By: Bryan Metcalf
Even though the NHL is in a lockout, here are the best moves in the Eastern Conference this year.
Even though the NHL is in a lockout, here are the best moves in the Eastern Conference this year.
1. New York Rangers
The Rangers added the biggest name NOT on the free agency list with the acquisition of Rick Nash. Nash has recorded 30+ goals in all but two of his nine NHL seasons while playing with Columbus. The move to the Big Apple will unite him with All-Star center Brad Richards, which should help Nash reach 40 goals for the third time. Include a full season of Chris Kreider – who joined the Blueshirts during the playoffs fresh out of Boston College – and the Rangers have to be one of the favorites in the East.
2. Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh didn’t shore up their defense the way many thought they would, but a shrew move by GM Ray Shero to bring in Tomas Vokoun to backup Marc-Andre Fleury in net. The loss of Jordan Staal will hurt, but Brandon Sutter isn’t a huge step backwards for the Penguins. The Red Deer, Alberta native has 107 points in 286 games compared to Staal’s 248 points in 431 games. The trade also added depth to the Pens’ blueline with Brian Dumoulin, No. 8 overall pick Derrick Pouliot and No. 22 pick Olli Maatta. Zbynek Michalek will also be missed on the back end, but trading him gives Shero much needed breathing room against the salary cap.
3. Carolina Hurricanes
Uniting Jordan Staal with brother Eric would’ve been enough to get Carolina on this list, but then they added enigmatic winger Alexander Semin. Semin is one of the most talented wingers in the NHL when his team has the puck. His problem has been defense. Kirk Muller will (hopefully) have a full season to find out after he took over the Canes’ bench just 25 games into last season.
4. Tampa Bay Lightning
This was a tough call, but I really like Steve Yzerman’s aggressiveness in improving his team. With all-world talent already on the roster in the form of Steven Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis, Yzerman had to address goaltending and defensive issues. Check and check. Anders Lindback is a big goalie (6-6, 212 lbs.) with athleticism rare for someone of his size. Matt Carle is a huge addition on the blue line, and Sami Salo and Matt Taormina are decent depth additions for the Bolts.
5. Philadelphia Flyers
Like Tampa, the Flyers weakness last year proved to be defensive depth. The answer? Bringing in rising star Luke Schenn (whose brother was already wearing the orange-and-black). Keep an eye on Schenn and veteran Bruno Gervais. Gervais is a career -64 in 381 games, but he’s never played on a good team (six seasons with the Islanders, one with Tampa Bay). He’s a hard hitter who will add depth in the expected absence of Chris Pronger.
Honorable Mentions:
New York Islanders – They finally convinced people to come to Long Island. More importantly, they were players they needed.
Boston Bruins – Only a year removed from being Stanley Cup champions, Boston kept their roster largely intact. Still waiting to see what happens with Tim Thomas, but Tuukka Rask is more than capable in net.
To be determined:
Florida Panthers – The jury will remain out on this one until Robert Luongo is traded. The Panthers appear the most likely landing spot, but they already have a crowded crease. If they can land Luongo they would at least rate an honorable mention.
The Rangers added the biggest name NOT on the free agency list with the acquisition of Rick Nash. Nash has recorded 30+ goals in all but two of his nine NHL seasons while playing with Columbus. The move to the Big Apple will unite him with All-Star center Brad Richards, which should help Nash reach 40 goals for the third time. Include a full season of Chris Kreider – who joined the Blueshirts during the playoffs fresh out of Boston College – and the Rangers have to be one of the favorites in the East.
2. Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh didn’t shore up their defense the way many thought they would, but a shrew move by GM Ray Shero to bring in Tomas Vokoun to backup Marc-Andre Fleury in net. The loss of Jordan Staal will hurt, but Brandon Sutter isn’t a huge step backwards for the Penguins. The Red Deer, Alberta native has 107 points in 286 games compared to Staal’s 248 points in 431 games. The trade also added depth to the Pens’ blueline with Brian Dumoulin, No. 8 overall pick Derrick Pouliot and No. 22 pick Olli Maatta. Zbynek Michalek will also be missed on the back end, but trading him gives Shero much needed breathing room against the salary cap.
3. Carolina Hurricanes
Uniting Jordan Staal with brother Eric would’ve been enough to get Carolina on this list, but then they added enigmatic winger Alexander Semin. Semin is one of the most talented wingers in the NHL when his team has the puck. His problem has been defense. Kirk Muller will (hopefully) have a full season to find out after he took over the Canes’ bench just 25 games into last season.
4. Tampa Bay Lightning
This was a tough call, but I really like Steve Yzerman’s aggressiveness in improving his team. With all-world talent already on the roster in the form of Steven Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis, Yzerman had to address goaltending and defensive issues. Check and check. Anders Lindback is a big goalie (6-6, 212 lbs.) with athleticism rare for someone of his size. Matt Carle is a huge addition on the blue line, and Sami Salo and Matt Taormina are decent depth additions for the Bolts.
5. Philadelphia Flyers
Like Tampa, the Flyers weakness last year proved to be defensive depth. The answer? Bringing in rising star Luke Schenn (whose brother was already wearing the orange-and-black). Keep an eye on Schenn and veteran Bruno Gervais. Gervais is a career -64 in 381 games, but he’s never played on a good team (six seasons with the Islanders, one with Tampa Bay). He’s a hard hitter who will add depth in the expected absence of Chris Pronger.
Honorable Mentions:
New York Islanders – They finally convinced people to come to Long Island. More importantly, they were players they needed.
Boston Bruins – Only a year removed from being Stanley Cup champions, Boston kept their roster largely intact. Still waiting to see what happens with Tim Thomas, but Tuukka Rask is more than capable in net.
To be determined:
Florida Panthers – The jury will remain out on this one until Robert Luongo is traded. The Panthers appear the most likely landing spot, but they already have a crowded crease. If they can land Luongo they would at least rate an honorable mention.
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