To say it’s been a busy off-season would be an understatement. You would be hard pressed to find many NHL teams that didn’t tweak, tinker or adjust their lineups this summer. The Montreal Canadiens alone under went one of the most dramatic off-season transformations in recent memory with the acquisitions of Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta and Mike Cammalleri while turning the page on two former captains Saku Kiovu and Alex Kovalev.
There will definitely be a lot of excitement in the 2009/2010 NHL season. In no particular order, here are some of the more intriguing story lines to keep up with.
John Tavares Makes NHL Debut
This highly touted teenager was the gem of the 2009 NHL entry draft that drew attention league wide and created quite the buzz leading up to the draft. Tavares was property of the New York Islanders from the time that the franchise was awarded the first overall pick, but that didn’t stop other general managers from around the league from coveting the London Knights sniper. Islanders GM Garth Snow held his cards close to his chest up to the minute when he announced Tavares’ name as the next superstar to play on the Island. The time is now for Tavares to prove not only to his team, but the world that he was worth all the attention and admiration. The Islanders went to great lengths to make sure the puck stays out of their own net by signing Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron to support the often injured Rick DiPietro, but Tavares is undoubtedly the brightest shining star on the team and he will be under great pressure to perform. Will he turn into the next Vincent Lecavalier or will he bust like Alexandre Daigle?
Dany Heatley The Missing Link For The Sharks?
A highly publicized trade demand of any 50-goal scorer in the NHL is never a good thing. In Dany Heatley’s case, it was a terrible thing for his image – unless he can help raise the San Jose Sharks to a level they have failed to get to recently, the Stanley Cup Finals, in which case – Heatley could care less. Heatley, a gifted offensive threat will play along side, arguably the greatest passer in the league today in Joe Thornton and should easily pot 50 or even 60 goals. Pundits are already claiming that the Sharks, with Heatley will in fact win the Cup this year. But Heatley will have to overcome the chorus of jeers that will be directed his way all across the league throughout the year, possibly in his home country at the Olympics (should he make the team). Luckily for Heatley, the Sharks don’t visit Ottawa this year.
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games
The Vancouver Canucks will not play at home for nearly six weeks in February and March this season as GM Place will play host to many Olympic events as part of the 2010 games. The Detroit Red Wings are by far the most represented team, with plenty of skaters, their head coach and management staff all being involved in the tournament. The debate is still out as to whether the NHL should suspend play for two weeks to be a part of the Olympics, but the fans absolutely love it, so why fix what’s not broke. The Canucks Roberto Luongo will definitely be under heavy scrutiny as the hometown boy who is expected to guide Canada to gold. The ice hockey tournament kicks off on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 with team USA vs. Team Switzerland.
The Maple Leafs, Playoff Bound?
GM Brian Burke did all that he could in the off-season to bring the Leafs back to respectability. New faces such as Colton Orr, Francois Beauchemin, Mike Komisarek, Phil Kessel, Viktor Stalberg, and Jonas Gustavsson will all play a vital role in turning a perennial loser into a team that commands respect. The Leafs will be tougher, stronger and deeper in all aspects of the game. Last year they were entertaining enough to watch while losing with their hard work and determination, should they string together a couple of wins early in the season, they will have die hard fans sitting in lawn chairs up and down Bay St. in November waiting for the parade to come by.
Also, be sure to keep one eye and one ear open for the developing details that become available in regards to the Phoenix Coyotes bankruptcy situation and the firing of NHLPA Executive Director Paul Kelly. Both story’s are on going and should provide some fun fodder throughout the year.
Enjoy the season; it should be a good one!
