Columbus Blue Jackets:
General Manager: Scott Howson
Head Coach: Scott Arniel
Key Additions: Jeff Carter (Trade via Philadelphia), James Wisniewski, Vaclav Prospal, Cody Bass, Radek Martinek, Aaron Johnson, Curtis Sanford
Key Subtractions: Ethan Moreau (LA), Nikita Filatov (Traded to Ottawa), Andrew Murray (San Jose), Sami Lepisto (Chicago), Mike Commodore (Detroit), Jan Hejda (Colorado), Scottie Upshall (Florida), Mathieu Garon (Tampa Bay)
The Blue Jackets got off to a strong start under new coach Scott Arniel this past season, but faltered down the stretch. However, the team made a huge splash in free agency signing unrestricted free agent defenseman James Wisniewski to a 6 year $33 million dollar contract. This was seen by many as a very steep price to pay for a top 4 defenseman who has not played like one in recent years. However, he is familiar with the Central division having played with the Blackhawks earlier in his career. They also made a huge splash up front by landing star center Jeff Carter from the Flyers, but it cost them Jakub Voracek, who was one of their top prospects. Carter at first was not as excited about the deal, but since has conformed to being a Jacket. Carter will finally give Columbus their center-man for Nash. I think the Blue Jackets success will depend on Steve Mason and the health of Rick Nash. My prediction is that they will fall short again, but they can pull off an element of surprise especially with Prospal on the team.
St. Louis Blues:
General Manager: Doug Armstrong
Head Coach: Davis Payne
Key Additions: Evgeny Grachev (Trade via NYR), Jason Arnott, Jamie Langenbrunner, Scott Nichol, Kent Huskins, Brian Elliott, Jonathan Cheechoo, Danny Syvret
Key Subtractions: Cam Janssen (NJ), Tyson Strachan (Florida), Paul Kariya (retired)
The St. Louis Blues once again found themselves lacking any success in the season. But, this year I think with the veteran additions they made and some toughness and depth they are primed for the playoffs. They not only have a good chance to make the playoffs, but do some damage especially with Jaroslav Halak in net.
Nashville Predators:
General Manager: David Poile
Head Coach: Barry Trotz
Key Additions: Jack Hillen, Tyler Sloan, Niclas Bergfors, Brodie Dupont (Trade via NYR)
Key Subtractions: Cody Franson (Traded to Toronto), Matthew Lombardi (Traded to Toronto), Marcel Goc (Florida), Shane O'Brien (Colorado), Joel Ward (Washington), Steve Sullivan (Pittsburgh)
The Nashville Predators took a huge step forward in 2010-2011 by reaching Round 2 of the playoffs for the first time in team history before being beaten by the eventual Western Conference Champs Vancouver Canucks. I think that they can surprise many and reach Round 3 this year, because of one guy "Pekka Rinne." They did however suffer some big losses in leadership from Cody Franson, Joel Ward and Steve Sullivan, so Rinne will be heavily relied upon. Also, it will be interesting to see how Shea Weber plays after being taken to arbitration by the team. They will be a playoff team.
Chicago Blackhawks:
General Manager: Stan Bowman
Head Coach: Joel Quenneville
Key Additions: Sami Lepisto, Dan Carcillo, Andrew Brunette, Sean O'Donnell, Jamal Mayers, Steve Montador, Rostislav Olesz (Trade via Florida),
Key Subtractions: Chris Campoli (TBD), Mary Turco (TBD), Jordan Hendry (TBD), Fernando Pisano (TBD), Brian Campbell (Traded to Florida), Tomas Kopecky (Florida), Troy Brouwer (Traded to Washington)
A year after winning the Cup in 2010, the 2010-2011 version of the Blackhawks core was still intact, but they took a step back. However, they almost became the 4th team in NHL history to rally from an 0-3 playoff deficit in Round 1 against their heated Western rival, the Vancouver Canucks. This year the Blackhawks are now more focused an re-energized to make another deep playoff run and win their 2nd cup in 3 years. I think they will be a major threat this year based on their offseason additions of veteran leadership and toughness. Dan Carcillo will add more fuel to the both the Wings-Hawks rivalry as well as the Canucks-Hawks rivalry. I think Corey Crawford has established himself as a future franchise goaltender and Toews is quickly becoming the best captain in the NHL as well a a great two-way player. Kane will need to have a much better season and stay healthy. Watch-out Vancouver, the Blackhawks are on their way back to re-claim the Western Title. My Prediction is that they will win the Stanley Cup and be the first 2 time Champ since the lockout, they are that deep. And they do have the best defensive pairing in the NHL with Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Yes, they lost some valuable pieces, but they added some grit and passion they lacked. Lookout for Ben Smith as well.
Detroit Red Wings:
General Manager: Ken Holland
Head Coach: Mike Babcock
Key Additions: Ty Conklin, Ian White, Mike Commodore
Key Subtractions: Brian Rafalski (retirement), Chris Osgood (retirement), Derek Meech (Winnipeg), Ruslan Salei (KHL)
It will be between the Red Wings and Blackhawks for the division crown, but I think the loss of Brian Rafalski will hurt them, but I think with their revamped coaching staff of Mike Babcock, who is the best coach in Hockey and veteran leadership, they will be in the conference finals against Chicago. I think Chicago is slightly stronger, but I think Detroit and Vancouver are the biggest threats to them.
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