Welcome to the Rocket Sports Media season preview series! Over the next few days, you will find previews of all 32 NHL teams as organized by their respective divisions. These previews will feature a brief overview of each teams off-season changes, expectations, as well as predictions.
Previews are researched and written by talented and well-respected members of the Rocket Sports Media team, including the All Habs Hockey Magazine and AHL Report contributors. This team also includes a collection of guest contributors that we deemed as subject matter experts for their respective teams. Please comment below the article with your prediction. Enjoy!
Atlantic Division – Eastern Conference
Tampa Bay Lightning
2020-21 Result: 36-17-3, 3rd in Central Division, Stanley Cup Champion
+ Key Additions: RW Corey Perry (MON), RW Charles Hudon (Swiss-A), LW Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (COL), D Zack Bogosian (TOR), G Brian Elliott (PHI)
– Key Departures: C Yanni Gourde (SEA), C Tyler Johnson (CHI), LW Blake Coleman (CAL), RW Barclay Goodrow (NYR), D David Savard (MON)
Lightning Outlook
After coming off back-to-back Stanley Cups and being a strong favorite behind Colorado to win a third championship in succession, I see the Lightning in a prime spot to take a step back in the 2021-’22 season. Nothing screams Stanley Cup hang-over more than images of a drunken Nikita Kucherov slurring the nonsensical at the podium after the Cup clinching game. Perfect symbolism.
A short off-season, two Cup wins, may be the perfect storm for underachieving. But let’s get to some of the more compelling reasons why the Lightning won’t quite live up to expectations.
With that said Tampa Bay’s nucleus is still intact but they lost some key depth scoring in Yanni Gourde, Blake Coleman, Barclay Goodrow and Tyler Johnson accounting for 45 goals between them while not replacing them with a whole lot – just 18 goals – in Corey Perry, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Zach Bogosian. Having Kucherov for a full season should without doubt help offset that. A wild card might be Alex Barre-Boulet. Can he make the proverbial leap this coming season?
And certainly not lost is they still have elite goaltending and coaching in Andrei Vasilevskiy and Jon Cooper respectively.
Being back in the traditional divisional alignment for the 2021-’22 season, I see the Tampa Bay Lightning easily making the playoffs in a very competitive Atlantic division. Can this veteran core make a third consecutive successful deep run in the playoffs?
> Prediction: Mid-round playoff exit
Preview by: Brian C – RSM Fantasy Sports Commissioner – @beezee05
Toronto Maple Leafs
2020-21 Result: 35-14-7, 1st in North Division, Eliminated in 1st Round
+ Key Additions: C David Kampf (CHI), LW Nick Ritchie (BOS), LW Michael Bunting (ARZ), RW Ondre Kase (BOS), RW Kurtis Gabriel (SJ), G Petr Mrazek (CAR), Nikita Gusev (NJD – PTO), F Josh Ho-Sang (SA-PTO)
－Key Departures: C Jared McCann (SEA), LW Zach Hyman (EDM), G Frederick Andersen (CAR)
Maple Leafs Outlook
Much like the political landscape of Canada and the USA, Leafs Nation has never been more divided about what the future holds for the Blue and White. After three straight disappointing first round exits, the pressure to win is as high as ever in Toronto with many already calling for a tear-down of the “Big Four.”
Despite losses to second tier franchise centre pieces Zach Hyman and Frederick Andersen, Kyle Dubas has more than made up for their losses with shrewd signings to bolster their winger depth and provide Jack Campbell a more-than-serviceable ‘1B’ in Petr Mrazek. The most important signing may very well turn out to be David Kampf from Chicago, allowing Sheldon Keefe to use Alex Kerfoot on the wing in a crowded top-six, as well as providing much needed penalty-kill help after losing Hyman.
Overall this Leafs squad is deeper, tougher, and more truculent than seen in previous iterations seen since introduction of the Shanaplan and this should lead to better playoff success.
Assuming a healthy return of John Tavares and Auston Matthews from injuries, there is absolutely no excuse for Toronto to not be a playoff contender, but they will struggle to make it out of the strongest division in hockey with the likes of Tampa, Florida, Boston, and Montreal all capable of getting in their way. Making a prediction on their final result truly is a dart throw by an inebriated competitor, whether you were to say Stanley Cup Champion, first round exit, or miss the playoffs entirely, this writer would have a difficult time explaining the error, but overall this team looks better prepared to finally climb over that roadblock that has stunted them so many times.
> Prediction: Mid-Round Playoff Exit
Preview by: Daniel B – Guest Contributor – @dnbnntt
Montreal Canadiens
2020-21 Result: 24-21-11, 4th in North Division, Lost in Stanley Cup Final
+ Key Additions: C Christian Dvorak (ARI), C Mathieu Perreault (WPG), C Cedric Paquette (OTT/CAR), LW Mike Hoffman (STL), D David Savard (CLB/TB), D Chris Wideman (KHL), Sami Niku (WPG)
－Key Departures: C Jesperi Kotkaniemi (CAR), C Phillip Danault (LAK), LW Corey Perry (TB), RW Thomas Tatar (NJD), D Jon Merrill (MIN), D Shea Weber (long-term injury)
Canadiens Outlook
This was the off-season from hell for the Montreal Canadiens. From exposing and almost losing a franchise player, Carey Price, to drafting the most controversial player on the board, Logan Mailloux, to losing a former third overall pick to an aggressive offer sheet Jesperi Kotkaniemi, the summer of 2021 is one to forget for Habs fans.
After reaching the Stanley Cup Finals last summer for the first time since 1993, the Canadiens experienced major roster turnover during the offseason. Centermen Kotkaniemi and Phillip Danault, along with wingers Corey Perry and Tomas Tatar, are the notable departures. They have been replaced by: Christian Dvorak and Cedric Paquette at center, Mike Hoffman and Mathieu Perreault on the wing, and David Savard on defense.
With a youth movement still in effect, the likes of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Jake Evans, Ryan Poehling, Alexander Romanov, and possibly even Mattias Norlinder, are all expected to take on bigger roles as well. This balance has the potential to return a stronger team then the one that just snuck into the playoffs in the 2020-21 season.
Goaltending between Price and Jake Allen will continue to be the determining factor on how far this team goes, but the added scoring upfront with the addition of Hoffman and one more year of growth and experience from Caufield and Suzuki has a chance to make this a very strong playoff team yet again. The strong core of wingers should offset a very young, yet versatile, group of centers.
The biggest challenge will be to qualify for the post-season. With the old Northeast/Atlantic Division coming back together for a full 82-game season, the Habs will be in tough just to get in. With the likes of the Panthers, Lightning, Maple Leafs, Bruins and Habs all battling for three spots, it could take a 95-plus point season just to make the playoffs.
Will the newcomers gel with the impressive core of youngsters? Will Price and Allen not only stay healthy, but hold down the fort for a full season? Will the veteran ‘D’ core continue the impressive shut down schematics deployed in last year`s playoffs while transitioning a youngster or two?
There are many more questions then answers at this time, but a lot of pieces are in place for Marc Bergevin’s group to come back hungry and ready for more playoff success. The hardest part may just be to qualify for the 2021-’22 spring dance.
> Prediction: Opening round playoff exit.
Preview by: Mike Raschle – RSM Special Content Contributor – @mikehabs09
Boston Bruins
2020-21 Result: 33-16-7, 3rd in East Division, Eliminated in 2nd Round
+ Key Additions: C Nick Foligno (CBJ-TOR), C Erik Haula (NAS), C Thomas Nosek (LVK), D Derek Forbort, (WIN), G Linus Ullmark (BUF)
－Key Departures: C David Krejci (retirement), C Sean Kuraly (CBJ), LW Nick Ritchie (TOR), RW Ondrej Kase (TOR), D Jeremy Lauzon (SEA), G Jaroslav Halak (VAN), G Tuukka Rask (FA)
Bruins Outlook
Despite being ousted by the New York Islanders in the second round of the 2020-’21 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Boston Bruins had a great season this past year. Brad Marchand, the team’s star left winger, was averaging about a point per game and finished sixth in terms of the NHL’s top goal scorers for the season. Ousting the Caps in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs was no easy feat either, with the team winning four straight games after a Game 1 loss.
The team’s off-season goalie acquisition, Linus Ullmark, may prove to be a godsend in the absence of Tuukka Rask; Ullmark boasts a .912 career save percentage and a 2.78 goals against average in his relatively short NHL career, sitting at 117 games played. If Brad Marchand (69 pts.), Patrice Bergeron (48 pts.), and David Pastrnak (48 pts.) can keep scoring and earning points the way they did last season, then the Bruins will be in a prime position to make another playoff run in 2022.
> Prediction: Mid-round playoff exit
Preview by: Cate G – RSM Hockey History Researcher – @cate_gilpin
Florida Panthers
2020-21 Result: 37-14-5, 2nd in Central Division, Eliminated in 1st Round
+ Key Additions: C Joe Thornton (TOR), RW Sam Reinhart (BUF)
－Key Departures: C Alexander Wennberg (SEA), D Anton Stralman (ARI), D Keith Yandle (PHI), G Chris Driedger (SEA)
Panthers Outlook
After giving the Tampa Bay Lightning all they could handle in the first round of the 2021 playoffs, there are many questions surrounding the Florida Panthers and their 2021-22 hopes. Will Alexander Barkov and his contract situation become a distraction? Could he possibly be dealt at the deadline should the team get off to a disappointing start?
There is the goaltending situation. Will Sergei Bobrovski live up to his $10 million cap hit until the end of 2025-’26? He isn’t expected to be going anywhere anytime soon due to that contract, but with former first round pick Spencer Knight waiting in the wings can the Panthers justify making this a timeshare in goal? Bobrovski’s contract complicates things for Barkov’s negotiation as well who no doubt will be looking for a payday substantially more than the $5.9 million he is currently commanding.
Another question: will Aaron Ekblad return to the level he was playing at prior to going down with a severe leg injury in the middle of a career season?
A few signings over the off season are also question marks as to how they fit into the grand scheme of things in Sunrise. They are Sam Reinhart, traded from Buffalo, Christopher Gibson, Zac Dalpe, Joe Thornton.
On the plus side of the ledger, let’s not forget that the Panthers do have much of their top six intact from last season, plus the addition of Reinhart. That core could carry this team to the playoffs all on their own.
> Prediction: Bubble playoff team
Preview by: Brian C – RSM Fantasy Sports Commissioner – @beezee05
Ottawa Senators
2020-21 Results: 23-28-5, 6th in North Division, Missed Playoffs
+ Key Additions: D Nick Holden (VGK), D Michael Del Zotto (CBJ), A/GM Pierre McGuire (NBCSN)
－Key Departures: C Derek Stepan (CAR), LW Evgenii Dadonov (VGK), C/LW Ryan Dzingel (ARZ), G Joey D’Accord (SEA)
Senators Outlook
Ottawa fans, while they may not all realize it yet, have as much reason to be excited for the future as any team in the league. And as their owner famously put it, if the fans are excited, the sponsors are excited, the players are excited and the front office is excited.
Coming off of a dumpster fire of a start to 2020-’21 but a red-hot final third of the season, the young talent in Ottawa looks ready to take their next step toward relevance. The challenge in front of them is a stacked Atlantic Division that likely means they won’t be able to rise to contender status this year, but the years of being an easy opponent are definitely over.
Look for their young pieces like Tim Stutzle, Erik Brannstrom, Colin White, Josh Norris, and Drake Batherson to take another step as well as a few rookies like Jacob Bernard-Docker, Vitalii Abramov, Matthew Peca, and Shane Pinto to get much longer looks in the show.
> Prediction: Bubble Playoff Team
Preview by: Daniel B – Guest Contributor – @dnbnntt
Detroit Red Wings
2020-21 Result: 19-27-10, 7th in Central Division, Missed Playoffs
+ Key Additions: C Pius Sutter (CHI), C Mitchell Stephens (TB), D Nick Leddy (NYI), G Alex Nedeljkovic (CAR)
－Key Departures: C Luke Glendening (DAL), C Darren Helm (COL), D Dennis Cholowski (SEA), G Jonathan Bernier (NJD)
Red Wings Outlook
The “Yzerplan” is now in full effect in Hockeytown as GM Steve Yzerman was able to rid the team of any remaining contracts left behind from the Holland era. The most important thing for the Red Wings this season will not be their wins or points totals, but that their young core and prospects alike start to show progression and development at the NHL and AHL levels.
Regardless of their position in the standings, Red Wings fans have a lot to be excited about with their team this year. Whether it be the debut of top prospects like Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond and Jonatan Berggren, or a full season with last years prize at the trade deadline Jakub Vrana, or last year’s Calder Trophy finalist and newly acquired goaltender Alex Nedeljokvic.
Detroit finds themselves in a great situation this season having a young talented core throughout the lineup, a fully stocked prospect pool, ample cap space and enough tradable veterans to add future assets in talent rich 2022 and 2023 NHL Entry Drafts. The window of opportunity is still locked closed for the winged wheel, but the keys to unlocking it will be made in the 2021-’22 season.
> Prediction: Draft Lottery Contender
Preview by: Andrew T – Guest Contributor – @droider89
Buffalo Sabres
2020-21 Result: 15-34-7, 8th in East Division, Missed Playoffs
+ Key Additions: C Vinnie Hinostroza (CHI/FLA), D Will Butcher (NJD), D Robert Hagg (PHI), G Craig Anderson (WAS), G Devon Levi (FLA)
－Key Departures: C Jack Eichel (long-term injury/trade request), RW Sam Reinhart (FLA), D Rasmus Ristolainen (PHI), D Jake McCabe (CHI), G Linus Ullmark (BOS), G Carter Hutton (ARI)
Sabres Outlook
The Buffalo Sabres have yet again hit the reset button. This organization last qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the 2010-’11 season, and hasn’t won a series since 2006-2007. The difference this year is it’s a full tear down.
In previous resets, short-term assets were flipped for draft capital that was then immediately plugged into a flawed lineup. In 2015, after missing out on Connor McDavid via lottery balls, Jack Eichel was reluctantly drafted. That same off-season, then GM Tim Murray mistakenly spent valuable cap space in free agency and future assets in trades to acquire short-term solutions for a quick playoff run.
The plan failed miserably, and the entire organization has been paying for it since. Turn the clock ahead six years, none of those acquisitions are on the team and the franchise cornerstone player, Eichel, is in an ugly dispute over his health which has led to a trade demand.
So, is there anything for Sabres fans to look forward to? Glad you asked! The plan is clearly in place now to rebuild properly with patience and draft capital. It’s the same way the Blackhawks, Penguins, Kings and Lightning have become modern day dynasties over the last decade.
Patience has already been shown by allowing several top NHL prospects to return to Juniors/College versus rushing them into the pro game with Owen Power and Jack Quinn being among the top tier of that group. The off-season departure list is vast, but the returns were impressive and will pay dividends over the coming years, not to mention several intriguing, low-cost free agent additions that can contribute early on and potentially fetch a nice return at the deadline to continue to stock that asset cupboard.
Throw in a nice return once Eichel evidently gets dealt, and the team has all the pieces in place to potentially be building a dynasty. This will only come to fruition if patience is preached. Can an organization with no playoff success in 15 years continue to ask for that patience from fans and owners?
On the ice, it will not be pretty this season. Sabres fans may want to tune into more Michigan Wolverines games, as Owen Power and his star-studded college club may actually be better then the projected 2021-2022 Buffalo Sabres. Saving grace? The blue print is finally in place. Patience, my friends.
> Prediction: Draft Lottery Contender
Preview by: Mike Raschle – RSM Special Content Contributor – @mikehabs09
All Habs Hockey Magazine
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