So not only will this be the worst season prediction you will read, mainly because I am posting it after the season has started. I am going to try and make some predictions that are unique and look at somethings maybe other bloggers are neglecting. However, I am not that original and smart, so it will probably be the same stuff you have read everywhere else.
The Obvious
The Canucks will dominate the division, much like Kramer dominated the dojo. The same seems to be true of every other team in the division: full of potential.
-The Oilers have some great young talents, but they are untested and still young. It will be interesting to see what Mike Nugent-Hopkins, their second straight number one overall pick, does in the NHL this year as the Oilers have decided to keep him on the big squad to start the season.
-Colorado is about a schizophrenic as they get, who knows which team will show up on any given night. They shook things up at the deadline last year shipping Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk to St. Louis for Erik Johnson and Jay McClement. I think it was a good move for both teams, although Colorado lost a major scoring threat up front. But who knows a change of scenery might help.
-The Calgary Flames...BAHAHAHAHA! Come on, seriously?! How does Suter have a job still?!
-The Minnesota Wild have improved greatly up front with the acquisition of Dany Heatley and to a lesser extent Devin Setoguchi. Good move for the Wild, not like the other method was working, might as well get a legit scorer to play with your overworked franchise player Mikko Koivu. Steoguchi on the other hand will be the typical San Jose Sharts (not a type-o) player. Once he leaves that system, he sucks.
The Canucks are by far the best team in the Northwest Division, however, that doesn't guarantee anything. Injuries, suspensions and player performance is always an issue in a seven month season. Who is going to have a let down year is just as important as who is going to have a breakout year.
The Not So Obvious
-I believe this is a very big year for Cody Hodgson. It feels like forever ago he was drafted, although its only been three years, but I think he can make HUGE steps this year. He is now 21, spent some time in the AHL, and looked good in the playoffs last year. But the biggest factor is he has a lot of talent on that roster to learn from and help him, not just on the ice. Guys like Burrows, Kesler, Raymond, Bieksa, Hamhuis, and Lapierre are young, but have a lot of experience, especially postseason experience, and can be a great resource.
-This one might be better suited for the next category but I think Maxim Lapierre is going to have a huge year. He seems to fit in really well with this team and likes his role. My only concern is his love/obsession with being a s**t. He needs to control his urge to be annoying and focus on his game. The guy has real talent and needs to utilize it more.
-The biggest loss to be felt will be that of Raffi Torres. So maybe he made some unsavory choices that got him some vacation. But the guy was one third of the best checking line in the league last year. Its great having Manny and Jannik back, but I think they will miss Raffi's energy and passion. Christian Ehrhoff is a big loss too, but the entire Defence was out last year and they held strong.
The Absurd
-Cory Schneider will not be dealt despite having an expiring contract. I expect some shakey play from Luongo and a fear of his injury will prevent Mike Gillis from dealing his above-average back-up. And in all honesty its a good insurance policy. Unless some Godfather type deal can be done that Schneider is a part of, I see no reason to trade him. The team hinges on Luongo and if he goes down would you rather have Schneider or some high picks an a prospect or two?
-The Canucks will not win the President's Trophy, nor the Western Conference. I think they realized last year what really matters and where their attention needs to be. Its not where you start in the playoffs, its where you finish. There are a lot of hungry teams out there that feel the need to prove themselves. The Canucks proved they were one of the top teams, now they need to take the final step.
-One of the Sedins will NOT win the Art Ross. I know this is probably the biggest shock of them all, but after two years of dominance of the award, it will be passed along to someone else. Sorry boys, even your telekinetic connection won't work.
