Top Stories now that the All-Star break is over
The NHL All-Star break is over and we are heading for the playoff stretch drive. Here are a few story lines to watch closely in the coming months…
Will Sidney Crosby be back this season?
He’s the best player in the world, and at just 24 years old, it’s not being overly dramatic to say his career is in jeopardy. Not to mention, if he can return in time for the playoffs, the Penguins go from probable Stanley Cup contenders to definite contenders.
The Feb. 27 trade deadline
This one has the potential to be epic. Combine a ton of cap space for a number of Cup contenders (Chicago and Detroit) with an unusually high supply of big names that have come up in trade speculation – from Bobby Ryan to Jeff Carter to Ryan Suter – and we could be in store for some blockbuster deals.
Teams that were expected to make the playoffs, but might not
Washington Capitals, Los Angeles, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens – all had been poised to make it.
Teams that were expected to miss the playoffs, but might not
Ottawa, Florida, Minnesota, Colorado, Dallas, Calgary – all remain in the mix.
Will the Leafs finally make the playoffs?
The richest team in the league hasn’t played a postseason game since 2004. Miss the playoffs again and it would make seven straight seasons. Which is pretty pathetic. Expect Toronto to be active prior to the trade deadline to boost the top six forwards.
A new CBA needs to be negotiated
The current agreement expires in September, with talks between the league and players’ union started during the All-Star break. For certain, the NHL is in better shape financially compared to the 2004-05 lockout that cost an entire season. However, if the owners try to cut the players’ share as we saw recently in the NBA, things could get…tense. New union leader Donald Fehr is no pushover, and by blocking realignment he’s already sent a message to Gary Bettman that the players won’t be bullied.
The race for the Hart Trophy
The league’s leading scorer, Evgeni Malkin, is the current top candidate. But remember what Corey Perry did down the stretch last year. Anything can happen (including an injury to Malkin… sorry Joe). Claude Giroux, Marian Hossa, Pavel Datsyuk, Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Toews are all MVP material.
The final days of the Phoenix Coyotes?
The deal to move the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg was announced in May, when the playoffs were still underway. So how much time is left for the league to find an owner for the Coyotes? Parelz-vous francais… can Quebec luck-out like the Jets and bring back the Nordiques?
The real season begins now… Enjoy the ride because there may not be a season next year!
