Earlier in the offseason it looked like Staal would be flanked by Jeff Skinner and Andrew Stewart. Expect plenty of line juggling in the early going as coach Paul Maurice likes to have options.
The team's top prospect will certainly earn a role on one of the team's top three lines. Stay tuned for further updates on the youngster as he could have a similar impact to Jeff Skinner this season.
The Canes are likely just being careful with their MVP. Last season Ward found his way into 74 games -- leading the League in games played.
Although Nylander is a natural fit as Jagr's center, the Flyers will try him in a checking role. The more options the veteran gives them, the more comfortable the team would be in signing him.
The youngster Voracek should fit nicely in place of Ville Leino. In fact, the two posted relatively similar statistics last season with Voracek six years younger.
Jagr will start the season on the top line although it may take a while to find chemistry. In the past, the right wing has had trouble playing a North/South game.
It appears Parse is fully healthy after missing most of last season with various injuries. Despite his troubles staying on the ice, the left wing scored 12 goals in 64 career NHL contests, playing mostly on the third line.
The rugged captain should fit in nicely with Mike Richards and Simon Gagne. Expect him to score around 30 goals and add another 30 helpers along with coming near the league lead in hits.
Williams will start the season on the right side of Kopitar and Penner. After playing 73 games last season, the injury-prone RW hopes his troubles staying healthy are past him. A full season with Kopitar could put him back in the 30-goal range.
Definitely a boost to play alongside Elias and Parise on the top line. The two-way forward scored 13 goals and 30 points last season so he probably won't light the lamp with too much frequency.
We knew Elias would be the top line center but it appears Ilya Kovalchuk will start the season on the second line. Lines updated.
Playing a full season next to Evgeni Malkin will assuredly help him produce similar numbers as last season. The converted pivot tallied 21 goals for Dan Blysma's Pens last season.
Sullivan will start the season on the left side of Malkin and Kennedy. The 37-year-old posted 10 goals and 22 points in 44 games for the Nashville Predators last season.
Sullivan will start the season on the left side of Malkin and Kennedy. The 37-year-old posted 10 goals and 22 points in 44 games for the Nashville Predators last season.
Pairing Liles with Schenn gives the puck-moving defender a reliable stay-at-home type to protect him defensively.
Aulie scored only two goals in his first 40 NHL games but it seems like the Leafs are committed to their 6'5" defender. Paired with Phaneuf, he should allow his captain to play more of an offensive role.
All three players experience career highs while playing on this line. Sticking with it will only further help their counting numbers for the upcoming season.
All three players experience career highs while playing on this line. Sticking with it will only further help their counting numbers for the upcoming season.
All three players experience career highs while playing on this line. Sticking with it will only further help their counting numbers for the upcoming season.
Koivu will have two legitimate snipers on his line for perhaps the first time in his career. The smooth playmaker has totaled 45 assists or more in each of the past three years.
