right clavicle that will keep him off the ice for three to four months. Last season he missed 35 games with a torn ligament in his right hand.

Since Travis Zajac started the season on the injured reserve list, the Devils were already short staffed down the middle. Now with Josefson out, New Jersey has a gaping hole at center.

The Devils quickly called up centerman Adam Henrique, who became a victim of the numbers at the end of training camp for the opening night roster.

Then, New Jersey claimed Ryan Carter, a center who played under Peter DeBoer in Florida, after the Florida Panthers placed Carter on waivers. In 189 NHL games since the 2007-2008 season, Carter recorded 14 goals and 21 assists. He likely will not be a replacement on the top two lines.

Carter becomes a fill-in player for the bottom two lines, but the Devils still need a center for the first two lines.

But, when Petr Sykora woke up on Monday with flu-like symptoms, the Devils had no extra forwards to put in the lineup had Sykora not been able to play. Luckily Sykora took to the ice for warmups, and ended up factoring into all three of the Devils’ goals against the Los Angeles Kings, but defenseman Mark Fraser nearly had to fill in at forward.

Captain Zach Parise moved to center for the first time since college, except for a few games in the 2007-2008 season. He went 9-5 in the face-off dot against the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday.

Regardless of the Devils’ ability to shift around players to fill the void, they desperately need a true center.

New Jersey has roughly $3.8 million in salary cap space according to CapGeek.com and Josefson’s cap hit was $900,000.

Toronto Maple Leafs center, Tyler Bozak, would be a good option for the Devils to try to acquire. Bozak’s cap hit is $1.5 million, but he proved to be a powerful threat in the face-off dot last season.

Bozak, who has four assists in six games this season, is signed through next season. However, at 25 years of age, Bozak has more experience than a few of the other options out there.

Out west, there is Kyle Turris, who remains unsigned but is trying to work out a contract with the Phoenix Coyotes. In 65 games in the NHL last season, he had a 50% face-off win percentage, but lacks the depth of experience that the Devils may need.

In 131 games, Turris recorded 19 goals and 27 assists.

Another possibility for the Devils would be to trade for Edmonton Oilers‘ Sam Gagner.

Gagner, who just returned from an injury on Saturday, needs to play with experienced wingers. He could become an very successful center, but needs the support.

If General Manager Lou Lamoriello makes a move to acquire another center, then look for him to go to the rental market.

Columbus Blue Jackets‘ forward, Samuel Pahlsson, will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and boasts a $2.65 million cap hit according to Cap Geek.

The 33-year-old Swede has the Stanley Cup experience that any team desires, but he also has the ability to play against the other team’s best lines. A perfect fit for the Devils, Pahlsson is a center that can play on one of the top two lines and be defensively responsible.

Since the Columbus has only one win this season, they might be ready to complete a trade to switch some things up.

Though ailed by an injury recently, Jochen Hecht, 34, would make a good addition to the Devils. His success in the face-off dot and his defensive ability would be a big asset.

Daymond Langkow and Olli Jokinen are also possibilities.

Langkow is in his second stint with the Coyotes. Through eight games this season, he scored five points.

Though, Jokinen, 32, does not have the experience in the postseason that may be necessary for the Devils. But hopefully by the time playoffs roll around, the Devils will have Zajac and Josefson.

Josefson’s loss created a huge setback for the Devils, but they proved they can rebound without necessarily having a top centerman.

Former Florida Panthers’ head coach, Peter DeBoer, 43, will coach the New Jersey Devils in the upcoming season. The Devils announced the hiring during a press conference this afternoon.

DeBoer, who had one year left on his contract with the Florida Panthers, coached the past three seasons in Florida before being relieved of his duties at the end of the season. The former Panthers’ coach interviewed twice with Lou Lamoriello for this position.

No assistant coaches have been hired yet, but the vital step of hiring a head coach is done.

DeBoer said during the press conference he wants the defensive structure that has become synonymous with Devils’ hockey to remain intact while adding some more offense.

Players like Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise will likely benefit from DeBoer’s direction.

In all three seasons as a head coach in the NHL, DeBoer missed the playoffs. However in the OHL he won the Coach of the Year trophy twice and won a Memorial Cup as a coach for the Kitchener Rangers.

He finished his coaching career with the Panthers with a record of 103-107-36.

Forward David Clarkson will likely be thrilled with the hiring of DeBoer. Clarkson, who played for DeBoer in Kitchener, always praised the coach who gave him a chance.

The Belleville Bulls drafted Clarkson in the OHL draft, but he spent most of his time in the press box. After seeing that, DeBoer wanted to acquire the Toronto native.

DeBoer also coached defenseman Mark Fraser in Kitchener and Travis Zajac in the World Championships.

Now that the Devils finally hired a head coach to replace retired Jacques Lemaire, the Devils can turn their entire focus on to signing free agent Parise.

The Tampa Bay Lightning had been presented with another test Friday night and against a team that was riding an eight game winning streak with the resurgent Devils in town attempting to keep their playoff hopes alive. Throughout the first period the Lightning and Devils both were able to generate scoring chances, but neither would be able to capitalize as the applied pressure from the defenses and some stellar play from the goaltenders.
After a scoreless first period the Lightning were able to jump ahead by two early in the second. Martin St.Louis and Simon Gagne’s goals that beat Johan Hedberg were developed quite similarly, right after an offensive zone face-off win.
Hedberg came into this game with a 0.33GAA, .984SV% in his last three games played. Though, he had two goals against in this one, he had made some superb saves to keep his club in the game. He finished the night stopping 28 of 30 shots faced and recorded a loss for the first time in 4 games.
New Jersey got within one after getting a goal from Mark Fayne from the point. His goal assisted by Ilya Kovalchuk and Travis Zajac. Devils were only able to get 20 shots on net and Dwayne Roloson knew that even though the shot total was down, he needed to be stellar to hold off a Devils rally as he did to earn his win as a member of the Bolts.
The Tampa Bay Lightning finished their 12-game home stand 7-3-2 and increased their Southeast Division lead to 5 points ahead of the Washington Capitals.
After trading G-Dan Ellis to the Anaheim Ducks for G-Curtis McElhinney on Thursday, the Lightning put Mike Smith on re-entry waiver, and cleared. He was then recalled from Norfolk(AHL) and was available as the backup to Roloson. In regards to what this trade does; this provides General Manager, Steve Yzerman with some flexibility in his cap space for Monday’s trade deadline at 3PM EST.
The Lightning will take on John Torterella’s New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Sunday at 1PM.

As the season goes further down the drain for the New Jersey Devils, the unloading of contracts begins. The Devils announced today the trading of their captain, Jamie Langenbrunner, back to the Dallas Stars. Langenbrunner originally came to the Devils via a trade from Dallas.

Langenbrunner won a Cup with the Devils and went on to captain the Devils from 2007 to early 2011. Before joining the Devils, he won a Cup in the 1999-2000 season with the Stars. The Minnesota native moves on and so must the Devils.

It seems unlikely that New Jersey finished cap clearing moves with the Langenbrunner trade. New Jersey sent Brian Rolston down to Albany and he cleared re-entry waivers last week so the likelihood of Rolston moving soon seems poor due to the size of his contract. Patrick Elias, Jason Arnott, Adam Mair and Dainius Zubrus all seem possible options.

Unfortunately, none of the Devils have successful numbers this season that will lead to trades. Elias still has the potential in his game, but Lou Lamoriello may not wish to trade Elias. Zubrus, Rolston, and even Arnott take up ice time that younger players could potentially use, much like Langenbrunner did. Mair and Arnott are potential unrestricted free agents this July and seem the likeliest to move.

The clearing of cap space hopefully will lead to a contract renewal with Zach Parise, who will become a restricted free agent this summer. Parise injured his knee in October and will not skate again until at least March. Nevertheless, Tom Gulitti of Fire and Ice reported this morning that Langenbrunner believes Parise should become the next captain of the Devils, should he re-sign.

In a lost season, the Devils need to retool the lineup for next year. As much as Lamoriello does not claim to want to rebuild the team, the only possibility to succeed from this disaster seems rebuilding. Players like Parise, Travis Zajac, David Clarkson, and Ilya Kovalchuk need to lead the future of the Devils. In addition those players, Jacob Josefson, Anssi Salmela, and Mark Fraser will develop over the next few seasons. Devils’ fans may miss Langenbrunner, but this trade may lead to future greatness.

As we’ve skated through the NHL preseason and have witnessed our first glances at most teams around the league to start the actual year, we will take a look at the potential top lines around the league that are likely to be the mainstay top line for their respective clubs.

There has been a decent amount of change around the league this off-season and here at NHLHS, we will break down how each lines production could pan out around the league.

Keep in mind that there will be line juggling to start the season as coaches will attempt to find the proper chemistry amongst the forward units to provide a competitive game scenario.  What we present to you below are projected lines to start the year.  Whether they were the way the lines finished the season last year, or what has come from initial reports out of training camps.

Anaheim Ducks:

Bobby Ryan – Ryan Getzlaf – Corey Perry

The boys are back in town.  After a summer long battle in Bobby Ryan camp, the youngster from Cherry Hill, NJ has finally agreed to a new contract extension with the club which will see him remain a Duck for the next five years.  The returns of Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne help the veteran presence and the second line situation, and allows for the top line to stick together and produce for another season, to say the least.  With Joffrey Lupul finally cleared to being training from his injuries, there is good news all around.  Surprising seasons from Dan Sexton and the trade that brought in Jason Blake will be hopeful helping additions to the top nine.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Ryan Getzlaf – GP G 28 A 43 PTS 71
Corey Perry – GP 80 G 32 A 27 PTS 59
Bobby Ryan – GP 78 G 31 A 34 PTS 65

Atlanta Thrashers:

Niclas Bergfors – Nik Antropov – Evander Kane

It will depend on chemistry, but this could be a deadly top line for the Thrashers this season. The second full season for Evander Kane will see him continue to grow in to a power forward and having Dustin Byfuglien to learn the ropes from will undoubtedly help him. Without the likes of Ilya Kovalchuk and Max Afinogenov, the Thrashers will lean heavily on Niclas Bergfors and Kane for goal production. It could really go either way in Atlanta, but the future is bright.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Nik Antropov – GP 80 G 24 A 49 PTS 73
Niclas Bergfors – GP 79 G 28 A 33 PTS 61
Evander Kane – GP80 G 24 A 27 PTS 51

Boston Bruins:

Milan Lucic – David Krejci – Nathan Horton

Injuries put a damper on the offensive production for Boston last season – both during the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs. This year, it seems as if there is a lot carrying over from last year.  Top line Center Marc Savard, who is still battling through post concussion symptoms and it is anyone’s guess at this point if he will start the season healthy with Boston, will be missed to say the least. The lack of production from Michael Ryder and company added to the issues for the Bruins.  This year, with a few newcomers on board and some new situations to attack since Dennis Wideman has been shipped out in favor of Nathan Horton, the Bruins will hope to be back among the eight teams heading into the playoffs in 2011.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

David Krejci – GP 75 G 26 A 35 PTS 61
Nathan Horton – GP 80 G 35 A 28 PTS 63
Milan Lucic – GP 74 G 23 A 35 PTS 58

Buffalo Sabres:

Jason Pominville – Derek Roy – Thomas Vanek

It’s not a secret that the Buffalo Sabres are a team that rely heavily on the netminding of Ryan Miller, but they do boast a few offensive weapons. The 2009-10 season saw a 12 goal drop for winger Thomas Vanek, who scored 28, and the Sabres need Vanek to return to form this year. The team did little update their roster in the offseason, which shows that management has faith in their squad. Derek Roy is once again going to once again be leaned on for steady offensive production. Jason Pominville did suffer an injury early in the season, but that shouldn’t stop him from reaching the 60 point plateau this year.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Derek Roy – GP 82 G 26 A 60 PTS 86
Thomas Vanek – GP 76 G 29 A 33 PTS 62
Jason Pominville – GP 75 G 27 A 40 PTS 67

Calgary Flames:

Alex Tanguay – Olli Jokinen – Jarome Iginla

After last seasons debacle out of Calgary, and the trades that called for GM Darryl Sutters head, the off-season signings of Olli Jokinen and Alex Tanguay can truly only make one person happy: Jarome Iginla.  To be fair, the chemistry between the group when they were once Flames players was fantastic however, Jokinen and Tanguay have since fallen off the map of talented skaters within the NHL.  This will be their year to bounce back.  If they can find what was once a dominant line within the league, it could provide to be one of the better top lines.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Olli Jokinen – GP 70 G 25 A 25 PTS 50
Alex Tanguay – GP 76 G 16 A 40 PTS 56
Jerome Iginla – GP 77 G 34 A 33 PTS 67

Carolina Hurricanes:

Jussi Jokinen – Eric Staal – Tuomo Ruutu

In hopes to forget the season that was 2009-10 and embark on 2010-11 in proper fashion, the Hurricanes were sent overseas for the NHL Premier games and Cam Ward put on quite a show in front of the crowd oversees.  In order for this Hurricanes team to make any noise this year, Ward will need to provide consistent goaltending and stay healthy. Though injuries have arrived in Carolina, and who is to place a time table on anyone’s return, you will likely see plenty of line juggling over the course of the first two weeks.  Eric Staal will continue to lead the way, and offensive production must be at a premium this year out of him.

Jussi Jokinen – GP 76 G 31 A 28 PTS 59
Eric Staal – GP 80 G 34 A 37 PTS 71
Tuomo Ruutu – GP 72 G 21 A 22 PTS 43

Chicago Blackhawks:

Marian Hossa – Jonathan Toews – Patrick Kane

What can be said about the talent that was kept on board by the 2009-10 Stanley Cup Champions other than adjectives that would all equal one simple word: Wow. Cap casualties Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Laad, Kris Versteeg, Ben Eager and a few other role players have all been sent packing from the Chicago organization.  However, when Marian Hossa, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp and Dave Bolland remain in tact good things will remain within Chicago.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Jonathan Toews – GP 82 G 30 A 55 PTS 85
Marian Hossa – GP 70 G 44 A 49 PTS 93
Patrick Kane – GP 82 G 34 A 50 PTS 84

Colorado Avalanche:

Chris Stewart – Paul Stastny – Milan Hejduk

The Colorado Avalanche surprised the hockey world in 2009-10 moving from the basement in to the eight playoff spot in the Western Conference. Led by Paul Stastny, who had his best statistical season, and youngsters like Matt Duchene and Chris Stewart leaves little to the pondering mind, outside of a sophomore slump, to say they can not achieve last years production.  Trade deadline acquisition Peter Mueller will start off the season on the injured list with a concussion, but his return will only add more offense to this team. Expect Stewart to play a bigger role, as well as veteran Milan Hejduk to be his consistent self. Youth is definitely served on this team with T.J. Galliardi and Ryan O’Reilly, who will have bigger seasons and the opportunity to move up the depth chart.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Paul Stastny – GP 75 G 29 A 54 PTS 83
Chris Stewart – GP 80 G 32 A 39 PTS 71
Milan Hejdux – GP 70 G 26 A 35 PTS 61

Columbus Blue Jackets:

Rick Nash – Antoine Vermette – Kristian Huselieus

When Rick Nash compliments your play you know you are doing something right. In an article posted this off-season on NHL.com, Nash was on record stating how good the chemistry between he and fellow line mate Antoine Vermette is. If this line can stay healthy and Huselieus can squeeze past his streaks, there could be potential for a very good year from them.  There could also be a disaster.  This is a washy situation in Columbus and we will have to hope for the best.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Rick Nash – GP 78 G 31  A 30 PTS 61
Antoine Vermette – GP 73 G 22 A 40 PTS 66
Kristian Huselieus – GP 68 G 25 A 30 PTS 55

Dallas Stars:

Loui Eriksson – Brad Richards – James Neal

The Mike Modano era is now over in Dallas, but let’s face it, that happened when Brenden Morrow took over as team captain in 2006. Brad Richards returned to form in 2009-10 with 67 assists which he added on top of scoring 24 goals to total 91 points. Wingers Loui Eriksson and James Neal both benefited from playing with Richards and another season will prove it was no fluke. Expect big things in big D from this trio as they will be relied on to carry the offense. The second line of Mike Ribeiro, Jamie Benn and Morrow should take some of the pressure off as well and could provide quite the top six for production out of Dallas this year.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Brad Richards – GP 79 G 23 A 58 PTS 81
James Neal – GP 82 G 31 A 30 PTS 61
Loui Eriksson – GP 76 G 27 A 34 PTS 61

Detroit Red Wings:

Pavel Datsyuk – Henrik Zetterberg – Johan Franzen

The timeless franchise may just be coming to an end. Boasting on of the oldest teams in the NHL, the Red Wings also have the most experience. Pavel Datsyuk is the best two-way forward in the league and after a statistically disappointing season last year, Datsyuk will look to capitalize on his scoring chances this year. A seasoned Jimmy Howard should allow the Wings to take a few more chances offensively and the scoring in Mo-Town should be that much better this season.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Henrik Zetterberg – GP 75 G 25 A 48 PTS 73
Pavel Datsyuk – GP 82 G 32 A 66 PTS 98
Johan Franzen – GP 70 G 28 A 30 PTS 58

Edmonton Oilers:

Dustin Penner – Sam Gagner – Ales Hemsky

Despite all the young and exciting talent that the Oilers boast, it is the veterans that will lead the way. Dustin Penner is out to prove that last year was, once again, not a fluke. While Oiler nation will finally see if Ales Hemsky is truly for real. Sam Gagner, as we all know, has all the talents to be a great center in the NHL and with two shifty wingers on his side, the time is now for the young man to break out.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Dustin Penner – GP 82 G 34 A 30 PTS 64
Sam Gagner – GP 70 G 18 A 38 PTS 56
Ales Hemsky – GP 74 G 23 A 28 PTS 51

Florida Panthers:

David Booth – Stephen Weiss – Michael Frolik

The young, rebuilding Florida Panthers will have a lot of adjusting to do this season.  When Nathan Horton was shipped to Boston in favor of Dennis Wideman and the 15th overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, it left a glaring hole on the top line.  This hole has yet to be filled, and with a void this big, it leaves little to help the rest of the line up. Expect a long, possible painful season from the Cats in South Florida.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Stephen Weiss – GP 82 G 25 A 35 PTS 60
David Booth – GP 77 G 26 A 33 PTS 59
Michael Frolik  – GP 80 G 21 A 19 PTS 40

Los Angeles Kings:

Ryan Smyth – Anze Kopitar – Wayne Simmonds

The team who have been compared to the Chicago Blackhawks of last year most frequently are the Kings.  With Anze Kopitar getting better and better each year, youngster Wayne Simmonds proving his talent and Ryan Smyth being in the best shape of his entire playing career, there is potential to have one of the most dominant and productive top lines in all of the NHL. Of course, things will mix and match to start the season, as we have witnessed already from head coach Terry Murray but before you know it, all signs point to the creating of a very balanced top nine with a comfortable top six.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Anze Kopitar – GP 82 G 31 A 73 PTS 104
Wayne Simmonds – GP 80 G 22 A 29 PTS 51
Ryan Smyth – GP 79 G 34 A 32 PTS 66

Minnesota Wild:

Andrew Brunette – Mikko Koivu – Martin Havlat

Trouble in paradise. Unable to find a solution to the offensive production, considering Martin Havlat has yet to live up to his contract and no one else on the team has been able to find their scoring touch, the Minnesota Wild find themselves in a position to be one of the bottom teams in the Western Conference this year.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Mikko Koivu – GP 80 G 30 A 36 PTS 66
Antti Miettenen – GP 77 G 22 A 30 PTS 52
Martin Havlat – GP 72 G 20 A 28 PTS 48

Montreal Canadiens:

Brian Gionta – Scott Gomez – Michael Cammalleri

La belle province. The Habs are always an NHL team under the national spotlight and this season will be no different. Although the spotlight will not be on the offense. Carey Price is now the man in Montreal, but the likes of Mike Cammalleri, Scott Gomez and captain Brian Gionta will have to carry the offensive load for the team. Gionta is going to face the pressures of being the second American-born captain for the Habs, but that shouldn’t affect his offensive output, while Cammalleri will likely be depended on for scoring the majority of goals for the Canadiens.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Scott Gomez – GP 80 G 23 A 45 PTS 68
Brian Gionta – GP 82 G 27 A 49 PTS 76
Mike Cammalleri – GP 81 G 38 A 36 PTS 74

Nashville Predators:

Steve Sullivan – Matthew Lombardi – Patric Hornqvist

If history can repeat itself, Matthew Lombardi and Patric Hornqvist are setting themselves up to have quite the season in Nashville.  Though, chemistry and learning to play together will be the number one key to developing that chemistry during the first two weeks of play.  Barring health issues, and any other concerns from the black and white product, this top line does have what it takes to put up quite the points this year.  Nashville will rely heavily on secondary scoring, but with J.P. Dumont, Martin Erat, and the hopes that Colin Wilson will finally develop into a top six talent on board, it should be yet another fun seasons for Preds fans.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Steve Sullivan – GP 70 G 22 A 27 PTS 49
Matthew Lombardi – GP 80 G 27 A 44 PTS 71
Patric Horqvist – GP 82 G 32 A 36 PTS 68

New Jersey Devils:

Ilya Kovalchuk – Travis Zajac – Zach Parise

Also know as the “ZIP” line, this trio has the potential to earn themselves quite the surplus in points totals come seasons end. There is nobody that will benefit more from the addition of Ilya Kovalchuk than Travis Zajac. Look for the young centre to have a career season with not only assists, but also goals. Zach Parise is already in a league of his own, and being a part of this trio will continue to help him excel within his position with ease.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Zajac – GP 82 G 29 A 45 PTS 74
Parise – GP 80 G 34 A 43 PTS 77
Kovalchuk – GP 79 G 43 A 30 PTS 73

New York Islanders:

Matt Moulson – John Tavares – Nino Niederreiter

When John Tavares suffered a concussion to start the year, not only did it totally destroy the hopes of Isles fans across the hockey nation, it puts a damper on the development that everyone within the hockey community was looking forward to witnessing.  With Kyle Okposo, Rob Schremp and Mark Streit already on the shelf to start the year, doom and gloom awaits. Unless potential stud prospect Nino Niederreiter can step up and fill in on the top line upon Tavares’ return, it’s slim pickings at the Old Barn in Nassau County.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

John Tavares – GP 70 G 26 A 44 PTS 70
Matt Moulson – GP 80 G 27 A 22 PTS 49
Nino Niederreiter – GP 78 G 24 A 27 PTS 51

New York Rangers:

Marian Gaborik – Derek Stepan – Alex Frolov

For the first time in a few years the Rangers were not one of the most active teams on the free agent market. They did, however, land coveted free agent Alex Frolov from the LA Kings. Frolov will join Marian Gaborik on the top line, which should make for some flashy goals this season in the Big Apple. In his first season with the Rangers Gaborik played in 76 games (second highest total of career) and matched his career high with 42 goals. If the preseason was any indication, Gaborik and Frolov have found the chemistry and Derek Stepan could turn into the teams number one center in no time.  Brandon Dubinsky has found the perfect slot on the second line with Ryan Callahan and Artem Anisimov and with the chemistry they have, do not expect that line to be broken up any time soon.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Derek Stepan – GP 73 G 21 A 25 PTS 46
Marian Gaborik – GP 78 G 41 A 40 PTS 81
Alex Frolov – GP 79 G 22 A 42 PTS 64

Ottawa Senators:

Daniel Alfredsson – Jason Spezza – Alexei Kovalev

The Ottawa Sentators have a lot of work to do this season. They have some tremendous talents with Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza to go with veteran wit in Alexei Kovalev, but they are in a tough division and will need to play good team hockey if they plan on making the playoffs. Expect big numbers from the top line in Ottawa, but when it comes to offensive depth, the Sens are definitely lacking.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Jason Spezza – GP 77 G 23 A 50 PTS 83
Daniel Alfredsson – GP 60 G 20 A 30 PTS 50
Alexei Kovalev – GP 68 G 22 A 30 PTS 52

Pittsburgh Penguins:

Chris Kunitz – Sidney Crosby – Evgeni Malkin

What is there to say about the Penguins offense that hasn’t already been said. They are tremendously deep down the middle, but depend on second tier wingers to get the job done. Expect Evgeni Malkin to play the wing on the first and second line throughout the season while also dabbling as the second line centre. Big numbers will be put up by Sidney Crosby no matter who he plays with.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Sidney Crosby – GP 77 G 38 A 65 PTS 103
Chris Kunitz – GP 79 G 21 A 30 PTS 51
Evgeni Malkin – GP 79 G 33 A 68 PTS 101

Philadelphia Flyers:

Mike Richards – Jeff Carter – Dan Carcillo

The trio attempts to compliment each other.  With a surplus of Centers on the Philadelphia roster, someone will have to move to wing and it seems, at least to start the season, that Mike Richards will fill that role.  With that being said, the top line to start the season, as mentioned above, has the potential to be one of the better top lines in the NHL.

Although the acquisition of Nikolai Zherdev, even with all the knocks on Zherdev and his lack of defensive abilities, his offensive production will compliment the play of his responsible two-way teammates.  Jeff Carter, who has scored 30 or more goals in each of the previous two seasons, has two gifted line mates to play with as well.  Sitting at 99 goals in his NHL career, Zherdev will reach a milestone, barring injury, this season with Philadelphia – even as part of the 3rd line.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Carter -  GP 76 G 38 A 30 PTS 68
Richards – GP 80 G 32 A 51 PTS 83
Carcillo – GP 72 G 16 A 12 PTS 28

Phoenix Coyotes:

Lee Stempniak – Wojtek Wolski – Shane Doan

A surplus of moves out of Phoenix seem to be counteractive as they attempted to replace what they lost. Matthew Lombardi and Zybnek Michalek have since found new teams but Phoenix will look to some familiar faces as well as the addition of veteran Ray Whitney to help the offensive situations as a whole. With skaters like Wolski and Stempniak – as long as they can progress in the same instance as the season prior to this, there could be enough firepower among this Coyotes group to lead them directly into the playoffs once again this year.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Wojtek Wolski – GP 80 G 24 A 37 PTS 61
Lee Stempniak – GP 82 G 30 A 34 PTS 64
Shane Doan – GP 82 G 28 A 42 PTS 70

San Jose Sharks:

Dany Heatley – Joe Thorton – Patrick Marleau

What can truly be said about one of the top offensive units in the game today?  Outside of the playoff knocks on the Sharks cast, regular season play is dominant year in and year out.  Simply stated, when ‘Jumbo’ Joe Thorton is your top line Center and you can dish the puck off to a sniper like Dany Heatley or a very solid goal scorer like Patrick Marleau, there is no reason any of the three – slumps included – should not be able to earn at least 65 points or more this upcoming season. We know, they did not start the season together, but it is only a matter of time until things return to normal.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Joe Thorton GP 75 G 21 A 63 PTS 84
Dany Heatley GP 80 G 35 A 33 PTS 68
Patrick Marleau GP 76 G 31 A 33 PTS 64

St. Louis Blues:

David Backes – Andy MacDonald – David Perron

The Blues are one of the youngest teams in the league and this season we will really get to see what kind of talents they boast. David Perron and David Backes are big parts of the organization and they will have to produce in order for the team to win. The addition of Jaroslav Halak should allow the forwards and defenseman to have a little more freedom on the offensive side of the puck, which should lead to more goals.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Andy MacDonald – GP 77 G 25 A 25 PTS 50
David Backes – GP 80 G 30 A 36 PTS 66
David Perron – GP 81 G 23 A 45 PTS 68

Tampa Bay Lightning:

Simon Gagne – Steve Stamkos – Martin St. Louis

It’s hard to believe that Vincent Lecavalier would ever be the number two center on the Lightning, but the emergence of Steven Stamkos has moved him to that position. The Lighting are stacked on the offensive side of the puck and should have no problems scoring this season, their biggest question is between the pipes. But leaving goaltenders out of the equation, St. Louis, Stamkos and likely newcomer Simon Gagne can surely provide the offensive pop needed to make some noise within the Southwest Division.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Steven Stamkos – GP 82 G 55 A 55 PTS 110
Martin St. Louis – GP 77 G 23 A 60 PTS 83
Simon Gagne – GP 60 G 27 A 25 PTS 52

Toronto Maple Leafs:

Kris Versteeg – Tyler Bozak – Phil Kessel

Say what you will about Tyler Bozak being too young and too far off for a top line Center role.  Then, watch the magic that will be created between Versteeg and Kessel to help propel Bozak and his point production to match that of the weakest top line Center from around the NHL. The Leafs are looking to make a statement this year and it’s playoffs or bust at that.  In what has already started out as a surprising but promising start of the season in Toronto, one can only hope that they continue to rise and play consistent hockey all year long. Here, we aren’t hoping we are projecting this to happen.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Tyler Bozak – GP 82 G 22 A 25 PTS 47
Phil Kessel – GP 81 G 42 A 29 PTS 71
Kris Versteeg – GP 76 G 27 A 33 PTS 60

Vancouver Canucks:

Daniel Sedin – Henrik Sedin – Alex Burrows

Even without his twin, Henrik Sedin led the league in points last year proving that, as fantastic as a player combination the brothers are, Henrik can handle all situations when called upon. Yes, Alex Burrows has missed the start of the year due to the injury bug but once he returns, the Canucks truly have one of the most dominant top lines in all of the NHL. The twins and Burrows will lead this organization to the promise land sooner than one may expect.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Henrik Sedin – GP 82 G 33 A 43 PTS 76
Daniel Sedin – GP 78 G 32 A 47 PTS 79
Alexander Burrows – GP 68 G 27 A 35 PTS 62

Washington Capitals:

Alexander Ovechkin – Nicklas Backstrom – Mike Knuble

Does anyone truly expect to see a lack of production from one of the greatest Center/Winger combination’s in the entire league? Forsberg Jr., or as we know him Mr. Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Ovechkin make for one of the most dangerous offensive attacks the game has ever witnessed. With young Backstrom developing with every shift in every game, and only getting better, as well as Ovechkin being the pure goal scorer he is, this lethal top line duo along with veteran Mike Knuble will be atop the statistical charts come April.  The only question that needs to be answered is if the offensive output will be enough to help the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup appearance in 13 years.

Projections for the 2010-11 season:

Nicklas Backstrom – GP 80 G 35 A 89 PTS 124*
Alexander Ovechkin – GP 78 G 86 A 53 PTS 139*
Mike Knuble – GP 80 G 22 A 28 PTS 50

Nicklas Backstrom – GP 80 G 35 A 63 PTS 98
Alexander Ovechkin – GP 78 G 52 A 45 PTS 97
Mike Knuble – GP 80 G 22 A 28 PTS 50

With those projections, and the general consensus over ruling any other ideas we had in mind, the top three to round out the league this season are:

#3 - San Jose Sharks

#2 – Vancouver Canucks

#1 – Washington Capitals

Honorable mentions:  The New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers sure have some fire power that will be tough to contain throughout the course of the season. Though not cracking the top three, we feel the would absolutely be among the top five if we had decided to go that far.

Who would be the best first line in your opinion?

*For the haters.

Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS NHL Writer
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC

Brandon Macdonald
NHLHS Editor
bmacdonald@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @bMacdonald8

We are just three short days away from New Jersey Devils madness as the boys from the Garden State return to play the Dallas Stars.  This summer was insanity on the cap front with Kovalchuk-gate in full swing as the summer progressed into fall, which was finally resolved with the left winger receiving $100M over a period of 15 years.

Also new for the Devils former player, NJD assistant coach, former Lowell Devils head coach and now the Devils front man John MacLean will be rightfully taking over as the head coach for the Jersey Devils. After former coach of just 1 year Jacques Lemaire stepped down shortly after the loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on their run for the Stanley Cup.

The off-season was full of crazy drama which seems to be the theme coming from my home-state of NJ. Former coach Lemaire suffered a devastating emotional loss after losing to the Flyers; he lost his Florida home which unfortunately burned to the ground. Also, not to mention former head coach Pat Burns and the reports of his death that flooded Twitter. @TSNBobMcKenzie later tweeted “They’re trying to kill me before I’m dead. I come to Quebec to spend some time with my family and they say I’m dead. I’m not dead, far from it. They’ve had me dead since June. Tell (them) I’m alive. Set them straight.”

Who could forget Kovy-gate?

Could this season finally be a fresh start? Possibly, regardless of the less-than-stellar off season performance a record of 2-1-3 the Devils hold a lot of potential between Ilya Kovalchuk, Travis Zajac and of course American powerhouses Zach Parise and Jamie Langenbrunner. Defenseman Anton Volchenkov was also signed this season from Ottawa with a total of 94 points over 428 career games.

Friday is a fresh start for the Devils, here we go let’s start the 2010-2011 season!

Thank God it’s October! Welcome back NHL! (we’ve missed you.)

Shannon Caulfield
NHLHS New Jersey Devils Correspondent
SCaulfield@NHLHotStove.com
Twitter: @Shannybaby99

The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed Mason Raymond to a 2-year deal that will pay the speedy winger 2.5 million this season and 2.6 million in 2011-12. The deal happened right before both sides were going to present their case in Raymond’s arbitration hearing. Had the hearing gone on as planned, many believe that Raymond would’ve been awarded 3-3.5 million per year and that would’ve made it difficult for the Canucks to re-sign him considering their current cap situation.

Here’s what the two sides wanted, according to Jason Botchford:

Canucks: $2 million a year, similar to the deals that Ryan Callahan ($2.3m with NY Rangers) and Eric Fehr ($2.2m with Washington Capitals) received.

Raymond’s camp: $3.5 million a year, like Ryane Clowe ($3.6m from San Jose) and Travis Zajac ($3.8m from New Jersey) got in their deals.

Both sides were very happy to get the deal done without going to arbitration. While this pushed the team over the salary cap, there is still plenty of time for Mike Gillis to get that straightened out. Raymond took less money to stay with the Canucks and this is a great sign from the fan perspective. Management has continued to show their dedication and commitment to building a championship team (without tanking it several season to get high draft picks like Pittsburgh and Chicago did) and players want to play in Vancouver.

With players like Pavol Demitra, Michael Grabner, Kyle Wellwood, and Steve Bernier departing in the off-season and Alex Burrows (most likely) beginning the season on IR, Raymond will get a chance to get off to a great start and prove he’s worth the money he signed for. Let’s hope he has a great follow-up season and continues to improve on last years numbers.

Of course at the end of the day the Canucks could also trade him, since he’s now signed for 2 years and has a very reasonable contract for a player with so much potential.

Read the official Press Release from the Canucks

I-5 Canucks
NHLHS Canucks Correspondents
Hipcheck44@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @Hipcheck44 and @WCE71944

Keith’s point per dollar averages out to be $27,830.20 per point. As a defenseman, and a possible Norris Trophy candidate this season, Keith’s cost efficiency should not surprise many.

Keith developed into an offensive threat, while still defending his zone (often playing against the league’s best players every game).

The sturdy reliable defenseman broke his career (goals) high in January. He now has eleven goals; however, his real ability remains setting up his teammates for goals.

Although the Blackhawks resigned Keith to a 13-year ($72 million) contract this past December, his cap hit this year remains $1,475,000. The young defenseman will (most likely) finish his career with the Blackhawks, but his cost per point will become more expensive next season. For now, Keith sits among the league’s best producing players.

Even though Alexander Ovechkin, Henrik Sedin, and Sidney Crosby are the top three in the league in points, two of them (Crosby and Ovechkin) are in the bottom ten for points per dollar.

Meanwhile, the Blackhawks appear very cost-efficient (Patrick Kane ranks 11^th for points per dollar, while Jonathan Toews sits behind Kane at 12^th and Patrick Sharp comes in 19^th). Overall, at least up until this point in the season, Chicago reins supreme.

Back in November, Rich Peverley of Atlanta ranked as the best cost effective player in the league. His cap hit of 487,500 (even though he signed a new contract this season) caused his points per dollar to be $21,195.65. Now, his points per dollar status is $11,079.50, but he sits in the 66^th spot in points in the league.

As this article focuses on the top fifty scorers, Keith remains the most cost-efficient scorer.

Katlyn Gambill

NHLHS Featured Writer
kgambill@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @freezethepuck

Lou Lamoriello’s New Jersey Devils are the eighth oldest team, with an average age of 27.92 years.  Though the Devils are on the older side of the NHL, their young talent is often the focus of many fans.

The dynamic young duo of Zach Parise (25 years) and Travis Zajac (24 years) lead the Devils offense.

Parise, a player who can score even without his centerman Zajac, strives for success with fellow winger Jamie Langenbrunner (33 years). This line of Parise-Zajac-Langenbrunner earned the nickname ZZ Pops a few seasons ago.

Langenbrunner, known as “Pops” on the top line, became a new player when he started skating with the two young guys. Langenbrunner’s experience largely contributed to Parise and Zajac maturity and success thus far.

Before the addition of Ilya Kovalchuk (26 years), Parise led the team in goals, assists, points, plus/minus, and shots. The American left winger showcased his talent in the Olympics, letting the world see his ability. Fortunately, the Devils, like most teams, have success even without their top forward (and his line).

Among the rest of the offense, Patrik Elias (32 years) and Kovalchuk help out as well. Kovalchuk’s tenure with the Devils is still young, and at the moment his offense production (for the Devils) appears average. However, after he adjusts to the Devils and their system, his offensive numbers will likely soar.

On the other hand, Elias, one of the few Devils who began and will seemingly end his career as a Devils, is on pace for an average season overall. Elias, who has 11 goals and 20 assists, has five less goals than his worst offensive season (the year he returned after his battle with Hepatitis A).

Elias’ play, hindered by a concussion when he was knocked unconscious in Colorado, is not on par with his usual ability.

Unlike Elias and Kovalchuk, David Clarkson doesn’t influence a game through his offense. Now, I am not to saying Clarkson lacks offensive contribution offense, because he chips in with regularity, but his real impact comes from his grit and intensity.

That grit and intensity largely disappeared from the Devils’ game when Clarkson injured his ankle while blocking a shot back in November. He returned for two games at the end of December, but his injury pushed him back out of the lineup.

The Olympic break helped Clarkson, and he played in the Devils’ first game on Tuesday. His physical play and dedication will no doubt help the Devils down the stretch run.

The elder statesmen on the team, Rob Niedermayer (35 years), Jay Pandolfo (35), and Dean McAmmond (36 years) appear out of place in the Devils lineup. Their contributions may be few on the score sheet, but the three men provide the necessary experience to help mature the likes of Vladimir Zharkov (22 years), Rod Pelley (25 years) and the various Lowell Devils (AHL Affiliate of the Devils) that come into the lineup throughout the season.

Regardless of their offensive prowess among their young guys, the Devils rely on their defense and, of course, goaltender Martin Brodeur to win games.

The problem with their defense began early in the season, when after a strong overall start the Devils witnessed star defenseman Paul Martin (29) fall to a broken wrist.

The original diagnosis said Martin would only miss at most six week, and surgery was unnecessary. Then, just days before Christmas, the defenseman suffered a setback, and underwent surgery.

It’s March now, and Martin missed the Olympics and 54 games. He finally started shooting pucks, and will hopefully return to the Devils lineup before the playoffs.

Many worried about the Devils’ ability to survive without Martin, as the rest of their defense corp appears “average,” but Andy Greene stepped up his play and took over Martin’s spot.

Greene, a player who was in and out of the lineup early in the season, began to skate the puck up, and also became a reliable defenseman in his own zone. He began to see time on the penalty kill, the power play, (more) five on five, and four on four — Jacques Lemaire no longer views Greene as a liability on the ice.

With the addition of Martin Skoula (30 years) at the trade deadline, the Devils added an eighth defenseman to their lineup. When Martin returns, two defenseman will come out of the lineup. The young players, Mark Fraser (23 years) and Anssi Salmela (25 years) may get the boot.

Although there are the younger players (below the average team age), the Devils defense quickly is aging: five of their eight defenseman are twenty-nine or older.

Then, there is the back bone of the entire defense: Brodeur. After missing the majority of last season with basically his first “major” injury, many were sure Brodeur would rebound and have an outstanding season this year.

Though his statistics (59 games played, 35 wins, 20 losses, 3 OT losses) appear great for many goaltenders, Brodeur’s age is a new factor in his play. At thirty-seven years old, Brodeur is in his seventeenth season for the Devils, but lately some questionable goals slipped behind the Quebec native.

Regardless of a few weak goals, Brodeur still remains the Devils’ starting goaltender (with Yann Danis only playing in nine games to date). Brodeur stole a few games for the Devils early on in the season, but since the start of the new calendar year, his play seems off.

The issue of exhaustion always surrounds Brodeur towards the end of the season and the start of the playoffs. The Devils trust Brodeur will admit when he is tired, and needs a break. Though after the Olympic break (where he was not the number one goalie for Canada, as expected) he may feel refreshed.

Over the next few seasons, the Devils have to watch out for their aging goaltending, and their lack of big-name defensemen (like Scott Stevens, Ken Daneyko). Fortunately, the Devils’ offense appears on a path for success. Are the days of the trap and defensive systems gone for the Devils? Most likely not, after all their coach this season is the same coach that developed the system that won the Devils their cups.

However, the Devils are beginning to adapt more to the post-lock out era. They have so much young talent in Parise, Zajac, Clarkson, Martin, and Salmela (acquired in the Kovalchuk trade). Parise will likely be the face of the future for the Devils, of course once Brodeur retires.

The injury bug, known as a main problem with most teams, hurt key players in both the defense and offense for the Devils with Clarkson and Martin missing significant time. The Devils, though, did not throw in the towel. Clarkson and Martin, both relatively close to the team average age, will impact the lineup down the stretch and in the playoffs.

For now, the Devils still sit near the top of the Eastern Conference (fourth place). Their age may not be a factor in the regular season, but in the playoffs, they may fall to intensity.

Katlyn Gambill
NHLHS Featured Writer
kgambill@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @freezethepuck

Atlantic Division:

• The Prudential Center lights were back on and functioning fine Sunday, but what the Devils really needed was to turn back the clock, writes Tom Gulitti.
• Michael Obernauer of The New York Daily News takes a look at Ranger rookie Matt Gilroy visiting historic Fenway park where he sat in a sellout crowd to watch his alma mater Boston University face Boston College.  Must be exciting watching his team just one year after capturing the National Championship.
• Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer feels the Flyers will look back on Thursday’s 7-4 victory in Pittsburgh as the turning point of their tumultuous season.
• Dave Molinari takes a look at the Dr. Jekyl/Mr Hyde that is Ruslan Fedotenko.
• Rick DiPietro returned to the lineup but now GM Garth Snow has his work cut out for him.

Northeast Division:

• Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun takes a look at the imploding Leafs and how they find new ways to lose.  Phil Kessel seems to be the mojo to get this team going.
• For the first time in a long time, the Buffalo Sabres have a few days to exhale. “Guys can heal up their bumps and bruises,” winger Clarke MacArthur said.  Days like this prove pivotal going down the stretch.
  
• The Boston Bruins need breakout efforts and Fluto Shinzawa feels that it needs to come from the back end. The defense must jump up and chip in on offense more for the team to be successful.  The inconsistency of Dennis Wideman and injury to Mark Stuart could be too much.
• Red Fisher of the Montreal Gazette takes a look at Jaroslav Halak and why he merits more of a starting role for the Canadiens. His numbers also make one wonder his status with the team.
• All the hard work in the world doesn’t mean a thing unless it’s accompanied by talent, writes Allen Panzeri. Pretty difficult to argue talent when five of your top talent players are out with injury as is the case with the Senators.
  

Southeast Division:

• Chip Alexander writes on how in the end, Eric Staal just wanted to play, his tally in a 4-1 victory meant more than just an insurance goal.  It meant a lot to Staal, a lot to his coaches and a lot to those around him in the locker room.
• It may of taken a while but the Washington Capitals finally fit into the system of coach Bruce Boudreau attempted.  You know what they say, better late then never.
• Thrashers d-man Anssi Salmela discusses his recent opportunity with Chris Vivlamore.
• Two-plus years passed since Rostislav Olesz last scored two goals in a game, so Saturday night was special for him. Steve Gorten breaks down the recent Panthers victory and Olesz’s performance.
• The lights came back on at the Prudential Center and the Lightning held on to beat the Devils Sunday night. Steven Stamkos scored two goals, one Friday and a critical one 9:45 into the third period, 69 seconds after Travis Zajac cut New Jersey’s deficit to twos.